Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal 1)

“You should cuddle up,” Jenna instructs. “And, Nina, put your left hand on his cheek so we can see that killer ring. Holy crap, it’s beautiful.”

Sebastian’s skin is warm and smooth against mine. He presses his lips to my forehead, and I close my eyes.

“That’s the one,” Jenna breathes. “Make it black and white, and it’s perfect.”

Christian fiddles with his phone and turns it so we can see the photo.

It’s black and white. Sebastian is kissing my forehead. My eyes are closed, and a smile is just tickling my lips.

The ring is front and center.

It looks like a sweet, intimate moment that was captured unexpectedly.

“Do it,” Sebastian says.

“Won’t the palace be pissed that they didn’t approve this?” I ask him.

“The palace is going to be pissed about a lot of things.”

***

“I’d better call my mother,” Sebastian says as he drives me home. “I don’t want her to hear about this from the social media director on staff.”

“You have that?”

“Of course.” He pulls into the driveway and follows me inside. “I’ll step out onto the deck. I won’t be long.”

“I’ll brew you some tea.”

He stops and turns to me, surprise on his handsome face. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I think you’ll need it after this call.”

He kisses me on the forehead again and steps outside.

I can’t hear what he’s saying, but I can see his body language. His whole frame is tight as he stands facing the water, one hand in his pocket, the other holding the phone to his ear as he waits for someone to pick up. After a few moments, he starts to pace as he speaks. He pushes his hand through his hair in agitation.

It’s clearly not going well.

The kettle whistle blows, catching my attention. I’m pouring our tea when my own phone rings.

It’s my mother.

“Hello.”

“What in the ever-loving hell are you doing, Nina?”

I close my eyes, grateful that Sebastian is still outside.

“Why do you ask?”

“Don’t you play stupid with me, young lady. I saw the news. What do you have to say for yourself?”

Chapter Four

Nina

THIS IS IT. This is my opportunity to draw a line in the sand and tell my mom to back off. To mind her own business.

I need to set boundaries.

And with any other person in my life, doing that comes easily.

With my mom? Different story.

“Nina.”

“You obviously already know what’s going on,” I say at last and lean my hip on the countertop edge, facing away from Sebastian. “The news has it pretty much right.”

“You’re marrying Prince Sebastian?”

“Yes.” I bite my lip. “I’m in love with him, and he asked me to marry him. I said yes.”

“You didn’t even tell me you were dating anyone, not to mention a freaking prince!”

“We were keeping it on the down-low.”

“I can’t believe you let me hear about it this way. I am your mother, Nina Marie. You should tell me these things.” She starts to sniffle, and I roll my eyes. I want nothing more than to hang up the phone.

Is it ironic that both Sebastian and I are breaking the news to our mothers at the same time?

“I don’t understand why you’ve pulled away from me so completely. You’re my only daughter. It’s bad enough that my son, the boy I worked so hard for, to make him who he is today, has blown me off. But now you, as well? How could you, Nina?”

“Mom, stop.” My voice is hard, surprising both of us. “Stop it with this guilt trip. I’m sick and tired of listening to you whine about how wrong we’ve done you. You’re sitting in a million-dollar house in Manhattan Beach, with a killer view, and everything else you could ever need. You stole from Christian and made his life a living hell for years. Yet he still makes sure you’re financially secure. And you smother me.”

I cover my mouth with my whole hand, shocked that I just spewed all of that at my mother. Words I’ve wanted to say for years.

Part of me feels ashamed for being disrespectful. The other part gives myself a high-five.

“How dare you?”

“I’m done, Mom. I love you, but I won’t be treated like this anymore. You’re welcome to call me when you can treat me with respect.”

And with that, I end the call and hang my head in my hands, shaking from the adrenaline of it all.

“I’m proud of you.”

I whirl at the sound of Sebastian’s voice and cringe in embarrassment. “I wish you hadn’t heard that.”

“I’m glad I did.” He walks to me and takes my hand. “Are you all right?”

“I will be. It was a long time coming, but it doesn’t make me feel any less guilty. How did your call go?”

“A bit better than yours, but my mum isn’t delighted with me either.”

“So, we’re both disappointments then.”

He smiles and tugs me in for a hug. I’ve never been one for physical affection. But this is nice.