Page 43 of Learning to Rule

“Dalton, Elodie.” Mr. Hinchbottom approaches us as we sit having a silent moment together. Gone is the formal clothing of the wedding and crowning. Dalton is wearing a simple suit, and I am dressed in a white flowing dress. The crowns are firmly back in their secure holding among the other crown jewels, ready for more members of the public to come and visit them in a few days.

“Hinchbootie.” Dalton gets to his feet to greet his personal secretary. They embrace warmly. I get a kiss to the cheek from the man who’s become like a father to me.

“You both looked amazing out there. Thank you for giving me the chance to enjoy it as a spectator rather than running around behind the scenes. I really enjoyed sitting back. It gave me a chance to see what the future could be like for you both without me fussing around.”

“A future that very much includes you, so don’t be worrying about that.” Dalton winks.

“Yes.” Hinchbootie sighs. “But I’m not sure I am needed anymore.”

I link arms with the personal secretary. I’ve noticed how much he’s slowed down, especially over the last few months. I’ve known for some time he won’t be at our sides for much longer. I’ve not spoken to Dalton about it, because I suspect he doesn’t want to face the prospect, but it’s time to let Hinchbootie have a life away from the palace.

“Come, sit down,” I offer him my seat.

Dalton sits next to him and waves his hand in the air, calling for a footman to top up all our glasses of wine. Hinchbootie pulls a letter from his pocket and places it on the table in front of Dalton.

“I’ve been carrying this around for weeks now. It’s been burning a hole in my pocket. I guess I needed a day like today and a couple of drinks inside me to give it to you.”

“What is it?” Dalton questions, oblivious, but I know in my heart what it is.

“It’s the notice of my intention to retire…or resign…or whatever you call it. I think it’s time for me to bow out gracefully, to allow a younger man to assist you. Someone who can keep up with the ever-changing nature of the royal family,” Hinchbootie explains.

I hold his hand in mine, and he looks my way with a smile. I nod at him in understanding.

“No, I won’t accept it.” Dalton pushes the letter away like it’s on fire. “I know a lot of the older generation have been replaced, but you aren’t supposed to be one of them. You always tried to guide my father down a better path. It was his choice not to listen. I realize now that’s why you spent so much time with me—you hoped I could be different.”

“It’s true, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of watching you grow, but I’m tired. I want to experience other things before it’s too late. I want to be the one to sit on a sun lounger in Florida and read a book. I want to go to the mountains of Janastria and walk around the lakes.”

Dalton holds his hand up to silence our friend. “If you’re going down the route of listing all the things I’ve done with Elodie, then I’d like to stop you there. I really don’t need a vision of you with a woman in my head right now. It could spoil my honeymoon.”

We all laugh, including Dalton, even though I know he’s finding it hard.

“Only if she’s like Elodie in temperament,” Hinchbootie adds. “I’ll always be available if you need me. I’ll make sure my replacement is the right person for you both and they are well trained.” The previous assistant to Hinchbootie, Felix, was fired the second Dalton’s father died. He was very unpleasant and pretty useless as a personal secretary. “I just need to be me for a while. For whatever time I have left. Please allow me this, Dalton.”

Dalton reaches across the table and takes the letter.

He nods solemnly and then places it into the jacket pocket of his suit.

“You’ll always have rooms at the palace should you want them. You never need to ask.”

“Thank you.”

Dalton and Hinchbootie both stand. They embrace warmly as I watch from my seat. I know Hinchbootie won’t leave our life completely—he’ll always be a part of it. Especially as the tiny embryo growing inside me will need a grandfather. It’s early days and a complete accident, but Dalton is ecstatic with the news. As soon as any early risk has passed, we’ll announce my pregnancy publicly.

A new future is beginning.

Hinchbootie leaves, and Dalton and I are alone once again.

“Are you all right?” I ask my husband.

“I think so. I have been half expecting it. I’m obviously reluctant to see him go, but I think he will always be around.”

“He will. I have no doubt about that.”

“How are you feeling?” Dalton questions.

“I’m getting tired.” I yawn.

“Let’s go to bed then.”

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