Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal 1)

“Because I love her.” I hold my father’s gaze firmly. “It has nothing to do with my birthday or the ridiculous law. I love her, and I want to be with her. End of story.”

“Well, I think it’s romantic,” Eleanor says, jumping up to throw her arms around Nina in a hug. “I’m happy you’re here. If you need anything at all, just ask.”

“Mary’s working with her,” I say and watch as Eleanor lights up even more.

“Oh, that’s brilliant. Mary’s perfect.”

“I’d like you all to leave so I can have a word with my son.” My father watches me as the others do as he wishes.

“I’ll walk you back to Sebastian’s quarters,” Eleanor offers, taking Nina’s hand in hers. “We’ll have a chat. Oh, this is so exciting!”

Once we’re alone, my father and I sit in silence for about twenty seconds. I wait for him to start.

“Do you understand what this means?” he asks at last.

“Perfectly.”

“You have a duty to Great Britain—”

“I know what my duty is,” I interrupt, surprising him. “It’s been ingrained in me from birth.”

“And yet you do this.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a deep breath.

“I know you’ve never listened to me because it’s not what you wanted to hear, but I’ve been telling you for years that I don’t want to be king. I never have, Father.”

“We don’t get to choose!” His voice rises in agitation, which is unusual for him. He’s typically just cold. “We’re born into this, chosen by God himself. Who do you think you are, to go against God’s wishes?”

“I’m a human being,” I remind him. “With free will. I love my country and its people. I am blessed to be a part of this family, and I hope you don’t shun me and shuttle me off to France or somewhere else. I love the crown. I am British. But, Father, I don’t believe that I’d make a good king. I’m a good man, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to being a good monarch. I’m happy to continue my work. I’ve completed almost a decade in the military, and I have many causes that I want to continue working for. I have so much good to do.

“But being crowned the king isn’t in my future. Frederick will make an excellent ruler, and you know it.”

Father sighs and rubs his fingertips over his forehead.

“I’m sorry that I’m a disappointment. An embarrassment.”

“Stop.” His gaze flies to mine again. “I am disappointed, yes. But never embarrassed. You are a good man, and I think you underestimate yourself.”

I stare at him in absolute shock. I’ve never heard those words come from my father’s mouth. He’s not a warm parent.

“But if this is what you truly want, if she is who you love, I’ll allow it. I still don’t like it, Sebastian. You can’t expect me to. I have decisions to make where you’re concerned because of the choices you made. Difficult ones.”

“I’m asking you not to shun me.”

He’s quiet for a long moment. “I couldn’t live with myself if I did that. But I have to read the laws and decide if you will retain your title. And what title, if any, Nina will hold. There’s protocol here, son.”

“I understand.”

“I hope you do. You’ve just managed to change the course of the royal family forever. The history books, the lines of succession. Everything.”

“Yes, sir.” I nod, suddenly feeling like a weight has been lifted off my chest. He’s going to agree to this. For the first time in my life, I’m free to be a regular citizen.

Or closer to it anyway.

“I have things to see to,” Father says and stands. I join him and wait as he leaves the room, then I set off in the opposite direction to find Nina.

We need to celebrate.

Chapter Six

Nina

I SURE HOPE we don’t have to go anywhere else this evening because I’ve already changed out of my dress and into a tank and yoga pants.

I may not be allowed to wear pants in public, but in the privacy of our home, I’ll be wearing these comfortable nuggets of amazingness.

Please, God, let him tell me I can wear yoga pants at home.

I’ve just pulled my hair into a high ponytail and washed my face clean when I hear the door open. Hoping it’s not a member of the royal staff, I poke my head around the corner and smile when I see it’s Sebastian.

He’s my fiancé.

Holy shit.

“Hey,” I say and walk into the living room. “How did that go?”

He blows out a breath and props his hands on his hips, watching me thoughtfully. “Better than I expected.”

“That’s…good?”

“Yes, it’s good. You look so young dressed like that.”

I smile and turn a little circle for him. “Please tell me I can wear this when we’re here in your apartment. I’ll wear skirts and dresses every day, but when we’re here, this is how I get comfortable.”