Page 43 of Royal Trouble
In the past, he’d let it roll off his back, but lately? Lately it was getting harder to deny the fact that just once he wanted to gain his father’s approval.
“I would not have selected you for this role if I didn’t believe you were the right man for the job,” Liam continued. “Besides, getting the Blue and Gold Foundation off the ground has to be easier than commanding troops.”
He had his doubts, but he kept them to himself. Liam had done time in the military, as was expected of a future monarch, but he’d trained as a pilot and hadn’t spent much time among rank-and-file infantry soldiers, so he couldn’t know how easily command had come to Xander. Well, perhaps easy was a relative term. He’d busted his arse to be an exemplary soldier and rise through the ranks. After the debacle with his grades at Elmhurst, he hadn’t wanted anyone to question his promotion to a command position or his fitness for leadership.
“Just remember. Whatever happens today will set the tone for the Blue and Gold Foundation in the months and years to come.”
“Great.” He raked a hand through his hair. “No pressure, then.”
Liam’s answering laugh echoed through the great hall.
Arsehole.
When they arrived at the Emerald Drawing Room, he squared his shoulders and threw the doors open. They’d chosen to forego a formal introduction, electing instead to keep the afternoon casual, which he hoped would be less intimidating, and less stressful, for the families in attendance.
He’d caused them enough pain already.
He strode into the drawing room with his brother at his side, projecting a confidence he didn’t quite feel. At their arrival, the guests turned and formed a rough line, bowing and curtsying as was custom when in the presence of a member of the royal family. His gut clenched. It would be far more fitting if he were to bow to these families who’d given so much to their great nation, but with Liam present, he’d have to grin and bear it.
“Welcome,” he said, clasping his hands together and projecting his voice. He scanned the familiar faces before him, heart racing at the flood of memories they unleashed.
Bollinger pranking him on his first day at the Academy.
Smith’s dark eyes shining with pride when he’d announced he was going to be a father.
Trexler staying up late to help him prepare for his promotion boards when the words in the study manuals seemed to float before his eyes.
Dammit. He should have expected this reaction. It happened every time he met with one of the families. Of course it would be intensified by their united presence, by the familiar features he saw in their faces. By their loss.
So much loss.
His throat closed up and speech became impossible. What had he been thinking? He wasn’t ready. It was too much, too soon. He dropped his gaze to the floor, focusing on the intricate design woven into the wool rug.
To his right, Liam shifted his weight but remained silent.
Xander sucked in a steadying breath. He could do this. For Trexler. For Smith. For Bollinger.
He forced his gaze back to the group, and when his eyes locked on Everly, who hovered a short distance from the others, warmth spread through his chest at her encouraging smile.
Just speak from the heart.
He’d spent hours in front of the mirror preparing for this moment. Thinking about what he wanted to say and how to best honor his friends, knowing full well that if Bollinger had been present, he’d have busted his balls for being a nervous prat.
“Prince William and I are honored you could join us today as we announce the creation of a new royal foundation which, in my opinion, is long overdue.” The families stared at him expectantly, their solemnity giving him the courage to continue. “The Blue and Gold Foundation will be sponsored by the royal family and will provide support, services, and aid to the families of Valeria’s fallen soldiers. The creation of this organization is near and dear to my heart, as are each of you, which is why I’ve invited you here today to discuss how the crown can better honor the memory of Valeria’s heroes by creating a strong support system for families like yours, who’ve given so much to protect Valeria’s sovereignty and to ensure our great nation continues to prosper in the years to come.”
There were a few gasps and a nod or two. Elisabeth Smith smiled at him, eyes glassy as she cradled her wriggling son to her hip.
“The crown will never be able to repay your families for the sacrifices you’ve made—I will never be able to repay those debts—but we will do everything we can to show our gratitude and honor the memories of the heroes who can’t be here with us today. Your families will be the first to receive assistance from the Blue and Gold Foundation, but even more importantly, I humbly ask for your input so we can ensure the services and programs are properly equipped to meet your needs, today and in the years to come.”
He breathed a sigh of relief as he finished his speech and began introducing his brother to the families that had become so dear to him over the last year. While Liam remained formal, shaking hands with each of the families and offering quiet words of gratitude, Xander hugged each and every one of them, including old man Bollinger, who told him it was about bloody time he got off his arse and put himself to good use.
The old man was right. He’d wallowed too long in self-loathing, but no more.
When they reached the end of the line, Everly approached tentatively.
“Your Royal Highnesses,” she said, dropping a quick, ineffectual curtsy that would’ve sent the queen into a tailspin, but he admired her all the more for it.
“Oh, we’re keeping things formal today?” Liam asked, chuckling. “I suppose this means I won’t be needing a change of shoes, then.”