The Proposal Problem: A Billionaire Royal Hangover Romance

by Natalie Knight

  Sammi holds up a finger, silencing me before I can voice the thought.

  “Look, guys,” she says, “I just think Percy might need a little perspective here. Tell her how you knew about us.”

  Liam clears his throat like he’s about to recite a speech.

  I cringe inwardly—and outwardly to boot.

  “Well, for me, there was just always this undeniable connection. I wanted Becky more than I’d ever wanted anyone. The only hard part was getting her to come around.”

  “Exactly!” Lock offers. “Sammi and I were perfect for each other. I mean, you met the alternative, right? I knew good ole Eggsy could never make her happy. I just had to get her to see it as well.”

  I can’t help but nod along to this last. He’s absolutely right, of course. Sammi and fucking Eggbert were a match made in hell.

  I’m not arguing against that. It just has nothing to do with me or my current situation.

  “Look, guys,” I say, willing my voice to come across as calm and reasonable. “I appreciate you trying to help. Really, I do. But my situation isn’t like yours was. I don’t love Anton. This whole thing was just a big drunken accident, okay?”

  I try not to be insulted by the sheer volume of laughter that meets my statement.

  “Boy, that sure does sound familiar.” Lock chuckles. “Doesn’t it, Liam?”

  “Sure does,” Liam responds. “Where have I heard that before?”

  I see where this is going.

  “Alright, enough. I’m not Sammi, or Becky. You’re forgetting that both of them actually wanted to get married. Maybe it took a while to figure out to who—but they wanted this life. I, on the other hand, have absolutely no interest in being someone’s wife. Anyone’s. See the difference?”

  I’m met with silence, relief washing over me now that I’ve finally gotten my point across.

  “Yeah, and that’s why you were engaged to him before all this, right?” Sammi says.

  “Look, Percy,” Liam starts.

  Or not.

  “I know that you’re really confused, and I get that you think this only happened because you were drunk, but look around you. The two happiest couples you know are only together because of a single drunken night.”

  Lock just can’t resist agreeing.

  “Yeah, Perce. If you decided to marry this guy while you were sober, I might doubt the decision…but you were completely off your head. That’s when we really know what we want.”

  What little patience I had left seems to shatter, my frustration reaching new levels.

  I just can’t talk to these people.

  I love my girls, and we have a lot of things in common, but this just isn’t one of them. I don’t need a knight in shining armor—or more accurately, a prince charming. I don’t need a love story.

  I’m thrilled that they got their happily ever afters, but I don’t need the same thing. I already have everything I need. Just me, my girls, and my freedom.

  “The kind of love that we have,” Liam says, “it’s not something you wanna pass up on, Perce. I know you think you’re happy now, but just wait. One day, you’ll wake up next to the love of your life, and you’ll know what actual happiness feels like. Just like I do with Becky.”

  “And I with Sammi,” Lock offers.

  “Awe, thank you,” Sammi says. “I love you, too!”

  Becky looks about ready to cry. Man, those hormones are really doing a number on her.

  Add that to the list of things I never want to experience.

  No husband, no babies. Simple.

  “Alright, alright, you’ve said your bit. It changes nothing, but thanks anyway,” I say, eyeing Becky and Sammi accusatorily. “Are we done here?”

  “I tried,” Lock says, now clearly speaking to Sammi.

  “Yeah, sorry, love,” Liam adds.

  Good. ’Cause if they’re about done offering love advice, I’ve got some shit to take care of.

  27

  Anton

  Saturday 3:18 Pm

  I hesitate in front of the door, trying to work up the patience to actually enter. After the day I’ve had, this is the absolute last place I wanna be.

  Mother knows how to crawl under my skin, and I’m not ready deal with it.

  Still, given my last encounter with Percy, this is looking more and more necessary.

  I raise a hand before I can change my mind, fighting off the urge to turn and run. My knuckles land before I have the chance.

  “Enter,” a woman’s voice calls, in the most chilling robotic and cold deliverance I could imagine.

  I pull the heavy door open, unenthusiastically stepping through the entry.

  “Hello, Mother,” I say.

  I should have run when I had the chance.

  “Anton,” she says in her signature monotone cadence. “So nice of you to join me. I was beginning to think that you and your little Penny had eloped.”

  “It’s Percy, mother,” I say, as if she didn’t already know.

  She waves a hand dismissively through the air.

  “Percy then. Either way.”

  “Well, here I am,” I say grandly. “What is it that you need?”

  “What do I need? Why, nothing, son. I simply wanted to know whether or not the wedding’s on schedule.”

  I know she’s lying even before she speaks. The only reason my mother would want to talk to me now is to try once more to talk me out of this.

  It’s been her sole endeavor since the moment I announced my engagement.

  The fact that I’ve come here to finally fulfill her wish makes this all the most bitter pill I’ve ever had to swallow. To eat my pride and give her the satisfaction of being right about Percy, despite the fact that I still think there’s hope. But I’m running out of time.

  “Actually, I have some unfortunate news about the wedding.”

  “Oh?” she asks, not even bothering to try and hide her smile.

