Page 25 of Royally F*cked

She surprises me yet again when she takes my hand and allows me to lead her back to my office. I quickly move one of the wingback chairs behind my desk and motion for Charlie to take a seat before sitting in my chair beside her.

Ruby enters the room shortly after.

“Your Royal Highness, it’s a pleasure to see you this evening.”

“Ruby. Thank you for joining us. Please, take a seat.”

Ruby has been with the royal family since I was eighteen. With her degrees in communications and journalism, she worked her way up from support staff to my very own press secretary a few years ago, after I returned from my four years in the military.

She’s also one of the only people who knows where I spend my late nights and has worked hard to maintain my cover. Ruby’s also the one who has spun a handful of fake news stories to cover for me.

And tonight, she’s going to play a vital role in the next stage of my life.

“I’ll get right to it. Ruby, if you’re not familiar, this is Charlotte. Charlotte is my fiancée.”

If Ruby is shocked, she hides it well.

“I believe I’ve seen her around,” Ruby extends her hand. “Madam, it’s a pleasure to meet you, formally.”

“You as well. Thank you for coming on such short notice,” Charlie says, eloquently.

“Of course, I serve at the pleasure of the prince.”

I don’t know why, but the way Ruby says is, makes it sound much dirtier than it should. And as a result, I can practically see Charlie’s claws come out. There’s nothing for her to worry about as I’ve never so much as given Ruby a second glance but seeing the slightest hint of a jealous streak is a major turn on.

“Right. I’ll get right to it. We would like to officially announce our engagement and I need you to draft a statement to be shared tomorrow.”

Ruby pulls a tablet from her bag. “I see. And what information do you wish to include in your statement?”

Looking at Charlie, I reply with certainty. “I think it’s worth mentioning that we’ve had a whirlwind courtship and are now happy to share news of our engagement with the world. Further details about pending nuptials will be handled by the palace and will be forthcoming.”

My press secretary takes note of what I’ve requested with a nod in agreement. “I can have this ready shortly, Your Highness. Is there anything else I should mention?”

I take Charlie’s hand in mine and press a kiss to the back of her palm for good measure. I’m rewarded with a sweet smile that I find myself wishing was genuine. “That will be it. Though, Ruby, this goes without saying - this statement is to remain private until I sign off and give you a time to share with the public. No one is to know that you’re working on this. Are we clear?”

“We’re clear, Your Royal Highness. I shall correspond with you via our, uh, normal avenues,” Ruby replies.

“Great. Your discretion in this matter is highly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. You’re free to go.”

Ruby bids us both farewell then exits my office.

It’s not until Charlie tugs her hand away from mine a moment later that I realize our fingers were still laced together. The loss of physical connection almost feels jarring, like my body is already beginning to crave her in a very real sense.

“Is that what we’re going with? A whirlwind courtship?”

“I think it’s for the best. We can say that your family has been a valued asset to the royal family for years and you have always been in my life because of your connection with my sister. After ignoring our feelings for one another over the years, we decided that love was worth a chance. Early on, we agreed to keep our relationship quiet because of Willow but with a wedding on the horizon, it was time for us to share our love with the world.”

Charlie’s eyes widen. “That’s what you came up with?”

It’s my turn to shrug. “I may have had a little help from Ozzy.”

Speaking of the man himself, he knocks on the door and pokes his head inside. “Your Highness, I think I’ve come up with a ruse for Miss Charlotte’s whereabouts this evening.”

“Come in. I was just telling Charlie the story about how we got together,” I chuckle.

“Ah. Yes. It’s not a bulletproof story. There will still be backlash and questions but, one thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s best to stick as close to the truth as possible,” Oscar tells Charlie.

“And what have you come up with as the reason I’m not returning to the palace tonight?” she asks.

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