Page 55 of Royal Reluctance

“He is very wall-like.”

“I was hurt. I was twenty years old and newly married to a man who wanted nothing to do with me. I left because it hurt too much to be around him. And I thought it would be easier for him.”

“I saw my son at that time, and nothing was easy for him. You certainly went far enough. Why British Columbia?”

“My grandfather was there. He took us in, helped us out.”

“I’m happy to hear that.”

“I didn’t feel like I had a choice, but looking back, I shouldn’t have run.”

“What did your family say about it all?”

I choke back a laugh. “They don’t know anything about it. You know my family. They’re not the sort you want as in-laws. I’m sure they would have been over the moon to hear I married a real-life prince. And had his baby.” I shake my head. “My mother might have come back for that.”

“When is the last time you saw her?”

“I was seven.”

Magnus nods as he stands, moves out from behind his desk. “Hettie, I can’t pretend to be happy about just finding out about all of this now. The press…” He chuckles. “It’s going to be fun. Not.”

“Do we have to tell anyone?” I ask cautiously.

“I guess that’s up to you, and what you plan to do. You haven’t figured that out yet?”

“I need to talk to Bo.”

“I suggest you do that. But, Hettie, you need to know that I consider you part of my family now. You not only married my son, as unorthodox and unexpected hearing about that is, but you made him smile. It’s like he woke up from a very long nap.”

My eyes start to sting a bit hearing that.

He motions me to stand up. “And not only that, but you brought us that little girl. I think that’s a pretty big deal. I understand there’s some conflicted feelings about your own family, but do know that we’re your family now.”

I’ve never felt unconditional acceptance from anyone before and I blink before the sting in my eyes becomes embarrassing. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Magnus,” he reminds me. And then he reaches out and the king of Laandia hugs me.

20

Bo

Tema insists on deliveringthe sandwich back to Dad’s office but Hettie is already gone.

“Turkey and salami with cucumbers and spinach,” Tema tells Dad as I set the tray onto his desk. She let me carry the tray, only because she thought the king needed a glass of milk and wasn’t sure she could manage.

“Sounds delicious,” Dad says with a grin. “Now, get out of here so I can get some work done. Family dinner tonight?” he asks me. “Everyone is invited.”

I nod, already sensing Tema’s excitement. I escort Tema back up to their rooms, wanting to talk to Hettie. Needing to talk to Hettie.

But she’s not there.

“How did it go?” Abigail asks.

I’m still processing. “We’re having dinner tonight,” I manage. “Family dinner. But that includes you,” I add.

“I’m already terrified,” Abigail says with a grin as Tema dances into the room. “Back to your math sheets. We can play after lunch.”

“It’s just dinner with the family,” I tell her.

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