  “Yes…as it turns out, there may well not be one.”

  “Oh dear. Why ever not?”

  I bite my tongue, willing myself to remain calm.

  “I’d rather not go into it just now.”

  She nods; no doubt she was expecting that answer.

  “Very well,” she says as she sets her glass aside gently, standing to join me.

  “Since you’re no longer planning to marry that Percy, I really feel I must say, I never thought it was a good match.”

  “I believe you have said as much.”

  She rolls her eyes in annoyance.

  “Well, if I did, surely you see now how right I was.”

  I wish I could argue with that, but I’ve been fighting this battle all day. First with Percy, then with myself. I don’t think I have the energy to lie to myself anymore.

  Sadly enough, I just might have to admit it. My mother was right—Percy and I aren’t going to live happily ever after.

  “Well, no need to look so glum, Anton. In fact, I have a surprise for you.”

  Oh shit.

  This can’t be good.

  “Right this way,” she says, heading for the door.

  I follow close behind, absolutely fucking dreading whatever’s about to come. I can’t even imagine what she’s got up her sleeve, but I’m absolutely positive I’m going to hate it.

  She saunters to a large set of doors. If I remember right, they lead to a sitting room.

  “Now don’t get upset, Anton, but I think we both knew this was going to happen.”

  “Mother—”

  “Don’t interrupt. I know you’re unhappy about the wedding, but given its failure, I’m sure you can appreciate that it’s really come time for you to be practical.”

  “In what way?”

  She actually smiles as she twists the door knob, the solid wood door swinging easily inward.

  “Ladies,” she says, “may I present my son, Anton Lanteri, Crown Prince of Menage.”

  I can’t fucking believe my eyes.

  Just when
I thought I’d seen all her tricks, she steps it up a notch.

  Sitting around the room, dressed in gowns of seemingly every shade, is a fucking buffet of women.

  Tall, short, thin, curvy, every type under the sun.

  They stand in unison, each of them turning toward me with a grin.

  My mother leans in close, drawing my eyes back to her.

  “All princesses,” she says. “Each of them looking to wed someone of their station. You’ve had your fun, Anton, and look what a mess that turned into.”

  She turns back toward her room without allowing me a chance to answer.

  “Time to settle down,” she shoots over her shoulder.

  I’m not sure whether to run after her or turn and flee in the other direction. I hesitate on the decision just a moment too long, my would-be-princesses flooding around me in a rush.

  “Prince Anton,” one coos.

  “Your Highness,” another chimes in.

  All of them bow graciously, beginning to speak all at once. Their voices mix quickly into a jumbled chorus of polite tones.

  “Very nice to meet you all,” I announce, just a bit too loud to be polite.

  Their greetings die off, all of them staring questioningly up at me.

  I look around at them curiously. My mother’s nothing if not thorough. It really seems that she’s covered all of her bases here.

  Hell, there’s even one that looks a bit like Percy.

  I’m sure that in her bitterness, good ole Mom actually thought that this would tempt me. I mean, why not? She’s provided everything a man could want.

  Everything, of course, except for Percy.

  “I appreciate you all coming down here today,” I say, feeling quite the opposite. “Unfortunately, I can’t provide you with whatever it is you’re looking for. I’m not sure what impression my mother gave you, but regardless of my marital status, I am not available.”

  Their expressions range from disappointment to anger and everything in between.

  Frankly, I’m finding it hard to care.

  “I apologize for the inconvenience,” I say, turning immediately back down the hall.

  I’m in no mood to play this twisted little game.

  The last twenty-four hours have been complete and utter chaos. All I want right now is a stiff drink and a quiet room to think in.

  Since I’m clearly not going to find that here, I head toward the door.

  My mind’s reeling from my mother’s little stunt.

  I swear, if anything, this experience has just strengthened my love for Percy.

  The idea of trading her for one of those women…

  I can’t help but laugh.

  After being with Percy, I could never go back to timid women. Percy would never bow to me.

  Try and make me bow to her, sure. Bow to me? No fucking way.

  I push roughly through the front door, hearing it slam against the wall in my frustration.

  This day just keeps getting worse.

  One thing I will say, though, at least my mother has eliminated any possibility of doubt. I know with renewed certainty that Percy is the love of my life.

  As I walk down the street, it’s like a weight’s been lifted. No more bullshit, no more games. I love Percy.

  If she won’t have me, then I don’t want anyone else.

  28

  Percy

  Saturday 4:03 Pm

  “No, I hope the baby takes after you,” Liam says, voice still blaring from the speaker. “I hope it’s kind and smart and gorgeous, just like its mother.”

  “No,” Becky answers, “I hope it’s strong and intelligent and brave. Like its father.”

  I roll my eyes so hard I feel dizzy, shooting Mysti an incredulous look.

  You believe this shit? my face says.

  Her pained smile informs me that no, she cannot.

  Sammi chuckles into her receiver, laughing girlishly at some shark joke Lock’s just told.

  Or at least I assume that’s what it was about. Honestly, it’s damn near painful to listen to this gushy stuff for too long.

