Title: Rogue Royal

 

Douglas couldn’t believe his parents were asking for advice on how to handle him. How old did they think he was? Granted, he didn’t make the best decisions sometimes, but why did he need to be handled?

He stood facing the occupants of the room and closed the door behind him. The fewer people who heard this conversation, the better. His preference would be for Maverick not to hear it either, but as they had involved the other man, there was nothing for it.

“Douglas, you have to admit you are not behaving as a royal should.” His mother crossed her legs and tilted her head at him.

“And what about how I want to live?” Douglas had this conversation many times over the years with his mother.

He saw her mouth twitch. “Within the privacy of your home or ours, you can behave however you wish. Unfortunately, our status within the country, as you know, differs from many other people. We do not have the luxury to do whatever we want to. The people look up to us. What the media publishes reflects on our family as a whole, not just you.”

Douglas’s gaze flicked to Maverick, then to the floor. His cheeks heated, and he clenched his fingers together in front of him. “I’m sorry, Mother, Father. I will try better.” It wasn’t what he wanted to say, but what more could he offer? His actions showed more than his words did, even when the media misinterpreted his actions.

“We will revisit this conversation in two weeks.” His father stood. “I do not want to hear any more stories about what trouble you have managed to get into. If I do, you will not like the consequences.” His father kissed his mother on her cheek, whispered something to her and strode to the door. “Maverick, keep me abreast of the situation.”

Maverick glanced at Douglas. “Yes, sir.”

Douglas clenched his jaw again, trying hard to contain what he thought of his situation. When the door closed behind his father, Douglas relaxed his stance and approached his mother, kneeling by her feet.

“I’m sorry, Mother. I really am. I don’t know…” He didn’t finish his sentence, peering at Maverick, not wanting to expose his feelings further.

Maverick stood. “If that is all, Your Majesty?”

Louisa nodded her head. “Thank you, Maverick.”

Maverick glanced at Douglas and bowed to them before retreating. Douglas dropped his head forward, waiting for the inevitable reprimand. A hand rested against his head, the fingers running through his hair.

“Oh, Douglas. Whatever am I going to do with you?”

 

I am Elouise East but feel free to call me Elli. I write sweet and steamy connections in gay romance. I also touch on taboo stories under the name Elouise R East.

Books that tell the stories where friendship and family are the focal point – be it blood family or chosen – is very important to me. That’s why I include a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as I believe a story needs, or a character needs. I want my characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell me they have. And trust me, most of the time, I do not have any say in the matter!

My characters come to life on the page for me as well as my readers. Their stories unfold in front of me, and I have very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of my characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I write books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of my stories. I don’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.

Who am I? A single parent to two children who make life worth living. An avid reader who still devours every book she can get her hands on. A student of learning about any subject that takes her fancy. An author of books she would read herself. And a romantic at heart who loves anything cheesy.

Who’s in?