Page 66 of Royal Reluctance

Tema mimics her movement. “That would be lovely, thank you,” she says in a grave voice.

I can only shake my head.

Bo leads us to the dining room and pauses for a moment, glancing down at me with an encouraging smile. Abigail knows how nervous I am, even without me saying a word, and gives my hand a squeeze before drifting behind me.

She’s always got my back. “Smalldining room?” she murmurs.

Bo clears his throat and steps through the doors. “Hey.”

Heads turn and my stomach actually clenches with fright.

The princes of Laandia—Kalle, Odin, and Gunnar—are big and broad and, quite frankly, beautiful. The pictures online don’t do them justice. It’s been years since I’ve seen them in person and they look the same, only different. Better, like they’ve grown into their height, their shoulders, and their smiles.

Only no one is smiling at me.

And why would they? I am Hettie Crow, daughter of a fisherman, part of the Crow family whose reputations are a part of the lore of the town, like how Leif Erickson helped fight off a German attack during World War II. This is the Laandian royal family, and I didn’t tell Bo that he had a child.

That might be actually treason. They have dungeons in the castle. Abigail needs to—

Bo touches the small of my back like he knows I’m about to bolt. His hand is strong and warm and sends a shiver through me that isn’t a bad one.

It’s the first time he’s touched me since that hug.

“There she is,” calls King Magnus from beside the massive fireplace, the sleeves of his flannel shirt rolled up because of the heat of the fire. “C’mon over here, little one.”

And my daughter dances over to the king of Laandia, who crouches as he holds open his arms to her. She gives a high-pitched squeal of laughter as Magnus swoops her off her feet, carrying her over to Duncan Laz.

The king of Laandia just picked up my daughter.

His granddaughter.

“Looks like she made a friend,” Abigail murmurs.

Bo chuckles as he presses me forward. I take a step, feeling like I’m facing a firing squad.

The princes of Laandia never come across as very royal, but there’s no denying each of them has a presence. Kalle—oldest, biggest, and broadest—wears his confidence like a shroud. He still looks like the athlete he was, but there’s a maturity that he’s gained in the last eight years, like he’s grown up.

Or maybe it’s because of Edie.

Everyone in Battle Harbour knows Edie England, saw her friendship with Kalle as the first step to their inevitable love story. It’s nice to see them finally together, and the two of them standing there—like a perfect royal couple.

“Hettie.” Edie is the first to speak. Her smile is friendly like the king’s, but there’s a hint of grace to her steps as she comes toward me. I can totally imagine her as a queen someday. “It’s good to see you.”

“Thank you for giving Mabel the job,” I tell her instead of the polite greeting I should have practiced. “She really likes working at the pub.”

“She’s doing us a favour,” Edie assures me, pressing my arm. “Plus, she’s a lot of fun once you get to know her.”

Odin is right behind her and I’m amazed when he stoops to brush an awkward kiss on my cheek. “It’s good to see you, Hettie,” he says, sounding like he actually means it.

“You, too,” I stammer. “Congratulations on your marriage.” My cheeks flush.

“We could say the same to you.” Gunnar shoulders aside his big brother. “I always knew Bo had his secrets, but this one is a biggie.”

And then he hugs me.

“I’m… sorry?” I manage, too astonished to return the hug.

“It should be Bo apologizing,” Kalle snorts, heading for the carafe of wine on the table. “Haven’t heard anything from him about why he kept this so quiet.”

---