Page 107 of The Wrong Royal
It was fifteen minutes later when I saw Magnus come into the foyer. The man knew how to make an entrance.
My eyes were immediately drawn to her. She looked radiant and composed in her formal dress. She was all poise and grace. Her parents exuded an air of refinement and regal authority, making a striking first impression.
She was nearly dwarfed by them. She looked dainty and fragile. Her dress was a pale blue satin that hugged her curves in all the right places, accentuating her slender waist and full hips. Her hair was styled in soft waves that cascaded down her back, and her makeup was subtle, enhancing her natural beauty.
As they approached, I could see the faintest hint of a smile on Emilie’s lips. She looked happy to see me, and that was all I needed to feel at ease.
“Good evening, Emilie.” I smiled and kissed the back of her hand. I wanted to linger, but I knew the rules. I turned my attention to Ingrid, Emilie’s mother. “Your Majesty.” I nodded and kissed the back of her hand. Magnus stood tall. I shook his hand. “Your Majesty.”
My father stepped forward. Emilie and I faded to the side while our parents exchanged pleasantries. Emilie looked at me and smiled before my mother stepped forward to introduce herself.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Lady Hamilton called out. “We’ll be moving into the ballroom for appetizers.”
The crowd shuffled into the ballroom with waiters making the rounds with various appetizers and glasses of champagne. Emilie and I stood next to each other, talking quietly without touching.
Throughout the evening, Lady Hamilton worked her magic, ensuring that the event flowed smoothly and that conversations flowed effortlessly. Our families engaged in polite exchanges, discussing common interests and the usual topics of small talk.
It wasn’t long before we were asked to go into the dining room that was the size of an average house in America. The long table was set with beautiful china and amazing flower arrangements that were low enough to allow for easy conversation.
Sitting beside Emilie, I couldn’t help but steal glances at her, our shoulders brushing occasionally as we exchanged knowing looks. It was like being in high school and introducing my parents to my girlfriend. It was awkward.
“Theo was very impressed with the properties he saw,” my father said to Magnus.
Magnus, who had so far been very dry, finally smiled. “Our property managers were pleased with his assessments. We’re hoping to get started on the improvements after the wedding.”
After they got my money.
Emilie’s mother, Ingrid, spoke up. “We must have a toast to the soon-to-be newlyweds. May your union bring happiness and prosperity to our families.”
Everyone raised their glasses, and Emilie’s hand slipped into mine. The warmth of her touch sent shivers down my spine. I couldn’t wait for the time when the two of us could be openly affectionate to one another.
As dinner progressed, the conversation turned to politics. Magnus and my father talked about trade agreements and tariffs, while Ingrid and my mother discussed charity work. Emilie and I sat in silence like the obedient children we were.
“Have you given any thought to the wedding?” Ingrid asked my mother.
That was when things felt a little transactional. They weren’t talking to me or Emilie. Once again, they started talking and planning our futures while Emilie and I sipped our soup from the first course.
Emilie and I exchanged a quiet, reassuring smile, our hands briefly finding each other’s beneath the table once again.
It was evident that her parents were quite different from mine in terms of their demeanor and expectations. Emilie was somewhat distant while our parents talked. I couldn’t blame her. Her parents exuded a sense of sternness and seriousness that contrasted starkly with the warmth and openness of my own family. I understood why she was struggling to be a loving person. She wasn’t brought up that way.
Emilie engaged in polite conversation with her parents and mine but it was nothing like the way she and I talked. While I remained hopeful that Emilie’s parents would eventually warm up, their reserved nature presented a challenge. I didn’t want to get sucked into that coldness. I didn’t want my future children to be raised that way.
“We would love to have you visit the palace,” Magnus said. “We can discuss the details of the union.”
That was code for he wanted to know just how deep my pockets were.
“Father, can we not discuss that right now?” Emilie said.
“She’s right, Magnus,” Ingrid said. “There will be time for that later.”
“I would love to see your home,” Mom said. “Theo loved his short visit to Norway.”
Magnus smiled at my mother. “We would be delighted to have you,” he said. “In fact, why don’t we make it a family trip? You and your other children can come to Norway and spend some time with us. We can finalize the details of the wedding, and you can see how our family operates. It will be part of his responsibilities when he takes over the running of the estates.”
Once again, Emilie’s hand took mine under the table. My father gave a quiet nod. I could tell he didn’t appreciate the coldness.
My mother’s face lit up. “That sounds wonderful,” she said. “We would love to.”