The Royally Broke Billionaire_Royal Wedding Blues_A sweet billionaire and royal mash-up romance novel

by Ann Omasta

  Sensing her humiliation, Sebastian used one finger under her chin to encourage her to face him. Looking directly into her eyes, he said, “You are a beautiful and vivacious woman, and any man would be lucky to have you.”

  Proving that her emotions were on a swinging pendulum tonight, Tess’s eyes lit up. “Really?” she asked him even as she flopped down to rest her head in his lap. “Tell me more,” she encouraged him, before lifting her arm to run her fingers through the silky dark hair at his nape.

  “Yes, really,” he confirmed, before adding, “which is why I cannot be intimate with you tonight… not like this.” He enunciated his words, by lifting her to a sitting position. When he added, “Now, stop trying to touch me, or I’ll have the driver pull over so I can get in the front seat.”

  Her mortification complete, Tess took his not-so-subtle hint. Sliding to her side of the car and crossing her arms, she stared out the window and tried to ignore the burning lump in her throat.

  When they finally arrived at her address, Sebastian helped her out of the car and to the front door of her condo. Her instinct was to yank her arm away and tell him where to stick it, but some still-rational part of her knew that he was being honorable.

  He took her keys, unlocked the door, and ushered her inside. Just before closing the door behind her, he said kindly, “Don’t forget to lock up. Sweet dreams.”

  She clicked the lock and leaned back against the door, without bothering to respond to him. The shame over her deplorable behavior this evening overwhelmed her.

  Popping a couple of aspirin and downing a bottle of water, she climbed into her tall bed and decided that the only bright side about the entire evening was that she would never have to face Sebastian again.

  If she had known what Mo was agreeing to at that very moment, she wouldn’t have felt relieved… at all.

  6

  Tess held her cell phone out away from her ear and stared at it blankly. It took a long moment for Mo’s words to sink in.

  “What do you mean you’re going to Isle de Monsail?” she asked when she finally regained her wits.

  Mo’s response didn’t calm her down in the slightest. “Actually, we’re going.”

  Tess spluttered, unsure how to even respond to this outrageous comment. This was so unlike her outgoing, but normally level-headed friend. She couldn’t believe she was being forced to point out the obvious flaws in Mo’s plan.

  “We can’t just drop everything and go to an island halfway around the world,” she started. “Besides, you barely know this man. He could be crazy or dangerous.” She was ticking off with her fingers the valid reasons why this idea was ludicrous, even though Mo couldn’t see her.

  Changing her tone to a more sensitive one, Tess said, “Mo, even if this somehow miraculously worked out, you would not enjoy being a royal. Going to fancy teas, dressing to the nines, hosting galas and charity events… you would hate all of that.” Tess didn’t bother to point out that those were the exact things that she would enjoy doing.

  Mo was already well aware of Tess’s lifelong dream of marrying a prince. Mo had always been a good sport about playing the royal groom in the elaborate wedding scenarios Tess had dreamed up when they were younger. Mo had willingly sat by her side as Tess worked on her elaborate wedding scrapbook that was filled with ideas for her elegant royal wedding, even though it was far from how Mo would have preferred to spend her time.

  This sudden change in their roles was jarring, and Tess wasn’t at all sure how to react. She had always been the one with the wild imagination, who dreamed of someday falling for a real prince. Suddenly being faced with the stark reality that her dream might actually come true for her tomboy best friend didn’t sit right.

  “It will be fine,” Mo assured her. “Pierce promised that he would personally arrange to have a private jet standing by, in case we decide we would like to leave at any time.”

  Tess was surprised to hear Mo refer to the prince by his first name. They must have reached a surprising level of intimacy during their evening together. The easy-breezy, dreamy voice her friend was using made this entire exchange seem completely surreal.

  Suddenly, it dawned on Tess what might have happened. The queasy feeling that lingered from her hangover escalated quickly. “Mo, you didn’t sleep with him last night, did you?” Tess gulped and tried to swallow the sourness down.

