Page 18 of Royally Scr*wed

“Thank you,’ Jude replies and goes back to staring out the window until the car finally comes to a stop.

Meanwhile, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that yesterday I married a prince. Today he is the king.

We exit the car and I hang back with Theo as Jude joins his grandmother and his sister.

Jude exchanges a few words with Ozzy before they join select members of King Julius’ inner circle in carrying his casket inside the palace.

Willow looks over her shoulder then runs back to me. “With us, Charlie,” is all she says with my hand in hers. Tugging me forward, she reaches for Queen Lily with her free hand. Together, the three of us follow a few steps behind the men.

Jude’s duty doesn’t end once the casket is placed on the casket cart. With Ozzy by his side, he remains with his grandfather all the way to the throne room.

Five guardsmen snap to attention when we arrive outside the doors.

The altar has been prepared and candles have been lit.

King Julius is placed in front of the altar and most of the men in the room salute. Everyone else bows or curtseys and I make sure to follow suit.

A long moment later, the five guardsmen stand at attention again. They take their respective posts and bow their heads slightly while keeping constant watch on the room, and the king behind them.

Jude looks to Ozzy one last time before he comes over and hugs his grandmother.

“He’s home now,” he whispers.

“Thank you for staying with him,” Queen Lily replies.

“It’s my duty and my honor.”

Queen Lily snags Jude’s hand when he lets her go. “Before you move on to the next item on your list, there’s something we need to discuss.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty. Shall we move to the library?”

“Yes. That would be lovely.”

“Princess Willow, why don’t we go down to the kitchen and grab a snack?” Willow’s current chambermaid, Hazel, appears out of nowhere.

“Oh,” Willow’s face falls.

“Hazel, Theo will be joining you – and Princess Willow – for the interim. You’ll clear any and all plans with him. Understood?” Jude intercedes.

“Yes, of course, Your Royal Highness.”

“It’s Your Majesty now, Hazel.” Queen Lily speaks up.

Hazel has the decency to at least look apologetic, but something about her feels off. “Oh. Yes. My apologies, Your Majesty. Please forgive me.”

“Very well. Princess Willow, if you need anything have Hazel and Theo bring you directly to one of us. Whatever you do – do not leave their company.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Willow curtseys and somehow the three of us manage to hold it together until she they leave the room.

The moment she’s gone, we all let out a silent chuckle.

“At least she’s still sassy,” Jude shrugs.

When we finally make it to the library, Queen Lily tells us both to sit.

To my surprise, my mother joins us soon after and hands Queen Lily a folder.

“Mum!” I jump up and wrap my arms around her. “You’re here. It’s so good to see you.”

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