Page 11 of Royally F*cked

Jude adds, “Willow’s also been giving Charlie a hard time about protocol. Mainly, Willow mentioned to me that she wishes to be a normal girl. She seems to be feeling left out and lacking interaction with her peers.”

“What do you mean, she’s been giving Charlie a hard time about protocol? How so, and why is this the first I’m hearing about it?” King Julius looks right at me.

Hello hot seat, we meet again.

The prince immediately begins to speak on my behalf, but the king cuts him off. “Miss Charlotte can speak for herself. I asked her the question.”

“Your Majesty, Her Royal Highness would prefer that I simply refer to her as Willow whenever possible. I’ve expressed to her that is not protocol and refused to do so.”

“At which time, Willow threatened to fire her.” Jude cuts in.

“I see.” King Julius crosses his legs. “So. My granddaughter wishes to be referred to by only her name. Miss Charlotte ignored a direct order from Princess Willow and the princess wishes to be a normal teenager. Is that right?”

“Yes, Sir.” I can’t help but cower. This doesn’t sound good for me. What will my parents think when they find out that I’ve gotten in trouble with King Julius? Or worse, what if he fires me on the spot for failing to do my job in some way. Willow is mostly my responsibility. Disobeying a royal comes with a price all its own.

“Correct,” Jude shakes his head. “I thought you needed to be made aware of this. And I wondered if there was perhaps something else going on that we should be concerned with.”

“She’s thirteen, Julius. Puberty. Hormones and attitude. Am I right, Miss Charlotte?”

“Oh. Uhm. Yes, Sir.”

“Julius, you have blocked it out this year, but you do realize, we’re also quickly coming up on the tenth anniversary of your parents’ death. She may have been a toddler at the time, but I’m sure on some subconscious level she’s struggling with that,” the king reminds both of us.

How could I forget? That day will forever be etched in my mind. The entire palace fell into a dark hole for some time after that. Everyone struggled with the huge loss. But Jude and Willow had it worst of all.

“Shit.” Jude curses, clearly having chosen to block it all out. Who could blame him?

I can’t even begin to imagine the loss felt from losing one’s parents.

“Miss Charlotte, you have my blessing to refer to my granddaughter as Willow in private quarters. I’d also like you to keep careful watch on her. I think shopping and a spa day would be the perfect break for both of you. If she opens up to you and you become concerned, you’ll let me know.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” His blessing doesn’t soothe my uneasiness about losing the formalities but knowing that it’s more of an order means I’ll have to follow through.

“Sir,” Jude clears his throat. “Willow also asked if she could come home with me this afternoon and stay the night. She wants to watch movies, like old times.”

“I’m afraid you already have plans for tonight. After our discussion earlier, I took the liberty to arrange a date for you.” The king cuts his eyes at me, clearly making it known that he doesn't trust me with the information of whom the prince’s date will be.

Jude’s eyes widen and he places one hand on my knee, shocking me to my core. “That won’t be necessary, Your Majesty. I’m already courting someone.”

I stiffen and the king looks like his head is about to explode.

“Already courting someone?” the King repeats.

“That’s correct, Sir. Willow’s behavior was not the only reason I wished to speak with you. I wished to inform you that Charlie and I are officially courting. We can make an official announcement in the coming days.”

The King sputters, and my own shocked gasp is covered by Jude's cough. He looks at me with eyes that beg me to keep quiet in the moment. The hand that is still resting on my knee gives me a gentle squeeze.

Courting?! He has to be kidding. I wish the earth would open up and swallow me whole right now.

“Miss Charlotte, I’d like a moment, alone, with my grandson,” King Julius finally finds his words.

I rush to stand but Jude stands beside me and entwines his fingers with mine. “Anything you need to say to me, you can say in front of Charlie.”

“Julius do not push me. Miss Charlotte has been excused. I will deal with her after we’ve spoken.”

Oh, he’s going to deal with me alright. I can already imagine the punishment coming my way from this.

What the hell was Prince Julius thinking?

Jude nods for me to follow his grandfather’s instructions. I do my best to exit the room as quickly as possible, without looking like I’m running for my life.

Once I’m in the hallway, I kick off my heels and flee back to my living quarters to start packing. I have no doubt that I am about to be fired by King Julius.

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