Page 36 of Royally Benevolent

“We’ll talk about it again during the next working session. I suggest we come in with a budget number.”

“Rookie mistake?”

“You just accomplished a lot. You’re a little bit of a rookie but a charming pro otherwise,” I said. “I’m on your side.”

“Same team?” Odette asked.

Her smile could have melted the coldest ice. She was sunshine on two legs.

“Same team,” I agreed.

We returned to the conference room to vote on the winner of a student art contest, then had one last item to address. I blamed myself for dragging this out.

“Now, onto Mr Worthington’s measure,” Gautier said. “You are attending the Vision International Summit in Cologne. And you are looking for another attendee?”

“Correct,” I said. “I was going to extend the offer. Originally, Ms. Morrisey wanted to attend but had to bow out.”

“Apologies,” Samantha Morrisey apologised. “My mother’s surgery was scheduled for that week.”

“When is it, Wyatt?” The Mayor asked.

“Next week—I leave Thursday and return Monday,” I answered. “It’s a great opportunity to interface with other Vision members and get new ideas. Either way, I’ll attend and bring back what I learn.”

“I’d like to attend.”

It was Odette. I turned, surprised. “Oh, Your Royal Highness… I am sure you are much too busy.”

“I don’t have any engagements next weekend… per my schedule. I would love to attend.”

“It would add credibility, certainly,” Gautier noted. “Your Royal Highness, that isgenerous.”

“De rien.” She shrugged and looked down. “Just trying to assist, and I know many of you are busy with your families. It’s short notice and all.”

A silence took hold. I realised they were waiting formeto say yay or nay.

“Oh, shoot. Yes, of course,” I said. My voice squeaked. I got my nerves under control, deepening it. “I would love to have the help. And it would make a big impression.”

“Great.” Odette beamed. “I can’t wait to learn more.”

I had no idea what I’d gotten myself into. Was Ireallyabout to travel out of the country with a princess? Half of me jumped for joy to have company. I’d missed our chats. The other half was paranoid. Was I reading too much into this? Did thislookbad? Even if it was all innocent, the two of us being seen out togetherlookedlike something, right? A wealthy older man accompanying a much younger princess on a diplomatic trip raised alarm bells.

As the meeting ended, I pulled Odette aside. “Are you sure you’ve got time for this? Because I can go by myself.”

“Absolutely not,” Odette assured. “I’d like to go. All this research has interested me in what would have been possible if we had the support. Rick is invested, too.”

“It won’t be trouble?”

“Not if Rick supports it,” she snickered. “Alexandra will fuss for five minutes but won’t die on this hill. She’ll give us our fun.”

I marvelled at how bizarre it was for her to speak casually about her sister and brother-in-law. To my American sensibilities, this ridiculousness did not compute. To Odette, this was the norm. But with her bubbly excitement and casual manner, everything seemedfine. She had a way of making it all seem sonormal.

“Cool,” I said.

“And you have someone to watch Theo?”

“My Mom is sticking around. We’re trialling out a new nanny.”

“Fingers crossed. How is he?”

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