Page 93 of Appointing

“No,” Ingrid replied.

Elin looked over at her, wishing she didn’t have to wear these ridiculous sunglasses at night so she could see Ingrid more clearly.

“Don’t you think I stand outmorewith these?” she asked, referring to the glasses.

“Well, it’s either you wear those or we’re driving – you have a very recognizable face, Elin.”

“Sometimes, I miss being the kid no one cared about.”

“You were never that kid,” Ingrid said.

“I wasn’t Christian.”

“You were royal twins, a boy and a girl, and one of you was going to inherit the throne. The world followed both of you as you grew up. You were cute kids.”

“We were?” Elin asked.

“Yes, you were.”

“I feel like I’m at a slight disadvantage: you’ve seen probably hundreds of photos of me growing up, and at all my awkward stages, and I haven’t seen any of you.”

“I’m sure Sarah Anne can show you some if you’re interested.”

“I am,” she replied.

Elin looked around the street as they walked. There were only a few people on the sidewalk, but there were many cars lined up in traffic. She wondered where they were going but decided to let Ingrid have her surprise. She normally would have felt exposed out here, with only two members of the security team nearby, but she actually felt safe and happy. She felt very happy. She was walking around Oslo holding hands with the woman she’d been in love with for more than three years, and they were on their first date. Elin only prayed they’d have a second.

“Okay. So, you know Sarah works at a restaurant…”

“Yes.”

“Well, it’s closed on Mondays.”

“Today is Monday,” Elin noted.

“I know.” Ingrid smiled. “I thought it would be nice for us to have a night out instead of just my apartment or a dinner at the palace, so I asked Sarah if she’d let us use the restaurant tonight.”

“Use it?”

“Yes, Elin. She’s cooking us dinner in there right now. It’s just her, and she’ll stay in the kitchen. Security can stay inside with us or out here; whatever they want.” Ingrid looked at the two guards who were now standing next to them.

“Ingrid…”

Ingrid pulled open the restaurant door and said, “After you, Your Majesty.”

Elin smiled and walked through after one of the guards. The other remained outside after Ingrid walked in.

“Please remain here, Your Majesty,” the first guard requested.

“Of course.”

“You’ll find my sister, Sarah Anne, in the kitchen,” Ingrid said.

“Yes, Ma’am,” he said and walked around the small restaurant, checking for danger.

Elin couldn’t take her eyes off the small table for two that had an open bottle of wine and a candle lit in the middle of it.

“Ingrid, this is perfect. Thank you,” Elin told her.

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