Page 22 of The Crown

Betrayal tore at Jo’s happiness. She remembered that Nico had probably taken hundreds of similar trips with any number of women in his life. Suddenly theirs didn’t feel as special. Flashes of Angelique, a past girlfriend who had hired paparazzi to follow her and Nico around on their trip on the yacht flashed through her mind. And all the other images of his reckless heartthrob days with multiple women at every event. She didn’t want it to happen, but trickles of doubt entered where there had been growing peace and assurance.

After a good, long, hot shower in a remarkably large bathroom, she felt stronger, able to face the idea once again that this trip was for one week. Monique, the crown, the press, all of it would not be her problem if she just left. But she loved Nico. And the expectation of their separation twisted her insides with a sharp pain. She tried to set it aside and enjoy her vacation, knowing it could be her last with him.

They played hearts for too many hours. But it was amazing to just enjoy Nico. She doubted his other women, or Monique, spent time playing cards. She blocked out what they likelydiddo. And she determined to enjoy herself. Because a trip like this would never happen for her again.

The sky glowed from outside their porthole and Nico jumped up. “We can’t miss this.” He raced up the stairs and Jo followed, laughing. They made it to the deck and sat on the very top lookout spot, watching the sun hug the horizon for twenty more minutes before it sunk below. Just at the very moment when it lowered, a green light flashed in the sky around it. “Did you see that?” Nico turned to her.

She nodded. “I have only seen it one other time.”

“It’s a good omen to see it with the woman you love.” He reached for her hand.

“How many times have you seen it?” She couldn’t help it. She wondered if he’d seen it with Monique.

“None that I can think of right now. If there were any, they didn’t matter.” He turned her face to him. “You’ve never seemed bothered with my past before. I always assumed you know they all meant nothing to me.”

She nodded. She knew that. But she couldn’t help wonder, and dreaded the moment when he might say the same thing about her one day. Hurt filled her, and he noticed immediately.

“What? Jo, talk to me.”

She shook her head, squeezing her eyes.

“Is it my past? Does it bother you?”

She shrugged. “I don’t want to talk about sad things. Let’s continue enjoying our time while we have it.”

As soon as she said it, she regretted bringing up her eventual return to Shady Lake. His eyes clouded and he stood up and walked to the rail. “I keep thinking I can convince you to stay.”

She joined him. “Let’s not talk about it. Not now.”

They stood together in silence, a great ache filling her. How could she ever leave him? But how could she stay? When she thought about what they did to her father, when she remembered all that is required of the future queen, insecurity filled her. She might be able to figure out world policies, and to support Nico in tough decision making. But she didn’t think she could stand by stoically while the country attacked her and those she loved. She would cave to their every whim in an effort to keep good will or she would collapse in a puddle every time. The very first real jab at her and she was off to America. She just didn’t think she had what it takes. And it proved to her that the crown did not come first, not when the other priorities were her father’s happiness or her privacy.

Nico pulled her to his side and kissed the top of her head. “No matter what, Jo. I will always love you. You will always be the queen who was meant to be at my side.” He sighed. “And if I can’t convince you to stay with me. I don’t know what I’ll do.” She leaned into his chest, unsure how to respond. They watched the first stars light the sky.

As the night grew late, the sail was pulled down and the motor again rumbled below. City lights came into view.

“There are buoys where we can dock and then tomorrow...” He squeezed her hands, a new energy making him smile. “Tomorrow we get out on this water. There’s a bay for waterskiing. We have all the toys. A wave runner tour guide will come take us to see dolphins, whales and a group of rays. And we can go into town. The nightlife here is incredible, including...” He paused, leaning in. “My favorite club.”

She squealed. “Is it as good as the Tiki Rumble?” the nightclub at her marina.

“Almost.” He winked. “You and I are going to dance until we fall down.” He laughed. “You ready to party?”

A reckless happiness filled her. The original purpose of their trip, to enjoy one last week together, resurfaced. “You know I am!”

They slowed to the buoys, where boats were already tied up all around them, and the captain tied them down. Jo and Nico were about to go below when a voice carried across the water.

“Is that the Fairweather?”

Nico stiffened and then groaned beside her. “It can’t be.”

And then Monique’s voice filled Jo with ice. “Nico? Did you really just pull up right beside us?” Her laugh grated and it was Jo’s turn to groan.

Nico turned to her with urgent panic in his eyes. “I don’t want to share this with them.” His face was earnest, and she knew he hadn’t planned it.

“Who is it? I mean, besides Monique?”

“At least Henry Baldeez. Remember, the guy you danced with?” He watched her face while he said it, and she felt a tiny piece of comfort that he cared enough to be concerned.

“Of course this isn’t a coincidence.” Jo crossed her arms. “What if they brought the press?” She couldn’t handle it if their special time was ruined by being endlessly hashed out in all the papers. “I don’t want to share you either.”

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