Page 20 of Royally Wed
“Do we really, though? What if the rumors aretrue? What if your grandfather wasn’t actually an Amcott?”
Amelia had never been brave enough to pose the question out loud. Probably because she knew no one in the family wanted to know the answer.
According to the Becketts—specifically Holden’s older brother, Gregory—Amelia’s great-grandfather, King Albert, was illegitimate. They’d managed to somehow unearth diaries from King Albert’s mother,who’d only married into the family and wasn’t an Amcott herself. The diaries implied that her lover, a commoner, could be Albert’s real father. If her worries were true, the man who’d sat on the throne for two decades hadn’t rightfully inherited the monarchy.
“The Amcotts have ruled this country for centuries, and we’re not going anywhere,” the queen said. “Never forget that, Amelia.”
“I know,but what if they go public and Parliament decides to exhume King Albert’s body? A simple DNA test would solve this whole mystery.” Amelia’s gaze flitted to the tiaras. “We could be doing all of this for nothing.”
“We’re not. And they won’t go public. Holden’s brother has given his word that if you and Holden marry, the familywill be satisfied. The Becketts will be closer to the throne than everbefore. They know that going public with the diary would be a risk. They definitely won’t endanger their chance after we give them the fairy-tale wedding of the century.” The queen gave her a knowing smile. “Being a monarch is more than simply being born to rule. Public opinion matters. The people know the Amcotts. They love us, for the most part.”
Amelia swallowed. Her mother didn’t need toelaborate. Amelia knew good and well that a number of her public-relations disasters had been responsible for any ill feelings about the monarchy.
“This whole ugly business will be behind us after the wedding. The Amcotts will rule. And Holden adores you. You know that.” The queen nodded. Case closed.
Holden adores me.
Wouldn’t it be convenient if Amelia adored him back?
Her mother sashayedback to the table and its extravagant display. “Where were we? Ah, yes. I think we’ve narrowed it down to the Burmese Ruby Tiara and the Cambridge Lover’s Knot. What do you think, Mr. Smith?”
Of course she’d asked the jeweler for his opinion rather than Amelia’s. Why did she even need to be there?
Chin up, you’re saving the family.
She’d waited her entire life to matter. Now was her chance.
“Good morning, everyone.” Amelia’s eldest brother, Edward, strolled into the room.
He carried himself with the confidence that came with being heir to the throne. He always had. When Amelia was alittle girl, she’d practically worshipped him. She’d constantly trailed behind him through the palace, hoping some of his luster would rub off on her. Somehow, despite all the attention that had beenshowered upon him since the moment he’d graced the earth with his presence, he was actually a good guy. He’d make a great king one day.
And now I’m part of making sure he’ll sit on the throne.
“Edward!” The queen’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
Even the corgis took notice of his arrival. They pranced at his feet like he’d invented dog biscuits. As usual, Willow was the only holdout. Sheopened one eye, yawned, then resumed her nap on the tartan dog bed by the fireplace.
The queen didn’t seem to notice. “You’ve brought your orders and medals for Mr. Smith to take care of?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Edward held up an attaché case. Amelia’s brother had so many military medals and honorary orders that he literally had to carry them around in a piece of luggage.
Their mother nodded. “Perfect.He’ll get them all polished and ready for the ceremony.”
“I certainly will, sir.” Mr. Smith took the briefcase and handed it to one of the guards.
Edward moved to give Amelia a hug. “Good morning, sis.”
“Morning.” Amelia lowered her voice, and steered him toward a quiet corner by the fireplace. Willow growled at the unwelcome intrusion. “What are you doing here? You didn’t have to bring thoseover personally. Dad and Oliver had a page deliver theirs.”
Edward shrugged one shoulder, but somehow managedto make it look regal. “I was in the neighborhood.”
“Sure you were.”
“There’s an investiture in the throne room in just a bit. Mum asked me to join.” Of course she had. “You look awfully pensive. I figured you’d have fun with this sort of thing.” He waved a hand toward the tiaras.
“Um, sure.” She nodded. “I’m just distracted. My calendar is pretty full today.”
Sure, that’s the big distraction this morning. Your calendar.
