Page 58 of Royally Benevolent

“Driver, can we just move along? We are the least safe parked here.”

The driver nodded.

“Odette, let’s buckle you up.” I helped clip the safety belt.

We rolled along, Odette averting my gaze.

“I have panic attacks,” I said. “Not as much anymore. But I did. It’s okay. Lots of people have them. You don’t need to feel bad.”

“I feel bad about keeping you from Theo.”

“Oh, sweetheart, that’s not a problem. It sucks. I feel like shit aboutit, but it’s hardly your fault. I came all this way for the summit—not for you. I was the one who suggested we leave after the last panel rather than after lunch. Blame me—not yourself. You’re fine.”

“I’m not fine.”

She wasn’t. I didn’t want to invalidate her.

“I’m a head case. You shouldn’t?—”

“You’re human, Odie,” I said. “Like all of us. And this was a traumatic situation. Don’t feel bad. Really.”

Odette looked over, mascara smeared and running. “I am so sorry. If you never want to speak with me again, I understand. I would rather die than ever discuss this once more.”

“Odette, if I’m in your life in any capacity, I’m here for you.” I squeezed her hand. “And that thought never crossed my mind, sweetie. Never, not once. Maybe we’ll get some dinner and have that first night out sooner than expected.”

Her lips curled ever so slightly. That brought her back.

34

KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR

ODETTE

“Can I get some Kleenex?” Wyatt asked.

The guard in the passenger seat passed Wyatt a wad of tissues. I only knew the American brand name through television and film. I always thought it was a plug for the Company, but apparently, it was much like Hoover for vacuums in the UK. I was too distracted by putting everything together in English to do much else.

Combining compassion and concern, Wyatt pulled my chin towards him and dabbed my tears. I liked when he tugged my chin or ran his hand around my face. He didn’t complain. It seemed he’d ridden in to save me from myself. I only hoped his actions moving forward showed hewasn’tembarrassed by me.

“There. Better?” Wyatt asked most sweetly.

“I… I uh… yes?” I asked, not sure why it came out that way.

“Is Grieg alright?”

Grieg was falling asleep in my lap. Wyatt stroked the fur on the dog’s head.

“I’m… I’m coming down. I need to eat something,” I said. “It… helps.”

Wyatt squeezed my hand. “We will get you food.Promise.”

“Ma’am,” an officer said, “Her Majesty asks to speak to you.”

My sister didn’t have toaskto speak to anyone. She merely spoke.

I swallowed hard and took his secure phone. “Yes, Alex?”

“You’re okay, right? Are you okay?” She was all wound up.

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