Royally Kidnapped by the Prince novel Chapter 39

KENNEDY

Princess Carlott Better Food for Better Learning Foundation. Its mission was to ensure to have nutritious food for these beautiful abandoned and special children. 

This foundation was too personal and close to her heart. I got it why. Just by watching how these children with special needs rushed towards her to wrap their little arms around the Princess’ legs, it melted my heart.

She was born with privilege, yet she chose to help these angels over other charities. 

“What?”

“You care for them. You’re not only here to fulfill your duty. They have a place in your heart, Princess. Again, you surprise me.”

“Thanks.” Her smile reached her eyes. “Most people don’t look at me the way you just did.”

“You deserve better recognition, but it doesn’t matter to you. You help these kids from your heart.”

“Correct. Kids are innocent little angels. They don’t deserve to be deserted or carry the hardship in life. They are too young to feel the burden of this world. The rest I could do is help. Since I’ve been given this chance, I grabbed it. So here we are. My brother helped and supported me in founding this. Until now, this is close to his heart, too. Since you’re with me, he told me he’d left this to his girls.”

A smile broke out from my lips. At the same time, a pang twisted in my chest. 

Yesterday, we went back home in silence. We didn’t talk about that topic again. 

He respected my silence, and I gave him the peace he needed. He left the manor with nothing but a kiss on my cheek, and the words have fun. 

I felt guilty for not accepting his proposal when I already made a promise to his father that I would help his son secure his birthright. 

In all honestly, I was overwhelmed. Thayer didn’t have to propose to me for the sake of formality. If he wanted to marry me for one purpose, I would willingly say I do. He didn’t have to hassle saying he loved me and proposed to me at the same time.

I knew he loved me, I had no doubt, but marriage? I didn’t think so.

“You okay?” 

“Yeah.”

“You zoned out for a while.”

“Your brother proposed to me?”

“What?” Her eyes widened. She looked surprised, like genuinely stunned. Then she looked down at fingers on both hands. “Where’s the ring” She even took and checked my hands.

“I turned him down.” I shrugged wryly.

“What? Why?” Her brows knitted together. The room fell quiet. We settled back to the table they prepared for us with wildflowers arrangement, so beautiful.

“I know about the law and his birthright.”

“And you think he proposed for the reason of securing his birthright?” She shook her head. “You misunderstood everything, Kennedy. My brother must be so devastated. I will call him after this. Oh, brother.” She sighed with deep sadness pooling in her eyes.

“What else is there?”

“Seriously? My brother loves you. He may have done some desperate measures, but if he wants to marry you, it’s because he loves you.” She groaned in dismay.

“How come he doesn’t have an idea about what we talked about with your father?” Oh, no. I suddenly remembered the video call of their father with my parents and the dowry.

“Daddy will tell him when everything’s arranged and ready.”

“What if the King will wake up?”

“Then it’s great. Everything will be back to normal. But trust me, Thayer will still propose again, with or without the terms, or even if the King would run a mile.”

“He doesn’t have to propose to me. I made a promise to your father that I will help Thayer.”

“Then why torture my brother?” 

“Because I don’t want him to expect something more.”

She shook her head in annoyance. “Jeez. You’re a complicated woman. You love my brother. Deny all you want, but you love him as much as he loves you. Why not get married, enjoy each other and have fun making babies? Nothing is complicated about that if you love the man who proposed to you.”

I nodded, seeming her words had sunk in. When she started bidding goodbye to the staff and organizers, I went out ahead of her to clear my head. 

The details were ready outside the car. I drew a deep breath. Still, my chest was heavy even after my conversation with Carlott.

“Hi, can I ask you a question?” the lady reporter approached suddenly. I didn’t know where she came from. In a second, she was right in front of me.

“I’m sorry.” I gave her a small smile.

“Miss, just one quick question. What’s your relationship with the Royal family?” a reporter in black-rimmed glasses asked.