His Royal Request: Royals of Lochland Book I

by Mulliner, Brittney

  The dancer winked as I tossed the coin. “Thank you,” she said.

  I hurried back to Aiden and a woman with vivid red curls that flowed down to her waist grinned as she passed. “This place is magic.”

  He laughed and pointed down the path to a bright red building. “Let’s go there next.”

  I followed him, stopping to pet the dog that sat next to artists sketching vivid pictures of the street.

  “Come in, Charlie.” I walked into the small shop and looked around. It was a jewelry store. Aiden headed for the back room and waited for me to join him. There were glass cases with old jewelry and pictures. I walked up to a case and looked inside.

  “The Claddagh.” I read some of the cards with information dating back to the 1700s. The ring had two small hands holding a heart with a crown on top. “This is so cool.”

  Aiden stood next to me. “It’s a traditional Irish ring with ties as far back as the late 1600s. It was used as a wedding ring design in the area for over four hundred years, but now it’s popular throughout the country. Queen Victoria even wore one.”

  I could practically feel the history seeping into me. My mom’s family might have used these rings. Mom probably knew about this tradition.

  “This is incredible.”

  “It’s Galway history. Your history.”

  This was what I’d been craving. This was the connection I’d been looking for.

  “Come on. Let’s pick one out.” He led me back to the front room that houses the design in dozens of options from rings, earrings, brooches, and necklaces.

  The man sitting behind the counter greeted us as Aiden led me to the front case. “G’afternoon. What might you be lookin’ for today?”

  Aiden gestured toward me. “My friend’s ancestors are from here and I thought it’d be important for her to get her a ring of her own.”

  The man peered at me. “Ey, what’s your family’s name?”

  “Lynch.”

  His eyes widened. “An original tribe, eh?”

  I wasn’t sure what he meant. “Um, I’m not sure.”

  “The Lynch tribe was one of the original founders of Galway.” He replied.

  I was stunned. “Really?”

  He grinned and winked. “Yes, ma’am. It seems you are in dire need of a Claddagh ring. What metal do ya fancy?”

  I studied the silver, gold, and rose gold rings. There were no prices though. I didn’t have money budgeted for a splurge like this, even though it felt like fate. “Oh, I’m not sure.”

  Aiden leaned forward. “I like the rose gold, what do you think?”

  I agreed. That metal had drawn my eye… Trying it on wouldn’t hurt. “Sure.”

  The jeweler opened the case and paused. “Do you know your ring size?”

  I shook my head. He glanced at my hands then reached in. He pulled a ring and held it out to me. “Let’s see how a seven feels.”

  I slid it on and it fit perfectly. Tight enough that I didn’t have to worry about it sliding off, but loose enough that it did feel stuck. “You were right on.”

  He tapped his chest. “It’s me job.”

  I looked down at the unique design. “Is there a meaning behind it?”

  “Let Love and Friendship reign.” He clarified. “The hands are for friendship, the heart is for love, and loyalty is shown with the crown up above.”

  My heart raced and I almost teared up. “That’s beautiful.”

  Aiden nodded. “We’ll take it.”

  “Aiden,” I said, panicking, “I don’t know how much it is.”

  He waved off my concern and handed his credit card to the jeweler without a question. “This is my gift to you.”

  “As if the ride here wasn’t enough. And the stop at the cliffs?”

  He shrugged. “We were heading the same direction.”

  He signed the receipt then thanked the man and led me outside. I looked down at the ring and couldn’t stop smiling. “Thank you so much, Aiden. This is the perfect way to remember Galway.”

  “I know I’ll remember it for a long time,” he said, as his gaze lingered on my lips before dropping to my new ring.

  My throat tightened as I tried to swallow. I wasn’t used to having a man look at me like that, and my mind was having a hard time processing. I blinked and when I met his eyes there was a heat that hadn’t been there before. Maybe I was imagining it. Seeing what I wanted to see.

  Near us, a man began strumming his guitar. He sang the opening notes of a familiar song.

  I gasped. “The Parting Glass” was my favorite lullaby from when I was a child. I reached out for Aiden’s hand and squeezed it, needing something to ground me. To keep from crying in the middle of the crowd. He squeezed back and I lost myself in the lyrics.

  The man’s voice was a clear tenor that reached down deep into my soul. It was, by far, the best version I have heard of the song. The alley echoed the notes, amplifying the music.

  “Goodnight and joy be with you all.” The singer sang the final note and I broke out clapping before wiping away a tear.

  “That was wonderful. My mother used to sing that song to me.”

  Aiden looked stunned. “Really? What a coincidence.”

  I nodded, but something in my soul told me it was more than that. It was another sign I was where I was meant to be.

  “Here.” Aiden held out a bill and nodded toward the man. Without hesitation, I took it and rushed through the moving crowd to him.

  “Thank you so much, sir. That was absolutely incredible.” I dropped the bill in his guitar case and his eyes went wide.

  “Thank you, ma’am. Thank you.” He was smiling so wide that I felt like skipping back to Aiden. It wasn’t until we were walking away that I realized the bill had been bigger than the five and ten notes I had in my wallet. I tried to remember what it was and froze.

