Free Princess Ever After (Royal Wedding Series) by Rachel Hauck

Burkhardt’s countenance steeled—“we’d like to remain a nation. Determine our own destiny. Hessens are a patriotic and proud people. In a more practical word, our two economies are sinking one another. It’s the desire of both nations for Hessenberg to be independent, a sovereign nation again, at the end of the entail.”
    “All right, then exactly how does Reg fit into all of this?” Daddy tossed his peppermint wrapper toward the kitchen trash. Sadie commented that he missed. “And really, how do we know you’re legit? How do we know these formal-looking documents aren’t forged?”
    “Those are solid, fine questions.” Mr. Burkhardt examined the documents on the table, selecting one to show to Daddy. “You see here, this is the king’s cipher and his seal.”
    Reggie listened on the edge, using the moment to examine the Hessenberg visitor with her heart’s eyes. What was in this for him? Just a job? Doing the king’s bidding? Yet, if Hessenberg separated from Brighton, he’d no longer be Mr. Burkhardt’s king.
    Was Mr. Burkhardt seeking promotion, position, or just being a loyal servant? A fastball revelation smacked Reggie’s heart . . .
    “If I do this, will I be your boss?”
    He glanced over at her, his expression, the strong cut of his jaw, reflecting nothing of his feelings. Nothing beneath his surface. He was handsome, built like an athlete with a corporate-guy demeanor.
    “You will be my sovereign, yes.”
    “And you’d be fine with that? Me? A car enthusiast who cares little about politics other than my right to vote telling you what to do?”
    He straightened. “If I say yes, will you come to Hessenberg?” Deep-toned, matter-of-fact, extremely serious.
    “Do you ever smile?” Reggie said.
    A very soft, faint smile flirted with his lips. “If I say yes, will you come to Hessenberg?”
    “Depends.” She crossed her arms. “You saw that Corvette in the yard tonight?”
    “What Corvette?” Daddy said.
    “Oh, Daddy.” Excitement bubbled in her chest. “Did you meet Urban Jessup? He’s one of Mark’s friends.”
    “That big-time lawyer from the serial killer trial?”
    “Yeah, that’s the guy. Anyway, he bought a ’53 Vet. One of the originals.”
    “Ho, ho, ho, Reg.” Delight sparked in Daddy’s eyes. “One of your dream cars. God is smiling on you.”
    “I couldn’t believe it when he drove up. And you know he wanted to restore it himself?”
    “But you convinced him otherwise.”
    “Yes, I did.” Daddy slapped Reggie a high five.
    “Miss Beswick.” Mr. Burkhardt exhaled what sounded like his last breath. “We need you in Hessenberg immediately.” Nothing remained of his slight smile.
    “For how long? What will I have to do?” Reggie turned back to him. Al and the boys could start on the Vet. She’d hate to make Urban wait. Either way, she’d be back in time for the good stuff.
    Besides, it might be kind of cool to visit Gram’s birthplace, get a taste of her own heritage and roots.
    “You will have to . . .” Mr. Burkhardt shuffled the papers, displaying the first nervous break in his steel visage. “This is rather awkward, Miss Beswick.”
    “It wasn’t awkward a few minutes ago.”
    He met her gaze, his confidence returned. “This will sound unusual to you, an American, but you will prepare to take the Oath of the Throne. Then take your place as head of state, and move toward a full royal coronation.”
    “Oath? Head of state?” Reggie, Daddy, and Sadie spoke together, in harmonious surprise.
    “Once you take the oath, you will be the official heir and enabled by law to sign the end of the entail and inherit, if you will, the duchy and return her to full nation status once more. Thus you’ll be our leader under which our government can be established.” Mr. Burkhardt offered her a document. “We’ve prepared a summary of events that must take place.”
    Reggie hesitated, then reached for the paper. She skimmed the bulleted lines. Return to