Page 69 of Appointing

“I’ll think about it,” Elin told him with a wink.

He fell back asleep shortly after, and she left the room, finding Markus, Ingrid, and the security officers all still right outside.

“Markus, you can go home. I’m returning to the palace.”

“I should go with you, Ma’am.”

“No, I’m going to sleep. You’re getting up early to take care of my mother, so please get some rest,” she replied.

“Very well, Your Majesty.” He bowed and walked toward the elevator.

“You came with me, so I’ll have them drop you at home and then go back to the palace,” Elin said to Ingrid.

“Okay,” Ingrid replied. Then, she took a step toward her and added, “I can go back with you if you need me.”

“You’ve already done so much,” Elin said. “You took care of this whole thing when we first got here and I needed help.”

“I’m just here for you; whatever you need. I hope you know that,” Ingrid said.

“But you’re leaving,” Elin replied, swallowing hard right after.

“Not right now. Do you need me to come to the palace with you?”

Elin wanted to shake her head no, but she wasn’t ready to say goodnight to Ingrid yet, so she nodded yes instead.

“Okay. Let’s go. We can talk in the car about a statement to the press, if you want. Markus and Steven will work one up, if they haven’t already, but you should have whatever you want to say at the ready.”

Elin nodded.

???

“He wants me to take over his office,” Elin said.

“What doyouwant?”

“I think it’s too soon, but they’re moving to Bygdøy, so it’ll be empty, and it makes sense for me to work out of here now.” Elin looked around the room that had so clearly been decorated and designed by her father. Everything was deep-red and dark wood. The chairs and sofas were uncomfortable, and his desk was far too big. “I think I’d have to redecorate,” she added.

Ingrid laughed and said, “Yes, I agree. This office doesn’t exactly scream you.”

Elin laughed as well before saying, “I’ve never actually lived without my parents before, outside of university and my military service. That’s strange for most people, isn’t it? I’m thirty years old and still live at home.”

“I think you’re a little different than most people, though, Ma’am.”

“We’re supposed to move out when we get married. We get our new, married titles, move into another royal residence, and then one of us takes over the monarchy one day while the others just keep living in our royal residences, attending events, and raising the next generation of little royals,” Elin said.

“Part of that has already happened, though, Ma’am. You’re the sovereign now; thatdoestechnically mean that your parents should move out of the palace.”

“He looked so frail in that bed, Ingrid,” Elin told her.

“Just remember how lucky you are to still have him,” Ingrid said. “He has some healing to do, but he’s going to be okay.”

Ingrid rubbed Elin’s back over her shirt, and Elin closed her eyes at the touch.

“Will you stay here tonight?” Elin asked. “It’s late. I can have a room made up for you.”

“I should call Sarah Anne,” Ingrid replied.

“Of course.” Elin nodded and added, “I’ll ask them to get a room ready. Ingrid, thank you for everything tonight. I–”

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