Page 96 of Royal Rising

It’s like they know I just came from the castle.

It takes time for me to finally get inside and have my order taken. I see that it’s all hands-on deck this morning.

Including Daphne Luute.

“Morning, Edie.” Silas, the owner of Coffee for the Sole, and the best barista in the world, already looks ragged this morning. “Usual?”

“For me,” I tell him. “But do you know what Odin and Camille like?” I glance at Daphne who drops her gaze.

“Are they already back? That was quick—the king.” He nods. “They came back because of the king. Are you sure he’s okay?”

“There will be more news today, but I think so.”

Daphne moves away, adding sweetener and a pump of espresso to the coffee she’s making.

“I had to hire her back,” Silas says in a low voice. “But it’s only for the summer.”

“Poor kid.” I watch Daphne and see that some of the light has disappeared from her and there’s a new slump of her shoulders. “You can’t pick who you fall in love with.”

Silas raises his eyebrows. “That’s very forgiving of you. Do you know if the castle feels the same way?”

“They will eventually. And with what the king just went through last night, making the life of one girl miserable won’t be a priority. It shouldn’t be anyway.”

“You’re right.” Silas hands me a tray with three coffees. “On the house today.”

“Then so is your next beer,” I tell Silas to have a good day and nod to Daphne as I leave. There are many more questions before I can make my way to the door.

The air is crisp and cool, with a hint of warmth from the sun.

It’s going to be a beautiful day.

Battle Harbour deserves it.

I make a quick stop in my apartment, then check the bar before I head to the airport to pick up Odin and Camille. Dillon wanted to stay with Kalle, so I said I would getthem.

I’m just not sure what to tell them when they ask whyI’mdoing pickup for the royal family.

I watch the private plane taxi to a stop and try to think of an explanation that doesn’t involve me giving too much information about what went on last night with me and Kalle. Even though the way I smile when I think of him is going to give it all away.

It doesn’t take long for Odin and Camille to appear on the steps, and I wave. “Edie!” Odin exclaims as they cross the tarmac to my car. The surprise is evident in his voice. “Is Kalle—”

“He’s busy at the castle.” Or asleep, I honestly don’t know. “I offered to pick you up because everyone is… a little busy.”

“I’m sure.” Odin loads the suitcases into my trunk and one in the backseat because I have a compact car. “Have you seen him? Heard anything else?” he demands as Camille gives me a quick hug hello.

“Duncan stayed at the hospital last night and there’s been no word that I know of,” I report as we get into the car, Odin in the front with me. “I think that’s a good thing.”

“I wish I’d been here,” he frets.

I meet Camille’s gaze in the rearview mirror as I pull away from the airport. “I don’t think you could have done much,” I tell him carefully.

“That’s what I told him,” Camille explodes from the backseat.

“I hate leaving all this to them. I’m the one who steps up, the face of the castle because no one else wants to.”

“Odin?” Camille leans forward. “Are you changing your mind about abdicating?”

I suck in my breath. If that’s true—if it’s even possible—Kalle will be…

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