Royally Not Ready(102)

“It is, isn’t it?” I say, marveling at the building I’ve known as my home.

Brimar pulls the car into the castle and around to the grand entrance, where staff is lined up, waiting for us.

I lean close to Lilly before this all begins and say, “Remember, they’re here for you, to support you. You’ll be amazing, Lilly. Chin parallel, full of grace.”

The car parks and a footman opens the car door. I step out first and offer him a nod before holding my hand out to Lilly. She takes it from inside the car and carefully steps onto the concrete of the grand entrance.

Wearing a canary-yellow dress that reaches her calves, she looks regal. I release her hand when she’s standing and gently put my hands behind my back. When my eyes fall on the staff surrounding her, I see the appreciation in their eyes and the relief. We all know what’s at stake, and the sacrifice she’s making.

“Miss Campbell,” I say, gesturing toward the door. “Right this way.”

I spoke to her about my use of her title when we arrived at the palace, how I needed to remain professional in front of the staff, and she understood. But trust me when I say I’d want nothing more than to take her hand at this moment and hold her tight while she steps into this new role in her life.

We walk through the doors, where more staff is lined up. To my shock, King Theo and Queen Katla are standing at the base of the split staircase. Lilly pauses. The entryway is silent as their eyes connect.

King Theo, out of bed and looking healthier, takes a step forward, Queen Katla at his side.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Lilly curtsying, just like we taught her, and I don’t think I could be prouder. I bow as well.

And when we both rise, King Theo’s eyes are filled with tears as he uses the help of his cane to close the distance between us.

“My darling Lilija,” he says in awe. “Come here.” He holds his arm out, and hesitantly, Lilly leans into his embrace, before he fully grips her in a bear hug. I stand idly by, watching as Lilly loops her arms around him and returns the hug.

Trying to remain stoic, I hold it together even though a bout of emotions rises at the base of my throat. I can’t imagine what she’s feeling right now, but if I know my girl like I think I do, she must be swarmed with emotions.

When they finally pull apart, Theo wipes at her eyes, clearing her tears, before looking up at me, appreciation and gratefulness in his eyes.

“Keller, thank you.”

I nod. “You’re welcome, Your Majesty.”

And then Queen Katla steps up, tears clouding her eyes as she takes Lilly’s hands in hers and quietly says, “You’re a beautiful replica of Margret.” A tear slips down Katla’s cheek. “Thank you, Lilija, for coming here, for giving us a chance.”

For the first time since I was brought to the palace, Queen Katla’s characteristic cool fa?ade is absent. She looks . . . warm. Welcoming. It’s a sight to behold, and I’m sure I’m not the only staff member shocked.

“It is my pleasure,” Lilly says.

“Please, come sit with us in the red room. Keller, please join us.”

I nod and follow behind, keeping at least one step behind Lilly as we walk slowly toward the red room, the king and queen’s private drawing room. Lara and Brimar follow closely behind as well.

When we reach the red room, Lara and Brimar man the doors, shutting them behind us, as Theo and Katla take a seat on an upholstered settee and gesture to the one opposite Lilly. She rests her hands in her lap and, from the shake in them, I can tell she’s still nervous. I remain standing next to the settee.

Theo looks up at me and says, “Keller, take a seat.”

I sit down on the same settee as Lilly, but I put at least two feet between us. Theo looks between us, and I know he knows when the corner of his lip twitches. Nothing gets by him.

But, being the classy man he is, he doesn’t start the conversation with the knowledge that Lilly and I are an item. Instead, he says, “Lilija, tell me, how do you like it in Torskethorpe?”

“Honestly, I love it.” She smiles. “Granted, it took me a moment, but after I got used to the perpetual sun and the summer weather, which doesn’t even come close to the heat of Miami, I started to immerse myself. I found little pieces of the house I grew up in all around Harrogate. I know there was a falling out between my mom and you, but I want you to know that there was so much of this country that she kept close to her heart and instilled in me without me even knowing about it. And with every day that went by with training, the hidden secrets my mom planted started to unfold.”

“Really?” Katla asks.

“Truly,” Lilly says. “And the more Keller taught me, the more I realized that this country I knew nothing about has been my home all along.”

Theo’s eyes widen as he grips the cane between his legs now. “Wait, Lilija, are you saying . . . are you saying you’re going to stay?”

Lilly glances at me and then back at Theo. “I am. I’ve thought long and hard about it, and even though I loved my life in Miami, I felt a piece of me was missing. When I came here, I found that piece. This feels right. This feels like home.”

King Theo clutches his chest as he leans back on the settee, his eyes misting with tears. “My darling, you have no idea the joy you’ve brought us, brought this country.”