Page 53 of Appointing

“Straight? Yeah, obviously, Elin.” Her sister smiled at her and then gave her a playful wink. “Is it just Ingrid, though, or are you–”

“Gay?” she said. “Yes, I’m a lesbian.”

“How long have you known?”

“Since primary school, I think.”

“What? Elin, you’re thirty years old. How have you not told us yet? I thought it was something you were still trying to figure out or something.”

“It never really mattered,” she answered. “I wasn’t taking over the monarchy of Norway. I wasn’t in love with anyone or even close to it.”

“So, you’ve never been in a relationship?”

“No, I was,” she admitted.

“What? When?!” Lillian practically yelled.

“About three years ago. Well, closer to four now, I suppose.”

“With whom?”

“No one you’d know. We met in law school. She’s Finnish. We were just friends in school but started dating after she moved back home. We were technically together for about a year, but with her starting a career in law, and me starting more of my official royal duties, we only saw one another every couple of months and for weekends or just a night or two. It was hardly a successful long-distance relationship, and it ended when she met someone else.”

“So, you’ve…” Lillian didn’t finish her sentence.

“Yes, I’ve been with a woman, if that’s what you’re asking. I haven’t been stupid; I’ve been careful. And I don’t believe the woman I’ve been with would say anything to anyone about our time together, but thereisalways that risk, I suppose.”

“You need to come out before they have the chance to force you out, then,” Lillian told her.

“I’m honestly not as worried about coming out as I should be, probably. I’m lucky: Elizabeth and Palmer are out. And so is Alex.”

“Then, why haven’t you come out yet?”

“Because it’s not about me being gay in front of the whole country or world. I’m more nervous about Ingrid knowing.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m in love with her, Lil. I have been since the moment I first saw her, and she’s straight. God, she’s so beautiful, though, Lil.” Elin closed her eyes and pictured Ingrid’s light-brown hair and bright-green eyes. “She’s so smart. I can hardly keep up with her sometimes. She makes me laugh. She makes me think. She’s special.”

“And you’re worried that right now she doesn’t know you’re in love with her because she thinksyou’restraight, so that’s an impossibility, but once you’re out, she might start piecing things together?”

“I guess so,” Elin said.

“You should tell her.”

“Tell her what?”

“Elin, tell her that you’re in love with her. At least, tell her that you like her. Maybe don’t lead with the being in love thing; that might scare her off.”

“She’s straight, Lil.”

“Have you actually asked her that?”

“No, but–”

“Is she dating anyone?”

“Not that I know of.”

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