Page 16 of Royally Matched
Chapter Five
Lily’s face, along with his own, stared back at Max from the front of the morning Triola Times Newspaper. There was already speculation about their relationship. Whether she was his new flight-of-fancy, if she was replacing Starla, and what this means to the people of Triola.
The article caused Max to get online and cruise down the rabbit hole of social media. The good news was that the public seemed to respond well to Lily—exactly as his father intended, but the bad news was that the good will towards her had not transferred to him yet. Many people were assuming he was using her and would end up breaking her heart. Little did they all know that’s what happened eight years ago. Only it wasn’t her heart that was broken, but rather his when she ended things between them. It was the main reason he continued to keep her at a distance. He didn’t want to get hurt again.
Yet, every time he thought about Lily, he desperately wanted to reach out and kiss her, to feel her tremble beneath his touch again. He wanted to know she wanted to be with him as much as he secretly wanted to be with her.
“I see you werephotographed with Lady Liliana at the hospital opening yesterday,” the king said with pride as he entered the dining room for breakfast. “I am glad to see you are finally getting onboard with the situation.”
“I didn’t plan it, if that’s what you think. We were talking, and a photographer happened to take a couple of pictures.”
“Even better. It seems more natural that way,” Max’s father said with a grin.
“Are you two talking about Lady Liliana?” the queen asked as she entered the room. “I am quite pleased with the public’s response to her.” Then eyeing her son with a look of disappointment, she added, “I only wish it was working to fix your image, Maxwell.”
“Give it time, Lucinda. It’s only been a few days.”
“Correction, it’s nearing a week,” Max’s mother stated. “I was hoping to be further along than this.”
“Why? So, you can plan my wedding already?” Max asked sarcastically with a quirk of an eyebrow.
“And so, what if I do? It’s about time you settled down and gave me grandchildren,” the queen stated with narrowed eyes. “You’ve lived a life of lackadaisicalness for far too long.”
“Well, you’ve both made it clear those days are over. You’ll get your wish soon enough, Mother,” Max stated with resignation.
“Are you ready for your next social event?” his mother pressed. “You need to make sure you are seen with Lady Liliana often and exclusively.”
“It’s a royal engagement party. I can’tturn down all the women who ask me to dance,” Max countered.
“You can, and you will,” his father stated sternly. “You will only dance with Lady Liliana tonight. It will be the only way to convince the public your engagement is authentic.”
“But that’s just it, Father, it’s not authentic. Lady Liliana and I barely know each other.”
“Which is why you should be spending this time getting to know your future wife, rather than sulking around the palace feeling sorry for yourself,” his mother pointed out. “Try to make the best of the situation, my dear.”
Max realized there was no point in arguing any further. He was in a pickle of his own making, and he had to accept his arranged marriage as inevitable, whether he liked it or not. The problem was, part of him was looking forward to seeing Lily again, and he hated himself for it.
“I need to go take care of a few things before getting ready for tonight,” Max explained as he stood up from the table, wanting to get away from his parents in hopes it would stop the swirling thoughts in his head.
“We are leaving precisely at 6 p.m. Do not be late,” his father commanded. “I know you don’t care about other people’s schedules, but I hope your cousin, Richard, proves an exception in your priorities.”
Max nodded, grateful that at least he would get to spend time with his favorite cousin this evening. “He does indeed, Father. He’s been nothing but good to me over the years.”
“More than you deserve, I imagine,” his father stated with sarcasm.
“Make sure to contact Lady Liliana and see what she is wearing so you can match your suit to her dress,” her mother said to Max’s retreating figure.
Max pulled out his phone and sent a text to Lily, wanting to get the logistics out of the way.
I wanted to find out what dress you were wearing tonight so we can coordinate our outfits.
There was a few seconds pause before she responded.
I plan on wearing a plum-colored dress.
Instantly, Max thought about the last time he had kissed Lily. She had been wearing a plum-colored sweater that evening. It was his favorite color on her, and she had picked it out specifically for him. Would she still look just as beautiful in it all these years later? He suspected she would be even more gorgeous as time had treated Lily well and her beauty only grew with the years.
I will make sure to wear a bow tie and pocket square to match,Max texted back.I will see you tonight.
