Page 4 of Royal Trouble
“And?” he asked, unease creeping up the back of his neck.
Goddammit, why was it so bloody hot in this office? He needed some water. Or fresh air. A bottle of fucking aspirin.
“And,” Liam said, leveling his gaze at Xander, “I think you’re the man to lead it. You’re a graduate of the Royal Military Academy, you spent a decade serving Valeria, and your military record is flawless. Who better to lead this initiative?”
“Literally anyone,” he scoffed, shame burning his throat. Couldn’t Liam see he was in no shape to have this conversation now? “You’ve served. Father’s served. Surely you can think of a more qualified, more appropriate choice.”
“Actually,” Liam said, adjusting his tie, “I can’t. You’ve trained and served alongside our troops. It’s no secret they hold you in high regard.” He gestured between himself and the king. “We’re ceremonial figureheads and are respected as such. But you’re a true soldier, having served in the trenches.”
Yes, and that had worked out so well. Just ask Bollinger. Or Smith. Trexler. Hell, any of the men or women who’d been under his command.
“It would certainly be more meaningful coming from you.” Liam paused. “It’s been nearly a year since you resigned your commission. Don’t you think it’s time to move forward?”
As if it were that simple. He clenched and unclenched his fists, flexing his fingers.
“The Blue and Gold Foundation would give you the opportunity to continue serving Valeria’s soldiers,” Liam said gently, “albeit in a different capacity.”
Shrewd bastard.
Xander might be the family fuckup, but he’d taken his military service seriously, limiting his partying to leaves and holidays. He’d worn the uniform with pride, working hard to rise through the ranks. The day he’d been promoted to Captain had been the proudest moment of his life, and nothing meant more to him than his command.
“What is there to think about?” his father demanded, red-faced. “You’ve had your fun drinking and fucking your way around the world. It’s time to grow up and honor your duties as a Stanley. I’ve got enough to worry about with the royal wedding and your sister traipsing all over Europe, raising eyebrows.”
He smirked. Beside him, Liam coughed and cleared his throat in a piss-poor attempt to hide his laughter.
Evidently, their younger sister, Pippa, was rewriting the rules on royal gap years.
Not that he was judging. It was about time the Crown Jewel lived up to her full potential.
“Honestly, Alexander.” The queen gave an exasperated sigh and planted a hand on her hip. “This opportunity is a gift. You can fulfill your royal duties by doing something you actually care about. All you have to do is keep your face out of the bloody populars.”
It was a fair enough request. It was also easier said than done.
The tabloids loved him, they always had, and if today’s headlines were any indication, they’d go to great lengths to keep his face on the front page.
“What do you say?” Liam asked. “Are you up for the challenge?”
No, he sure as fuck wasn’t ready. Still, as he thought about Bollinger, Trexler, and Smith, he couldn’t deny he wanted—needed—the opportunity to do more for the men and women who served Valeria.
It wouldn’t be easy, but it would be worth it.
“I’ll do it on one condition,” he said. “I want complete control. If we’re going to do this, we do it right.”
Liam gave a curt nod. “Agreed. Father and I will ensure you have all the resources you need at your disposal.”
The king nodded his assent.
“Wonderful,” his mother said, clasping her hands together. “Now we can move on to more pleasant topics. Have you decided on a date for the Calhoun-Donahue wedding?”
Chapter Two
Everly had never been a fan of weddings, and Lucy Calhoun’s was no exception. She plastered a fake smile on her face as she sidled up to the bar. Her feet were screaming to get out of these heels, and her cheeks hurt from hours of playing nice with the people who’d made her teenage years a living hell. If Lucy weren’t her best friend, she’d have bolted hours ago.
Actually, if Lucy weren’t her best friend, she never would’ve shown up in the first place.
Especially ifshe’d known the bridal party was going to treat her like a pariah.
Some things never change.