Page 32 of Learning to Rule

“Yes, it is.” I hand it to her to look at.

“Wow, it’s really heavy.”

“It is.” I fall silent. Looking around at all the jewels in the room. My father added to this collection over the years, but he kept it hidden away from everyone because he believed he was the only one who had the right to see the jewels and wear them. There’s a vast fortune in this room, enough to help relieve the suffering of so many Janastrian people. The thought sickens me.

“What is it?” Elodie hands the crown back to me, and I run it through my fingers, feeling the ridges of all the jewels.

“I’ve so much wealth I can have whatever I want, but people out there are living in poverty.” I place the crown back in its place and take a step back from all the jewels. The bright gleam of them suddenly giving me a headache.

“Why don’t you sell some of them? I’m not talking about the crown, but pieces that will never be worn.”

“I wish I could, but even though they’re all mine now, they also belong to the state. It’s confusing. I can’t sell any because of the historic nature of the jewels. They’re important to the history of Janastria even if their worth could feed thousands of people.”

“I can see the problem.” Elodie looks around the room. “What about displaying them? I know the crown jewels of England are a massive tourist attraction. They bring in people from lots of different countries. Especially America as we love a bit of glitz and glam. The far east is a massive tourist market as well. You don’t need to build a big structure to house them. You have space here at the palace. I know we love our apartments, but maybe we could also open them to the public. We could move the jewels to a different location in the palace. Bringing in tourism will benefit the country and create more jobs.”

What Elodie is suggesting goes against everything my father taught me. He believed it was important to remain mysterious and not show anything of ourselves to the public so we’d continue to be revered. The idea frightens me, especially having people wandering around my sanctuary, but I understand what Elodie means. People would love to come and see where the royalty of the country lives. It would bring in so much money for Janastria, and I could give every penny I make back to the government to assist with initiatives to raise money for the most deprived areas.

“I think I like that idea very much.” I look over Elodie’s shoulder to where Hinchbootie is standing, his hands behind his back, listening to everything we’re discussing. “What do you think, Hinchbootie? Is it possible?”

“I actually raised the same suggestion with your father a few years ago. I’d undertaken some initial cost calculations.” Hinchbootie bows his head. “Unfortunately, he dismissed it outright before I’d even finished discussing the benefits to the country.”

“Then we do it. Find your calculations again, and I’ll go through them with you…no,we’llgo through them with you.” I pull Elodie to my side.

“I will. Thank you.” Hinchbootie bows his head, but I can’t help noticing the look of pride on his face. I’ve pleased him, and that makes me happy.

“We should look at other ways to give back to the country. I’d definitely like to see what I can do to improve mental health. It’s something I feel very strongly about.” Elodie holds my hand as she steps back to the tray of rings to select the one she wants as her engagement ring.

“I believe I’m due to have my first weekly address with Clement Woodrow tomorrow?” I question Hinchbootie.

“Yes, he’s due at eleven am precisely. It was the time your father always scheduled. It meant he didn’t have to feed the prime minster and he’d be ready to have his lunch by midday.”

I roll my eyes with frustration. “See if he can come at midday instead. Arrange for a lunch. I want him to bring Hannah as well. Elodie will be joining me.”

“I will see to it at once. I’ll leave you to choose the ring.” Hinchbootie bows again before leaving Elodie and I alone in the room.

“Have you any idea what ring you want? I can get you something made if you want. I know some of the rings are a bit, well, urgh.”

“Such an eloquent word for a man of your upbringing.” Elodie chuckles at my side. “I’ve known which one I’ve wanted since the moment I first looked at the trays.”

“Which one?”

“This one.” Elodie points to one of the simplest rings in the collection. It’s an emerald cut diamond in the center of a platinum band and is flagged by two small diamonds either side.

The ring’s perfect for her, and what thrills me the most is that it was my grandmother’s—the only person who offered me any kindness as a child. Sadly, she died when I was still very young. I’m not an emotional man, far from it with my upbringing, but even I feel the tears at the corners of my eyes.

“Oh no, have I chosen wrong. Dalton?” Elodie takes my hand and squeezes it, worried for me.

“No, not at all. I can’t think of a better ring for you to choose. It’s perfect for you, and it was my grandmother’s.”

I reach out and take the ring from the tray. I’m pretty sure, looking at Elodie’s hand and remembering my grandmother’s that their fingers are a similar size. I drop down to one knee again.

“I know I’ve already asked you, but I want to be certain. Elodie, will you do me the honor of agreeing to be my wife?”

The room is silent, but I’m almost certain I can hear the melody of the prettiest love song playing in the background. The moment between us is so intense.

“Yes, every time you ask me, I’ll say yes. Always.”

Seventeen

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