Page 13 of Royal Player
I fold my hands demurely in front of me. “Actually, I have plans with Alice. We’re going to take a quick trip over to Monte Carlo to do some shopping.”
“Monte Carlo? Isn’t that where they gamble?”
I smile brightly. “Yes. We may play a few slots. Girls’ trip. Of course, Prince Lucas will be there too. He and Alice are inseparable. Probably his brothers too.”
She narrows her eyes. “Probably? Aren’t two of his brothers unmarried?”
I nod. “Pretty sure. They said something about researching the casino business. I’ll likely spend little time in their company.”
She lifts her palms. “I’m in no condition to travel. I’m running a fever.”
“That’s okay. I’ll have the palace guards with me as well as Vaughn. I’ll be perfectly safe.” Vaughn is my bodyguard from home, a native Beaumont man in his late twenties with a shaved head and a scary resting face. He would’ve made a good movie villain. He’s been with me since college, and I like him a lot. When we were alone for the first time, waiting on Marge, he quietly told me that he would never carry tales about me to anyone, not to Marge, not even to my parents. His sole job is my protection.
She scowls. “You can’t travel with unmarried men alone. I can’t believe you’d even suggest it.”
“I’m not alone. Alice will be there and Lucas. He’s the CEO of their new business. It’s like a business trip with a girls’ trip added on.”
“You need a chaperone.”
I clench my jaw. “I will manage fine.”
“Polly.” She pauses to blow her nose, coughs like crazy, and then sips water.
A pang of guilt hits. Here I am feeling so jubilant to have a rare solo outing when she feels so awful. “Just rest, Marge. I want you to be on the mend as quickly as possible. I’m going to have some tea with honey brought up for you.” I turn to go.
“Wait! If you insist on going, I’ll be forced to call home and report what you’re doing. That is my job.”
I whirl, fighting to keep control of my temper. “Don’t. No one needs to know you didn’t accompany me.”
“I will not lie for you. Your parents check in regularly.” She shakes her head. “I know you want to have a little fun, and we will as soon as I’m better.”
I square my shoulders and straighten my spine, putting every ounce of regal authority I possess into my voice. “I’m going.”
She picks up her phone from the nightstand, calling my bluff. Shit. The last thing I want is to be forced home early. I can’t miss being there for Anna in the delivery room. That’s when I remember Anna offered me another maid while Marge was under the weather.
“I almost forgot,” I say. “Anna offered to provide a chaperone for me, and now I see it’s important I accept. Her name is Lina.”
She purses her lips, looking suspicious. “I want to meet her.”
I open my mouth and shut it again. “Of course. I’ll get her right now.”
I casually stride from the room and then, as soon as I make it to the hallway, I race back to my room and call down to the servants’ quarters. First, I put in my urgent request for Lina on Queen Anna’s orders, and then I add a request for tea with honey for Marge.
Only five minutes later, there’s a knock on my open door. It’s a young brunette woman, probably in her twenties, her cheeks flushed like she ran to get here. I smile. She’s perfect.
She drops into a deep curtsy, bowing her head. “Your Highness, I’m Lina. I’m happy to be of service.”
“Thank you for coming so quickly, Lina. Have you ever been to Monte Carlo?”
She straightens abruptly, her brown eyes wide. “No, ma’am.”
“Good news! We’re taking a little trip. Now, there’s just one thing. I want you to have fun too. I will pay you a hundred euro a day on top of your usual pay so you may enjoy yourself. You will share a room with me for appearances, but after that I want you to go off and have fun. Gamble, drink, shop. Whatever you want. This is your holiday too.”
Her jaw drops.
“All I ask is for your discretion. I rarely get freedom. You are technically my chaperone, but that is in name only. Do you understand? And the guards will be around, so you needn’t be concerned for my safety.”
She bobs a curtsy. “Yes, ma’am. Is Queen Anna aware of my role and the trip?”
