Page 84 of Trained Royal
Kieren perked up. “Really?”
“Definitely. If you want to, the job’s yours for now,” Andrew said. “Once it’s sorted, we can talk about what your future looks like.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me yet. You don’t understand how much of a job you’re taking on. You won’t be alone, though. Randall does a lot of the delegating, and he’ll help you find your feet.”
Something inside Kieren eased at having a job. Something other than wandering around like a lost sheep.
A knock sounded, and Randall poked his head in the door at Andrew’s call. “Your Highness, your caller is waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Randall. Give me one more minute.” Randall nodded and left. “Okay, boys. Kieren, see Randall on your way out. Brett, do you have anything to add?”
“No, sir. I just came along for the ride.” He grinned, and the king laughed.
“I will speak to you both shortly, then.”
They left the office after Andrew had called Randall back in for a quick update, and Brett said goodbye, leaving Kieren with the king’s personal assistant.
“Are you ready for a trial by fire?” Randall asked.
“Is there any other kind?” Kieren joked. “Let me send a quick message to Patrick, and I’m all yours.”
KIEREN: I’m hanging out with Randall for a bit. I have a new interim job. I’ll tell you about it later. If you decide to go anywhere, let me know. x
They spent the next two hours going through the process of how to vet potential staff members, how to delegate and what was involved in organising events. By the time Randall called it quits, Kieren’s head was swimming.
“Wow. I know you worked hard, but it seems you have your work cut out for you with all these things,” Kieren said.
Randall chuckled. “I’ve been doing this for a long time. It’s second nature to me now, but I will pity the person who ever has to take over from me. Me, though? I love this. Working is my therapy, my solace.”
“I find it’s that way for many people. Throwing themselves into work is a boon.” Kieren changed the subject, understanding the hesitance in Randall’s voice. “I have a list of things I need to do now you’ve got the ball rolling on finding replacements. I’ll get started on those. When do you want to meet next?”
Randall clicked his calendar on the computer. “Tuesday? That gives you a couple of daysafterthe weekend to do anything you couldn’t doonthe weekend.”
“Sounds good.”
Kieren said goodbye and pulled out his phone. Patrick had sent an initial message to him but nothing further, and he wanted to track the man down. He dialled.
“Hey,” Patrick said.
“Hey. Where are you?”
“Have a guess?”
Kieren snorted. “You have too many people within this castle for me to guess right on the first go.”
“Try.”
Kieren had no clue which of the princes was busy or not, and he just said, “Freddie.”
“Nope.”
Kieren sighed. “Henry.”
“Nope.”
“I give up.”
