Page 60 of The Wrong Royal
“You’re gorgeous,” he said, smiling, and pulled out a chair for me.
We settled at the table, and Theo poured us wine. The aroma of the meal filled the room, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the thought and care he had put into our evening.
“Do I dare ask where Jack and Astrid are?” I asked.
“Jack wanted to take Astrid to dinner,” he answered. “Is that okay?”
“Of course,” I said, smiling.
As we enjoyed our dinner, the conversation flowed easily between us.
Theo leaned in closer, his voice soft and sincere. “Emilie, I want you to know that I value our partnership, but I also value the connection we’re building.”
“Okay.”
“Emilie, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.”
That made me nervous. I hoped he wasn’t going to break the match. I really felt like we had come to an understanding. I couldn’t imagine spending my time with anyone else. I didn’t know if another man would get it. Despite not wanting to fall in love with my future husband, I didn’t know if I would find the same kind of friendship with anyone else.
In fact, I knew I wouldn’t. “Okay,” I said again, hesitantly.
“I’ve noticed that you often speak about duty and honor as if they are in conflict with love,” he said. “You’ve mentioned that love can sometimes be a distraction from one’s responsibilities. Like love is an obstacle to avoid or overcome instead of a benefit. I don’t see love as a problem to be solved.”
I sighed, unsure of how to put my feelings into words. It had been ingrained in me from a young age that duty to my country was paramount, and love, while beautiful, could be a hindrance.
“Theo, you have to understand,” I began, my voice tinged with hesitation. “I’ve always been taught that duty requires sacrifice. That in order to serve my country and my family, I must be willing to put aside personal desires, even love.”
Theo listened attentively, his gaze holding mine. I appreciated his patience and the way he always made me feel heard. It was another reason I didn’t want to lose the chance to call him my husband. I doubted any other eligible, qualified bachelor would give me the same respect.
“I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of prioritizing love over duty,” I continued, memories of my sister’s actions haunting me.
“Your sister?”
“Yes,” I said, nodding. “My parents have disowned her. She walked away from her family. She has nothing.”
“She has a man she loves.”
I smiled. “Love doesn’t put a roof over your head or food in your belly.”
“I’m sure there are ways to get money,” he said, shrugging. “I’ve heard some people get a job.”
I laughed. “Very funny.”
Theo turned serious again. “I understand your concerns, Emilie. But I also believe that love and duty don’t have to be mutually exclusive. You’re looking at it the way you’ve been told to look at it. You can’t see it any other way. I would like for you to meet my parents. They love each other. They work very well together. They had all of us and I think we all turned out alright.”
I smiled. “You do seem to be doing okay for yourself.”
He leaned in closer, his expression earnest. “My parents have dedicated their lives to duty and honor while following all the rules. And yet, they have a warm, loving marriage. They’ve shown me that both can coexist.”
“Maybe so,” I admitted softly, allowing myself to entertain the idea. “But I’ve always been taught that love can cloud judgment and lead to decisions that aren’t in the best interest of one’s country. You’ve seen that time and again. Love can make a person do foolish things, like a certain king abdicating the throne because he was led away by a woman he loved. Or more recently, a princess that nearly risked her own place in the royal family to be with your brother.”
Theo’s eyes were filled with understanding. “I don’t deny that love can be challenging, Emilie. It can be complicated and messy, but it can also be a source of strength and inspiration. Love means you always have a best friend and a partner. You are never going to be alone.”
As I gazed into his eyes, I felt a glimmer of hope. Theo had a way of challenging my preconceptions and opening my heart to new possibilities. He was challenging everything I had been taught to believe from the time I was a little girl.
I pursed my lips in thought. “Perhaps I’ve been too quick to dismiss the idea of love and honor coexisting. Maybe it’s time for me to reconsider.”
Theo smiled warmly, his hand finding mine across the table. “Emilie, I’m not asking you to abandon your principles. I’m simply suggesting that there may be room in your heart for both duty and love. Don’t dismiss it.”
