Royally Kidnapped by the Prince novel Chapter 29

THAYER

“She’s been with Father for thirty minutes now.” I checked the time.

“You’re over-reacting. It's only fifteen. And it’s not that Daddy would harm Kennedy. But that speech, huh? If you could only see your reaction, brother.” Carlott sighed. “You two are wasting time. Why not make it up, make out, and make babies? I’d love to take care of my nieces and nephews.” She placed down her drinks on the table. “You two would be a great and powerful couple together.”

“Stop teasing your brother, Carlott. Leave it to them to settle their differences. I do not doubt Kennedy. Your brother would be in good hands.”

“Oh, please, when you two are talking as if I’m not here.” I walked away. “I have to check her.”

“You’re no fun!” Carlott yelled behind me.

I wondered why my father summoned Kennedy and even forced me out, just to talk to her alone. She had me worried there, but that little speech, though. I was torn between jumping towards her, crushed my lips to hers, and kissed her so hard until she squirmed, covered her mouth, worried that she might blurt out something my parents were not ready to hear. 

Thank fuck, it was all good. I didn’t know that Kennedy would do that to me regardless of what I put her through. Whatever was behind her speech, I didn’t want to know. What I wanted right now was to make up to her.

My sister was right on one thing—I’d focused too much on work when my priority should be my woman—to make her happy.

Kennedy just came out of the study, wiping her face. Had she been crying? 

“Kennedy, what’s wrong?” I rushed towards her.

She sniffed and wiped her face again. “Nothing.”

“Nothing? From what I can see, that’s not nothing. What did my father do to you?” I held her face. Her eyes were red, so was her nose. My chest crashed. I wanted to pull her into my arms, but I still remembered her deal, and I was not going to break it until she would be the one to come to me.

“I said, it’s nothing.” She tried to hide her face, wanting to flee.

“You don’t think I would believe that for a second, Kennedy.” I hooked her arm around my grip. “You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s wrong.”

Finally, she turned to face me and met my gaze. “There’s something your father told me that made me cry.”

“About what?” I asked firmly.

I was expecting her rebellious side, but her eyes softened. “Aren’t you a little nosy right now?”

I sighed. “Are you sure he didn’t say something that upset you?”

“I’m still not running away, am I? And your father couldn’t break me, trust me. And he’s nothing but kind to me.”

“Fine.” I swallowed down the bile rising in my throat. “We’re going home.”

“I’m not ready.” She looked down.

“Then I’ll take you somewhere.” I offered my hand. 

“You don’t have to do what your sister said earlier. I really don’t mind.”

“But I do.”

“I just want some time alone to myself, if you don’t mind.” She threw my words back.

Something was so wrong. I could feel it. I just wished she would open up. I might be able to enlighten her.

“Now you’re scaring me, Kennedy. One way or another, I’m gonna ask my father about what you two have talked about,” I said through gritted teeth.

“Do you really wanna know?”

“Yes,” I answered quickly.

“Your father told me how you worked hard to keep the title within your family and that you’re ready to give up your freedom for the sake of your birthright, your beliefs, and what you fight for—for your kingdom.”

“That’s it?”

“Isn’t that more than enough? I think that’s courageous and admirable. But you’re still an asshole and a royal pain, and I’m still mad at you. Nothing’s changed.”

“You’re too hard on me and to yourself, darling.” 

“You know what? I start to hate the name.” I still didn’t like the distance she’d planted between us, but now that we had my father’s blessings, nothing was going to stop me now.

“We’re going home.”

“I deserve some fresh air, Thayer.”

“I can give you more than that.”

We left the chateau as soon as we bid goodbye to my family. Thank God she didn’t mind riding the same car with me. She even relaxed beside me as she watched the countryside through the window. 

We were close to the place where she could get some fresh air. I realized I’d been the one who was too hard on her. 

“Darren, stop the car on the seaside,” I told the driver. 

My bodyguard informed the other security details in the SUV through his comm.