  “Was that a one-hundred-dollar bill you gave me?”

  Aiden paused and looked around. “Um, it’s Euro.”

  I shook my head. “You gave that man that much money?”

  He smirked. “Well actually, you did.”

  Realizing he hadn’t made a mistake I relaxed my shoulders and laughed. “You’re crazy. I can’t believe that.”

  He looked uncomfortable by the compliment. “He’s the amazing one. He deserved a good day.”

  I shook my head as we kept walking. I wouldn’t argue that. If I had the means I’d love to give out money like that. It probably made that singer’s day, or week!

  The more time I spent with Aiden, the more I longed to know.

  4

  Aiden

  “Follow me.” I tugged on Charlie’s hand and led her down the street through the crowd of people milling around the park. When she didn’t pull back I grinned, her hand felt so natural in mine. Like it had rested in mine for years. I could see her reflection in the shop windows, staring inside but I wanted to show her something much better than anything in the souvenir shops.

  “Where are we going?” She beamed up at me. It felt like the ultimate reward to see her this happy.

  We turned at a bend and I pointed across the street to the park. “Eyre Square.”

  Her brows furrowed but she didn’t ask anything else. I continued to hold her hand as we approached the fourteen flags at the edge of the park. My heart was racing as I snuck looks, watching her take this in. I wanted her to fall in love with Galway as I had.

  I walked her slowly along, weaving through the other people stopped to take pictures and watched her as she looked up at the different colored seals. When we got closer to the end I slowed down and waited.

  “Font, Browne, Lynch…” Her eyes widened and she looked up at me. “Lynch? Do you think it’s the same as my family?”

  I shrugged. “I can’t be sure without looking into your genealogy, but if your mother’s family was from Galway and their name was Lynch…” I shrugged again. I didn’t want to over-promise that it was, but I had a hunch when she told me her mother’s ma
iden name.

  “What are these?”

  “The fourteen tribes of Galway. The families that settled and built the city.”

  She turned to look around. “I can feel her here.”

  I smiled and squeezed her hand.

  Her eyes met mine, glassy and full of emotion. “Thank you.”

  I nodded once. She pulled out her phone and began taking pictures of the flags and the square. It was alive with people and the sound of bagpipes filled the air. She shook her head as she slid her phone back into her purse. “This is unbelievable, Aiden.”

  “There’s one more thing I want to show you.”

  She laughed. “How can there be more?”

  I winked. “There’s always more to a city like this.”

  Her blush lit a fire in my belly. I wanted to see more of it. I wanted to surprise her and see her light up.

  We wove our way back through Quay Street and arrived at the water’s edge. The sun was setting but there was enough light to see the bay and boats gliding along for a sunset ride. This sidewalk was much less populated and we had room to stop and watch without being rushed by the crowds.

  “Wait.” She paused and pulled out her phone. “Do you mind?”

  “Of course not.”

  I offered my hand, waiting for her to hand me the phone, but she smiled. “I meant would you mind if we took a picture together?”

  “I’d like nothing more.” I turned so we had the bay behind us and she held up her phone. I ducked in closer to her, inhaling her sweet scent, and fighting the urge to nuzzle her neck.

  “What were you going to show me?” she asked.

  I was so caught up in the moment, in her, that I’d temporarily forgotten why we were here.

  “This way.” I escorted her along the water to a short tunnel. She started walking through when I stopped her. “Look up, Charlie.”

  “Spanish Arch. One of four arches built in 1584.” She read the faded plaque then gasped and turned around. “No way.”

  I nodded.

  “This is so cool! It’s like two hundred years older than my country.”

  I wanted to show her the rest of Ireland, and Lochland. If she thought the 1500s were impressive, she was in for a shock.

  Her eyes gleamed, reflecting the setting sun. “Are you hungry?”

  She smiled sheepishly. “Yeah.”

  “I know of a place you might like.” I extended my hand and she slid her fingers between mine. I’d felt the zing whenever our hands touched. I was surprised by how natural this had become. One day together and we were falling into step with one another. I smiled down at her while we waited for the crossing light to change.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  I smiled. “It’s just a few blocks up.” I pointed with my free hand as we walked across the street.

  We joined the crowd meandering around the shopping district. I held her hand tight and did my best to weave us through without drawing too much attention. The last thing I needed was for someone to recognize me. The best part of coming to popular places like this is that most people assume I’d never show up here so they’re quick to convince themselves it wasn’t really me.

  When I caught a young woman watching me a little too closely, I turned my head and smiled down at Charlie, cutting off the stranger’s view of my face. Once we passed, I chanced a glance back but she was moving on.

  I let out a sigh and turned the final corner toward the restaurant.

  “Tuco’s?” Charlie sounded confused.

  “You mentioned your favorite food is anything Mexican.” I gestured to the door. “Would you like to see how Ireland measures up?”

  She laughed and shook her head. “This was the very last thing I was expecting.”

  I winked and opened the door. “I’ve got to keep you on your toes.”

