Chapter 383

"Christian, it isn't something you can just DO. These negotiations take time. Lots of time." Auggie said. Phillip, another advisor that had been hired on when Christian took over, crossed his arms and nodded. Philip had a history is his majesty's army but went dark after becoming a spy. He was chosen specifically by his mother to guide and advise Christian. He was a close friend of his late father.

"I understand that but I'm not going to just allow these trade issues to interfere with the economy of my country. Arrange a meeting with the German President." Christian said.

"Very well. I'm advising against this. Just to be clear." Auggie said.

"Let him do it. The entire world seems to be having an issue with taking our young king seriously. Let him go and show them he is of Royal blood and tenacity. I will go with him." Phillip said. Christian looked at him and smiled, nodding in thanks. Auggie rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Yes fine. I will let you know." He said, walking out and leaving Philip with Christian.

"You are in over your head with this, just so we are clear. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't go for it. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised." Philip said. Christian smiled and nodded.

"Christian!" A breathless Isla said as she entered his office carrying multiple shopping bags.

"Hello sister. It appears as though you have had an expensively good day." Christian said, keeping his focus on the paperwork on his desk.

"As a matter of fact, I did. And it was glorious. How is my hard working and super serious older brother today?" She asked, slamming herself into a chair and opening a bottle of water.

"Busy." Christian said.

"You need a break. I know! Let's get lunch. I'm starving to death and Mum is with Alexander today at the Sotheby's auction. Come take me to get food before I wither away and die." She said, dramatically putting her hand on her forehead as if she was fainting.

"Oh little sister. They've already given out the Oscar awards this year." Christian said sarcastically.

"Plllllease?" She said.

"Fine. Let me finish this and I will meet you at the car." He said. She smiled and stood up.

"Wonderful! I will invite some friends." She said.

"Wait, no." Christian tried to say but she was already out of the room. He shook his head. His sister was pure energy and blissful ignorance. He loved her but she was better in small doses. And her friends were just as overwhelming as she was at times. He sighed and put away his notes and reports, grabbed his suit jacket and went to the car.

"Where are we going? This better be worth it. We have three cars and five security guards." Christian asked.

"Six if you count Gilley." Derek said with a chuckle.

"No one counts Gilley." Isla said, rolling her eyes.

"Oh come now, Isla. He was your best mate in primary, remember?" Christian said with a smile. She slapped his arm.

"I was in my second year of school and he was my recess partner because we both got caught trespassing to pick flowers and needed to be kept an eye on. That's it. I hate you, Christian." She said, rolling her eyes.

"Criminals together, then." Christian said, laughing.

Isla didn't acknowledge it.

London always made a scene when one of the Royal siblings made a public appearance. They were all the hottest thing in the gossip rags being that they were Royal and absolutely gorgeous. They had a rock star mother and king for a father. They were beyond the celebrity norm.

They pulled up to a large upscale restaurant in the heart of London called Quaglino's, a European brasserie and seafood specialty place. Trendy with excellent food. They exited the car and cameras flashed all around them. It was late January and cold and drizzly out so it made for messy maneuver between the bodies of the paparazzi and press. Derek told a man to bugger off that came too close and after a bit of chaos, they were inside and lead quickly to a table.

They sat down and within a few moments, the shrill sound of Isla's friend Cadence rang out into the air.

"Iiiiiiiiilsa! Dear! It's been too long!" She came over and kissed Isla on the cheek. "And your majesty, Christian! Lovely as always." She said, bowing.

"Hello Cadence." He said, standing up and greeting her. Cadence was one of Isla's oldest friends. She was brassy and loud and completely over the top most often. She came from money and made sure everyone around her knew her father was the most successful bio mechanical engineer in England. He developed the first artificial pancreas and was working to save many lives and her mother was a French socialite.

Christian looked to her left and saw the most beautiful blue eyes he had ever seen.

"Christian, this is my cousin from France, Sophie. Sophie, this is Christian." Cadence said.

"Your majesty." She said with a slight French accent and a curtsey.

"Lovely to meet you." He said, kissing her hand. She was beautiful. Like a woman straight out of a Keats poem, something soft and feminine, yet complex and perhaps someone who could destroy you. She had full lips and long, blonde hair. She was tall and lean and had the most incredible smile.

They all sat down and began to chat. Sophie was in town for a week to apply for an internship at a law firm in city.

"Which one?" Christian asked.

"Pilsen and Thompkins." Sophie said, clearing her throat slightly. Christian looked at Isla. They both were thinking the same thing.

Erik.

He had worked his way through law school after being acquitted in his second trial. He was now a highly successful defense solicitor in London now. He remained in contact with Dylan and their mum but only in a generalized sense. Christmas cards and charity events, things like that.

Sophie blushed. "I, I know the history. I apologize." She said.

"No need to do that. Things have calmed and life goes forward. I'm certain you will learn much." Isla said. Christian remained quiet about it. He hated Erik with all of his being. He knew what a snake he had been to his mother and father and wasn't as forgiving as the others. A snake is always a snake, he thought.

They ate lunch and continued to chat, and Christian decided he was glad he went and got out for a bit. As they walked to the door to leave, Sophie smiled and thanked Christian for the lunch he bought them.

"My pleasure." He said.

"Maybe you'd let me return the favor sometime?" She asked. He wasn't sure what to say. It was only the second time a woman had ever asked him out. The first being the American the night after Christmas. He smiled with he thought of Nora. He still had her number in his desk drawer.

"Of course. Would love to sometime." He said, opening the door for her with Derek leading them to their cars.