Page 24 of Royally F*cked

Chapter 9

Jude

I never expected Charlie to come into my office and interrupt my meeting with Oscar and Harry, but knowing it was because she wanted something as simple as to have dinner with me—every night, as she put it? That did something to my heart and only made me crave her more.

The woman surprises me at every turn, especially with her subtle confidence that she seems to be so unaware of.

With contracts signed and now waiting on my press secretary to arrive, Charlie and I have retired to the living area to share a cup of tea and talk more. And admittedly, to get to know one another.

I’ve already fielded one direct phone call from my grandfather who is no doubt furious that I took the liberty to gather Mistress Henrietta’s contact information and reached out to her directly to cancel this evening’s date. Though the daughter of Anderson Levi—the top tech advisor for the National Defense Service—was disappointed, Henrietta was both gracious and understanding when I explained there was a miscommunication and that I was currently in a relationship.

Tomorrow I’ll have Oscar send a lovely spa package for her and a few friends to make it up to her and all will be right in the world once more.

“Soooooo, I spoke with my father,” Charlie pipes up and I wince.

Dealing with everything else, I nearly forgot about Mr. and Mrs. Wilson in all of this.

“How did that go?”

“They were concerned about my whereabouts. The rumor is that you requested my presence and they’ve since placed Willow under my mother’s care as well. I simply said that yes you did request my presence and that it was an urgent matter that required discretion. And that I would explain more when I could,” she shrugs innocently, like this is the most normal thing in the world.

“You handled that like a professional.” Her very noncommittal response impresses me. Being able to deliver such a response will serve her well as the queen consort.

“Annnnnd, then, they asked when I would be returning to the palace.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I said I was unsure but would update when I could.”

“They’re likely expecting your return tonight,” I muse out loud. “I had hoped to buy us until tomorrow to get all of our affairs in order, though it sounds like the king is operating under damage control right now, so I think we should be safe.”

“It would prove tricky if I stayed out all night. I usually retire to my living quarters shortly after Willow is settled into bed. In fact, I think the last time I did not spend a night at home was when I was sixteen and stayed overnight at the hospital when I had my appendix removed.”

So much for that idea then. “Perhaps I can request that your father meets with me this evening then. Do you think your mother would be up to joining us?”

“It may be best if we could go to them. Mother is usually exhausted after a normal day’s work and she’s done double duty this afternoon,” Charlie tells me.

I’m already typing away on my phone as I reply to her. “Then, I’m afraid they’ll have to wait. There is no way we can get in and out of the palace undetected right now. The timing of all of this has to be executed perfectly for maximum impact.”

“I thought we were talking about our relationship, not the war on terror,” she shakes her head. “I don’t see what the big deal is.”

When she looks at me with those innocent, doe eyes, I almost believe her. Then she cracks the slightest smile and winks at me.

“Your Highness, the press secretary has arrived,” Oscar interrupts.

“We’ll see her in my office. But, first, I need you to help with a cover story that we can deliver to Charlie's parents as to why she will not be returning to the palace this evening.”

“I suppose telling them you kidnapped her is off the table?” Oscar jokes.

“I did not kidnap her,” I punch his shoulder.

“You pretty much did,” both Oscar and Charlie reply at the same time.

I throw my hands up in defeat. “Yes, Oscar, think of something other than kidnapping that will work. You can show Ruby to my office and have Agnes bring us a tray of tea as well.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Oscar nods as I reach for Charlie’s hand.

“Shall we?”

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