Page 40 of Royally F*cked

“Your Majesty,” Oscar speaks up. “I am afraid you are terribly wrong. I can attest to the fact that these visits have been occurring since the late prince and princess passed away. Their frequency increased after Prince Julius’ time in the Royal Marines and has continued to this day.”

“Of course you would say that. He pays your salary. With my money, I might add.”

“Incorrect, Oscar is paid with my money. Money I’ve earned from investments and my work as the crown prince.”

“Even more reason for him to lie,” the king spats back.

“Is it that impossible for you to believe that I have dedicated myself to a life of service in providing opportunities for a bunch of amazing children that deserve a chance to break the molds that society has cast upon them?” I question, confused as to why my grandfather doesn’t seem to think I actually do these things.

“It is impossible. Because you’ve been raised a royal. You know the benefits of good PR. You would have had these visits sanctioned by me. You know as well as I do that the press would eat up seeing you with sick and orphaned children. You would have played that card long before now, instead you’ve sauntered around like some Goddamn playboy.”

“Enough!” Charlie yells.

“Charlie, don’t.” I try to stop her. The last thing either of us needs is to piss off the king more. A sure-fire way to do that is for Charlie to speak to him out of turn.

“No. He needs to hear this,” she tells me. “Your Majesty, I have sat here and listened to you insult my fiancé long enough. You may not choose to believe that his intentions are pure and while I don’t think that’s acceptable at all - that is your choice. Nothing he has said to you since we walked through those doors has been a lie. I’m afraid you’re just too blind to see it. I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that I would not be sitting beside him now if I didn’t see it with my own eyes. The things he has done for those children will impact the kingdom for years to come. All those nights you seem to think that he’s spent out on the town? He’s actually spent those holding the hand of a young girl who’s going through treatment for leukemia. Or reading bedtime stories to the children at the orphanage.”

“Then again I ask, why pretend otherwise?” my grandfather continues question. “Young lady, I know this man far better than you do. There is a motive behind everything he does, and it’s not always as pure as he’d like us to believe.”

I have no clue what he’s talking about unless he is reflecting his own flaws onto me.

“I refused to let you make a PR stunt out of it. You’ve already admitted that’s exactly what you would have done. That’s why I’ve kept quiet. Those kids were much better off without the world knowing of my involvement.”

This time it’s my grandfather’s advisor that clears his throat and speaks up. “Actually, I’ve been tracking numbers and reports all morning. Your presence last night has raised several thousands of dollars and Herefirth’s Home for the Orphans they are saying that volunteer applications are flowing in.”

“I was not aware,” I reply. “The money sounds wonderful, in theory. It’s the influx of volunteers that I worry about. How many of those volunteers are only coming forward for a chance to catch a glimpse of a prince?”

“That’s not your problem. Your job is done now. You’ll fall back into the shadows except for a few charity events to remind the public to donate and let the people of Herefirth do the rest,” my grandfather says, as if it’s just that simple.

“Your Majesty, Prince Julius is not going to step back from anything. I can guarantee it,” Oscar supplies on my behalf.

My grandfather huffs. “I don’t understand why you seem so hell bent on going against everything I’ve got to say, Julius.”

“That’s the way you’re choosing to look at it. I’m actually doing exactly what you’ve asked of me.”

Grandfather’s voice softens. “Julius, she’s just twenty-years old. You’re a grown man.”

“And you’re implying that she’s not a grown woman,” I counter.

“You’re making a mistake. You can’t divorce her in a year or two when you’ve had enough. Or she’s grown tired of your promiscuous ways.”

“Jesus Christ. I’ve never been promiscuous. This is ridiculous. I have never been unfaithful to anyone. Including this kingdom.”

White lies to save the future of the monarchy don’t count.

“Lies. All the lies, Julius. I remember quite a few years when you slept with anything that smiled your way.” My grandfather turns to Charlie and says, “There is no possible way that you are interested in marrying a guy who quite possibly could be a walking disease.”

“What?” Charlie gasps. “Your Majesty, you are way out of line. Who knew the person my family has served for so many years was such an ignorant and disgusting person? Your interest in your grandson’s sex life is incredulous.”

Have I mentioned how incredibly sexy it is that Charlie can handle her own and isn’t afraid to stand up to anyone?

“Young lady, you will not speak to me in such a manor,” my grandfather scolds.

Charlie doesn’t back down. “With all due respect, you may be the king but right now you’re acting like a child who hasn’t gotten his way. Julius deserves just as much respect as you do. What do you think your kingdom would have to say if they could see you right now?”

“There is a reason that some meetings take place behind closed doors. Since Julius is so hell bent on marrying you, it would serve you well to remember your place,” he warns.

“And since Julius will one day takeover the crown, and I will be his Queen, it would serve you well to remember your place, Your Majesty.”

---