Page 4 of The Crown

Perhaps it would be prudent to remind Monique where his loyalties still remained. “Buying flowers for Jo. Thanks for the update.”

No reply. Then as he was paying Miguel, his phone dinged with her text, “I hope she appreciates the nuances of the day. Such a special time for Torren.” Then she sent a picture of an enormous bouquet, twice as large as the one he had picked out. “I loved mine last year. Thank you.”

He grimaced. Curse his parents. They had sent flowers to a few of the women in his circle who they hoped might be on his list of potentials when he was ready. Monique had always topped the list. But thankfully they had stopped pressing that issue as soon as they recognized Nico’s intentions toward Jo.

“See you tomorrow night?” Her text beeped.

His groan was loud enough for the driver to meet his eyes in question. Nico waved him on. Time to return to the palace. Monique was invited to most of the same events and would be a large part of Jo’s entrance into society amongst their peers. He didn’t answer her.

Pulling into the palace, he sat up taller and prepared for all that awaited him. But sitting taller did not have the effect it usually did. Instead of filling him with expectant hope and strength, he felt by measure, unprepared. He pulled up a picture of Jo. It was a selfie they took dancing at her Tiki Rumble marina restaurant and dance club. They had the floor to themselves for a few moments and it was one of the best memories he had of her. He smiled at her image, close to his face, eyes sparkling, daring him to greatness. And he shored up the resolve to move forward. Today his father would transfer a larger portion of his responsibilities to Nico.

Sitting at his office desk, he rang for his secretary. “Could you place these flowers in a vase in Jo’s room?” The kindly woman smiled. He added, “And fill the remaining space with gardenias?”

She nodded. “And a note?” She widened her eyes.

He grinned. “And a note. I will write it now.”

Obviously pleased, she turned and he called after her, “Thank you Vitoria.”

Several hours later, exiting the larger conference room, the heads of the energy corporations carried a feeling of optimism and cooperation. One had been difficult to convince, but they had, at last, all come to an accord on how to further preserve the natural beauty of their island, while still ensuring the sustainability of the nation’s place in the industry, and the survival of their corporations.

His mother entered as the last of them turned the corner down the hall. “Hello Nico. I see you’ve had a productive meeting. They are all optimistic and cheerful from the looks of them.”

He rubbed a hand over his face. “They are. It took some doing but I believe we have come to an accord.”

“Your father will be pleased. He’s been working for this for the past five years.”

Nico nodded. “His efforts are what have brought us to this point.” He sat back and motioned for his mother to sit beside him. “How is father?”

For a moment, her burden became visible across her face, lines appeared around her eyes and a tug at her mouth showed her suffering. Then it disappeared as though it had never showed itself. “He is tired, Nico. Thank you for taking so much of this on. We are both grateful you are at such a place in your life where you are ready for this.”

“I am not ready. But sometimes you do what you must, no matter how ready you feel.”

She nodded. “And Jo. Is she ready?”

He bristled, until he saw the open concern and care in her face.

“One thing I love about Jo is that she is a problem solver. She rises to the task and meets it head on.” He fiddled with his pen. “She is at such a disadvantage though, Mother. She lacks knowledge, understanding of our culture, and even a firm footing here in the country.” He chuckled. “She become lost on her way to the pool yesterday.”

The queen waved her hand. “That can be overcome. It is the person inside you will marry, not her knowledge of politics and history.” She rested a hand on his arm. “Still, we don’t know this person. Perhaps we should consider your engagement somewhat of a trial period? Not announce it to the nation as of yet?”

“Are you that uncertain of her?” A trickle of unease festered and dampened Nico’s happy thoughts about Jo. But he searched his heart, and found he didn’t care so much what kind of queen she was. He valued Jo as a person and the man he became when he was with her. But his mother had a valid concern. For the first time, he looked at Jo as a queen and realized he had very little idea how she would handle most things. He sighed. “I don’t know if it matters how well she could handle the role today. She can learn. We will help her.”

“And the press? She has yet to leave the palace. Will she be able to navigate the sharks that lie in wait?”

He suddenly felt tired. Even more than before. “I don’t know mother. How can we know that I will be able to handle it myself? We must navigate each day as it comes.” He stood. “And now I need to rest. If just for five minutes.”

He walked down the long hallway to the family quarters of the palace. He flipped his wrist to signal his valet. Hot bath. Warm robe. Quiet. Then he texted his assistant. “Black out one hour.” Then he turned off his phone.

3

Everyone gathered for breakfast. It was a long-time Valdez tradition that Jo was learning to appreciate more the longer she was with them. No one could be certain of dinner plans, so they grabbed onto the one meal they knew would likely be free.

They coordinated schedules, which Jo found most helpful. One of the difficult things about this new palace life was learning to keep up with everyone.

This morning, a screen filled the far wall. As soon as everyone was gathered, Francisco cleared his throat. She still felt like she should call him your highness, king, majesty, or something along those lines, but he insisted on Francisco for now.

“We have a breach in security and protocol.” He turned to Jo, and she immediately felt at fault.

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