Page 63 of Royal Player
I stand, elated with the outcome. I couldn’t have asked for a better meeting. He could’ve been resentful of his misfortune; instead he took it as a retirement windfall. “Enjoy your retirement. I’m going to get something to eat. Would you like to join me in the parlor?” I may not like the man, but he’s still an islander, and it’s my duty to provide under the current disaster conditions.
He stands. “Actually, I’m going to go.” He jabs a thick finger at me. “Two weeks for full repayment.”
I nod once. I’m not sure if I’ll have the funds on time, but I’ll renegotiate for longer terms if I have to. Now that I know his goal is to take the insurance money and run, I believe he’ll stick to his current plan—money over me.
I walk briskly to the parlor, thinking of Oscar.Soon, my love.All I have to do is get my parents to understand the change in husband and convince Oscar to move to Beaumont permanently. This disastrous period has shown me that my parents will bend when absolutely necessary and that they trust me. At least a little.
And there’s no way I can leave my kingdom. Beaumont needs my leadership now and for the foreseeable future. Rebuilding is a gargantuan task that will require great energy and stamina, along with strategic planning. It must be me.
Chapter Fifteen
Oscar
I pace the palace hallway, more agitated than I’ve ever been in my life. I’m a Rourke. Rourke men don’t stand idly by. Viking warrior blood runs through my veins, and this is a battle I must win. I can’t stand knowing Polly is back in a kingdom that restricts her, can’t stand not knowing if she’s okay, and I especially can’t stand the possibility of her being pressured into a marriage with Peter. I tried to let her go, tried to be that enlightened man of faith, but that is not me. I’m a man of action.
Still, I must wait. Our jet was delayed by weather in the Caribbean before it could travel back to the private airport in Nantes, France. The moment I heard the jet landed this morning, I put in the order to refuel and change pilots for a trip back to Beaumont. It will take time I don’t have for maintenance checks on the jet. Commercial flights are banned to Beaumont at the moment, or I would’ve left even sooner.
Polly needs me. By the time I get to her, she’ll have been there for two days. Worst-case scenarios run on repeat in my head. She’s putting herself at risk trying to help in the recovery, facing an avalanche of hazards—angry mobs, downed power lines, landslides. And the one that makes me go cold all over—her parents have rushed her wedding so she can take over leadership. I know it was Peter’s resorts that took the brunt of the damage from the storm. He’ll want the alliance more than ever to funnel hurricane relief to his own properties. And her parents value what he brings to the kingdom.
I halt as suddenly it becomes clear what I need to do.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. He’s going to be so pissed. Is there any other way? I rack my brain for alternatives. No.
Is Polly worth it? Absolutely.
~ ~ ~
Polly
I worked from sunup to sundown yesterday, traveling to assess the damage on the island and coordinating relief efforts. Things are slowly improving, and we’re at seventy percent power restoration. Today I’ve arranged to meet with my parents for afternoon tea. It’s time I tell them how it’s going to be with Oscar.
I get pulled away by several phone calls and make it to the parlor a little later than I’d like. I’d hoped for some time to rehearse my speech. When I get there, my parents are already seated in their highback chairs that remind me of thrones. I don’t need a throne-like chair to feel like a queen. It is who I am. I was born for this role and, just like Marge said, all of my impossible traits are now my greatest assets. I no longer have to fight my nature because who I am is exactly what Beaumont needs. For the first time in my life I’m truly comfortable in my own skin.
I take the smaller floral chair across from them. “Very sorry I’m late. How are you doing today?” I smile brightly at my parents, wearing matching expressions of concern. Is it my casual clothes? My wild curls I haven’t had time to tame? Do I still have dirt on me from helping to clear palm leaves and assorted shrubbery? I quickly scan my turquoise tunic and black yoga pants. Relatively clean.
“Polly, you need to take a break,” my mother says. “It won’t do to run yourself ragged.”
A servant steps forward to pour us tea.
“I’m just fine,” I say. “Happier to be doing something than sitting back.”
My father grunts. “I’ve heard things are improving. Much of the power is restored and many of the roads are cleared of debris.”
“Yes,” I say proudly. “And that is mostly due to Vaughn’s efforts, along with his extensive family. They’ve been invaluable.”
“Your guard?” my mother asks.
“Yes, my guard. He’s a native islander with long ties here.”
“I knew his grandfather,” my father says. “He and I were friends when we were children.”
I smile. “I had no idea. Until recently, Vaughn barely spoke to me, and I knew nothing about him. How nice to honor such a longstanding family connection.”
My mother sips her tea. “Polly, I was so pleased to hear you invited Peter for a private conversation.”
I seize the opening, signaling for the servant to give us privacy. As soon as we’re alone, I say, “I have something important to discuss.”
“What is it?” my mother asks slowly, her brows lifting.
