Page 109 of The Wrong Royal

“It’ll never happen now,” I said.

“Why not?” Dana asked.

I sighed. “There is no way I will have the time. After we’re married it’s going to be all work.”

Theo’s mother listened intently, nodding and offering little tidbits of wisdom. I liked her. I really liked her. I hoped we could spend more time together. I wanted a mom like her. Not that I didn’t love my mother, but it would be nice to have a mother that just wanted to be my mother and not my queen.

“I think you should plan some activities for her,” Dana said. “When she comes to visit.”

“You asked them?” I looked at Theo.

“Asked?” he replied.

“Of course, we want you to come for a visit,” Dana said. “I think you will really love our property. It’s very big and you’ll be able to commune with nature all you want.”

“I really appreciate you allowing me to visit,” I said. “I’m sorry to have invited myself. My parents would be horrified if they knew about my ill manners.”

“You’re not ill mannered,” Theo said. “Not even a little.”

“We extended the invitation,” Dana said, smiling.

I watched Theo talk with his parents. Seeing them interact only reinforced the disparities between our families. He had grown up in an environment filled with love, support, and the freedom to be a kid and then a young adult. In contrast, my upbringing had revolved around saying and doing the right things. It was all about duty and making more money while getting more power.

As the evening continued, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how well it was going. I was enjoying every moment spent with Theo and his family. They were like a breath of fresh air compared to my own parents.

They had returned to the table, but instead of engaging in conversation, they were sitting quietly and frowning.

“Mother, are you okay?” I asked.

A pallor washed over her face, and she clutched her stomach in discomfort. “I’m sorry, but I need to excuse myself.”

“I’ll go with you,” I offered.

“Oh my,” she groaned once we were in the privacy of the ladies’ room. “I am not well at all.”

“What is it?” I asked with concern.

“Oh no!”

She rushed into the stall and hunched over the toilet, losing the dinner she just ate. I moved behind her and pulled her hair back while gently rubbing her back. “It’s okay,” I soothed.

I held back her hair as she heaved over and over. My anxiety was growing with each retch. “Get me a cloth please,” she said as she stood up.

“Of course,” I said and rushed to the counter. I grabbed one of the cloths and dampened it before going back to the stall. Her pale, drawn face worried me. It was evident that something was wrong.

She wiped her mouth delicately with the cloth. “I think it must be food poisoning, dear. Perhaps something didn’t agree with me tonight.”

“Should we call a doctor?” I asked.

“No, no. I’m feeling much better.”

“You don’t look good,” I said honestly. “I think you should go home and lie down. I’ll have father get the car.”

“Yes, that’s probably a good idea. But you’ll need to stay. I don’t want to offend Lady Hamilton by leaving so early.”

“I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“No,” she said firmly. “It isn’t proper. It will start rumors. You’re representing the family.”