Ruthless Reign (Royal Reflections Book 1) by Aleatha Romig

Author:Aleatha Romig [Romig, Aleatha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Romig Works
Published: 2022-11-21T18:30:00+00:00

Oliver

It took every ounce of willpower within me not to touch Lucille, to simply place my hand in the small of her back as I’d done at the birthday celebration. I’d watched long hours of videos and had been told by Lady Caroline that not only did the princess and I have a tense relationship, we also didn’t do public displays of affection.

From what I’d surmised, the prince and princess didn’t do many private displays of affection either. That could account for the lack of heirs.

When I’d entered Lucille’s suite, I’d done so to convince myself that I could stay in character. If I could convince Lucille that I was Roman, I could convince anyone. And as the harsh words left my lips, I detested the man I’d become more than before.

It was the princess’s spirit that called to me.

She didn’t apologize or wilt like a helpless flower. That was what I’d been told to expect. Instead, standing there in a pale green dress, she stood her ground. I should have walked away.

It was her comment that tugged at my heart.

Of course, she wasn’t a dog, a bitch to come on command. The idea that she would even have that thought was more than I could take. I should have continued to walk away. Now the damage was done.

Entering the dining room, I tried to forget that Lucille knew my secret, while remembering to act aloof. As the butler stepped forward and pulled back Lucille’s chair, I took the seat to her side. Soon, the king would be seated to my other side at the head of the table.

“Mum,” I said, standing with a bow as the queen entered.

“Your Majesty,” Lucille said, standing with a curtsy before taking her seat again.

“Lucille,” the queen said as she took the seat across from me. “I hear you’re leaving us, going back to Monovia.”

“Yes, ma’am. The unrest has quieted.”

The queen turned to me. “Your father told me about your speech to the Parliament, Roman. He is pleased.”

I nodded, refusing to turn to my side to see the reaction of the woman there. She knew it was an impostor who addressed Parliament. As the queen continued to speak, I assessed what I had done. By involving Lucille in the charade, she was an accomplice. If I failed, she could be punished as I would be, imprisoned in an actual prison.

“Roman.”

Lucille tapped my leg below the table.

“Sorry, Mum. My mind is wandering.”

“I was asking you why you were sending Lucille to Annabella. Surely, it is better to have her near.”

Oh, it was better. It was also hell.

“The duchess has her duties in Monovia.” I turned to Lucille. “Is returning a problem?”

Her eyes barely met mine. “No, Your Highness.”

“Where is Papa?” I asked.

“He will be here soon,” the queen replied as the butler filled her cup with tea.

Once the king was present, the dining room busied with women and men bringing us our meal.

Keeping Lucille to my side helped me stay focused on the king and queen.

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