Page 1 of Twins For His Majesty (Royally Tempted #1)

A T NINE YEARS OLD , Crown Prince Octavio de la Rosa knew certain things for sure.

He knew that he was destined to one day rule the prosperous island kingdom of Castilona, that he was being groomed for this purpose every day of his life, and he knew that his mother was the most beautiful, perfect creature on Earth, whom he loved more than anything.

He also knew that he hated it when his parents travelled.

‘It’s only two nights, dearest.’ Queen Eleanora crouched down, effortlessly graceful despite the formal evening gown she wore. ‘And when we come back, you can show us how much you’ve learned.’

Octavio pulled a face. Part of his education included mastering the piano. His mother, a gifted musician, had insisted. And though he was naturally talented, he didn’t enjoy lessons, nor practising, and saw the only silver lining to his parents’ absences as the reprieve it gave him from learning.

‘I mean it, Tavi. No slacking off.’ She winked at him though, before tousling his hair as she stood.

Octavio nodded, transferring his attention to his father, King Miguel, who was fiddling with one of the diamond cuff-links he wore. ‘Be a good boy, won’t you?’ he said, already distracted by the evening ahead. ‘And call if you need anything.’

He nodded, hating the rush of emotion flooding his chest.

‘Okay, bye.’ He tried to sound casual and relaxed.

But his mother saw. She understood. She reached down and squeezed his hand in hers. ‘Two nights, my love. Don’t forget…’ She trailed off, waiting for Octavio to finish the sentence.

‘We’ll always share the stars.’ He repeated the words he’d learned by rote when he was very young and would weep whenever his mother had to leave the country. She had taught him to look out at the stars and know that she was doing the same, that they would always be connected by the heavens.

The phrase did make him feel calmer. He watched as his parents walked out of the elegant gallery, his father’s arm wrapped around his mother’s waist, their heads bent close together as they began to converse privately, a bubble forming around them indicating how happy and in love they were.

Octavio watched them until they were out of sight, and he would always be glad for that, because that was the very last time he saw his parents. Within days, they would be dead, and his life altered for ever. Soon, Prince Octavio de la Rosa would be utterly, completely alone.