Royal Duties--Box Set by Nikki Steele

Author:Nikki Steele
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Royal, prince charming, castle, Cinderella, princess, forbidden, taboo, secret, curvy, bbw, hot reads, dog, cute, puppy, pe, short stories, royalty, romance, nurse, Inspirational, erom, rich, happy ending, full length novel, hea, hfn, Europe, exotic, public, opera, sexy, west highland terrier, box set, collection, value bundle collection
Publisher: NightVision Publishing
Published: 2016-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

She led me, with a wave, to a small table that had been set with cakes, scones, and an array of fruit in one corner. Two crystal goblets sat before two straight backed chairs.

“Sit.”

I sat.

We stared at each other across the table. She was slender; and maybe slightly taller, too, with coiffed hair and the same blue eyes as Xander. I could see where he got his looks from—she was an attractive woman, though her beauty was marred somewhat by worry lines that creased the outside corners of each eye.

“So you’re the gold digger who has ensnared my son.”

I blinked. Did she just call me a gold digger? “I may be many things, Your Majesty. But a gold digger is not one of them.”

“Yes. So my son says. But tell me, you’ve just been shopping, yes?” Her tone was condescending.

“You can see the bags.”

“Whose credit card did you use to purchase the contents? Your own, or my sons?”

“Your Majesty, I understand your concern-”

“Just answer the question. I don’t have time for excuses.”

“And I don’t have time for women that make assumptions!” I snapped back. I forced myself to take a deep breath. “My apologies.” I pulled out my purse, opening it on the table before us. “But to answer your question, I used my own.” I handed her a receipt.

The queen raised an eyebrow. “I see,” she said, passing it back without a glance. “And that diamond around your neck. I guess that’s yours too?”

I shook my head. “You know it’s not. It was made by your late husband, who I hear was a wonderful jeweler.”

“But my son gave it to you,” she persisted.

I shook my head again. “He tried, but I wouldn’t accept it. I wear it on loan, because it’s special to him.” My hands reached to the back of my neck, undoing the clasp. “I love it, I truly do. But I’m not here because of your son’s wealth. This is yours, and I’m very happy to give it back.”

I proffered the necklace to her.

The queen took it, considering, but then returned it. “It seems I misjudged you.” She hesitated. “If my son wanted you to have this, take it. My husband made beautiful pieces.”

I nodded, slightly confused. There had been a test of some sort, and I had passed, though I wasn’t sure what it had been.

“What’s your story, child. Why are you here?”

“My name is Kate.”

“Kate. Why are you here?”

“Because I love your son. Because I tried to live without him, but I couldn’t.”

Her fingers steepled. “That’s exactly the same thing Alexander says to me each time we argue.”

“Ma’am. If you could just tell me what’s going on, maybe I could help.”

She shook her head. “You wouldn’t like the answer.”

“Well I don’t like what I’m getting so far,” I said, voice rising an octave. “It couldn’t be any worse than leaving everything behind, only to find you’re not welcome at the destination.”

She drew a sharp breath. “You’re not suitable marriage material for my son.”

“Marriage?” I spluttered.

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