Page 79 of Appointing

Elin smiled at her and said, “You’ve convinced me.”

Ingrid busied herself in the kitchen, preparing the tea and bringing over a plate of cookies. When she turned back around, Elin was still standing.

“Ma’am, you can sit down,” Ingrid offered.

“Oh, sorry,” Elin replied.

Elin moved to the sofa and sat down. Ingrid placed the cookies and tea down on the table and joined her.

“So, how have you been, Ingrid?”

“Well. You, Ma’am?”

“Well,” Elin said.

“That’s good.”

Elin sighed and said, “That’s a lie, actually. I’ve not been doing well.”

“Ma’am?”

“Ingrid, I’m here to talk to you about something. I know you’re going to say no, probably, but I have to at least try. I’m sure you’ve heard that my mother and father have moved to Bygdøy.”

“Ididhear that, yes. Howisyour father?”

“He’s getting better, but he’s still really annoying, actually.” Elin laughed a little.

“Annoying?”

“He’s no longer King but doesn’t quite grasp that.”

“Still?”

“Still,” Elin confirmed.

“I heard he was officially retired.”

“He is.” Elin shrugged a shoulder. “And because of that, I now have both StevenandMarkus. They spend more time at Bygdøy than they do at the palace, which tells me they’re conferring with my dad and then making suggestions to me based on those conversations.”

“You can always tell them you’re the Queen, Ma’am; stop them from visiting him.”

“I can’t, though. While they technically work for us, they’re both really good friends with my parents. They have supper together sometimes. He’s known them both forever. I couldn’t keep them from visiting him; especially not now, while he’s recovering. I suppose, Icouldtell them not to discuss business, but I can’t exactly spy on their conversations to make sure they don’t.”

“I suppose not,” Ingrid replied.

“I’m making a change, Ingrid,” Elin stated.

“A change?”

“I know you have a job already, and I’m sure you’re amazing at it; because, of course, you would be – you’re great at everything…” Elin chuckled nervously. “I just… I have to ask. You can… You can obviously say no; I’d understand. I just have to ask.”

Ingrid swallowed.

“Will you please come back?”

“Back?”

“Work with me,” Elin said. “I know I’ve tried this already, but I have to ask again. Steven is going to retire early. I’ve already talked to him. I made the suggestion, but he took it, and I think it’s good for him. He loved working for my father, and I amnotmy father. I still have to talk to Markus, but honestly, his performance isn’t good, and I need better. Mari, on the other hand, doesn’t need much, and I’m going to offer Markus that job or any other at the palace that would suit him.”

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