Page 78 of The Wrong Royal

My father chuckled. “It sounds like you’re getting a taste of the challenges that come with a strong-willed and independent woman. But remember, it’s those qualities that make her special.”

“But will she grow to love you?” Mom asked.

I took a deep breath. “I don’t know, but I’m more hopeful about it after our brief tour. I think there’s a glimmer of hope. Before? Not so much.”

“I think people have this idea they are going to fall in love the moment they meet their matches,” Mom said. “It doesn’t have to be love or hate. You have to get to know someone and then decide if they’re the one for you.”

“But love isn’t always necessary, right?” I asked.

“Not instant love, but you can grow to love each other.”

“And the process of falling in love is fun,” Dad said, grinning. “I think Emilie is going to be the kind of woman that challenges you, but that’s what you need.”

“You’re right, Dad. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wouldn’t mind her being a little more flexible, though.”

“The harder you have to work at something, the more important it will be to you,” Mom said quietly.

“Isn’t that the truth,” Dad said, laughing.

“And how do you feel about her, Theo?” Mom asked. “Beyond the business aspects, I mean.”

I took a moment to consider my feelings, allowing my heart to speak the truth. “Mom, I can’t deny that Emilie has captured my attention in more ways than one. She challenges me and makes me crazy. I feel like I’m caught in a hurricane. I don’t know which way the wind is going to blow on any given day. One moment she’s happy and acts like she wants to be with me. The next, she’s cold and avoiding me. We have our differences, but I believe we can work through them. At least, that’s what I believe. I’m not sure she feels the same way.”

“Theo, relationships take effort and understanding,” Dad said. “It’s the differences that make them richer. You’ll be working to understand that woman for the rest of your life, but if you’re willing to put in the work, the rewards can be immeasurable. Your mother and I liked different things and rarely agreed about anything. I have to say, the arguing was half the fun.”

“I think you mean the making up,” Mom corrected.

I shook my head. “No, no. Don’t you guys start talking about making up. Think of me as a little boy that doesn’t need to know about his mommy and daddy doing the nasty.”

They both laughed.

As my parents and I continued our conversation, I couldn’t help but appreciate their genuine interest in my well-being and how I felt about the match with Emilie. They weren’t concerned solely with the business aspects. I felt sorry for Emilie. I knew she didn’t have the same kind of support. She probably had gone home to a cold palace and a million questions about the properties.

After my talk with my parents, I spotted my brothers and sisters hanging out at the pool. Archie and Rose were playing a game of basketball. The hoop was set up at one end of the pool. I didn’t think there was a lot of basketball happening. It was more about them trying to drown each other.

“You’re not talking much,” Edmund said. “Was it that bad?”

Victoria flashed a smile. “He loved it. Don’t let him fool you.”

“It was alright,” I said, nodding.

“Theo, do you think Emilie would like me?” Rose asked from the pool.

“Of course, she will,” I said. “Who wouldn’t like you?”

“Me.” Archie threw the ball and hit her upside the head.

The two of them went back to their antics.

“Did you like Scotland?” Edmund asked.

“I did,” I said, nodding. “It was really pretty. We went to the museum and explored the area. But honestly, the best part was whale watching. Norway is absolutely stunning. Her family has several properties. We saw so many whales. It was so cool.”

“I would love to do that,” Victoria said.

“Emilie grew up watching them.”

“Are you going to live in Norway?” Rose asked as she climbed out of the pool.

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