Page 120 of Appointing

“What would you call it, then?”

“We’re together,” Elin replied.

“You’re not technically together until you come out as a couple,” he argued. “An official royal couple.”

“I know how it works, but it doesn’t change the fact that Ingrid is my girlfriend,” Elin said calmly.

“How about we talk about Ingrid’s new job,” her mother suggested. “Elin tells us you’re working for your father?”

“My stepfather,” Ingrid said.

“Your stepfather?” the former King asked.

“Yes, Sir. My mother remarried when I was very young, so he’s the only father I’ve ever known.”

“And are you enjoying it?” Elin’s mother asked.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“You’d have to quit,” he stated.

“I’m sorry. Sir?” Ingrid took a drink of her wine.

“When you and Elin make it official, you’d have to quit. Royals don’t work in the public sector.”

“Dad…” Elin said.

“Well, it’s the truth.”

“Dad, Ingrid can work whenever and wherever she wants.”

“Eventually, shewillhave to quit. You’re Queen, Elin. She’d be your Queen Consort. That means she can’t legally work.”

“We’re not married, Dad. This is a moot point.”

“What’s the point of being a couple if you don’t plan on getting married, Elin?”

“Okay… I’m going to go grab the appetizers. Ingrid, would you maybe care to join me in the kitchen?” Elin’s mother said.

“Um…” Ingrid looked over at Elin.

“It’s okay,” Elin told her, smiling.

“We need to discuss these things, Elin. Markus informed me you weren’t interested in talking about what happens if Mari and Erik marry and their children inherit both thrones. He said you were more concerned about Lillian receiving a new title than the future of the–”

“Sir, excuse me for saying so, butyoudonotneed to discuss these things,” Ingrid interrupted.

Elin’s eyes went wide in shock as she looked at her girlfriend.

“Elin is the Queen of Norway. She is under no obligation to discuss matters of state with you. And for you to presume that by talking to Markus, you know what’s on Elin’s mind is… Well, Sir, it’s foolish of you.”

No one said anything for a moment. Elin looked from Ingrid to her mother to her father and then back to Ingrid, who appeared more than frustrated and maybe bordering on anger. Then, Elin’s mother stood up.

“Maybe we should give them a minute alone, after all, Ingrid. Would you join me in the kitchen?”

“Of course, Ma’am,” Ingrid replied, seeming to lose some of her anger and standing up.

Elin loved her. She had loved Ingrid for a long time now, but just hearing her put herself out there with Elin’s father, who was a former King and someone Ingrid had worked with for years, made Elin love her more. Ingrid had said all of that not just to the former monarch but also to her girlfriend’s father. That might even mean more to Elin. She watched as Ingrid followed her mother into the kitchen and realized that Ingrid was right about what she’d said.Andshe’d just given Elin the confidence she needed to say these things to her father.

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