Royally Loved

By Renee Blumhorst

Ever since her mother died, Bryana had to work for everything.  Her hard work was going to pay off too.  All she had to do was not fall for the handsome Roark Fitzgerald.

 

Roark is a prince running from his responsibilities.  When his mother, Amelia Queen of Caladonia, allowed him a year away from his duties; Roark never realized he would meet the love of his life.

 

Caladonian law forces the two of them to marry long before either is ready.  Will their love for each other grow, or will Bryana find herself in a loveless marriage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bear Creek Books LLC
• Release date: Feb 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393842248

Renee Blumhorst

Renee has been an avid reader all her life.  Now she is weaving her own tales to tell her fans.  When Renee is not writing, she can be found working alongside her husband on the family farm or curled up with a book. Follow her on Instagram at Facebook- Author Renee Blumhorst.  authorreneeblumhorst.blogspot.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

B ryana!! Wait up!

Flipping her long auburn hair as she turned, Bryana Huff watched warily as two of the most annoying men on campus hurried toward her.  What do you want Fitzgerald?

Stopping in front of her, the more handsome one of the two answered Aww lass.  Brennen and I just wanted to walk you to class.

Refusing to let him see just how much that deep Scottish accent affected her, Bryanna instead crossed her arms and answered. Roark Fitzgerald, you know I’m perfectly capable of walking myself by myself.

While that is true, Brennen injected with a grin, If we didn’t walk with you, then Roark here would not be able to ask you a very important question.

Rolling her eyes at them, Bryana turned and resumed walking across the campus of Orange University in Central Florida.  The campus was busy with students making their way to morning classes.  Thankfully, it was another beautiful morning in August with mild temperatures and a light breeze.  Both Roark and Brennen fell into step with one on each side of Bryana.  Glancing to Roark on her right, Bryana sighed Why can’t you take ‘no’ for an answer?  I’m not interested in dating anyone at this time.

Now how do you know I’m going to ask you out?

Because you do at least three times a week.

Running his hand through his curly chestnut hair, Roark sighed and asked You have a break after Econ right?

Yes.  I have an hour break until Biology. Why?

Would you join me for coffee across the street after class? I just want to talk and get to know you better as a friend, since you refuse to date me.

By this time, the trio had made it to the Anderson building where they all had Economics class.  Brennen held the door open, giving Roark a small nod, so they could enter the building and head up to the third floor for class.

I don’t think I could afford a coffee today. Bryana replied Or any day for that matter. She added silently.

My treat.

With a huff, Bryana answered as they entered the classroom Alright fine.  I’ll have coffee with you after class.

Making her way to the back of the room, Bryana sat down in the next to last row.  She was very thankful Brennen and Roark sat on the last row.  With Roark behind her, Bryanna could concentrate on class and not stare at Roark’s beautiful back.  However, that was not the case, Bryanna found herself wondering why Roark was so persistent in asking her, of all people, out.

Roark Fitzgerald could have his pick of any woman on campus.  His deep voice with the thick Scottish accent made Bryanna mentally swoon every time she heard it.  Tall, and built like a linebacker, Roark looked like he could hold his own during a street fight.  But Bryanna would never forget how gently Roark held her when he found her crying in the back of the library.  He didn’t ask questions, he just held her until her tears were gone.

Did she want to date Roark? Absolutely.  But not only could she not afford new clothes to wear on dates, Bryana couldn’t afford to lose her heart to a man who was destined to leave her and go back home when they graduated in May.

Alright everyone. Professor Morgan called out, effectively snapping Bryana out of her day dream. In four weeks, your big projects are due.  Today, I will be assigning you into groups of three.  Each group will work together and create a presentation to present to the class.

As Prof Morgan started reading off the groups, Bryana couldn’t help but look around at her possible group members.  She really hoped whoever she ended up working with would pull their weight with the work load.  Someone else was definitely going to have to do all the typing since Bryana didn’t own a laptop.

And finally...Bryana Huff, Brennen Flynn, and Roark Fitzgerald.  That’s it for today, see you all on Monday.

Great, just great.  Now Bryana was stuck working on an important project with the man who could make Bryana forget her own name just by saying Hello. 

Concentrating on gathering and putting her things into her backpack, Bryana started when she felt a hand on her shoulder.  Looking up, there was none other than Roark with a stupid grin on his face. Guess, it’s a good thing we are going out for coffee now.

Chapter 2

Walking with Roark and Brennen to the coffee shop should have been a dream come true for Bryana.  Instead, she tugged nervously on her oversized shirt and kept glancing at the Conservatory where she normally spent her hour break.  After all, there were only so many hours in the day she could practice.  It didn’t help she had an important recital coming up as well.

I take it you had other plans then coffee during your break. Brennen stated.

What makes you say that?

You’ve glanced over at the Conservatory about every other step since we left class.

