Page 65 of Royal Reluctance

“That’s never a good thing,” I mutter.

“Tell me about Prince Gunnar, who used to race cars. Do you think he’ll teach me to drive fast like him?”

Tema has always wanted a brother, always been intrigued by big families. I’ve told her the bare minimum about mine, and luckily out of sight means out of mind for her because she’s never wanted to know more.

She wants to know everything about the royal family.

“Nope,” Bo announces. “I’ll teach you to drive.”

“Really?” And she takes his hand. The expression on Tema’s face as she looks up at him…

It kind of breaks my heart. It’s amazing to see the connection already forged between them, but the fact I denied them both any relationship weighs heavy.

Almost as heavy as the knowledge that, in a few moments, I’m going to be face-to-face with the princes that Tema is demanding to know so much about.

And I doubt they’ll be happy with me. King Magnus was kind and welcoming, but he’s had years of practice being polite and diplomatic with his enemies.

Does Laandia have enemies?

I can only imagine Kalle, Odin and Gunnar will see me as an enemy because of what I’ve done to Bo.

My chest tightens with every step. I got past the king unscathed, but these are Bo’s brothers, and I know how close they’ve always been.

Gunnar lost the love of his life because he helped me leave. He might have found happiness with someone else, but I’m sure he blames me for that.

They all must blame me.

This is going to be brutal.

“When can we start?” Tema demands.

Bo laughs aloud. It’s been so long since I’ve heard him laugh that I’ve forgotten the sound. It’s big and booming, kind of like a sudden fireworks display, and very infectious since it’s the total opposite of his personality. “When you’re sixteen,” he says, and Tema chortles along with him.

She keeps hold of his hand, walking carefully beside him rather than skipping down the stairs like she does at home. We reach the main floor, the double doors where we first came in.

I can picture the princes and Lyra running through the halls, sliding down the banister. Playing in the secret passages and down in the dungeon.

I imagined growing up in a castle—every kid in Battle Harbour did—but now there’s a chance that my daughter might have that opportunity.

The castle is grand and beautiful and incredibly intimidating, but there’s also kind of a homey feeling to it.

“Good evening.” Mrs. Theissen steps around the corner.

Except for her—homey houses don’t have housekeepers stepping out of the shadows.

“The others are in the small dining room,” she says to Bo. “Even His Majesty is already there.”

Does that mean we’re late? “Thanks, Mrs. Theissen,” Bo says.

She nods. “Is there anything you need in your rooms?” she asks me and Abigail.

“Everything is fine, thank—” I begin.

“Lego,” Tema decides. “Do you have any Lego around here?”

“Tema,” I hiss.

Mrs. Theissen nods with a hint of a smile. “There may still be some in storage. I’ll see what I can find for you.”

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