Page 128 of Royally Benevolent

He smiled. “So I should assume fences havemended?”

“Yes. We’ll be coming back here, I think,” I said.

“I will have to see you in the flesh every day again, Wyatt?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

He chuckled. “Well, there are worse things. I am glad to have you back. Theo needs to grow up here.”

“I know. I have since realised that maybe a Neandian belongs in Neandia.”

Stephen patted my shoulder. “Sir, you are wise… finally. I hope Her Royal Highness is doing well?”

“She has an unrelated sprained ankle and is still processing everything with her grandmother,” I said. “Otherwise, she’s fine. Also, can you ask around for an estate agent?”

“What for, sir?”

“After Theo returns, I want to buy a more secure house—something with some land.”

“Really?” My impulsive declaration took Stephen by surprise.

“And when we return, we will need security. I want to ensure Theo and Odette are safe and the press are held accountable. She’ll be around. I need to make sure we’re okay.”

“Yes, sir. Of course,” Stephen said. “I can do all of that. I am glad to hear it.”

He left, satisfied with the new developments. A footman returned my belongings to Odette’s quarters in the wing she shared with Astrid and Ingrid. Last night, we’d determined it was time to end that arrangement. We needed a place that wasours. It made the most sense. I wanted the worldwith her. Theo deserved to have two grown-ups who cared for him daily, and Mom deserved to come and go as she pleased. So much good came of this time, far from the press and other distractions. We’d talked about everything, being at times painfully honest about our future. Neither of us was sure it would always work, but we were willing to try.

I returned to the family dining room to have brunch.

“Watch out, Marie Antoinette is on her way,” Ingrid said.

Odette snickered, as did Rick.

“Are we talking about Alex?” Astrid asked.

“Yes,” Ingrid said. “She’s lost it. Truly lost it.”

“Just let her have her moment to cope with it,” Rick said. “Everyone is entitled to their feelings.”

“Odette, stop looking sour about it. You cannot be sad that she’s gone,” Astrid said.

“I am happy—relieved. However, it’s still sad to lose the last relative living. I think about whatcouldhave been and how sad I am that we lost Mamma and Papa. It’s complicated for me.”

“Fuck her,” Astrid said. “Sorry, but fuck her.”

Odette set her jaw. “It’s not so simple for me, okay?”

I squeezed Odette’s leg under the table.

Rick said, sympathetic as he bounced Manon on his knee, “You have every right to feel that way—as Lex has a right to feel so free. Odette and Ingrid, you both had us to advocate for you—to raise you. We weren’t perfect, but we tried to give you the best. Astrid and Lex didn’t have that, okay? Everyone can feel what they need to. And we can all go through the motions together in a week and pretend like we fucking care, alright?”

He shot a pointed look at Ingrid and Astrid. Odette was conflicted, something I’d tried to support her through. I had to be her safe space to land.

The door opened, and Alexandra entered.

“I have brought some others!”

With her, Theo and Mom followed.

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