Page 28 of The Crown

His heart stuttered to a stop at the words and then slammed back into function. “I don’t believe it.” He had allowed himself to ignore her previous concerns, the ones that would take her back to Shady Lakes. “She said she would stay.”

“She did, but is she staying for good or just until you feel comfortable?” His mother’s eyes held concern. He knew she preferred Monique, or any other local girl who understood the Torren ways. But she also supported whatever Nico wanted to be happy. And the idea that Jo might still be considering leaving was perfectly plausible. He better talk with her. Unfortunately this past week was not a good example of his undying love and promises for a happy life with him.

He scrolled through his schedule. They would have no time to talk or to even pass each other in a hallway until four o’clock this afternoon. He texted his assistant to add her to his day then. The immediate response was that she was booked. Irritation swelled. He texted back in caps, “Clear our schedules so that we may have a moment.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

So, it was possible to carve out time. He made a note to do so every day. He knew things would slow down a little bit. They had for his father, but he also know he would have to demand his priorities make the cut on the ever growing schedule.

Several hours into his hectic day, he rushed to his next meeting. Several other kings from nearby nations had stayed in the days between funeral and coronation so that they could meet with him. This first council with so many heads of state weighed on him. He needed to maintain a respected position on the committee so that he could work with them on future issues.

And he was running late. He dreaded this negative first impression. Monique had texted him three times. Her name popped up again, and he turned off the screen. She was becoming a nuisance. At first she was very comforting. She understood more about what he was going through than most so he appreciated her kindness in reaching out, but her attention continued with a bothersome persistence.

As he was about to enter the room, several heads of state having already seen him through the conference room window, Jo ran up to him, her face flustered, an urgency about her that alarmed him.

“Jo, what is it?”

“I need to talk to you.”

He glanced in the room. The men were looking out at him with curiosity. “I have to get in here. Can you meet me after?” He had no idea what was next on the schedule but surely it could be pushed aside.

“Yes, Nico, this is important.”

Pain tore at him that he couldn’t drop everything and pull her into his arms. “I’ll be here.”

But when he left the meeting, three hours later, his head pounded from trying to get the group to come to a consensus on ocean dumping. He forgot everything, except the need for a cool drink and a break in between meetings.

He called in to his assistant. “I need fifteen.” Then he hung up.

He stepped into the first dark room and sat in the nearest chair, closing the door with his foot.

“I see we have found the same moment of cool peace.” Monique moved towards him in the darkness.

He leaned forward, rubbing his head in his hands.

“Here, let me help.” She pressed into his neck and shoulders and the attention felt relaxing. It soothed and cooled him in just the way he needed. Then she took her fingers into his hair, rubbing his scalp and head with her fingertips.

He felt uncomfortable and he almost shrugged her off.

“I studied massage. Fascinating what can happen if you hit all the correct points.” As she kneaded his head, the pressures melted away. She ran her fingers up and down his neck. Then she slipped them down under his jacket, sliding it off his shoulders so she could work through the thinner fabric of his shirt.

He groaned. “Thank you.”

As difficult as it was to keep Monique at the distance she belonged, she really was a huge help through all this. He appreciated all she had done for him, and his mother mentioned how invaluable she was to her.

They left together, Nico ready to take on the next meeting, when he stumbled into Jo. Her eyes went wide, looking from Monique to him and the dark room behind them. Then her lips tightened into a thin line and she turned to walk from him.

“Jo, wait.” He caught up with her. “What is it?” Then he remembered her frantic request that they talk, how he had put her off, and then forgot all about her. His heart sank. He was failing the woman he loved. At the first sign of trouble or the first challenge, the one person he let down over and over was his soon to be wife. His father would be frowning from heaven if he knew. “Jo, I’m sorry. I forgot. Let’s talk. What is it? What can I do?”

She only walked faster.

“Please. Jo. Stop.” He reached for her hand, gently tugging.

She whirled around, snapping her hand from out of his. “You forgot? You couldn’t find the time to talk and yet you can hide in dark rooms with Monique?” Her eyes flashed and she crossed her arms and then uncrossed them, pacing in front of him. “I came to tell you why I have to leave.”

His heart bottled up in his throat. “Just like that?”

“No, not just like that. We’ve been talking about this for weeks.”

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