  Mo laughed at the wild assumption, mostly because it would have been so out of character for her to do such a thing. “No, of course not, silly,” she chastised Tess for even thinking it. “Pierce was a perfect gentleman.”

  That dreamlike, happy tone was back in Mo’s voice, and something about it set Tess’s nerves on edge. “Don’t you think it’s a little reckless to jump on a jet and fly halfway around the world for a boy?”

  “Reckless… adventurous… Call it whatever you like, but how can we turn it down, Tess? This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and we will probably always regret it if we don’t see it through.”

  For the first time during this entire conversation, Mo’s words sounded logical and made sense. There was no denying that staying in a royal castle on a pristine island seemed almost too good to be true. If Tess talked Mo out of it, they would both always wonder what would have been.

  Shaking her head and wondering if she had lost her mind, Tess finally lamented. “Okay, Cinderella, let’s follow your prince.”

  Tess probably would have been able to hear Mo’s whoop of excitement from across town without their phone connection.

  7

  Once the decision was made for the friends to go to Isle de Monsail, a whirlwind of activity began. They both gave notice at Scooters, the trendy college restaurant where they worked as waitresses. The jobs had been temporary as a way to make some money while they enjoyed the summer after they graduated college. They planned to get ‘real’ jobs in the fall, so the timing of this impromptu royal excursion was perfect.

  Their manager, Joe, was used to employees coming and going, so he didn’t require them to work the customary two weeks after notifying him that they were leaving, even though they reluctantly offered.

  After doing some online research about the island’s climate at this time of year and trying to figure out what the dress code might be at the castle, Tess and Mo went on a shopping spree. They wanted trendy and cute outfits to wear to any official royal events. They had both been saving for a fun trip to New Orleans or Las Vegas at the end of the summer, so they used that money for the clothes. Since their travel expenses to the island were covered, the new clothes felt like a valid use for their hard-earned funds.

  Tess informed her brothers of her impromptu trip and received immediate pushback from both of them. The greatest thing about having two over-protective brothers was that they always felt the need to watch out for her. That was also the worst thing about it––they often took it upon themselves to decide what was best for her.

  Trey had immediately offered to send Tess and Mo anywhere in the world they wanted to go on his private jet. He promised his baby sister a first-class trip––all expenses paid––if she would decline the prince’s offer to visit his castle.

  Trevor’s reaction hadn’t been any better. His newly-discovered aggressive streak showed when he said, “Absolutely not. You’re not going.”

  The unyielding adamance in his voice raised Tess’s hackles. “I am going,” she informed him, sounding just as stubborn as he had. When she added, “And there’s nothing you can do about it,” he huffed in frustration.

  Tess’s brothers aside, the preparations for their trip were exciting. The girls chattered and giggled as they tried to imagine what the castle would be like.

  “Do you suppose it has real turrets?” Tess asked her friend.

  Mo smiled dreamily. It was a far-off expression that Tess wouldn’t have imagined crossing her friend’s face before she had met the prince. “Oh, I hope so.”

  Seeking to bring them back to reality, Tess quipped, “I ju
st hope we don’t get locked in one.”

  Proving that the old Mo was still alive and well, she sailed a pillow across the room that landed directly in Tess’s face. Not one to back down from a pretend fight, Tess retaliated, and before long both girls were cracking up.

  When things calmed down, Mo assured Tess, “We’re going to be fine.”

  Unable to resist the temptation to tease her friend, Tess joked, “Famous last words.”

  As if hearing their conversation, a text buzzed in on both of their phones. It was from Sebastian. As soon as they read the words, “The limos will arrive at your apartments tomorrow morning at 7am sharp to deliver you to the jet,” they both squealed with uncontrolled glee.

  Anticipation crackled in the air and told them they were about to embark on the adventure of their lifetimes.

