Page 75 of The Un-Apparent Heir

“Norway is different.”

“Thank God for that,” Olav said in Norsk.

Sanne snickered.

“Look, I don’t think six months is doable, Natalie.”

“Robert,” Vanna’s tone was sharp. “You gave me six months with the twins. We always said Sanne could do the same. Natalie is not a special case. She'll be treated like everyone else. And it’s not up to you at present, is it?”

“We took six months for Victoria,” Duncan pointed out. “How do you know that baby will sleep? Take pity on both of them—especially Ed who gets to shoulder the burden. Best of luck, mate.”

“I relish the opportunity, but it is important she gets time to recover,”Ed said.

He looked about to burst in frustration, but let it go. “Six months it is. Bloody hell, I think knowing you, well, you’ll be bored, Natalie.”

“So what? If I am bored, I can return to service. In the meantime, I will enjoy my child.”

“I agree with her,” Elliot said. “Not that it matters, but I agree with Vanna and Duncan on this.”

“It does,” Vanna said. “Because Robert is wrong.”

Robbie rolled his eyes. Sanne stifled a giggle. God, she loved to watch the two row. Paul and Robbie were both stubborn, but Paul always put the boys first. And now? He always could. He’d never be king!

There was a knock.

“Come in,” Vanna called.

Everyone turned to hear the door open. A footman approached.

“Your Majesties, there is news at the guardhouse. The Countess of Lauderdale has turned up—unannounced—with a baby in a pram. She is asking for the Princess of Wales and wants to ring her at Frogmore, but she’s here. Were you expecting her, Your Royal Highness?”

“Lucy’s at the gate?” Natalie perked. “Really?”

“She is, ma’am. And… she looks very unlike herself.”

“Let her in, of course,” Robbie insisted. “Don’t make her stand out there with a baby!”

“Where is Winston?” Ed asked.

Sanne had a bad feeling about that answer, but only time would tell. It was a long time since Lucy reached out. It made Sanne sad. She wished their children were closer, but the opportunity was never there. Lucy and Winston only came down on important occasions and each time, Lucy looked less and less the confident woman she used to be.

19

STOLEN SUNSHINE

Lucy stood at the castle gates. It was late, dark, and pouring rain. She had nowhere else and was aware she looked unstable. Winston had everyone. Lucy was alone. She felt once more like she had after George left her to pick up the pieces. Winston hadn’t even rang. The last text he sent was around noon. Lucy made up an excuse that the baby was fine, but she needed to go shopping. That was hours ago. Maybe he just wanted her gone? She worried he was relieved.

“Come with me, ma’am,” a guard said.

Lucy followed him inside, a place she knew very well. She was brought to the dining room to find the whole family assembled, and dressed formally. Lucy felt underdressed and awkward.

“Lucy,” Natalie hopped up. “Oh my God, what is going on? Let me take Iona. Why are you down here? Where is Winston?”

Lucy was glad to let the baby go. She didn’t answer questions.

“Come, sit here,” Vanna said. “Move, Georgie!”

“Sure.” George, looking confused, grabbed Lucy a chair from the corner and squeezed it in next to the Queen.

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