Page 6 of The Crown

She nodded. “I think it is time. Tell your assistant to add time with me every day to your schedule. Have our assistants coordinate the best two hour block of time. Your training will begin.”

“Thank you.” The words felt weak, even to her. It was more than she expected, or even desired, if she were being honest, but she forced a smile because she knew she needed this woman to love her, and she needed to know how to be a queen.

The family moved onward with their discussions about the day.

Nico’s lips on her neck brought shivers. “Are you ok?” His breath warmed her ear.

She turned to him, their eyes an inch apart. “I’m a little shaken. But I’m ok.” She swallowed. “I don’t want to mess up.”

“You won’t. We’re all right here. Just be yourself. Everyone will love you as much as I do.” His warm eyes spoke of his sincerity. And she felt grateful for his confidence. She had never felt more out of her element than when her future father-in-law projected pictures of her in a bathing suit, kissing his son against the far wall.

The queen interrupted. “Are we ready for tonight’s gala?”

The brothers groaned.

She frowned at them, though good naturedly. “I appreciate your support in this. It is one of the crown’s oldest and most treasured efforts to aid our citizens.”

The literacy gala. Jo felt so proud to be involved. Right away the queen had given her a small task of ensuring two local families from the nearby town were invited and had transportation to the event. She had spoken with them and loved the interaction. She felt like she would love the citizens of Torren more than anything else about the land.

The queen turned to Jo. “We have invited all of the neighboring royals to come.” The brothers chuckled.

Jo looked from one to the other.

The queen continued. “I give you fair warning they are an eccentric bunch. Many are harmless, and all are irresponsible a large part of the time.” She frowned at Nico, which Jo thought was entirely unfair given all that he had taken on these last few months.

“And some are to be avoided.” Her tone was stern. “I will email you the paperwork we have on each one. You should read it in its entirety before this evening. Memorize names. We have also included all the business owners and landowners in our country as well as influential members of our global initiative throughout the world. Their details will also be in your docket.”

Jo sat straighter in her seat. She had helped plan galas during her time at Vanderbilt. She knew about these kinds of crowds and looked forward to making some kind of difference, or at least, showing the family she would not embarrass them.

* * *

The doorof the Torren limo opened to blinding flashes. Shouts from blurred faces behind cameras were not loud enough to distinguish their actual meaning. A red carpet stretched between her and the opened door where the gala would be held.

Nico kissed her hand just as she stepped out a glittery shoe. “You’ll do great.”

She reached for the hand of their driver, and she rose out of the car. She felt fabulous. Her dress hung in gorgeous drapes around her, its sequins sparkling from the camera flashes. She smiled as Nico joined her. Through his teeth he said, “Let’s give them a show.”

She bit back a laugh but followed his lead. He placed a hand behind her back and they turned and faced one side, then the other, posing for pictures, laughing, and smiling. She felt comfortable, allowing her love for him to show. Then he stepped back and held her hand out. His eyebrow rose in challenge.

“Now?” She kept her eyes on his, blocking out all others. She loved him, oh she loved him. So she spun into him. He dipped her low, staring into her eyes. “I love you, Jo. I want everyone to know it.”

She grinned back up at him. “I love you too.”

Then he placed his lips to hers, gently, lingered for just a moment, and then rose with her in his arms.

The crowd cheered, cameras snapping furiously. Everyone wanted a taste of them, it seemed.

Then Nico picked up the pace, and with Jo’s hand ensconced in his large palm they hurried into the hotel.

“You were fantastic, a natural at this.” He brought her close. “Thank you, Jo. Everything in my life is better because you are here.”

The warmth of his praise bubbled inside.

Trane and Daniel came up behind them. “Show offs.” Trane’s grin showed his approval. “You’re a keeper, sister.”

She laughed, grateful. “So you keep telling me.”

Two steps further into the lobby, and they were both approached by a group of people, needing them for different reasons. He squeezed her hand twice before they separated to take care of their responsibilities.

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