Page 28 of Royal Rising

Both are more than simple ‘yes-men.’ It’s tantamount to the respect he garners, but the idea of having people around who will agree to his every whim and decision doesn’t sit well with King Magnus. He and Duncan have gotten into a couple of fierce shouting matches over the years. Spencer is a lawyer by trade, but the country as a whole is more of his client than Dad is.

It doesn’t surprise me that Spencer would venture into town during the worst of the storm. It does surprise me that Gunnar would.

Then again, my little brother did ask to take on more responsibilities. Make more of an effort in being a prince, and looks like he meant what he said.

I don’t make much of an effort being a prince.

Today, the realization leaves me feeling hollow, like I haven’t eaten.

“Things look good,” I report. “No flooding in the square. There was a bit of a ruckus last night in the bar, just some of the guys blowing off steam.”

“That’s to be expected. You handle it?”

I smirk. “Actually, Edie did.”

Dad smiles widely. “That girl. Woman, I guess now. She’s been a godsend to you. I’ve always wondered why—?”

“Things good up here?” I interrupt. I don’t want another talk about why Edie and I anything because then I have to ask myself why I haven’t, and I don’t like looking like an idiot.

Dad mirrors my smirk. “Fair enough. Fenella is still here, you know.”

“Yeah. I… yeah.”

“You haven’t come for a social call, have you. It’s a very wet day for you to come all the way up here to say hi, so there must be something on your mind.” He sets the tablet on the desk but leaves his legs stretched out. “What’s up?”

King Magnus of Laandia isn’t your usual monarch. He’s a former Olympian (gold medal in shot put), best-selling author (vegan cookbook before vegan was big), and one of the founding members of the heavy metal band Kräftig.

It’s not my style of music but I still love to watch the videos of Dad onstage with Duncan, both of them rocking their hearts out.

He gave up a music career to come home to Laandia and prepare to take the throne.

He’s also the most laid-back man I know. It pisses me off when I compare his relaxed vibe with my almost-constant irritation, but most of the time, spending time with my father teaches me something, whether it’s about the country, his style of ruling, or even just how to take a moment and enjoy it to the fullest.

I’ve seen my father seriously upset four times in my life: after the attempted kidnapping of Lyra when she was thirteen, when the Canadians refused to concede to our requests in the fishing dispute, once at Bo, and recently, when he found out exactly what Signe Luute, Duncan’s ex-wife, had been saying about the castle and those living here.

Not only was the anger directed at Signe, but her stepdaughter Daphne. She, together with Daulton Drake, former secretary to the king, tried to sabotage Odin and Camille’s wedding. Daphne had been one of Camille’s bridesmaids and found out a few thingsthat Camille had been trying to keep secret. She went to Daulton to spill what she knew. Daulton went to the press.

Thanks to Gunnar and Stella, the media explosion Daulton had aimed for was more a limppft.

But still, I suspect Peter Luute won’t be mayor of Battle Harbour for a second term, thanks to the machinations of his wife.

At least he wouldn’t be if I were king. I would have forced him to resign the day after the wedding. Dad’s a lot more benevolent than I would be.

“How was the trip?” I ask instead of just getting to the point.

Dad lifts an eyebrow. “You really want to know?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking these things?”

“Ah.” He steeples his fingers. “This isn’t really a random son-ly visit. You want to talk about O jumping ship.”

I fix him with my gaze. “Did you know?”

Dad nods. “You’re asking if Odin came to me first? Of course he did. We had several long conversations about it, with and without Camille.”

“Camille? You didn’t think I had a right to know what Odin was planning?” My voice rises as frustration surges. “I should have been told this was in motion.”

Dad keeps his calm, same as always. “Are you planning on abdicating?” he asks, like he wants to know how bad the drive up the castle was in this weather.

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