Page 17 of Royally Scr*wed

“Right,” I rub my chin. Perhaps that was the obvious answer. “She’ll be okay, too. She’s got us.”

“Does she though? Does she really have us, or will she simply be lost in the shadows of the crown like she has been most of her life?”

“Goddamnit, Charlotte. I don’t have time to stand here and contemplate any of that right now.Ineed to get on with it. You’re either with me, or you’re not. Figure the rest out later.”

Charlie snaps and steps forward to grab my tie. Fisting it tightly, she stands taller and looks me right in the eyes. “You can be mad. You can be angry. Hell, I’ll even let you take it out on me – to an extent. But Julius Hugh Rexford, III – if you call me Charlotte…One. More. Damn. Time. I will plant these heels firmly up your ass.” She lets go and shoves my shoulders, sending me stumbling backward. “I warned you that I would always demand your respect. I meant it.”

Fuck. Her show of dominance and demand for respect shouldn’t be so fucking sexy, especially right now. Except it is and if this were another time or another place, I’d show her just how much I do respect her. Even more when she stands up to me. “Understood,” I tell her after clearing my throat.

“Good,” she pauses. “Oh, and one more thing.Neverthreaten to leave me behind.Ever.We’re a team, from here on out. That was the deal.”

I raise a brow and stare at her.

“Wipe that stupid smirk off your face and lets go, Jude. We’ve got business to handle,” Charlie mocks.

“Sorry. For a moment I thought someone died and leftyouto be Queen.” I can’t help it. The words slip from my mouth along with a hearty chuckle.

Charlie’s eyes widen but then she’s laughing right along with me. “That might have been too soon,” she scolds me with a grin.

“Your Majesty,” Oscar calls out while knocking on the door. “Your car is waiting.”

“We’ll be right there,” I yell back, then turn to Charlie. “We’ll exit through the main entrance. There will likely be some townsfolk lining the streets. They may or may not know the news but I will not be the one breaking it to them from here. I believe the phrase is, use your poker face. No smiling, but try not to frown either. Head down and in the car.”

“Yes, Sir,” she salutes.

“And don’t fucking do that,” I growl.

CHAPTER 7

CHARLIE

Iwas just ten years old when Prince Julius, II and Princess Poppy died.

To be honest, I don’t recall much about it aside from getting the opportunity to play with the then toddler, Princess Willow.

Sure, the palace felt sad and as if people were missing – because they were. What I recall of Jude and Willow’s parents, they were what one would call a light. There was so much life in the palace when they were around.

When they died, things were different all around. The traditions may have been similar, but this was different. Much different. There wasn’t the matter of crowning a new king. King Julius, Sr. went on with his reign and did whatever it is that the royals did at a time like this.

School resumed just three short days after the prince and princess died, which meant I spent most of my days back in class and occasionally entertaining Princess Willow in the afternoons while my mother fulfilled her duties to the queen.

This time around, I’m in a car with Jude’s hand in mine while we follow King Julius’ body back to the palace. Ozzy is up front, in the passenger seat and Theo is driving.

Aside from discussion about a slight change of plans and everyone gathering back at the palace – per Queen Lily’s request – the car ride has been mostly silent.

There’s no banter and no chatter about what’s next.

Our arrival at the palace doesn’t go as unnoticed as our departure from the hospital did.

Barricades have been set up across from the palace gates and the people of Herefirth have already began to flock to the streets.

The formal announcement that I’ve only heard of in the past, is displayed just outside the gates on the fancy scroll board under a plate of glass.

“Your Majesty, King Julius’ body will be brought in through the courtyard. Do you wish to accompany him, or would you prefer to enter the palace from the driveway,” Ozzy asks once we’ve passed through the gates and onto the cobblestone drive.

“We’ll follow through the courtyard and enter with His Majesty,” Jude clears his throat. “I’d like to personally assist in escorting him inside.”

Ozzy nods in agreement. “As you wish, Your Majesty. Her Majesty Queen Lily and Princess Willow will be joining you.”

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