Page 50 of Her Royal Rebellion

“When do you want to talk to them?” I asked, hoping it was days or weeks from now.

“I think we should call them tomorrow.”

I cringed and she laughed. “Don’t let them scare you. You know they like you.”

“They might not after this.”

She smiled. “They want me to be happy, and you’re the one who makes me happy, so they have to like you. Charlie and Serena will help.”

She might have been joking about the last part, but it was true. I’d have to get them on my side to help convert her brothers, then use all of them to win over her parents. This was turning into a war strategy.

I laughed. “There’s an awful lot of planning and politics involved in this. Who knew I’d be using my training so soon.”

She smiled and took my hand. “We’ll get through this.”

“Is that all we’re going to say to each other for the next little while?”

“Yes.”

I lifted her hand to my lips and pressed a kiss on her knuckles. “That’s all I need.”

19

Isla

I heard voices coming from downstairs the moment I opened my eyes. Logan asked for no staff to be here. We had plenty of food, clothing, and toiletries. There was no reason for anyone to be here.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood. I pulled on my robe and tied it around my waist before heading down to investigate. It didn’t take more than a few steps for me to recognize what was going on.

They found me. Well, us.

I took in a soothing breath and prayed for the strength I would need before heading to the kitchen.

“There she is,” Cian said with too much enthusiasm.

Aiden held out his arms like he was making a formal announcement. “Sleeping beauty has decided to grace us with her presence.”

I rolled my eyes and looked for Logan. He was in front of the stove focused on the two pans. As if ignoring them would make them disappear. Poor guy. I’d tried that for years with no success.

“What are you guys doing here?” I tried to give them an intimidating glare but neither of them seemed to notice.

“Our dear parents are out of their minds with worry. We told them we’d check in on you personally and assure them you are in fact, just fine,” Aiden said. Charlie walked in from the other end of the room.

“There you are!” She hurried to me and pulled me into a tight hug. Her displays of affection had taken time to get used to, but now they were comforting. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

When she released me, I leaned against the counter. “Me too.”

Serena appeared and we repeated the hugging before I escaped to the safety of Logan. He smiled at me and began loading plates with eggs and sausage. “Food’s ready. Let’s sit and talk.”

Everyone followed his orders and soon we were gathered around the country style table. I looked around at the people I loved and couldn’t believe it. I never imagined we’d all be together in my home like this, especially not with Logan sitting at the head, across from Cian.

“So, what’s going on? Why are we here and not in Ballivaughn?” Aiden asked the question I figured was on everyone’s mind.

“Once Logan got to me, I needed to get away. I needed space from everything. I knew people would fawn over me as soon as I got back to the palace. There would be questions and meetings and it was too overwhelming to even think about. Since the moment Dad announced he was inviting suitors into our home I’ve been a wreck. He took over my schedule. He cancelled meetings that were important to me. He forced me to interact with men I had zero interest in. What little control I had over my life vanished.” I looked to Logan and sighed. “When I saw Logan, I knew I had to take the opportunity to get away before anyone could try to stop me. I didn’t want either of you showing up and taking me back to Mum and Dad.”

Cian’s eyes narrowed. “You really think we would have ignored your wishes and forced you to do something you didn’t want? After all you’ve already been through?”

I shrugged. “Honestly, yes.”