Reluctantly Royal by Nichole Chase Read Free Book Online Page A

his door half shut as I left.
    “My lady,” the head butler called.
    “Yes?” I turned to smile at Gerard. He was the one who had accompanied my granddad to the funeral home. I owed him so much for not leaving him alone.
    “I wanted to let you know that the palace called and their aide is on her way to help with the arrangements. They’ve also asked that you be willing to say something to the town of Thysmer. It’s tradition that the next in line for the title address the people after a death.”
    “I see.” He didn’t go to my father. He came to me. There was a lot left unsaid in his explanation. “And when do I need to do this?”
    “Soon, preferably. Before the funeral, I’d say. The palace aide will be able to help you come up with an appropriate response.” He stood up a little taller. “I’d also like to offer my condolences. Your grandfather was a fine man.”
    “He was a rambunctious old devil with bad habits.” I smiled. “But you’re right. He was a good man.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” The doorbell chimed and he turned. “I’ll see to that.”
    “Thank you.”
    I walked down the hall to my room and kicked off my high heels. The things were making my toes go numb. I pulled on some slippers while peeling off the skirt and tugging on a pair of comfortable jeans. I might be a lady now, but I’d just lost a loved one, and all I wanted to do was curl up in my bed and cry. Unfortunately, I had to take care of details. That meant I’d have to forgo my pajama pants, but I wasn’t giving up my jeans. I ditched the cardigan and unbuttoned the gray shirt I had been wearing to reveal the tank top underneath. That was more like it.
    Pulling my earrings off, I put them in a small dish next to my bed, but left the pearl ring on my right middle finger. It was a small, cheap ring. Just wire wrapped around a small freshwater pearl, but I always wore it. Granddad had given it to me when I had Marty. It meant more to me than any of the new jewelry I had acquired since we’d hit the royal jackpot.
    As I headed back down the hall, I heard a voice I hadn’t expected.
    “Is Lady Meredith available?” Max’s deep voice rumbled up the stairwell.
    “I’m not sure, Your Highness. Would you mind waiting a moment?”
    I peeked around the corner before ducking back. There he was, standing there in khakis and an untucked button-up shirt. The sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Hearing the butler coming up the stairs, I ran back to my room quickly and kicked off the fuzzy slippers I’d been wearing. Why was Max here? Was he going to back out of being a pallbearer? I couldn’t imagine any other reason for him to show up right now. Or ever, really. Not that I was complaining. He was nice to look at and his smile caused parts of me that had been dead for years to heat up. But why?
    “Lady Meredith?” The butler knocked on my open door frame. “Prince Maxwell is here to see you.”
    “Thank you. I’ll be right down.” I looked around my room for suitable shoes. “Would you take him to the sitting room and order some tea?”
    “Of course, my lady.” He started to turn.
    “Um, where is my father?” I didn’t want to throw Max to the wolves.
    “I believe he left this morning to visit the village pub.” His voice and face never changed, but I could see the pity in his eyes.
    “That’s for the best, I suppose.” I shrugged. “Thank you.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” He bowed quickly and left.
    Rummaging rapidly through my closet, I found a pair of dark red flats that wouldn’t squish my toes but looked cute with my jeans. I liked it when my shoes stood out. It was something like wearing armor. Good shoes made me feel good, which in turn made me feel like I was in charge.
    But why was Max here? I walked slowly down the hall. What was I going to do if he backed out? I still hadn’t talked to my father about the funeral, though I was sure he assumed I’d just take care of everything.
    I hesitated just outside of the