  This little plan has really backfired.

  If anything, watching my girls ooze emotion into their phones has only put me further off marriage, which I didn’t think was even possible.

  I look to Mysti, seeing similar thoughts on her face.

  This is not for us.

  I tilt my head toward the side, a silent invitation which she readily accepts with an answering nod.

  Let’s get the fuck out of here.

  We sneak away to the sounds of Becky damn near swooning, Sammi not far behind.

  I love my girls, truly I do, but when they get all sappy like this, I need my distance.

  Or a drink. Maybe both.

  When we’re an appropriate distance from the love fest, I look to Mysti. “Well, that was ridiculous.”

  “I know! Could they be anymore lovey?”

  I raise an eyebrow. “Well, I was talking more about their little intervention.”

  She looks doubtfully back at me.

  “You really don’t think that was bullshit?” I ask.

  Guilt flashes across her face.

  “Honestly, Perce, I think they were just trying to help.”

  “Since when do I need help?” I wave my hands over my own body for emphasis. “It’s me, Mysti. I don’t need anyone. I thought you guys would understand that by now.”

  “I do!”

  I roll my eyes. “Oh, really? So then what’s with the intervention?”

  “It’s just…well, Anton isn’t just anyone, Percy. It’s obvious you have feelings for him. We just didn’t want you to regret not giving him a chance.”

  “I did give him a chance. I gave him the same chance as any other guy I date—a chance to have fun, a chance to cut loose. It’s not my fault he couldn’t accept it when it was over.”

  She shrugs dramatically.

  “All I’m saying is, it seemed different. You seemed different. And Anton really seems to love you. Just don’t take that lightly, alright? Some of us never get to be loved like that.”

  I stop walking, turning to her in surprise.

  “Some of us, like you?” I ask.

  She laughs. “You know as much about my dating history as anyone. Don’t act surprised.”

  “Oh, Mysti.” I lay a hand on her shoulder. “Fuck your history. You can have anyone you want. You just keep picking the losers.”

  She giggles at that. “Oh fuck, Percy, I really do.”

  “Well, then stop. If you want what Becky and Sam have, you can have it.”

  “I don’t think so…” she trails off.

  “Why the fuck not?”

  “I don’t know,” she says. “Maybe there just isn’t someone for me.”

  I can’t help but groan.

  Of all the myths surrounding love, this might just be my least favorite. The idea that, somewhere on this planet, there’s a right person for you just boggles my mind. Eight billion people floating around on a rock, and we each only get one?

  Fuck that. I’d be willing to bet that there are hundreds, if not thousands of Mr. and Mrs. Rights for every person on the planet.

  At any given time, there are multiple people that we’re compatible with.

  Hell, I’ve done the leg work. I can say for sure that if anything, there are too many someone’s floating around.

  “Don’t be fucking ridiculous, Mysti. You’ve probably got ten soul mates in this city alone.”

  “You think?”

  “I’m positive. Just try not to pick the biggest asshole in the bunch, okay?”

  She smiles, the dread in her eyes clearing up.

  “Okay.”

  I link my arm through hers, pulling her back into a stroll.

  “Now, back to me…”

  “Of course.”

  “How are we gonna get back at the girls for the little stunt they just pulled?”

  I feel my face pulling into a mischievous grin a
s Mysti chuckles.

  “Ah, come on, they were just trying to give you another perspective.”

  “Because there’s something wrong with mine?”

  “Not—not wrong. Just…limited.”

  “And they thought Lock and Liam would actually broaden my horizons?”

  “Well, it was worth a shot.”

  “Agree to disagree.”

  She doesn’t bother responding. Frankly, I’m relieved. I’m getting a little bored of bickering with everyone.

  The sooner they all accept my decision, the better. And that goes double for Anton.

  Mysti suddenly stops walking, her eyes gluing to a spot in the distance.

  I follow her line of sight, only a little surprised when I see him.

  She leans in close, whispering conspiratorially.

  “Percy, its—”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “It’s Anton.”

  “Yeah, Mysti, I see him.”

  He stands idly at the intersection ahead, looking far better than he has any right to. My stomach clenches at the sight of him, heart beat picking up pace.

  I feel Mysti push lightly on my shoulder.

  “Well, go talk to him, Perce.”

  I stare daggers at her.

  “Didn’t we like just go over this?”

  “But he’s your husband!”

  “I really wish everyone would stop calling him that.”

  She reaches down, linking her fingers with my own.

  “Well, too bad. That’s what he is,” she says, pulling on my hand as she begins to walk toward him.

  “Mysti, knock it off!” I shout-whisper, trying to pull back against her.

  Fuck, this girl’s a lot stronger than I would’ve guessed.

  “Just come on, Percy. You know you want to.”

  I know no such thing, no matter what my body seems to think.

  My heart hammers against my ribs as we near, my pussy tingling at the sight of him. Images from last night rush unbidden into my head.

  I see us in his car, hearing my own voice like an echo.

  Husband.

  I want nothing more than to run screaming from this place. Somehow, though, my struggles cease as we near him.