Page 40 of Royally Scr*wed

“What?” Ottiline shakes her head. “Really?”

“All of your tests from earlier in the week came back clear,” I confirm.

“Oh. Oh…wow…” the disbelief in her voice is apparent.

“I…” she sighs.

“I know.” It’s not the first time she’s went into remission, but this time feels different. There’s an air of hope.

Charlie takes a seat on the other side of her and pulls her into her. “We can’t predict the future. But for today – you’re in remission and we’re going to celebrate that.”

“I’m happy about it. Just, scared.”

“I understand. Charlie’s right though. We’ll keep living life one day at a time. Beginning with introducing you to the world as a Rexford,” I wink.

“It’s not officially official until the world knows, right?” she smiles.

I chuckle. “I thought it wasn’t official until it was Facebook official. At least that’s what Willow always says.”

This earns me an eye roll and a laugh from Ottiline. “You sound like such an old person right now.”

Charlie tries to hold back her giggle. “She’s not wrong.”

“Already teaming up on me. Yay,” I deadpan.

“Maybe we should take a photo for the Royal social media though,” Charlie adds and pulls out her cell phone.

The three of us squeeze closer together and smile for the camera as Charlie snaps a dozen pictures.

“Once the party has started, you’re free to post things – they’ll all filter through royal protocols first before they post though,” I tell Ottiline.

“Yes, I’ve been coached on all of this,” she assures me.

“Well then, shall we get on with it?” I stand and hold out a hand to Ottiline.

“Wait. Before we go…” Charlie stands and reaches into the pocket of her dress and pulls out a small gift box. “We have a little something for you.”

She hands Ottiline the box to open. When she does a gasp escapes, “I can’t take this.”

“You can. It’s yours. You see, the night that I met you – at ‘Prom’, Jude gave me a necklace that was his mother’s, given to her by Jude’s father on their first date.”

“And this one is the one that my father gave her the day thatIofficially became a Rexford.” I step in and take the necklace from Charlie to slip it around Ottiline’s neck.

The simply platinum chain holds a v-ed neckline of small diamonds with a diamond encrusted emerald at its center. It’s the perfect understated piece, fit for a delicate princess.

“This is going to take some getting used to,” Ottiline holds a hand over the necklace with tears in her eyes. “Thank you. Both of you. I think it’s safe to say, I’m one of the lucky ones.”

* * *

“She looks happy,” Charlie looks over at Ottiline who is dancing with a young man I recognize from the orphanage.

As I recall, Jermaine and Ottiline have always been friendly. “I’m not so sure I like how closely the boy is dancing with her.”

Charlie laughs at me. “Someone sure is settling right into his new role.”

“Keep laughing. It won’t be so funny when peasants come calling to date our daughter.”

“Jude,” Charlie swats my chest. “The young man is not a peasant. Is that how you really speak of others who may be beneath you?”

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