Page 116 of Royally Drawn

She softened.

“I love you, Ingrid. I am sorry I was such a knob. I know I broke your heart. I never meant… I never should have said what I said. Because it’s… it’s not true?—”

“Rid-Rid! Can I have a lolly?” Christophe interrupted us.

“Give me a moment, darling,” Ingrid answered. “Or go find your Papa.”

“But I can’t find Papa!”

“Find your Mama.”

“She won’t give mea lolly!”

I knelt. “I promise I will scour the land to find you a lolly if you just give me a few minutes to talk to your aunt.”

He glared, looking very much like his mother, then left.

“Keir, you don’t have to fly me to America?—”

“You love a grand gesture, Ingrid.”

She rolled her eyes. “Stop being charming.”

It was working.

“Was this your whole idea?”

“I am pretty sure my aunt and your brother-in-law somehow conspired. Betty masterminded the transportation plans against my will,” I said. “Well, my will originally. I would love to transport you now if you trust me not to kill you.”

She looked down and let out a long sigh.

“I know it may take ages to get back in your good graces, but Ingrid, I want to. I have missed you every day since our last meeting. I love you.”

“Fine. You can fly me to Kentucky,” Ingrid said. But mind yourself. This is no funny business. I’mnotplaying copilot. I’m sleeping because I must perform when I get there.”

“You do your job. I do mine, princess. Got it,” I said.

This wasn’t over—it was just beginning. I had an in, and I wasn’t about to lose it. Betty may be the best schemer known to man.

All Booked Up

INGRID

Travelling to America with him at the controls of his private plane wasn’t how I anticipated starting my first Kentucky Three Day. It was the crown jewel of the American eventing season, and I could not refuse. I was supposed to ride my second horse, Bea. Cici kept her fit while I was gone. Everyone pulled for me. So, Keir or not, I sucked it up and proceeded.

Lars wasn’t cleared to fly. His Uncle called him to attend a remembrance ceremony for something. King Olav and Queen Kiersten already arrived to see Cecilia compete. So, Keir, Betty, and I headed to America together. Betty and Keir crewed the plane while I slept all the way there. And, somehow, we made it. It was late when we arrived, but we made it to the hotel in Lexington.

Betty retreated to her hotel room. I was about to do the same—hoping to just sleep through until the early morning hours when I could go get my horse and do a warm-up. Once I was back at the barn, I’d feel much better. However, as soon as I planned to leave Keir at the check-in desk, I was confronted with another problem. I wasn’t sure if he was waiting for me to thank him so he could go or was expecting muchmore.

“You’re relieved,” I said. “Thank you for your service, Lieutenant.”

“You know I haven’t been a Lieutenant in years, darling,” Keir said. “But you’re welcome.”

“Go on. Can’t you just… fly back?”

“I’m grounded,” Keir said. “I’m just waiting to get a room.”

The desk attendant returned. “Sir, we truly do not have a single room. Everything from Louisville to Cinci is booked.”

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