Royal Heir (Westerly Billionaire #3)(39)

“I don’t want to be queen of anything,” Rachelle protested even as a part of her soared at the idea of Magnus wanting her by his side.

“No? You’d prefer to be used and tossed aside instead? Because that is where this is headed. Not sure? Tell me, what has he done to prove me wrong?”

He helped Eric. He didn’t need to do that.

I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to look at Magnus through her eyes. He wasn’t going to use and toss me aside.

He was—

“I can’t stay at the Royal Hotel.”

“Thank goodness you’re coming to your senses.”

“And I won’t stay with you.” Rachelle turned in her seat to look at Michael. “Michael, could you take me to a modestly priced hotel near the children’s hospital? I’ll figure out how to have my things sent over.”

“Absolutely, Miss Rachelle. I can arrange for your things to be brought to you.”

“Thank you, Michael.”

They rode in silence for several miles before Rachelle said, “You’re not here for me, Delinda, you’re here for you. I won’t call you Grandmother again until you realize that.”

Delinda pursed her lips in thought, then said, “I’m sure you’ll feel quite differently when the prince proposes.”

Rachelle counted to ten—twice.

When Michael pulled up in front of the midrange hotel, Rachelle stepped out of the limousine, relieved that Delinda hadn’t asked about Eric. She didn’t know what she would have said if she had.

Funny how things came full circle. A week ago all that had mattered was helping Eric. Somehow, along the way, Rachelle had begun to believe there was something between her and Magnus that could matter as well. Delinda had brought that to a crashing halt. Even if Rachelle wanted to see him again, it wouldn’t be the same.

Rachelle leaned back into the limo to say, “Go home, Delinda. If you really want to help me, go home.”

Michael closed the door of the limo. “She loves you.”

“Does she? Sometimes I’m not so sure.”

He tipped his head. “I am. She’s here.” He turned to open the driver’s door. “She won’t be forever. Think about that before you push her too far away.”

With only her purse in hand, Rachelle walked into the hotel and checked herself in. A short time later, her suitcase arrived. Her head was spinning with everything that had happened over the past few days.

She didn’t want to view any of it through Delinda’s judgmental lens, but she couldn’t shake the doubt her grandmother had planted. Magnus had taken her to the children’s hospital with him. That was public.

Of course, the visit was all about Eric. My presence didn’t hold any meaning.

He convinced Eric to seek help. Not for me, though. That was probably for Finn.

“When a man procures a hotel room for a lady, he is asking if she is of easy persuasion; it is best not to prove him right.” Delinda’s voice echoed in Rachelle’s mind.

Easy persuasion? First, that was completely outdated and sexist. Labels were for small-minded people.

He just saw me as a woman who dreamed of starring in a porno with him.

Oh my God, I am such an idiot. What did I think a prince would want with me? She changed into workout clothing, found the hotel’s gym, and started running on a treadmill. “I’m not princess material.”

And I hate that Delinda might be right.

Rachelle ran faster. Sweaty and disheveled, she glared at herself in the mirror.

He didn’t ask me on a date. He didn’t even bring me through the front door. He essentially offered me nothing, and I was ready to gobble it and him up.

Sorry, Eric. I usually am the sensible one. You should be my first—and only—priority.





Chapter Fourteen

“You’re not a child anymore, Magnus. It’s time for you to choose a wife,” King Tadeas said as they took a slow walk around the palace after Rachelle and her grandmother left.

“I have plenty of time for that, Father. You were just shy of forty when you met Mother.” Magnus was relieved that his father was out of bed and wanting to exercise. Dr. Stein had become concerned as of late. Pain had led to his father’s withdrawal, but lack of movement was what the doctor had said was quickly adding to his ailments.

“And look at me, not certain I’ll meet your children before I go.”

“You’re not going anywhere, Father.”

“We are all going somewhere, Magnus. I would like to see you settled before I do, though. What do you think of the American?”

“I thought your heart was set on Princess Isabella,” Magnus chided gently. His father had been advocating that match since he was a child.

“I must say I was disappointed to learn she was linked to the petty video about Rachelle. That sort of behavior hints at a jealous soul I wouldn’t want raising my grandchildren.”

Finally, something we agree upon. “Thankfully, she has never been a serious consideration for me.”

“Has anyone?”

Magnus hesitated briefly as he remembered how Rachelle had been at the hospital. She’d been the first woman he’d ever seen in that light. Too bad he’d learned she wasn’t the angel she presented herself as. Speaking of that: “Regarding Mrs. Westerly. You seem taken with her.”