Page 78 of Coronation
Stopping on their way into the building, the two shared a playful moment during a chat with reporters, with Zelda noting His Majesty had “better” be attending the premiere of her current project, and the king assuring everyone within earshot that he wouldn’t dare miss it.
Uncharacteristic banter aside, their outing provided further evidence of the new relationship flourishing. Several eagle-eyed witnesses were quick to point out a detail that has royal enthusiasts around the world fanning themselves. After all, it can’t be a coincidence that the smudge of lipstick spotted on His Majesty’s neckjust so happenedto match the shade being worn by Zelda.
While an evening with an ex-spouse hardly seems like a recipe for romance, the couple didn’t appear to have any trouble enjoying one another’s company and remained close throughout the night.
King Benedict and his former wife Lady Julia have remained—publicly at least—on quite good terms. However, while onlookers reported the three shared a brief but pleasant exchange, several of the catering staff had another tale to tell after doors closed for the night.
“She flew off the handle,” reported one staffer. “Really nasty things Lady Julia was saying about poor Miss Flowers, who was perfectly lovely as far as we could see. She purchased a painting to support the gallery and was very respectful to all of us working. You don’t usually get a lot ofpleasesandthank-yousin that kind of crowd. I can’t say I know either of these women personally, but from what I saw Friday night, I’d say King Benedict has traded up. No wonder he was so grim before.”
Overall, sentiment for the king has grown more positive over the past month, in a trend royal reporters are now referring to asThe Zelda Effect.
“Zelda has a way of humanizing His Majesty in a way the people of Stelland aren’t used to. In her company, he isn’t a cold, scowling snob. Instead, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of glimpses of King Benedict smiling, laughing, and looking at the woman beside him in a way that simply screamssmitten,” said Celebrity and Royal News correspondent, and expert on all things Zelda and Benedict, Ashley Hutton.
“On top of this, I think people are excited that royal appearances are no longer limited to a few highly selective and impersonal events. The date they had at the Shakespeare production in Brackenwood Park is an excellent example. Seeing His Majesty sitting on a blanket, eating dinner off a tin plate, and discreetly enjoying a play with his very charming girlfriend at his side was a real treat for the people.”
The Zelda Effect doesn’t appear to be lessening anytime soon. With only a few weeks to go until King Benedict’s coronation, interest in the event has been picking up steam, with hotels in the capital city of Wyngate selling out, as citizens of Stelland and beyond clamor to witness this historic moment.
Ashwell Palace has not yet responded to questions on whether Zelda will be present in Saint Clement Cathedral for the ceremony, an honor typically reserved for members of the cabinet, high-ranking nobility, and members of the royal family.
An American girlfriend would be a significant departure from tradition, yet the obvious attachment between the couple already has many wondering what other unconventional announcements we have to look forward to from King Benedict.
Thirty-Four
Zelda
“What exactly does one wear to awrap party?”
I pause mid-lipstick application, pressing my lips together to hold back my laugh as I watch Ben’s reflection pull items of clothing from the bar in my closet, his expression disgruntled at being forced to use such a terribly Californian combination of words.
Socialization is never high on Ben’s priority list, so I’m taking his offer to accompany me tonight—to a room full of drunk industry people—as a very romantic gesture.
“The blue one,” I advise, biting my lip as I watch him throw the shirt in question onto the bed and strip off the one he arrived in. This man always manages to make me desperately hot for him with practically no effort, and the sight of him standing barefoot in my bedroom of Fernmoor House wearing only a pair of low-slung dress pants is practically pornographic.
Did I have a thing for chest hair before Ben? I can’t remember finding anything about it particularly appealingor unappealing, but now I’m definitely in theprocamp for the dark dusting of hair in the center of his broad chest and trailing below his navel. Heat spreads through my lower belly as he lifts his gaze, catching me checking him out in the mirror.
The smirk definitely doesn’t help matters.
It’s been a week since Julia’s gallery opening, the night which became an unexpected turning point in our relationship, and despite the practical challenges, Ben and I haven’t slept apart since. He’s stayed here at Fernmoor for a few nights, but sinceThe Dark Housefinally wrapped on Tuesday, I’ve been spending most of my time at Ashwell Palace.
It’s a necessity to accommodate the faintly ridiculous amount of sex we’ve been having.
“You know, all thewarningsI received from my brothers about seeing a younger woman seem to be quite on the mark,” Ben tells me mildly as he turns away, returning his attention to his wardrobe.
I scoff. “I’m sorry, is this something you really want to complain about? Did you want me to belesshorny for you?”
The dark, disbelieving expression I receive in response to that question has me giggling as I look back at my reflection in the little makeup table I’m seated at. Tonight, we’re going to a wrap party forThe Dark House, which is being held in Balloch Castle itself. I can only assume that the set has undergone a pretty thorough breakdown to accommodate such an event, because the last time I was inside, there definitely wouldn’t have been space for a party.
While I’m not particularly fond of any of the other cast members, I will desperately miss Davina when she returns to the States tomorrow, and am looking forward to having a last few hours with my friend.
Ben’s bare chest appears in the mirror behind me, and I watch as he leans over to kiss my cheek. “I’m going to take ashower,” he murmurs, his beard rasping against the sensitive skin beneath my ear as he lowers his lips to my neck as well.
“We need to leave soon,” I warn him, even as my heart flutters at the possibility of skipping it entirely.
Ben hums, still intent on leaving slow, agonizing kisses over my neck and jaw. “I’ll be quick.” He presses his lips to my skin one more time and straightens up, moving off toward the bathroom.
“That was really mean!” I call, even as I feel my face splitting in a huge smile. “Just for that, I’m going to besignificantlyless horny for you!”
The shower turns on, and though he’s out of sight, I can imagine the fond, exasperated expression that must come over Ben’s face when he calls back, “No, you won’t!”
