Page 14 of Royally Benevolent

“You want to help us find a nanny?”

“Yes,” Mom answered. “I do. And I believe you stand a better chance with me in your court.”

I smiled. “I know you do. I will send you a plane. You don’t need to book a ticket?—”

“No, have Leona book me a ticket. I like the food on that airline I always fly. And the lounge has ahunky bartender.”

I snickered. “Alright, alright. I will tell Leona to call you later. Sorry for all of this.”

“It’s okay. You know I will always rush to help you or Becca.”

Becca was my older sister. The three of us were bonded so close.

“I know you will, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Take care of our boy,” Mom said.

I hung up, exhausted from the nanny search, but comforted that trustworthy, lovely help was coming.

9

PATRONAGES

ODETTE

“It’s appalling… your food culture.” Alexandra pulled a face and turned from the girls and Scandinavian delights their father provided for breakfast.

Under the table, Grieg positioned himself between Alexandra and Rick’s daughters—Linny and Kari—waiting for the children to drop food. He wagged his tail and flicked his head between them. Little Christophe, their youngest, slept somewhere across the palace after his late-night party.

I snickered.

“It’s fine. It’s sweetandsavoury,” Rick said of the Brunost on toast the girls ate.

“It’s terrible, baby. Terrible.”

I agreed with Alexandra. Our pastries were a vast improvement on whatever these crazy Vikings got up to.

“They’re quiet and eating. Hush, Lex!”

She rolled her eyes. “Odie, how did the event go last night?”

“It was a catastrophe,” I sighed.

Concern rolled over my sister’s queenly face.

My face flushed red. I immediately defended myself. “No, nothing I did.”

“Some idiot pulled the fire extinguisher,” Rick said. “They had to flee, but Odette made inroads with one of the big fish.”

I didn’t deserve his kindness, smiling back in thanks.

“Oh?” Alexandra raised her eyebrow. “That’s brilliant, darling. Who?”

“Wyatt Worthington,” Rick continued. “Wasn’t that right, Odie?”

I nodded. “Um… he was there. We discussed safe streets and a particularly hazardous crossing. He had some ideas. I was fascinated.”

“That’s great,” Alexandra said. “Well done.”

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