Page 72 of A Royal Obligation
“Okay, all-knowing one. What am I going to say now?” Jules raised her eyebrows in challenge.
“Hmm … you were going to say that I was right and that you’re so thankful to have the best lady’s maid ever.” Rory nudged her with her shoulder.
“There’s never been a truer thing said.” Jules smiled at her. “I know you said you weren’t sure if you wanted to do this forever. But what would you think about staying on as my lady’s maid wherever Barrett and I end up?”
“Are you serious?” Rory squeaked. “I would love nothing more.”
“You could have all the time off you wanted to explore the world and do whatever you want to do.”
“You already had me sold at working for you. Not everyone gets to say that they work for a friend.”
“Yeah,” Jules mumbled. “Speaking of working for friends, I really should talk to Charlotte. I don’t want her to hate me or think I did anything with malicious intent.”
Rory’s eyes widened as she looked at something over Jules’s shoulder.
“I know you didn’t do anything maliciously,” Charlotte said, kindness in each word. She blushed, seeing the shocked looks on their faces. “Sorry, the door was cracked open. I hope you don’t mind that I came in.”
“Of course not.” Jules stood up and motioned to the couch across the room. “Please, let’s sit and talk.”
Rory curtsied and left the room. Jules set a hand on her stomach, trying to settle it, as she walked over and sat down next to Charlotte.
Charlotte spoke first. “I’m truly not upset with you. I hope you believe me. I was a little bit surprised at first, but I’m happy for you more than anything.”
Tears sprung to Jules’s eyes. “I didn’t want to hurt you. I don’t know how much Barrett told you, but can I tell you about my side of things? From the beginning?” Charlotte nodded and Jules proceeded to tell her about everything from running into Barrett at Brookside Primary and not recognizing him when she first arrived at the palace to the ball and the dating coaching lessons.
Charlotte laughed at the news of the dating lessons. “You really are the only girl he has ever been able to always be himself around.”
Jules smiled. “That’s what he said, too.” She told Charlotte about their kiss when horseback riding and about her time back home. “I truly tried to stay away. I tried to tell you a few times, but we were always interrupted. I never planned on ending up with him. I didn’t even know it was a possibility. I thought he was going to propose toyoulast night.”
“Me?” Charlotte’s laughter rang throughout the room. “He’s only ever had eyes for you. Like I said, I knew you would never have planned on all of this happening or done anything to intentionally hurt me.” She shrugged. “Honestly, you saved me. Barrett and I may have been able to live together amiably, but we both deserve a life built on a foundation of true love. My heart wasn’t in this. I know I’ll find love of my own one day.”
“You are the kindest person I know. You deserve that love and so much more, Charlotte.” Jules leaned over and hugged her.
Charlotte laid her hand gently on her shoulder. “Thank you. I should really pack and head back home. But I do expect an invitation to the wedding.” She gave Jules one of her perfect grins.
“I couldn’t imagine it without you there. I hope you have a safe trip back to Findorra. Barrett and I will see you out, so let us know when you’re ready.”
“Will do.” Charlotte excused herself from the room.
Jules sighed with relief after the door was shut. That conversation had gone better than she had hoped. She was thankful that Charlotte was so gracious and forgiving. Maybe now she could release the guilt that had built up inside and finally forgive herself.
“Say it again.” Jules smiled up at Barrett, running her hands on the side of his face. She took in every feature of his face and then clasped her hands around his lower back.
“I love you, darling,” Barrett whispered. He pushed her up against a bookshelf in the library and gave her a peck on her forehead. He trailed his kisses down her face until his lips met hers. Each kiss they shared was earth-shattering. They fit together perfectly, like the last piece in a puzzle. Against all odds, the two of them made sense. An average, everyday girl and a prince. It was a tale as old as time, but it was her story now, too. And she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Jules pulled back and looked up at Barrett. “I love you, too. I can’t wait to marry you.” She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Also, I talked to Charlotte earlier and she is leaving soon. We should head to the main level so that we can say goodbye when she is ready to leave.”
He groaned. “I’m not done kissing my fiancée yet, though.”
“We have a whole lifetime for that.” She winked at him and intertwined her fingers with his. She pulled him out the doors of the library, despite his grumblings, and they walked to the entrance of the palace.
“Perfect timing,” Charlotte called out to them as she approached. “I was about to have Wadsworth go find you both.”
“Your bags are in the car, Lady Charlotte,” Wadsworth said as he entered from the door that led out to the driveway.
“Thank you, Wadsworth. It has been a pleasure.”
“We’ll walk you out.” Barrett said. Staff members assisted them all in putting on their coats and then Barrett opened the door for both ladies.