Page 105 of The English Queen

“Are you ready?” Vanna asked.

She and Robbie waited in St. James’s Palace for the meeting of the Ascension Council.

“I need a moment, alright?” Robbie looked around.

“Okay,” Vanna squeezed his hand.

“It all began here, didn’t it? For us. It all began here.”

“This was our sitting room, yes. God, what a strange time! How long ago that seems now.”

“It’s so wild to be back here, Vanna. But thank you for being your wonderful self. You look lovely.”

“Thank you. So do you. I love you. I am so proud of you, Robert. I can only imagine how hard it is. However, there isn’t a man better for the job.”

“What about a woman?” Robbie chuckled.

“Not a single person.” Vanna kissed him.

Robbie was so glad to have her with him on this day. Now, after many years of worry, Vanna seemed relieved. She was about to become Queen. It changed little beyond the fact she would have the top job and officially be recognised for it. For her, maybe it changed everything?

“It’s not lost on me there was a time when we were much younger and you were so naïve… we just stood in here getting ready for our first state dinner,” Robbie said. “And you were so willing to do it for me despite it being such a ridiculous request. God, we were children, but we did it. I have full faith you will be the best at this, Vanna. I was so sure even then Lady Vanora Morgan would make a brilliant Queen Vanora, and I am only a million times surer today, Vanna.”

She blushed.

Robbie gave her a long kiss. “I love you, Vanora. Can I ask you for one more thing? Before I go in there?”

“Sure, baby,” Vanna answered.

“Can you send me Georgie?”

“I will bring him.”

Vanna retrieved their eldest child from the drawing room where the rest of the family assembled. George walked in, looking nervous but all-too-grown in his little suit. Robbie remembered himself looking the same entering to speak to his mother on a similar day almost thirty years ago. Sometimes, it was so hard to see the children grow. They grew so fast. And now, George would have to grow faster.

“Hello, father,” he said, confused.

Robbie squeezed his son tight. “You’re not in trouble. You’re fine. I just… I wanted to talk to you before I go into that PC meeting and life all changes. Okay?”

George nodded.

“I was you once,” Robbie said. “I was the heir. It is a heavy burden. However, I will tell you what Granny told me on the day she took on the job.”

“Daddy, it doesn’t change me,” Georgie insisted.

“Oh, darling boy, it doesn’t change the wonderful person you are becoming—that you are. No. However, it will change your life for an eternity. It has to, my boy. No matter how much I want everything to stay the same, it cannot. Alexandra will have a different life from yours and you might feel guilt. You might resent it someday, too. I felt both with your uncle. It’s harder still because we’re both the older twin. It’s a challenge. I know you are clever. You are dedicated. And, perhaps most of all, you are as compassionate as your Mum. That will serve you so well. It is important. Having compassion for the family even when things are challenging and cause your personal strife is perhaps the biggest strength.”

Georgie nodded, looking frightened.

“I am being realistic with you,” Robbie assured. “Because someday, God willing, you will stand here in front of the world and do the same. I cannot promise you an easy life. What I can promise you is I will do the best I can to train you for the job and prepare you for your life as monarch. As Granny did with me, I will teach you how to do this. You won’t be surprised by what will be expected of you. You will be ready when that day comes.”

“What if you get sick, Daddy?” Georgie wondered.

“I don’t plan on it, but anything could happen. What doesn’t help you, George, is to worry about what you cannot control, alright? Don’t live in fear.”

“What can I do to help myself, then? It frightens me. This is enormous. It’s loud in a way.”

“It is son. Someday, you will find a wife and know she will support you. Find someone you can trust with your life. Don’t go this alone. I cannot say enough that your mother is my rock. She is the only reason I am functioning today. Without her to rely on, I’d be at a complete loss. Choose someone wisely and never take it for granted. My point is you will never be everything to everyone. You cannot. Do not be afraid to find the helpers. Do not be afraid to lean on others. Uncle Duncan has been a godsend so many times. Be good to your siblings. You’ll need them someday.”

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