Page 68 of A Royal Obligation

Barrett

Awholearmyofbutterflies felt like they were at war within Barrett’s stomach. He was moments away from walking to the dining room where members of the King’s Council and his family would be waiting. Where Charlotte and Jules would be.Jules. The butterflies in his middle went wild again at the simple thought of her name.

Today, he would petition the King’s Council for the chance at a future with her. He could only hope that she felt the same way he still did.

Does she still return my affections after I rejected her?

A glance at his watch showed him he had no more time to worry. It was time to go to dinner and make his speech. He grabbed the paper from his desk, even though he had already memorized it, and ambled to the dining room. Although he had concerns that muddled his mind, he couldn’t contain the jitters of excitement that coursed through him.

He paused before walking in, taking a deep breath to settle his nerves. Barrett grimaced when he made eye contact with Lord Howard whose lips were curled upward in a fashion that gave him an eerie feel. He quickly shook it off and sat down next to his father while they waited for the final guests to arrive.

“Father, I have my speech prepared for the King’s Council once we all begin eating tonight.”

“That’s fine.”

Barrett’s eyes darted to the door, sensing Jules’s presence the moment she walked into the room. She was joined by Lady Charlotte and they sat in their assigned seats, giving kind nods to the gentlemen who greeted them along the way. Barrett shifted in his seat, waiting for Jules to look at him—but she never did.

He tried to make small talk with his father’s council members who were sitting nearby, but he found himself unable to focus on what they were saying. All he could focus on was Jules’s every move and the fact that she seemed to look everywhere but at him.

“Now’s as good a time as any if you still wanted to make that speech.” His father’s words drew him out of his thoughts.

“Yes, of course.” Barrett stood abruptly, causing his chair to make a loud scraping sound against the floor. He walked to the front of the room, trying to make sure his voice would carry throughout the whole space. These words would be difficult enough for him to say once and he didn’t want to have to repeat them.

His father cleared his throat. “My son, Prince Barrett, has an announcement for us.” He waved his hand over to him and all eyes fell upon him.

Barrett decided to not hold his speech in his hands, for fear they would tremble and give away how anxious he was. He would have to rely on his memory and speak from the heart.

“Thank you all for joining us for dinner this evening. I have a rather important announcement I would like to make with you all present today. I have learned a lot recently. The most important of which being what one’s duty is.” He settled his gaze on members of the King’s Council when speaking his next words.

“Many things are encompassed in that one word. Duty. One’s duty to their people. One’s duty to their kingdom. One’s duty to their family and friends. And one’s duty to their heart. After much consideration, I would like to make a motion to amend or simply abolish Article 2, Section 17, the marriage law. It is old and outdated. One’s birthright doesn’t signify greatness or one’s ability to rule. It is what is in someone’s heart and their passion to care for others that should deem someone as fit to lead a country.”

He made eye contact with each member of the King’s Council when he finished speaking. Most of them sat there slack-jawed aside from Lord Howard who was grinning widely. The highest member of the King’s Council, Lord Simon Willoughby, quickly recovered from his surprised expression and stood.

“We shall put it to a vote. Everyone in favor of amending or abolishing the marriage law.” Lord Willoughby glanced around.

Barrett’s eyes followed his and his heart plummeted into his stomach when only Lord Howard raised his hand and said “Aye”.

“Everyone in opposition of amending or abolishing the marriage law.”

The nine remaining members, including Lord Willoughby, all raised their hands.

“Nay.” The word hung in the room, chipping the last bit of hope Barrett held onto away like an ice pick to his heart. In that moment, he knew what he needed to do. His father wouldn’t be happy about it, but he was left with no other choice.

He started to walk over to Jules when his eyes landed on her empty chair. Where had she gone? He needed to find her. His father cleared his throat, giving Barrett a questioning glance.

“My apologies, if you will excuse me for a moment, I will return shortly.” He scurried from the room as quickly as his legs would carry him.

He fled to the garden pavilion, knowing how she had come to love that spot as much as he did. Once he was near, he saw her inside it pacing and muttering under her breath.

“Jules.” Her name escaped his lips in a tone that encompassed all of the longing and love he felt for her.

She spun around to face him, a flush climbing up her neck and cheeks that was a stark contrast from her light gray evening dress. She gave a small curtsy, but confusion covered her expression.

“Prince Barrett. What are you doing out here?”

“I came to find you. How much of my announcement did you miss?” He shrugged off his suit jacket, wrapping it around her to shelter her from the cold.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I left before you even began speaking. I couldn’t stand to be present for what you were about to say.” She pulled his jacket tight around her, burrowing into it.