A Crown Divided By Loyalty

3

"It will be the first time to have a sibling trip, ay?" Casper looked at his three children with a proud grin on his face. "And that in England."

Leonidas, the eldest at 28, rolled his eyes. "We are grownups. And we have been away before."

"Yes, but none of you have been together on a royal trip," their father continued. "It's a big thing."

The 28-year-old, the 25-year-old and the 23-year-old shared and glanced at each other.

Leonidas, along with his younger siblings, Carolina, 25, and Vivienne, 23, exchanged knowing glances. This wasn't the first time their father had made a fuss over something they saw as simple, but his enthusiasm was contagious.

Vivienne, the youngest, grinned mischievously. "So, does that mean we'll have to behave like actual royals the whole time? No getting into trouble?"

Carolina chuckled. "Not sure you're capable of that."

"Hey, I'm perfectly capable of behaving when I need to," Vivienne shot back, though her grin betrayed her words. She had always been the troublemaker of the three.

Casper, watching them with a fond smile, leaned back. "It'll be good for all of you. You represent this family, and I know you'll do us proud."

"Maybe we will find a husband for Carolina!" Vivienne looked at Leonidas. "Our goal out of this trip will be: a husband for Carolina."

"Yes, yes!" Leonidas said.

Carolina's face straightened, and she looked at her father for help, but he just let the conversation happen. "No, we will not."

The teasing at the dinner table continued as Vivienne leaned in with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Caro, you have been single since... well, forever. Have you actually ever introduced a boyfriend to us?" She tilted her head, pretending to think. "The fact that it takes me this long to recall anyone gives me the answer."

"Sven," Carolina shot back defensively.

"That feels like a hundred years ago," Vivienne teased, her grin widening. "Maybe we'll find you a nice English prince! Imagine: handsome, tea, English accent..."

Carolina straightened her posture, her playful expression fading as she looked toward her father for support, but Casper just chuckled, clearly enjoying the sibling banter. "Will you shut it off?" Carolina retorted, her annoyance beginning to show.

Leonidas, constantly one to stir the pot, joined in. "Or... maybe you're hopelessly in love with one of the staff members. Simon, perhaps? No, wait... Vincent!" His tone was light, but his words struck a chord.

Carolina's frown deepened. "What? No!" she shot back, her voice carrying a hint of panic that only fuelled Vivienne's laughter. "I'm taking my time, picking the right one. Not just anyone to get married to for the sake of it. I must live with him forever, so I might as well pick someone good-looking, funny, and kind."

"Remember you have one month left, and then..." Leonidas said and raised his eyebrows. 

"Don't even start about it," Carolina mumbled. 

Casper, still chuckling at the exchange, raised his glass. "To take your time, Caro. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

Vivienne winked at her older sister. "Fine, fine. But if we meet any handsome Englishman on this trip, keep an open mind."

"Just let me handle my own love life."

Giggles filled the room, except for Carolina. She rolled her eyes and shook her head.