Chapter 10
Ryder
Nicole and I spent most of the dinner together, without much interference from my father. He spoke to his guests and my brother, Harry.
With Nicole, though, it was like I had someone close who might care a little about me, so being ignored as usual was a good thing.
The food tasted better to me as I watched her enjoy it. And in between courses we talked about everything from solar power to pop music. Then dessert was served, multekrem, a mix of cloudberries, whipped cream and sugar.
Nicole’s pretty brown eyes lighted up as she tasted it, so I knew she must like it. As she finished her first bite, I said, “The sooner we get to retire, the better. That’s all I really want.”
My father, King Sven, suddenly folded his hands and his blue eyes bore into me as he said, “Son,
