Page 11 of A Royal Obligation

“Oh my goodness, that’s awful.” Jules gasped in horror. “I hope the person you have your eye on finally comes to their senses. If not, hopefully things will work out with Prince Barrett.”

“A girl can dream, right?” Charlotte let out a long, deep breath and looked off into the distance with a hopeful twinkle in her eye. “What about you? Do you have a man in your life?”

“I had one serious relationship that ended a few years ago.”

“Why did it end, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Jules sighed. “I’m holding out for a love like my parents have. One that’s all-consuming and still burns bright after so many years together. With my ex, I realized that I was more in love with the idea of love than I was with him. He simply didn’t meet everything I’m looking for.”

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out. But at least you know what you deserve and aren’t willing to compromise your standards. I know that you’ll find the love you’re looking for someday.” Charlotte smiled at her and walked toward the door. “I’ll let you get back to packing.”

“One more thing. Would you mind if I went to Wistonia a day early to explore a little bit? I’ve never been there before and would love to get a feel for the area and the school before we arrive at the palace.”

“You’ve never been to Wistonia before? You have to go early then. It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you so much, Charlotte.”

“Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Charlotte gave her a small smile and let herself out.

Jules excitedly pulled out her phone and looked at bed and breakfasts she could stay at in Wistonia. After finding one with availability that was within her limited budget, she booked a room. She finished packing and smiled as she laid back on her bed. She was ready for this next step in her journey and all the people she would hopefully be able to impact because of it.

Chapter Five

Barrett

Barrettapproachedtheindustrial-sizedrefrigerator to find a snack and was startled when the palace’s head chef, Ben, jumped up from behind the large island with a mixer in his hands.

“Apologies, Your Highness!” Chef Ben exclaimed with a chuckle as he set down the mixer. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I was about to run into town to buy some more groceries before Lady Charlotte and her assistant arrive tomorrow. Would you like for me to make you a snack before I leave?”

“Oh, no, I was only coming to grab an apple.” He scoured through the bunch, thoroughly inspecting all of them, before he selected one of the delectable Wistonian apples and rinsed it off in the sink.

Chef Ben gave him a bow before leaving the kitchen.

Many people, including his brother and father, questioned how informal he was with the palace staff. He knew his relationships with the people who worked for their family were far from normal, but he didn’t believe in acting like he was above anybody else simply because of the position he was born into. If anything, it gave him the opportunity to make more impactful changes. To try to change what the future of the monarchy would look like. One that knew more about the people they were leading and their struggles.

But to make any changes, he had to start with baby steps. His first step had been to learn the names of everyone working on their staff. Though people came and went, he felt pride knowing the majority of the names of those who worked for his family. He also made an effort to speak to them as if they were equals.

Barrett took a bite of his apple. Heading into town didn’t sound like such a bad idea. He could walk around Brookside Primary School and get a better feel for what was needed in the renovations.

He tossed the core of his apple in the trash once he finished it and texted his driver and bodyguard to let them know he wanted to go into town. They responded almost instantly that the car would be ready in about ten minutes.

Barrett hurried back to his room to change into something a little more incognito. He liked interacting with his people, but today he needed to get around unnoticed if he was going to get anything accomplished. He put on a black zip up hoodie, black baseball hat, and grabbed a pair of aviator sunglasses.

Barrett left his room and headed downstairs to the first floor. As he rounded a corner, he came to an abrupt halt to avoid running into his father.

“Barrett, just the man I was looking for.” The king looked down as if noticing what he was wearing for the first time. “What on earth are you wearing?”

“I’m about to head into town to walk through the school we’re renovating.”

“This will only take a moment. I wanted to remind you that we’re throwing a ball tomorrow evening in Charlotte’s honor to welcome her to the palace.”

Barrett stifled a groan. He knew how to dance, so that wasn’t the problem. The problem was that women expected you to talk to them while you danced.

“I know balls aren’t your favorite, but it’s a kind and public gesture. I already sent out the invitations earlier this week and we have a good number of people coming. It’s been too long since we’ve thrown a ball here.”

“I agree. I’m sure Lady Charlotte will love it.” He paused. “Are you sure you’re feeling up to hosting a ball?”

His father waved off the question.