Page 25 of Rogue Royal
Mav entered the ballroom, where everyone was mingling. It was his first event, though he’d been working with Bert for the last six years. Mav’s father had requested Mav see first-hand what it was like to schmooze with other professionals. Bert hadn’t been happy, but he’d agreed, as usual, when it came to Mav’s father. For some reason, Bert did a lot of things his father asked, including hiring Mav when the previous company he’d worked for had gone bankrupt.
Mav had been entertaining the idea of going freelance, but he knew he needed some money behind him before he could attempt it. Working for Bert was a stop-gap until he could run his own business. The suit fit Mav to perfection. His father had spared no expense to ensure he had a properly fitted suit for one of the most prestigious events in the annual social media calendar.
His gaze found Bert straight away, laughing with his head thrown back. He was older than Mav’s father, but he appeared younger sometimes. Bert was a nice enough guy, but Mav wished he would give him a bit more responsibility. He felt like a trainee at times.
A server wandered towards him, and he took the proffered glass, though he didn’t drink. He would keep up appearances, but alcohol played havoc with his migraines. He steered clear as he sauntered towards where Bert held court.
“Ah, here he is. Everyone, this is Ronald’s son, Maverick.” Bert clapped him on the shoulder and gave a small smile. “Been with us a while now but is showing promise.”
Mav smiled through gritted teeth at the description of his work, but he refused to say anything to antagonise his boss. He knew Bert had a hair-trigger temper.
“Nice to meet you.”
Mav’s words were sincere. He wasn’t introduced to any of them by name, but he knew many from his research. He listened to the conversation, noting who seemed to be invested in Bert’s words and who seemed to placate him. Many appeared to be the latter, which might work to Mav’s advantage in the future.
As the hours wore on, Mav mingled with a few other groups, being called back to Bert’s side regularly, as if Bert didn’t want him to make connections of his own.
“Personally, I think Instagram won’t last much longer. I don’t think we should concentrate on that area of the market when there are more up-and-coming platforms that will take the world by storm.”
Mav frowned. “If that’s the case, then why are there over one billion active users every month?”
The minute he spoke, he knew he’d made a grave error. Bert’s face reddened, and his eyes narrowed, and there was a collective inhale of the group.
Bert laughed, the sound a little forced. “This is why you’re still learning, and I’m paid the big bucks.” He turned away, continuing the conversation and pushing Mav’s opinion aside. He caught the eye of several of the group, a couple who winced, another who nodded his head. Bert was obviously right; Mav needed to learn to play the game better.
Once the evening drew to a close, Bert offered Mav a ride home, and although he wanted to decline, he knew he couldn’t. As soon as they were on the road, Bert laid into him.
“At what point do you believe you have any right to argue against my opinions to those in the business? Those people rely on my information to be correct. If they have other people contradicting me, then how will they know what to do? You think you’re so smart and have it all worked out. You don’t! Stick to where I put you, and you might learn something.”
“I just don’t understand—”
“You don’t need to understand anything apart from what I’m telling you.”
They spent the rest of the journey with Bert berating everything Mav had ever done in his career until Mav felt two feet tall. Bert said nothing as Mav climbed out of the car.
It was only when Mav entered their office building the following Monday that he realised the words he’d spoken at the event had paved the way for a new life for him. One spent in the clutches of a misbehaving royal who nobody wanted to deal with. When Mav argued, Bert threatened not only Mav’s job but his father’s job, too. Unfortunately, it was a threat that he could carry out because Mav’s father worked for Bert’s brother.
Mav gritted his teeth and acknowledged his new position. As soon as he had enough money saved up, he was going out on his own. He would no longer be under anyone’s thumb.
****
Mav knocked on Douglas’s door with a trembling hand, licking his dry lips. Butterflies had taken up residence in his stomach, and nausea followed their path. He didn’t know what Douglas needed a whole three hours to talk about with him. Douglas called him in, and Mav inhaled before entering.
“Good afternoon, Your Highness.” Mav was proud his voice was only slightly shaky.
Douglas grinned at him from the sofa on which he sat. “I think we can refrain from titles while we chat, don’t you think?”
Mav didn’t know what to say, but he took a seat opposite the prince, resting the tablet on his lap. They sat in silence for a few minutes until Douglas called his name.
“Talk to me about your proposition. I won’t bite.”
Mav sniffed, his fingers running along the edge of the tablet case. “It’s nothing. It doesn’t matter now.” He couldn’t do it, not with Douglas staring as he was.
Douglas tilted his head. “If it didn’t matter, you would’ve cancelled the meeting.” His voice was soft yet confident.
And right. Damn him.
“I don’t…I…” Mav shook his head, cursing silently. He had never been so unsure.
