Page 128 of The Backup Princess

I know where your vote is sitting in the next general election.

Royal, remember? Can't vote. How did the C.A.Y.A.C. meeting go?

We brainstormed a bunch of fundraising ideas and I’m approaching some musicians to put on a concert.

Anyone I know?

That depends. Have you heard of Taylor Swift?

Are you serious??!!

I’m more hopeful than anything. But wouldn’t it be amazing? We have a new research project we need to fund. We're all so hopeful it will give us the breakthrough we’re looking for.

I hope so, too. If you do get Tay Tay, I could be your date. Actually, I’d be your date to see anyone perform.

But then everyone would be looking at your beauty.

Flatterer.

Just saying it the way it is.

“What number on Via Mazzi are you looking for, sir?” Craig asks.

“I'm not sure.” I peer out the window and spot the shop I'm looking for. “Actually, right here, if you don't mind.”

“Of course, sir,” he replies as he pulls the vehicle over.

I must go. I’ve got important things to do.

Go. Do your important things, and make sure you look hot while doing them.

Always ?? Talk tonight?

I’ve got a dinner with the King and Queen of Sweden.

Look who’s all important now. Afterwards?

I wouldn’t miss it xoxo

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Overachiever.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo and more when I see you when you finally come to visit me here.

I’m counting the days. Literally. (it’s 11, btw) xoxo

I climb out of the car with the biggest, goofiest grin on my face. In 11 days, Maddie will be here and I’ll get to show her my country and Villadorata and the palace and everything. Because I want nothing more than to share absolutely everything in my life with her.

The teenage girl behind the counter blinks at me in recognition. “How-how can I help you?” she asks.

“Good afternoon. Do you by any chance have mint chocolate chip gelato?”

“We do, Your Royal Highness,” she replies.

“Do you ship to Malveaux?”

“You want to ship an ice cream to Malveaux?” she asks in disbelief.

---