Page 45 of Back to Claim His Crown
‘Your coronation ball?’
He tensed. ‘Not the coronation. Not yet. Just a ball.’
‘Is there reason to delay it?’ Zara asked.
‘Is there reason to rush it?’ he countered.
‘You still don’t feel worthy?’
He drew a breath because she was so very acute and he never should have told her all that he had. ‘I am King already, Zara, that pageant is purely ceremonial. Right now, I need to focus on doing the job and part of doing the job is showing the world that Monrayne is politically stable.’
‘Monrayne is humming. I’ve seen it on the news—the place is filled with chatter and vibrancy. They’re all clamouring to get closer and see you. It must be nice to know they’re so happy you’re back.’
He sighed. He knew he had to be seen and seen to be confident. ‘It’s important the world sees serenity, stability, security. That foreigners aren’t afraid to visit. It’s important for tourism and investment.’
‘Will the guests you need come?’
‘Niko will definitely be here.’ Lucian smiled. Once the confirmation that Niko would attend was made public more acceptances would come quickly. Niko was popular at parties. ‘I’d like you to attend as well.’
She froze. ‘You’re not serious.’
‘You can’t hide for ever,’ he said softly. ‘You need to show your face.’
‘That’s ironic, coming from you.’
‘Quite. You have the benefit of learning from my mistakes. Nothing good comes from not facing your fears, Zara. You can’t live the rest of your life hiding from what’s happened.’
‘Why not? I could just slip away to England, never to be seen on that public princess circuit again.’
‘Aside from the wedding-that-wasn’t, have youeverbeen on the public princess circuit?’
She stared at him reproachfully.
‘No. You haven’t,’ he answered for her.
She should have had so much more. She should have had everything.Hehad. He’d had all the luxury experience of being born royal. He’d also had that time away in Piri-nu, out of the spotlight, where he’d had a physical freedom unlike any he’d experienced before and probably would never have again.
But Zara was a princess who’d never been enabled to enjoy any of the perks. She’d been short-changed. She’d had the restrictions without the rewards. She’d been more than hidden, she’d been ignored and isolated. So she should have a few moments of the fun that could be had. Because it wasn’t all bad—far from it. It was an honour and privilege to meet the people he got to meet. And she’d never got to understand just what a natural she could be. As someone who could talk to literally anyone—who could set the most uncomfortable man in the world at ease—given the chance, he believed she could excel. Because she was a genuine sweetheart. He wanted her to understand that too.
‘You can do this, Zara. You know it’s just a party with fancier food than usual.’
‘Stop trying to amuse me into acquiescence.’
‘Shall I go with issuing a command instead?’
She swallowed. ‘Why is it so important to you that I attend?’
He hesitated. ‘Honestly, it would be helpful to me if you would come and keep King Niko’s wife Maia company. She’s very new to royal life. She hasn’t been to plenty of palace receptions and could do with some support in an environment like this.’
‘You really think I’m the right person for that task?’
‘I think you’re kind. And you’re really good at filling strained silences.’ He smiled at her. ‘I think you understand how uncomfortable you can feel when you’re not used to it.’
‘Solidarity in awkwardness?’ she asked. ‘Will you invite anyone else from my family?’
‘Not if you don’t want me to. I think you can represent your family beautifully.’
‘It can be my first ball and last official duty ever as a princess. But I don’t want to be seenwithyou,’ she said in a low voice. ‘I don’t want...’
