Page 111 of Royal Reluctance

Bo finally told everyone about the conversation he had with the Queen the night she died. While there was the expected “you’re an idiot” comments, there was also a lot of hugging. The consensus seemed to be that it was understood why Bo took on the blame but it wasn’t necessary any longer.

He also admitted to his brothers and Lyra that he would be seeing a therapist for some time and everyone, even Kalle with his reluctance to discuss emotions, or even admit he felt them, decided that was a good idea.

All this divesting of emotional turmoil hasn’t seemed to have changed Bo in the last six weeks. He’s still quiet, still hates talking to the press, and still hopelessly in love with Hettie.

But anyone who looks at him can easily tell how happy he is.

Just watching him watch her walk down the aisle, in her simple gown with flowers in her hair, holding Tema’s hand, was enough for me to be hit with a pang ofI want that.

I’ve never wanted that. The whole hearts and feelings and flowers that comes with a romance. Or a committed relationship. I think that’s why Bo and I have stayed so close over the years—I knew he was still in love with Hettie and no one would come between that, and therefore, no one would come between our friendship.

Not that women come between friendship, but they do change the dynamic.

But my heart does feel like it’s expanding as Hettie and Bo are declared husband and wife—again—I watch Bo kiss his bride.

Across from me, Abigail meets my eye. She’s crying and smiling at the same time, and I have to wonder if that heart expansion might have something to do with her being back in town.

Since she’s been back, I’ve seen the difference in her—but also the ways that she’s exactly the same. The sameness brings back nostalgia and feelings that I thought were long gone.

Not that I had as strong of feelings for Abigail as Bo had for Hettie, but therewerefeelings.

As much as there could be with Lyra lodged in my heart for my entire life.

But Lyra hasn’t been around much and Abigail has been all over the place, so maybe it’s time to sublet Lyra’s spot.

It’s difficult to continue that thought when Lyra is here, standing right in my line of sight for the entire ceremony.

Abigail is across from me, Lyra stands with the family right where I can see her.

No wonder I’m a little distracted, and I’m rarely distracted.

They kept the guest list small with only the royal family and guests and some of Hettie’s family present.

The party is tomorrow night in the ballroom, and Hettie will be crowned a princess of Laandia during the festivities.

So will Tema.

I saw her tiara today and she’s going to love it.

After walking Hettie down the aisle, the little girl went straight to the king and now stands between Magnus and Edie, clutchingboth of their hands. She’s got a huge grin on her face as she watches her parents. Magnus is devoted to his granddaughter, but a solid bond has already developed between Edie and Tema.

Tema is amazing, but I know what Edie is thinking: if something happens and Edie and Kalle don’t have children, that little girl will eventually be queen of Laandia. She’s going to need all the help she can get taking on that role.

It’s a sobering thought for such a celebration, and I push it away, especially since the ceremony is over and Bo and Hettie turn to the families to receive congratulations.

Abigail steps to my side and tucks her arm through mine and I smile down at her. “Second time is the charm, you think?”

Her dress is bright blue and is held up with two little straps over her shoulders. It’s—

She looks good. Very good. Her hair is curled and held back at the sides and she’s wearing more makeup than she usually does, highlighting her brown eyes.

“You look amazing,” I tell her, forgetting her question.

Abigail blinks. “Why, thank you.”

“I hadn’t told you yet and I wanted to make sure I did.”

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Laz.” She squeezes my arm. Half the time Abigail sounds like she’s flirting with me.

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