Oh well, I have a recital coming up and I need to practice my pieces.

Why do you practice so much? asked Roark.  I’ve never heard anyone play as beautiful as you do.

If I don’t perform well at recital, I’ll lose my scholarship.  I won’t be able to finish my degree without my scholarship to pay for my schooling.

Relax.  You will play beautifully as you always do. Roark stated as he held the coffee shop door open for Bryana.

Brennen? Aren’t you coming in? asked Bryana

No.  I have an important phone call to make.

Oh. Okay.

Bryana and Roark walked into the dim interior of the coffee shop.  Why don’t you grab us a table near the window and I’ll get our drinks. Roark said.  What would you like to drink?

Biting her lower lip, Bryana looked down at her feet unsure how to tell Roark she had never had a fancy coffee from an actual coffee shop before.  She normally drank the cheap, instant coffee bought at the dollar store.  Well...um...I don’t know. she stammered.

Two fingers gently lifted Bryana’s chin, forcing her to meet Roark’s eyes.  She was surprised to find Roark’s dark green eyes full of compassion.  Have you ever been to a coffee shop before? he asked gently.

Shaking her head, Bryana replied softly No, I can never afford to come here.

Kindness filled Roark’s face Ok. I’ll order for you. All I need to know is hot or cold, and vanilla chocolate or hazelnut.

Hot and chocolate please. Bryana said breathlessly.

Go grab us a table.  I’ll be right back.

Turning away from Roark, Bryana walked over to the window and sat down at a table for two.  Looking around, Bryana took in her surroundings.  The dark wood floors gleamed in the midmorning sunlight.  The white tables and chairs were a stark contrast, but blended in well with the white walls.  Dark wood accents were all along the coffee shop to complete the look.  Each table had a small vase of flowers to add a pop of color to the place.  Inhaling deeply, Bryana breathed in the strong scent of coffee.  It was heavenly.  The shop wasn’t busy as she suspected it was first thing in the morning.  As it was, there were only a couple other students, besides Roark of course, in line waiting for their drinks.  This would be a great place to study. Bryana thought to herself.   

Glancing out the window, Bryana saw Brennen on the phone.  His whole demeanor had changed.  Brennen was running a hand through his wavy brown hair and had a goofy grin on his face.  His blue eyes sparkled as he laughed.  It was only then, Bryana realized how little she had seen Brennen smile.  Most of the time, he had a serious expression on his face.

Roark set an oversized coffee cup of something wonderful smelling in front of Bryana.  This is a Mocha Latte; I hope you like it. he said with a smile.

It smells amazing. Bryanna replied bringing the cup to her lips.  Oh, that is so good.  She let out a soft moan, closing her eyes briefly.

Roark smiled, taking a sip from his cup.

Who is Brennen talking to? Bryana asked glancing out the window again.  Brennen was now leaning against the tree directly across from them.

His wife, Chelsea. Roark replied with a smile.

Oh.  I didn’t realize he was married.

He and Chelsea have been married three years now.

Bryana continued to watch Brennen for a couple more minutes before turning back to Roark.  So, what did you want to talk about?

A small smile graced Roark’s face before answering.  I wanted to ask you why you always turn me down when I ask you out.

With a small huff, Bryana set her cup down and answered.  Because I can’t.  If I’m not at school, I’m working.  Besides, if you knew more about me, you wouldn’t want to date me.

Cocking his head to the side, Roark also set his cup back down on the table.  I find that very hard to believe.  Tell me something about yourself and let me be the judge of that.

Nervously, Bryana glanced back out the window at Brennen, who was now laughing.  Then she looked down at her half-finished Mocha and began playing with her cup, trying to figure a way out of this mess.  Before she could come up with anything, Roark reached across the table and took he right hand in his. 

Bryana, look at me. He softly commanded, his voice thick with emotion.  Roark waited until she met his eyes before continuing. There is nothing you can say, that will make me think less of you. 

With a small nod, Bryana looked Roark in the eye.  "I’m homeless.  I live at the mission two blocks away.

Sitting back in his chair, Roark took a moment to study her before replying.  The look on his face suggested he was trying to decide if Bryana was serious.  You think that makes a difference to me? 

Shrugging her shoulders, Bryana looked down.  She didn’t want to see the look of pity in his eyes.  Any other emotion she could handle, but not pity.  I got to go.  Thanks for the coffee.

Before she could get out of her chair, Bryana felt Roark’s hand on her arm.  Wait.  There’s still thirty minutes before your next class.  We need to talk.

And just what do you want to talk about? Bryana still couldn’t look at him.

First and fore most why you think what you just said matters to me.  I mean it matters; I hate the idea of you living at the mission.  But, that’s not a good enough reason why I shouldn’t date you.

Oh please.  You of all people want to date the girl with no home, who works every spare minute of the day just to be able to scrape by.  I’m not a charity case.