Page 123 of Appointing

“That I miss you, because I am very, very lame.”

“That’s not lame; that’s sweet,” Elin replied.

“I’m gladyouthink so.”

“I was calling to tell you this thing is going longer than I expected, but I was wondering if you could get to the palace later.”

“Yeah?” Ingrid smiled.

“I don’t want to be without you tonight.”

“You want me to stay there?”

“Yes.”

“With you or in the guest room I stayed in the last time?”

“Last time, you weren’t my girlfriend. This time, you’ll sleep in my bed.”

“And you’re not worried about what people might say?”

“No. I just… I miss you, too.”

“I guess we’re both lame,” Ingrid teased.

???

Ingrid texted that she’d been escorted to Elin’s suite. Elin didn’t text back. The event must still be going on, so Ingrid sat in the living area and waited. It was after eleven. She was pretty tired from work and thought about changing into pajamas and crawling into Elin’s bed to wait for her there, but it would be her first time sleeping in that bed, and she thought she should let the Queen give her permission first.

Thirty minutes went by. Ingrid answered emails and scrolled through her news app on her phone. For a split second, she considered texting Elin that she was just going to go home and get some sleep, but she knew she wanted to fall asleep next to the woman.

“I’m sorry,” Elin said when she walked through the door.

“It’s okay.” Ingrid stood.

Elin walked over to her and went right into her arms.

“Bad night?” Ingrid asked, hugging her back tightly.

“No, it was fine. It was just long and boring, and I’m starving and tired.”

“You’re starving?”

“Dinner was at five. I ate a little, but I got caught up in a conversation, and then it was time for the next course. That happened a couple more times, so I’m hungry again.”

“You’re the Queen, sweetheart.” Ingrid smiled as she pulled back to look at Elin. “Ask them to bring you something.”

“Areyouhungry?”

“No, I ate at the restaurant. I guess I could go for a snack or something if you’re going to eat.”

“Let’s go down to the kitchen.”

“Why?”

“Why not?” Elin asked back. “I can scrounge us up something.”

“Youcan scrounge?” Ingrid teased.

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