  8

  The jet was lavish. Despite her brothers’ fortunes, Tess had never flown private before. She had preconceived notions of what it would be like, but they fell short of the reality.

  Mo’s mouth hung open as they explored their plush surroundings, proving that she was awed by the plane’s opulence as well.

  The two women plopped down beside each other to wait for takeoff, since the men had indicated they would be working for the duration of the flight. Tess wondered what ‘royal business’ they had that couldn’t wait until they got home, but she decided it wasn’t really her place to ask.

  Since it was a small plane, Tess had been concerned about turbulence. She didn’t want to embarrass herself by getting airsick on the royal jet. She was relieved when they reached their cruising altitude, and the ride remained perfectly smooth.

  Even though the men were across the aisle, they probably couldn’t hear her over the roar of the engines, so Tess leaned over to ask Mo, “Tell me again exactly what is expected of us.” She had been so excited about their trip that she hadn’t asked many questions about what was really going on. Now that she had some time to ponder it, this entire adventure seemed a little strange. At least she had kept her wits about her enough to research the tiny island online before agreeing to join them.

  “Pierce is expected to marry before he takes the throne,” Mo explained patiently. “They want his father to step down as king and for Pierce’s coronation to take place as soon as possible because his father’s gambling problem has already lost the island a great deal of their fortune.”

  “I thought a king had to die for his successor to be crowned. Why do they think a ruling leader will willingly step back and abdicate the throne without putting up a fight for it?” Tess scrunched up her nose, perplexed.

  Mo tilted her head closer to Tess’s, obviously not wanting to be overheard. “It sounds like the King has a drinking problem, in addition to the gambling addiction. Pierce thinks his father will be relieved to not have the pressure of the crown hanging over his head. He wants to be a regular person––or at least as regular as a royal can be.”

  It dawned on Tess then exactly what Mo would be signing up for, if she ended up with the prince. “Are you sure you want to go through with this?” she asked her friend. “If you become a royal, your life will no longer be your own. You will have so many expectations and rules to follow.” Tess worried her lip between her teeth as she thought about her brash friend trying to be perfectly prim and proper.

  “I haven’t agreed to marry him yet, silly. I’ve only spent one evening with him.” Mo playfully shoved at Tess’s shoulder.

  “Well, we are going halfway around the world so you can spend more time with him.” Tess defended her right to be concerned.

  “True,” Mo admitted, before adding nervously, “There’s something I haven’t told you, too.”

  Tess felt her stomach drop. Mo was never shy about saying anything, so whatever she had neglected to tell Tess must be a doozy. Raising her brows at her friend, she ordered, “Spill it.”

  “There’s a ball next weekend at the palace.” Mo revealed.

  “Ooh!” Tess clapped her hands together, unable to contain her excitement. She couldn’t imagine why her friend would have been anxious about sharing this fantastic news with her. “A real royal ball. I can’t wait!”

  Mo nodded before going on. “Every unattached lady on the island will be in attendance because Pierce is required to choose a bride that night.”

  “What?!?” Tess spluttered, unable to comprehend such an archaic arrangement.

  “It’s part of the royal protocol, and Pierce plans to follow it precisely. At the end of that night, he will decide who he will marry.” Mo stated matter-of-factly, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.

  Tess worked through her feelings out loud. “What if he chooses you? What if he doesn’t choose you?” She shook her head, not quite able to comprehend the full meaning of all of this. It was all too fast. “You need more time. It isn’t fair of him to ask this of you.”

  “It isn’t his fault,” Mo jumped to the prince’s defense. “The island has ancient customs that have been passed down through numerous generations of his family. The people of his land hold royals to certain standards and strict expectations, and Pierce is not willing to defy their sacred traditions.”

  “They’re not your traditions, though. Why should you have to abide by them?” Tess felt outraged that they were trying to rush her friend into such a monumental decision.

