Chapter 407

Christian arrived at Nora's place and had to take a few deep breaths. His nerves were getting the best of him. Why was he so anxious? He picked up his phone and did something he never, in a million years, expected to do.

"Hello. This is Christian." He said.

"Yes, I know. Is everything alright?"

"Yes. I'm sorry to bother you, but I needed to hear it one more time. Your advice about the… the girl I'm seeing. I'm outside of her place right now and could use a little reassurance." Christian said.

"Your majesty, I can assure you, without a doubt, that you should get out of that car and go to her. Don't live with regrets like I do. Don't waste a moment longer."

"Thank you, Erik. Thank you very much." Christian said.

"You're welcome." Erik said.

"Erik, would you like to have lunch with me next week? I will ask my assistant to set something up if that's alright?" Christian asked.

"I would love that, absolutely love it." Erik said. Christian smiled.

"Fantastic. I look forward to it. Have a lovely evening. Thank you, again." Christian said and hung up the phone. He smiled to himself. Regardless of how his father felt about Erik later in life, they grew up together and he knew his father would have given Erik a second chance. Christian wanted to know him better and he was ready for it now, if he was willing.

He took a deep breath made his way up the walk to Nora's front door. He prepared himself for her to be cross with him. Maybe yell at him and start an argument about his extreme tardiness.

"Christian!" She opened the door before he had the chance to knock. "I was so worried. I'm so happy to see you! You're here!" She said, wrapping her arms around him, kissing him. He kissed her back and smiled. This was the response he needed. She didn't care how late he was. All she knew was that she was happy he was there and that he was safe.

"I cannot explain properly how much I have thought about you these last two weeks." Christian said, pulling her into him and holding her.

"I'm glad you're here." She said. She smiled and hugged him back, letting him hold her as long as he needed to. When he finally broke their embrace, she asked if he would like a tour.

"I would love to see your home." He said with a smile. It was a modest place, but decorated in lots of soft colors and comfortable looking places to sit and relax. Fluffy pillows and blankets, all welcoming and inviting to the senses. The scent of lavender and clean linens filled the air. Macrame hung on the windows as curtains and candles and dim lighting created a warm ambiance. Books were lined in shelves and stacked around the main living room.

"I love your space. It makes me feel comfortable and peaceful. Cozy and safe.

"Thank you." Nora said with a smile. He knew she felt meager and simple compared to him and his lifestyle but she seemed genuinely pleased with his reaction. She offered him something to drink and he declined.

"We should go. I have a diplomat's breakfast in the morning at the White House and then I plan to spend the rest of the day locked in a room with you. Then, we have the gala. I hope you have a ball gown." He asked.

"Yes. I bought a dress. I hope you like it and that it's what I'm supposed to wear. I don't want to embarrass you." She said.

He looked at her and felt his heart swell. "Nora, you could never embarrass me." He said.

"Alright." She said.

"Look, I know that this is all a bit… overwhelming. I appreciate you. Know that." He said.

"I do." She said. She grabbed her suitcase. "Ready to go?" She asked.

"Absolutely." Christian said.

**********************************

The jet was waiting for them on the tarmac.

"Holy shit." Nora said, under her breath. Christian smiled and took her hand.

"I can't wait to show you." He said. He lead her up the stairs and into the main cabin.

"Holy shit, again." She said. He pulled her through the main room and into a large kitchen and bar area, then through a hall that housed several separate sleeping quarters, then to a private dining and living/seating area with wrap around couches and booth style seating, then into a large, private sleeping area with a bed and two recliners, all white leather. There was a red rose and a card laying on the bed.

"Nora." She said, looking up at him with her big, beautiful brown eyes.

"Better open it." Christian said. She nodded and opened the envelope. She sat down as she read it out loud.

"Nora, I have a confession. I contemplated for days on how to handle this. Should I continue to pursue you? Or should I let you go and live your life without the drama of spending time with a king? I probably should. But I won't. I would apologize in advance for this, but I'm not sorry. Thank you for coming with me and for giving me a chance after our less than perfect beginning. -Christian.

P.S. If I forget to mention it after it is over, this week with you was absolute perfection. Thank you."

She looked up at him and smiled. "This is beautiful. Thank you. And you have to know, I want to be here. I may not know exactly what all this entails, but please know that it is my choice to be here. I want to see where it goes, regardless of what's in store." She said.

He leaned down and kissed her, pulling her up into his arms and spinning her around.

"Leave your things here. Let's go to the bar and have a drink. I stocked up on olives." He said.

"That sounds lovely." She said.