Page 45 of Royal Catch
The maid sends Francesca a meaningful look, almost like a mother sayingbehave,before curtsying to the queen and Gabriel and walking out the door.
The queen folds her hands in her lap and offers us princesses a small smile. “I’ve asked you both here this morning for a final interview. Your answer will lead to one of you being named as the future bride of the crown prince, so please think carefully before responding. First, some background. Villroy is in need of a boost to our economy. We’ve depended on fishing for centuries. It’s an integral part of our traditional way of life. Unfortunately, the fish population is declining, which means the fishermen must travel farther out to sea in deeper waters. It’s more work and they’re bringing less back.”
Gabriel speaks up. “We’re losing the younger generation in search of better jobs. We need better opportunities for them here. A kingdom made up only of the older generation will quickly die out.”
The queen sucks in air through her teeth. I think of her dying husband and understand better why she has seemed so strained every time I’ve seen her. Of course, that might partly be her reaction to me personally. I seem to rub her the wrong way.
Francesca and I wait quietly for the question. She’s on the edge of her seat. I’m not. I won’t give it any thought. I’m just going to say the first thing that comes to mind. If for some insane reason, the queen actually chooses me, which I doubt, I’ll bow out. But I’d never be so disrespectful as to walk out without answering a question that is so important to the queen personally.
Finally, the queen says, “If you were the future queen, what would you do, along with your husband, to ensure the vitality of Villroy’s economy?”
I jump right in, speaking off the top of my head. “Ooh, I know! It’s what every commoner would love—live like royalty for a week at the palace. Make it a girls’ trip or a honeymoon destination. A one-week stay for an exorbitantly high price. It wouldn’t be like the crowd of a wedding party, just a small select group.” That actually sounds right up my alley, so I can’t help but add, “And give them the full beauty experience too, hair, makeup, nails, facials. Almost like a spa. Well, one thing at a time. Probably just start with one beautician who can do all that.” I realize suddenly I’m describing myself and I’m actually jazzed about the idea. “And special beauty products they can purchase to bring home with them, featuring something native to Villroy. Yes! You could also build a day spa with a locally sourced beauty line, set near the beach, but away from the palace.” I know Gabriel doesn’t want tons of tourists trampling through the palace.
Both the queen and Gabriel are staring at me, their expressions giving nothing away. I’m not sure if they think it’s the stupidest idea they’ve ever heard or I just surprised them. I should shut up now, but my mind is racing with ideas. “I’ve heard fish oil can do wonders both inside and out.”
A long silence follows.
Francesca turns to me. “Are you done?”
“Yes.”
She turns to address the queen. “Your Majesty—”
“Seaweed is another possibility,” I blurt. “Natural sea salt scrubs.” I’ve got beautician’s Tourette’s, if that’s a thing. I can’t seem to stop. “Algae.”
Francesca glares at me.
“And now I’m done.” I clamp my mouth shut, even though I just had another great idea for the day spa beauty product line—sponges from the sea. Every product would be all-natural and locally sourced. The fishermen could still be involved, but on a different product.
Francesca turns back to the queen. “Your Majesty, I know Villroy has a long proud history. I would want to preserve that traditional way of life. My idea is to fund a new powerful fleet of fishing vessels that would allow the fishermen to take in more haul in waters that weren’t reachable to them before. I would be happy to contribute to this fleet personally.” She glances at Gabriel, who nods once, before lowering her gaze to the floor.
She’s everything I’m not—wealthy, traditional, demure up the wazoo. This was never a competition. She was born for this role. I was born with nothing. I came from nothing, but I will make something of myself. Ihavemade something of myself. I’ve worked hard every day of my life to get where I am today, but no amount of work can ever make me something I’m not.
I stand, drawing everyone’s attention. “It’s clear to me that Francesca is the better choice in every way. I’m removing myself from the running.”
Francesca allows herself a small smile as she looks straight ahead.
The queen says, “Very well. Francesca is the winner. And, Polly, if you hadn’t been so quick to declare yourself out of the running, I was about to choose her anyway. I far prefer to preserve our way of life than to have random rowdy people parading through our home.”
I bow my head. “Thank you for having me in your lovely home. Goodbye.”
“Wait!” Gabriel is on his feet. “Polly, don’t go.”
“Gabriel,” I beg. He’s going to make this difficult. I can see it in his wild-eyed look.
“Polly’s idea could work,” he tells his mother. “And a one-week stay wouldn’t be any more inconvenient than this week’s competition. Here and gone before you know it. It’s like Phillip’s idea but better, smaller scale and more controlled. And the day spa is brilliant! So much opportunity for growth there, and it could incorporate the fishing industry through the beauty product line. It has real merit. And it’s not like we’d become a resort destination. The spa could attract day-trippers from the mainland.” He turns to me, his eyes full of love. “You’re brilliant.”
My eyes get hot. “Oh, Gabriel, you’re brilliant too. I so admire you and all you do.” My voice is rough, knowing I need to let him go.
“I choose Polly,” he declares.
My lungs seize.Don’t do this.
“Gabriel!” the queen exclaims, standing in her agitation. “We talked about the proper choice.”
“What?” he asks. “That this was all a sham? That you wanted Francesca all along? Well, you don’t get to play your little games anymore. I’m done being bandied about as a prize. I love Polly. I choose love, and you of all people should understand loving the person you spend your life with.”
The queen is unmoved, her tone steel. “You will learn to love Francesca.”
