Page 90 of Royally Rivalled

“Harney’s Earl Grey,” Astrid said, proud of herself.

“You’re dreadfully smug, Astrid.”

“She is,” Alexandra teased.

“I’m adorable.Fuck off, Parker.”

I snickered. “I appreciate it. Thank you all for hosting me. I know it’s unconventional.”

“No matter. However, I shall warn you of an awful thing we must do.”

“No, Alex, please, no,” Astrid said in French.

“We must. Sister, it’s been ages, and we must keep up appearances.”

I was confused.

“Celeste is coming for dinner.”

“Margaux is coming. We must host her before the carol service.”

I knew Celeste was the evil grandmother but had no idea who Margaux was.

“Translation for the uninitiated,” Rick said. “The Queen of the Belgians and her consort Prince Alexander—not to make everything very fucking confusing—will be here soon for the carol service we do. The Belgians sometimes come up. They are close friends. And Celeste is the?—”

“Evil grandmother.” I nodded.

“Oh, he’s brutal. I like him,” Rick said. “She hasn’t seen the baby yet and is coming from the South of France.”

“We sent her there. Alexandra basically deported her.”

Alexandra admonished Astrid. “I did notdeporther, but I did move her there. It’s a long story. And she is awful, but… people are calling me cruel, and we’re trying to make it look like…”

She searched for the word.

“Happy families?” I asked.

“Is that a thing?” Rick asked. “We’d just say make nice, I guess?”

“It’s a thing,” Astrid said. “A British thing.”

“Madame,” a footman entered. “The Princess is hungry. Should Madame Orvay bring her in?”

“Yes, please. We’ll manage,” Alexandra said.

“Eat, I’ll handle her,” Rick told his wife.

It took me a moment to realise she meant the baby. There were already too many princesses in this house!

“No, I shall take her!” Astrid declared.

“She’ll want to nurse first, and then I will be glad to cast her off on whatever participants are willing.”

Chubby baby Linnea arrived sporting an adorable red outfit. She was already winding up to have a whinge, immediately demanding her mother. Alexandra ignored almost everything as she attempted to feed the baby. I was dumbfounded to find out the queen was nursing her child. My mother would have expired right there. I tried desperately not to draw attention to myself. Was I supposed to avert my eyes? None of my friends had children. Lord knows British society, women didn’t just whip out a boob! This must have been a continental thing.

“She’s massive,” Astrid said. “I cannot wait to carry her everywhere. If anyone disputes my claim, I will take them out.”

“Ingrid will take you,” Rick acknowledged.

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