Page 93 of The Un-Apparent Heir

Ed squeezed Natalie’s hand as she returned to his side, telling her it was a job well done.

“Thank you all. I won’t go on and on,” Lucy said. “I’m not a new face as much as I am new to this role. We have all spoken at some point. It is great to be back and I am honoured to serve as Lady Chamberlain. I will hit the ground running now with some updates. As the Princess Regent indicated, His Majesty is expected to be out for an indeterminate amount of time. The Princess—with the Duke of Cornwall by her side—will serve in the stead of His Majesty to open parliament. The Princess and Duke will also accept the credentials of the new American Ambassador and attend an event hosted by the American Mission at Winfield House next week.”

Lucy continued. “Prince George will return to service at the end of this week, attending a Teenage Cancer Trust banquet. His duties will primarily pick up some slack from his mother and Prince Paul’s patronages. At the request of her doctors, The Duchess of Inverness has taken leave. She is off-duty until at least the autumn following the anticipated arrival of twins. Prince Paul will be on light duty as he spends more time at home with his children and wife.”

That would ruffle feathers. There was nothing Sanne could do right. It was the age-old gripe. Thankfully, she handled it well.

“The Princess of Wales and Duke of Cornwall will begin their leave on July 15 or when doctors require it. The Princess, as announced, has retired from her duty as a flight instructor at RAF Valley. And, while the couple will continue to spend time at their private residence in Wales, they will permanently relocate their primary residence to Kensington Palace and the Frogmore Estate.”

That was expected and was leaked.

“Finally, Her Majesty will return to part-time service at the beginning of April, the King’s health permitting. But, as expected, she remains focused on the King’s recovery. To help cover some of these duties, the Duke and Duchess of York will take on more service. The Princess remains eternally grateful for her family’s support, especially at this very busy time and with the impending arrival of her child.”

Natalie and Ed smiled. There was no covering that up.

“And that is about it. My office will send regular updates on ceremonial matters and coordinate with Parliament as always. The comptroller and I will work on matters of the royal purse. I can take basic questions but may not respond to all. And before anyone asks, while Prince George and his familyarepresently staying at Frogmore, they are seeking a permanent residence elsewhere. I cannot share more.”

And with that, it was over. The press didn’t get much else out of Lucy other than resting bitch face when she wouldn’t answer. She was the sweetest person but could put on such a steely exterior. Together, she and Natalie were the dynamic duo that would again keep the family going.

Sanne banged on Natalie and Ed’s apartment door at KP. Paul played video games with Ed, but she needed something immediately. And, at only thirty-two weeks, she was panicking with contractions. A footman answered.

“Your Royal Highness,” he said, confused. “How can I?—”

Sanne rudely pushed past, ignoring him. She stormed into the living room and stared at the men speechlessly. She was having a contraction, nearly doubled over, and out of breath.

“Yes, darling?” Paul asked.

“Are you in labour?” Ed asked, more perceptive.

“I…” Sanne finally responded to the anticlimactic situation, “I don’t know. I need to get to the hospital now.”

“But they aren’t due for a few more weeks,” Paul said. “Cannot be.”

“It doesn’t work like that, Paul,” Sanne said.

“Fuck. Okay. What do we do?”

“Paul, I need you to organise things so I can get to the damn hospital. I do not have time to waste. These babies cannot come at home. They are too small. My bag isn’t even packed.”

“What? You’re supposed to pack that at 24 weeks, I thought?” Ed asked.

“Unhelpful,” Paul told Ed. “Also, second kid and onward, you just don’t think about it.”

“I am sorry but I am very much thinking about it and very much having contractions, Paul!”

“I know, I know. Uh… can you make it up the stairs?”

“No, Paul. Fucking no. I cannot. Keir is entertained with a movie and Nate is asleep next door. I don’t even have?—”

“Don’t worry about that. I will take care of the kids,” Ed said. “Nat and I have it covered.”

“You have staff,” Paul said. “They will handle the bag.”

“What about if we’re stuck there because… twins? Early? We will be.”

“It will be okay. There are dozens of us,” Ed assured. “Your job is to get in the car and go to hospital. Nat will be home in about an hour. We’ve got the boys. It’s no problem.”

“Someone needs to call my mom.”

---