  She smiled at me as she walked in and joined the line of customers. Once we ordered and found an empty table tucked into a corner in the upstairs dining area, I felt my nerves going taut.

  This was it. Today had been too perfect, too easy, to not ask for more. She had to have felt it too, right? I’d caught her stares when she thought I wasn’t looking. Every time she laughed my heartbeat quickened. It couldn’t just be me.

  Our food was delivered and she immediately picked up her taco and took a bite.

  She moaned with pleasure and smiled. “This is really good.”

  “In general, or for being European?”

  She wiped her mouth. “No this is just good.”

  I felt a twinge of pride even though I’d done nothing more than bring her here. For some reason I wanted her to like it here, not just Tuco’s, but Ireland. And hopefully, Lochland.

  We ate while I worked over how to broach the subject that had taken root in my mind. This morning it had been something that passed through my thoughts, but the second I latched on and truly considered the possibility, the more I obsessed over making it happen. I just needed her to agree, without thinking I’m insane.

  “Charlie?”

  She blinked up at me, her mouth full.

  I couldn’t keep the grin off my face. She was so refreshing. So raw. No worries about being refined or proper. No guilt over simply being herself.

  “I have a proposition for you.”

  She cocked her head and swallowed. “What kind of proposition?”

  I sucked in a breath. “I don’t mean to offend, but am I correct in my belief that you are short on money?”

  She pursed her lips and seemed to be thinking deeply. Finally, she nodded. “You’re right. I thought once I got here things would be cheaper. Like the biggest hurdle would be the flight here, but…” She shook her head and sighed. “I don’t think I’ll make it past London. I can’t afford the trip I planned.”

  I nodded, treading carefully. “I want to help you with that.”

  Her eyes narrowed to slits. “How?”

  I hurried before she could start thinking the worst. “I have an event coming up at the end of the week. I would like you to be my date. In exchange, I’ll fund the rest of your trip.”

  Her eyebrows shot up and she sat back. “So it is that kind of proposition.”

  I shook my head. “No, Charlie.”

  “You want to pay me to be your escort or date.”

  “Yes, but not like that. I don’t want or expect anything other than your time.”

  She closed her eyes. “Aiden, I’m going to give you another chance to explain this only because I like you.”

  I cringed. I was messing this up. “I have a family wedding I must attend, and I would like for you to be my date. Nothing more. To compensate you for the time and inconvenience of disrupting your travels, I’ll reimburse you.”

  I waited and prayed I hadn’t screwed that up. It sounded fine in my head but I could see how she’d misinterpreted it.

  “A family wedding?” She looked apprehensive.

  I nodded once. I hoped she wouldn’t keep probing. I couldn't give more than vague information and I strongly suspected she’d say no if she knew the complete truth.

  “Do you get flak for being single? ”Her voice had turned sympathetic and I realized she was considering it.

  I laughed. “You have no idea.”

  “And you don’t have anyone else you could possibly take? You had to find a stranger?”

  I shook my head. “No, I could find someone to show up on my arm, but I would very much like it to be you.”

  She bit her lip then slowly smiled. “I did come here for adventure.”

  I reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “You’ll be my date?”

  “I should probably know more information. I don’t even have a dress to wear.”

  “I’ll take care of everything. My sister will be there and she’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

  She seemed to brighten at the mention of my sister. Maybe she felt better knowing she wouldn’t be alone. Little did she know how rare privacy and anonymity w
ere.

  “Is it here?” she asked. “In Ireland?”

  I shook my head. “It’s in Lochland.”

  She giggled. “You’ll do anything to get me there, won’t you.”

  I nodded, unashamed. “I can promise you it will be an experience you’ll never forget. We can stay at my parent’s house, so you don’t have to worry about a hotel or being alone with me.”

  She closed her eyes and shook her head then met my gaze. “You better not be a serial killer, Aiden.”

  I sat up straight. “You have my word that no harm will come to you, Charlie. I’ll make sure George is around as well, so you’ll have backup.”

  “This is crazy, Aiden.”

  I nodded. “I know, but I don’t want my time with you to end, Charlie.”

  Her eyes widened for a beat but she recovered, shaking her head. “I just got to Ireland. I’m not ready to leave.”

  I took her hands in mine, hoping she felt the same spark I did every time we touched. “You can come back as soon as the wedding is over. I’ll make sure you see everything here and all you want through Europe. I’ll set up private tours and drivers so you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying the experience.”

  She sighed. “That sounds like a dream.”

  “It can come true.” I pleaded with my eyes. I wasn’t used to people resisting my efforts. I wasn’t above begging but hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that.

  “Aiden.” Her resolve was weakening.

  “Charlie, I promise this will be an experience you’ll never forget. You just have to trust me.”

  She hesitated but finally nodded once. “I trust you, Aiden.”

  “So you’ll come?”

  She hesitated a few seconds and then nodded. “Yeah. I’ll be your date.”

  I jumped up and gathered her in my arms. I never wanted to let her go. I wanted this day, our time together to last forever. “I’m so excited for you to see my country.”

  I released her and stepped back.

  She smoothed her hair and smiled. “When do we leave?”