Chapter 394

"What is this?" Christian asked as he walked into the dining room to see his parents, Isla and Sophie seated at the table.

"We thought it would be nice to invite Sophie for dinner while she and Isla are in town." Pearl said. Christian nodded unenthusiastically.

"Hello, your majesty." Sophie said. "I mean, Christian."

"Hi." He said. He sat down and began to eat.

"So, your mother tells me you went to Scotland for a few days. How lovely." Sophie said.

"I have no desire to talk about that with you," he said sharply. Sophie looked up at him, in shock.

"Christian! Your manners!" Pearl said.

"I apologize. I meant I don't desire to talk about it, in general, at all." He said.

Sophie nodded and put her head down.

Pearl cleared her throat. "Sophie says you had lunch a couple of weeks ago. How nice." Christian nodded.

"Yes. We talked for a long time. Christian is so easy to talk to." Sophie said. Christian watched her cut her meat into tiny, tiny pieces, then put them into her mouth and chew on the same piece for minutes at a time. He found it revolting.

"Sophie's parents are having a fundraiser here in London at the end of April for cancer research. They have invited you to attend and speak." Pearl said.

"Oh, I'm not sure my schedule will allow it." Christian said.

"Of course it will. We will make sure of it." Pearl said.

Christian finished his food and stood up. "I apologize. I am incredibly tired after yesterday's events. I am going to retire early. Have a lovely evening." Christian said.

"You as well." Sophie said, her disappointment obvious. "Let's have dinner soon."

He nodded and left the room. They were all so exhausting and he was exhausted.

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Christian woke up and took a shower. The dream he had the night before had left him a a sweaty haze. He was on an island, with Nora, running along the water's edge and they had went out for a swim. He was touching her, his hands all over her, and she all of a sudden, she just disappeared into this air. He dove under, frantically searching for her but he couldn't find her. He woke up in a panic and was thankful it was only a dream. He missed her. The last three weeks went by slowly. He was set to meet with the German President that day and he had to shave his beard and cut his hair. Which meant that he would be more recognizable on his trip to Connecticut on Wednesday. He closed his eyes as the water ran down his face. He would have to tell her. He had to tell her.

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"I admire your courage coming here, your majesty. But I am only one person. This trade issue isn't something we can fix overnight." The German President said.

"I understand that. However, inflation is real. People in the middle class are suffering. We need to find a solution sooner rather than later." Christian said. Maggie, who was now the ambassador to Germany, nodded in agreement.

"He's right. And we have a plan. A good one. Please give this just a moment of your time." She said. She played the presentation that she, Christian and Gale, the Prime Minister had put together offering incentives for trade in certain areas such as natural resources and food. After it was over, the President stood up and walked over to Christian. Christian stood and shook his hand.

"This is brilliant. I love it. I will present this and get a vote. I'm certain it will pass. I am proud of you and your father would be proud of you today as well." He said.

"Thank you, sir." Christian said.

"You did an amazing job today." Maggie said, gathering her things after everyone left.

"Maggie, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something. But it, it can't leave this room." He said.

"Before I can agree to that, I have to know that no one is in danger." She said.

"No! Of course not. It's personal. About me, personally." He said. Maggie looked up at him.

"Okay, what's going on?" She asked, crossing her arms.

He hesitated for a moment. If he could trust anyone, it was Maggie.

"I met someone." Christian said.

"Oh my god! Christian! That's wonderful." Maggie said.

"It's complicated though." He said.

"How so?" Maggie asked.

"You can't tell anyone. I have to trust you." He said.

"I promise." She said.

"She's American." He said.

"Oh. I see." Maggie said, nodding.

"And she is ten years older than I am." Christian said.

Maggie nodded again. "Well, I mean, your mother is American. You father loved her. Erik loved her. I'm American. The point I'm trying to make is that if it's real, it won't matter. Everyone will figure it out." Christian nodded.

"There's more." He said.

"What more?" She asked.

"She um, she doesn't know I'm the king of England." He said.

"What? How could she not know?" Maggie asked.

"I met her at a bar, in London. I was in disguise. I just wanted a beer for my birthday. Like a normal guy, you know? And I met her there. Then, I took her to Scotland."

"Scotland? Oh boy. Christian, you have to tell her if you care for her. And if you don't, you have to end it. Now. Before she finds out." Maggie said.

"I know! I just, I feel so alive, I think about her all the time. Every second, every day. It's, it's overwhelming." He said.

"Ahhh young love." Maggie said.

"Seriously Maggie. Is there hope? Like, for a future? Or should I just let her go now, before I fall for her completely?" He asked.

She leaned forward and looked at him. "Christian, I love you like my own son. You are a brilliant and strong man, a good man. And if you feel this woman might be the one, I will give you all of my support and so will Auggie. And I know your mother and father. They will, too. It isn't going to be easy at first but if you believe it's right for you, we will make it happen. I hope that helps." Maggie said. Christian nodded.

"Yes. Yes it does, actually." He said. "Thank you, Maggie."

"You're welcome." She said.

After the plane landed back in London, Christian texted Nora.

"I got the info and will be at your hotel around 6 on Wednesday. Hope you are well."

A few seconds later, she texted back. "I'm good but I'll be better on Wednesday at 6."

He smiled and put his phone in his jacket pocket.

"Me too." He said out loud.