Page 27 of Royally Scr*wed

“When do you think I could see him?” she asks.

“I’ll speak with the royal counsel and see if I can make it happen today.”

I don’t have the balls or the heart to tell her that his execution is scheduled for as soon as tomorrow – provided that we arrest Sebastian in a timely fashion. Instead, I’m putting her in a situation where she’ll find out along with the rest of the world.

We need Anderson alive until Sebastian is found. In the meantime I want the fucker to suffer with not knowing when his last breath will be.

She replies with a sad nod.

“Henrietta, if you need anything from us, we’re here for you,” Charlie says, patting Henrietta’s hands.

Henrietta reaches for a tissue and dabs her eyes. “I appreciate that,” she hiccups. “I should probably take some time today to check in on my mother. She’s not handled my father’s actions very well from our conversation over the phone. I think a part of her feels guilty for somehow not knowing what he was capable of.”

“Please let her know that we’re here for her as well. Anything that we can do, we’ll make it happen,” I promise.

“I’m sure she’ll appreciate that,” Henrietta stands and brushes off her clothing.

“I’ll be in touch with a time that you may visit with your father.”

She thanks me then turns to Charlie and gives her a hug, thanking her as well. “Perhaps we can get together some time. Under better circumstances.”

“Of course, that would be lovely,” Charlie smiles. “You’ll reach out if you need anything?”

“I will,” Henrietta assures her. “Oh and, Jude? One more thing. I want you to know that you will make a fabulous King, and you – as well asQueenCharlotte, have my full support. Always. No matter what I decide about my future.”

“I appreciate that, very much,” I tell her.

“As do I. You’ve done wonderful humanitarian work and served the people of Herefirth honorably as an ally. Having your support means a lot,” Charlie says, spoken like a true queen.

“It’s always been my pleasure. Thank you both for meeting with me in person today. And for getting me back home as well.” Henrietta says before she exits my office, closing the door behind her.

“One meeting down, twenty-six more to go,” Charlie says with a half-smile.

I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that it’s been a little more than a week since my grandfather passed away and mere days since we found out the truth about Anderson and my grandfather’s sordid past.

At his request, he was buried yesterday - on the seventh day. Smack in the middle of a Goddamn scandal that he left formeto clean up.

Not only has our country been mourning the loss of their king, but they’re also mourning the loss of who they thought their king was.

Now it’s up to me to redeem the family name, by the power of a proclamation sanctioned by the people of Herefirth and all of the powers that be in our country – and Anderson’s boastful confession of all of his sins.

The bastard never stood a chance at stealingmycrown.

CHAPTER 11

CHARLIE

“Ah, fuck. Charlie,” Jude hisses as I swirl my tongue around the tip of his cock before nearly swallowing his length again.

On my knees in front of him, having complete control of his pleasure with each trick he’s taught me, is where I feel most powerful. It’s my escape from all of the stress and demands of my new life. And it’s the perfect distraction to get Jude to relax.

It’s something webothneed and dare I say – damn well deserve to enjoy. And enjoy it, we do…if I’m to judge his pleasure by how often he seeks me out and the insane pleasure he brings to me, every time.

He gathers my hair in his fist and thrusts his hips faster. “Your mouth is incredible, baby.”

I hum my reply and he blurts out a string of curses.

“Cup my balls, Charlie.”

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