  “I don’t have to,” Mo explained. “It’s my choice.” At the concerned look on Tess’s face, she added, “And I haven’t made any decisions yet. I simply wanted to keep my options open regarding Pierce.” Taking Tess’s hand within hers, she said dreamily, “I really think he might be the one.”

  Tess had never seen her friend looking so moony-eyed over anyone. It was rather distressing to think Mo might have fallen for the prince so quickly.

  A new concern popped into Tess’s mind, which she immediately voiced. “Is this a situation similar to that ridiculous reality TV show that we can’t resist watching, The Bachelor, where he will be talking to other women and choosing among you?” The idea of Mo having to compete for a man’s attention horrified Tess.

  “Perhaps,” Mo shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose it will ultimately be up to him, but I have little doubt that the vast majority of the town’s women would be thrilled to be selected as a wife by their prince.”

  Tess was surprised by Mo’s laidback attitude about the entire, odd scenario. Deciding they were in too far not to see it through, Tess said, “Okay, Cinderella, I guess we’re going to a royal ball.”

  9

  If the private jet was amazing, the royal castle was nothing short of jaw-dropping. The magical palace looked like one of Walt Disney’s creations. Tess couldn’t stop gaping at it. It was even more delightful and grandiose than the castles of her childhood dreams.

  Mo was even impressed, despite the fact that she cared little for all things royal––except Pierce, apparently. Her loud “Oh my gawd,” as they walked through the tall double doors echoed down the hallway.

  The butler introduced himself as Geoffrey and greeted them with a deep, formal bow, but the woman standing just behind him looked like she had just bit into a particularly sour lemon wedge as she scanned the two American women. Her distaste was evident on her tightly pinched face.

  Tess felt a surge of disappointment when the prince hugged the stiff woman and referred to her as “Mother.” She knew they were already somehow not in the queen’s good graces.

  “It’s so lovely to meet you,” Mo gushed, extending her hand to the queen.

  The woman startled at the volume of Mo’s greeting and then stared at her proffered hand as if it were a bug in her soup. Pierce leaned in to quietly advise Mo that it wasn’t socially acceptable to shake hands with a royal, unless they instigated the connection.

  “Oh, sorry about that,” Mo’s cheeks turned pink at the blunder. She chomped her gum nervously and moved from foot to foot, seeming uncertain what to say or do.

  The queen narrowed her eyes at
Mo. “There is no gum allowed in the palace,” she sneered. “And it is quite disrespectful to smack it like a cow in front of royalty.”

  “Oops,” Mo immediately removed the gum from her mouth, but then seemed at a loss for what to do with it. After glancing around for a trash receptacle, she looked to Tess with wide eyes. Tess raised her shoulders, unsure what to do either.

  Geoffrey swooped in to save the day by holding out his white-gloved hand. Mo placed the wad of gooey pink bubblegum in his palm with a grimace and a quiet, “Sorry.”

  The queen took in the entire exchange as if she were watching rodents eat her favorite cookies. Turning to Sebastian, she asked, “What is the meaning of this?”

  Tess didn’t care for the way the woman indicated them with her gloved hand as she said ‘this.’ Royal or not, this lady was a total snob.

  Nothing raised Tess’s hackles more than when someone picked on her best friend, so she answered the question, even though it hadn’t been directed to her. “This,” she enunciated the word and indicated Mo, “Is a lovely, smart, and generous woman who dropped everything and travelled halfway around the world to spend time getting to know your son. She deserves to be treated with respect.”

  The queen’s head snapped back as if she had been slapped, and Geoffrey sucked in what seemed like half the air in the huge foyer. It was obvious that no one ever dared to talk back to the queen. Tess wondered if she had gone too far as she stared at the other woman’s pale face. Exhaustion was evident by the dark circles under the queen’s eyes. Her crepey skin looked loose and thin.

  Tess had been half-expecting to be unceremoniously kicked out of the castle for her outburst, so they all startled when the queen tipped her head back and laughed. “Now this one, I like,” she informed them, before whipping around and sashaying down the hallway.