Page 14 of Appointing

“Have a nice day, you two,” Elizabeth added as Palmer pulled her by the hand.

Ingrid heard Elizabeth laugh, and that had been the first time she’d ever heard a Queen referred to by the term ‘babe.’ It was interesting, being this close to the royals. Normally, they were here to work and stayed at the palace. Ingrid worked with Rebecca, Elizabeth’s private secretary, and was only in meetings with the royals when required. This visit felt personal. It felt like she was a part of this somehow, which she knew wasn’t right.

“She told you?” Elin asked now that they were alone.

“She said she packed us a lunch, Ma’am,” Ingrid replied.

“She told me at breakfast this morning. I noticed you weren’t there,” Elin said, walking farther into the room.

“I took my breakfast in here.”

“Why?”

“Ma’am, it would be inappropriate for me to dine with you and the Queen and Queen Consort.”

“Why?” Elin asked again.

“Your Royal–”

“Damn it,” Elin uttered.

She’d taken a step toward the desk by the window Ingrid had been working at and hadn’t noticed the trash can next to it. She’d promptly managed to kick it over, and the remnants of Ingrid’s breakfast spilled out. Luckily, Ingrid had had a muffin that morning, with a few pieces of toast, so there wasn’t too much damage.

“Ma’am, I’ll get it,” Ingrid said, wondering why the Princess seemed clumsier than usual but chalking it up to all the changes she was going through.

“No, please; I’ll get it. Yet again, it’s my fault.” Elin bent over, picked up the trash from the fine carpet, and returned the can to its position next to the desk. “I should give you a few moments to get ready.”

“I don’t have a suit, Ma’am.”

“I packed you one. It’s in my suitcase,” she explained.

“Ma’am?” Ingrid asked.

“I guessed your size. It’s not weird, I promise. I just knew I was trying to surprise you, which would mean you’d have no suit here. I thought I could just buy you one here, but I didn’t know if there would be time for that. It’s just a one-piece. I had them get something simple. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course, Ma’am,” Ingrid replied.

“I brought it in my bag and meant to tell you about it, but you didn’t go yesterday. Anyway, I’ll grab it for you. I’ll be right back.” Elin walked out of the room then.

The future Queen of Norway had not only thought to book her a private trip to the famous hot springs, but she’d also picked up a bathing suit for her. Ingrid smiled and shook her head at the same time. This woman might just be the perfect Queen – humble all the way and managed to think of everything.

“Here you go. I hope it’s the right size. If not, we can ask Elizabeth and Palmer for a store in the city. We have to pass through it anyway to get to the springs.”

“I’m sure it will be fine, Ma’am.”

“Could you do me a favor?”

“Of course, Ma’am.” Ingrid took the suit from Elin’s outstretched hand.

“Today, could you just call me Elin?”

“Ma’am?”

“I’ve intruded on what I thought you might want to enjoy yourself. You can absolutely go on your own; I won’t be offended. Elizabeth did this whole thing today, but I’d understand if you want some alone time.”

“No, Ma’am,” Ingrid replied, realizing she actually would like to go with the Princess.

Elin nodded and said, “Today is one of the last days before I become Queen of a country, and I’m also on holiday – I’d love it if I could just be Elin today, and you could just be Ingrid. Would that be okay?”

---