Page 51 of Royal Player
“Polly, you mustn’t let a handsome face turn your head. You must remain vigilant and resist—”
I whirl. “I’d like some privacy now, please. I’ll see you downstairs at breakfast.”
“I only look out for you. I don’t want you to have regrets.”
I lift my chin. “I will have none.”
She nods once, her expression tight. “I’ll see you at breakfast.”
She leaves, quietly shutting the door behind her. I pull on my clothes in jerky motions. There’s nothing to do but wait and see about this hurricane. But I know my parents aren’t up to a major recovery effort. If disaster strikes, I must return and take leadership, and that means leading with Peter. I don’t want to marry him, but I’m not sure if I’ll have a choice. My parents’ debt still stands. Peter’s threat to the monarchy could have even more impact if the islanders are in a disaster situation without quick relief. Take away the basics and people become angry. He employs half the island; he could have significant sway with them. And I cannot leave the leadership to my ill-prepared cousin. Beaumont depends on me, and I will not let her down in her time of need.
~ ~ ~
I meet with Lucas, Adrian, and Oscar in the parlor later that day to go over casino business. Marge is better but still sticks to her afternoon nap, which she considers vital to her health. That’s why we’re meeting now. She’s unaware of my place in the business. I will reveal it only once it’s up and running and profits are coming in. By then, there will be no cause for questioning the usefulness of the venture.
We’re gathered around a long table, finishing up a debate on the height of the building. We don’t want to overshadow the day spa, but we want to be sure there’s enough space for private gaming rooms, public gaming areas, and the upscale restaurant. There also needs to be a secure space to deal with the money. A basement isn’t an option due to the water table. We conclude two stories with a rooftop terrace will be ideal. The day spa is also two stories.
Lucas grabs a grape from the large fruit bowl in the center of the table. “Next order of business: I want to hire a lawyer to draw up papers spelling out ownership and profit sharing of the casino between the three of you.” He pops the grape in his mouth.
“Never hurts to have a contract,” Adrian says.
“We’re family,” Oscar says. “Is it really necessary?”
“I’m okay with that,” I put in. “Even family can benefit from having a written record.”
Oscar’s blue-green eyes meet mine in a warm gaze across the table, and my stomach flips, my chest warming. I see it now, clear as day—the love in his eyes. How long has it been there? And do I look the same way?
Lucas clears his throat. “Oscar, Polly, I said I’ve requested a proposal from the architect who did the day spa and, if we’re in agreement, I’ll open it up to other architects as well. We don’t want to clash with the spa, but it doesn’t necessarily have to match. It could complement it.”
We all chime in our agreement.
“I need to go,” Lucas says. “Let me know what you three come up with for must-haves for the casino, and I’ll pass it onto the architect.”
“Wait,” I say. “I may need to return home early. There’s a Category 4 hurricane heading straight for Beaumont and, if it hits, I’ll be needed at home to help with the recovery. It could be devastating. I’m not sure if we’ll have power or communications, so I just wanted to let you know I might not be able to keep up with my end of the business for a while.”
“That’s terrible,” Lucas says. “When is it supposed to hit?”
“They’re predicting landfall next Sunday.”
“You shouldn’t go home if it’s a disaster area,” Oscar says. “It won’t be safe.”
I meet his eyes. “I’ll wait until the storm has passed, but then I must go. A disaster will require leadership to coordinate supplies and recovery. My father isn’t up to the task.”
“What do you mean?” Oscar asks. “That you’ll be leading as queen? Withhim?” His voice gets loud at the end, and the room goes silent.
“That’s not what I want,” I say.
“You’re not going,” he snaps.
Lucas stands. “Adrian and I will give you two some privacy.”
I nod at them, feeling Oscar’s eyes burning into me. As soon as the door to the parlor shuts behind them, I say, “Oscar, please understand—”
“No. You’re not going back.”
“It is my home, my kingdom. I can’t turn my back on them.”
“Then I’m going with you.”
