Page 27 of The Crown

That didn’t sound like what Nico would want, but at the same time, she had never seen him so immersed, so overwhelmed. Truth, she hadn’t physically seen him for more than a passing moment, and he had barely registered her presence even then. Perhaps his mother was correct. A concern niggled at her. If such distance were to continue as normal, she wondered if she could even be happy. She cleared her throat. “Perhaps you have heard, things are in an awkward state for us right now.”

Her eyes widened and then narrowed, calculating. “Meaning?”

“Before our vacation, I had voiced a possibility of me returning home to care for my father.”

She nodded slowly. “And your thoughts on the matter now?”

“When we heard the news, I promised I would stay, to be here for whatever he might need.” A louduntilhung in the air, but no one voiced it.

She nodded. “Then perhaps it would be best to move forward with the nondisclosure plan. You can be seen with the family during all the proceedings but not necessarily seated as family.” A coldness descended over their conversation, and Jo felt very much like she was being dismissed.

“I’m not deserting him, your highness. I’m here forever, if need be. Please understand. I love him.”

She nodded, but had begun scrolling through her messages from the assistant on her tablet. She looked up, as if surprised that Jo still felt the need to sit with her. “I’ll have your assistant update your schedule with times and locations you will be needed. And Marguerite can aid you with wardrobe. If anyone asks your relationship, just tell them you are close. And leave it at that.”

Jo nodded. “Thank you.” She stood, feeling more awkward. “I’ll just get back to my room.”

The queen smiled absentmindedly and then returned to her lists.

As Jo walked away, her assistant dinged her phone. The first event was this evening. Dinner with all the gathering family and close royals and people of title in Torren. It was a huge affair and was hosted here at the palace. She was to sit at the head table at Nico’s side. A whiff of relief loosened her chest. At least she wasn’t relegated to a distant table with strangers.

* * *

Nico reachedfor Jo’s hand under the table. “Thank you, Jo.” His face a mask to all the guests, but his pulse pounded at his neckline.

Her heart went out to him. “I’m here for whatever you need. I love you, Nico.”

“I know.” He didn’t look at her, and even as he said the words, they felt colder than they ever had coming from him. But she told herself he didn’t have room for any other emotion right now than the ones coursing through him for losing his father, as he contemplated becoming the new king of Torren. She couldn’t even comprehend what that must feel like. In a distant sort of way, she recognized she too might become queen, a monarch of this beautiful nation she had grown to love.

But all the scandal surrounding her father weighed on her. Could she do a good job? Win the people over? Was she biased, and an outsider, coming at them with issues that weren’t best suited to their nation? She vowed to study more and to spend more time with their people. And to seek advisors. She needed a team, a committee, hand-selected.

After a few speeches and welcomes, the room seemed to focus more on their food and the guests at each individual table. Nico turned to her, his eyes full of love. “Come to my room tonight.”

She swallowed. “Are-are you sure?” She had become so hesitant in her thoughts about him she no longer knew how to behave.

He chuckled. “Yes. We are adults. It’s more an apartment than a room anyway. Come. I will have soft music, a fire. We can dance a little. I need you Jo. Let’s talk through things.”

“Thank you. I need to know how best to stand with you.” She sipped her water. “And I miss you.”

His eyes filled with concern. “I’m sorry. Has it been difficult?”

She nodded. “This is not about me at all. But I’ll be counting moments until this dinner is over and I come to you.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “You’ll have to get by Julian, my mother, and any number of staffers. Perhaps I’ll come get you. I have some secrets to share about this palace.” For a moment his old sparkle of adventure made an appearance.

“Ooh. Like secret passageways?”

“Even better.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ll come find you later.”

Relief filled her and she had to temper the smile that wanted to spread across her face. They needed to be together. She needed to understand how to proceed, what to do to help. And she needed him.

14

Nico made it through the funeral, but only barely, clinging to Jo’s hand. He cursed his dependence. Even on Jo. Could he not learn to stand tall and strong like his father had always done? He had fought every impulse to run to Jo with every new influx of devastating news, with every moment of devastation that hit in waves, knowing his father was no longer with them. Jo had her own troubles to deal with and he had to be strong for both of them. But he treasured the moments she was at his side.

And now, as soon as his father was in the earth, he was slammed on every side with plans for the coronation. With press releases. With public relations appeals to inspire confidence in his citizens. And this morning, a chilling visit with his mother.

“She sounded like she was still planning to leave, Nico.”

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