Page 8 of Royally Matched
“He should have been taking it easy, but you know how the Earl of Northrop is. He would have to be strapped down to his bed to keep him from making appearances at court.”
“Yes, but you’ve always had a way with him—more so than anyone else,” Max pointed out. “If anyone could make him refrain from overexerting himself, it would be you.”
“I’m sure that’s why my mother asked me to come back. She needed my help to convince him to do just that.”
“There you are, Master Beaumont.”
Lily recognized Max’s personal valet, Patrick, coming up behind him.
“I have been looking for you everywhere. The king sent me to find you. He told me he has no patience for your games today, and you are to report to him at once.”
Patrick glanced down the hall and a look of shock crossed his face as he recognized Lily. “Pardon my interruption, your Royal Highness. I didn’t know you were busy with someone.”
“I wasn’t,” Max stated firmly. “We merely were coming down the same hallway.” Giving a nod of his head, he said to Lily, “If you will excuse me, Lady Liliana, it seems duty calls.”
Lily watched as Max and Patrick walked away, with Max mumbling something about only being home less than an hour and not being able to have five minutes to himself.
Certain they were gone, Lily let herself sag against the wall and let out the breath she had been holding since the moment she laid eyes on Max again. The surge of feelings that came flooding back startled Lily. She had thought she had found a way to get over him, but it seemed time and distance only muffled what she felt.
“Liliana, I have been looking for you everywhere,” her mother, the Countess of Northrop, stated with irritation. “Your father has important matters to discuss with you.” Arching an eyebrow, she asked with concern, “What’s the matter?”
Lily pushed off the wall and shook her head. “Nothing. What were you saying?”
“Your father needs to speak with you right away.”
“Where is he?”
“He asked me to bring you to the royal library.”
Lily nodded, allowing her mother to escort her through the winding areas, various hallways, and staircases that led to the other wing of the palace where the library was located. As they made their way to meet her father, Lily sent up a silent prayer for God to help her with the situation.
As they entered the room that was the size of most people’s homes, Lily stiffened as she realized not only was her father present, but also the King and Queen of Triola, and next to them, Max.
What on earth was going on? As she scanned the people in the room, she noticed all of them had serious looks on their faces, and Max looked as confused as she did. If she didn’t know any better, she would think they had both walked into an ambush.
“Good, finally everyone is here,” the king stated with a huff. “We have a lot to do, and not a lot of time to do it in.”
“What’s going on, Father? You’ve been closed-mouthed and refused to say anything until we were all here,” Max said with an annoyed tone.
“Don’t forget who you are talking to, Maxwell Gerard Beaumont. I will not tolerate your insubordination. It’s time you finally accept your responsibilities as the Crown Prince of Triola.”
“If youwill subject me to a dressing-down, can we at least not do it in the presence of non-family members,” Max said, glancing at Lily with a frown.
“Non-family members for now,” the queen corrected, “but soon that will change.”
“What are you talking about, Mother?” Max asked with confusion. “Am I unaware that someone from the Lockhart family is engaged to a Beaumont?”
“As a matter of fact, that is precisely what is going on,” Max’s father confirmed to the group. “I have discussed your situation with the Earl. As one of my trusted advisors, we are in agreement that something must be done. The royal family—and frankly the entire country—is tired of your bad boy image being flaunted all over the world.”
“I will not apologize for living my life the way I want,” Max defended. “I should have fun while I can, because someday it will all be over.”
“That day is today,” the king stated adamantly. “We have arranged for you to be married to a Triola noblewoman who will make an excellent counterpart for you. The people already love her, and she has the type of reputation and image that will help yours tremendously.”
The king’s and her father’s attention both swiftly turned to Lily. Suddenly, it became clear why she was summoned to be present for a meeting about Max’s reputation. They wanted to use her to clean it up.
“You can’t possibly mean me,” Lily objected, gesturing to herself.
“We most certainly can,” her father stated, coming forward and pulling her closer to Max. “The two of you will be married by the end of the year. We will give you the next two months to reacquaint yourself; after which we will announce your engagement.”
