Page 26 of Appointing

“Yes, we talked today. I think I’m going to make a go at being normal, Elin.”

“Normal?”

“I don’t know. I’m a Prince and always will be, but Dad made it clear to me today that there’s no negotiating on this. He’s not making me a Duke when I get married if I leave, and my kids won’t have titles. My wife won’t, either, and I’ve accepted that. I don’t know if I’ll ever get married. You know, you could always change that, but I’m fine if you don’t. I love the Air Force. I don’t want to leave, and I might not be able to find a woman who wants to put up with me, but if I do, she’ll have to be okay with not being a Duchess despite being married to a Prince and that our kids will just be kids.”

“And that’s what you want?” she asked.

“I don’t want to be King; I know that much.”

“Christian, I won’t change whatever Dad says; you know that, right? I don’t want you to think that you can ask me when I’m Queen, because I understand why he’s doing this, and I agree with it.”

“So do I,” Christian said, shrugging a shoulder. “I hadn’t thought it all through when he brought it up the first time, but he’s right: I can’t have my cake and eat it, too. If I don’t want the responsibility, I don’t get the perks.”

“And welcome home to my baby girl,” their father said loudly.

Elin returned her attention to the man who was raising his glass for Mari’s return.

“She’s served her country well, and I cannot wait to see what she does next,” he said. “Cheers.”

Just as they all finished the toast, Lillian walked over to them.

“Did you square things with Ingrid?” she asked.

“What’s wrong with Ingrid?” Christian asked Elin.

“Nothing is wrong with Ingrid,” Elin said. “And, Lil, we’re at a party.”

“Elin, you were supposed to talk to her; that’s why Mari and I left.”

“Why do you care so much about Ingrid, all of a sudden?” Elin asked her.

“First of all, I’ve always liked Ingrid; she’s great. Secondly, it’s sort of my fault she’s stuck with Mari now.”

“Hey,” Mari said as she approached, overhearing Lillian’s words.

“Well, it’s true. You’re boring; there’s nothing for her to secretary.”

“That word isnota verb,” Mari argued.

“See? Boring,” Lillian repeated.

“You love Ingrid. Why don’tyoukeep her?” Mari asked.

“I don’tloveIngrid,” Elin replied quickly, her eyes darting around the room as if people could hear them.

“I thought you loved working with her,” Christian said. “Best private secretary ever or something like that. I remember you saying that before.” He took a drink of his champagne.

“I didn’t say that,” Elin lied.

“You like her, though,” Lillian said. “So, why give her to Mari?”

“She’s a person,” Elin argued. “I’m notgivingher to anyone.”

“You sort of are, though, Elin,” Mari remarked.

“Wait. Why does Ingrid have to change Princesses?” Christian asked.

“Already out of the loop, big brother?” Lillian teased. “Guess it’s good you want to leave.”

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