Page 33 of A Royal Obligation

Charlotte nodded as they entered the dining room. They sat in their usual seats and began eating once the wait staff set their meals in front of them. Tonight, they served a roasted duck breast with glazed carrots and mashed potatoes.

Jules inhaled the gamey smell of the meat. That mixed with the sweet scent of the carrots and the garlic from the mashed potatoes made her mouth water. She held back a moan as she took her first bite.

“Barrett, Liam, Your Majesty. I have some news to share, if you don’t mind,” Charlotte announced.

“Go right ahead, dear,” the king responded.

“I received a call from my father earlier today and he needs me back home for the next four weeks. Jules and I will, of course, return once I have fulfilled my obligation back home.”

“We understand having to carry out one’s duties. You can’t say no when they are calling. Please let us know if you need anything from us in your time away. I will be happily awaiting your return.” Barrett smiled at Charlotte and then caught Jules’s eye before taking another bite of his meal.

“Wadsworth,” the king’s voice bellowed. “Please have an attendant prepare a car for Lady Charlotte and Miss Smith for their return back to Findorra. And see to it that they have everything they need for their journey.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Wadsworth bowed deeply and retreated from the room.

After supper was finished, Jules returned to her room to pack. She fit what she thought she would need into one suitcase and sat on it in order to zip it shut.

“Knock, knock,” Barrett said as he stepped into her room. “Are you ready to go?

“I literally finished zipping my bag shut right before you walked in.” She motioned to the suitcase on the floor.

“Here, let me get that for you.” Barrett gently grabbed the suitcase by the fraying handle and carried it over to the door for her. “I wanted to run something past you,” he said as he walked back to her. “I was wondering if I could continue to write to you while you’re gone? We could continue our lessons through that format while you’re away. That way I won’t miss out on any time for dating coaching before you all return from Findorra.” He clasped his hands and kneaded his thumb as he waited for her response.

She could think of a million reasons to say no. A million reasons why this was an awful idea. A million reasons why she should forget about Prince Barrett and the letters that drew her more to him with each word he wrote. But all of those reasons escaped her brain as she looked into his hope-filled green eyes.

“Sure, anything to help. You do know there’s this thing called texting though, right?” She teased.

“Ha-ha. I don’t think anything can beat the anticipation of waiting for a letter in the mail or the joy in reading a handwritten note just for you.”

“I can’t argue with that.” She gulped. “I should get going. Thank you for the help with my bag.”

“And thank you for everything.” Barrett took her hand in his and squeezed it before leaving.

The squeeze to her hand felt like a warm hug. She only hoped that she could keep the walls around her heart from crumbling down.

Chapter Fourteen

Barrett

DearDatingCoach,

You either give me too much credit or taught me something wrong.

I was practicing MEEP—you know … mouth, eyes, eyebrows, posture—so that I could get the smolder down before you and Charlotte return. I was in the middle of practicing in front of the mirror and Liam walked into my room unannounced and fell to the floor laughing. Obviously, I haven’t nailed it yet, and now Liam will never let me live this down. He is going to incessantly tease me for the rest of my life and it’s all your fault. Why did you have to teach me how to smolder? I think that is some level 4 material when I should definitely still be on level 1.

Maybe I can only nail that look when you’re around to make sure I purse rather than pucker. Even if I may not be able to pin down everything you have taught me, at least I’m an avid notetaker. Does that count for anything when it comes to dating? Probably not.

How are things going in Findorra? How is Charlotte? The palace is quieter without you all around. I think the staff misses having you two here. Women bring a little bit of extra light and grace into this space that has been sorely missed since my mom passed. I’m ready for you both to be back and it’s only been a week. How pathetic is that?

Anyway, what is my next dating lesson, oh wise teacher?

Sincerely,

A Pathetic Prince

Chapter Fifteen

Jules