Royally Not Ready(119)

“So, everything is okay?” Katla asks.

I take a step forward, and I must come into the light just enough for them to see the gash and bruising under my eye.

“Dear God,” Theo says. “What happened to you?”

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with. I’m fine.”

“No, I’m concerned. I asked you what happened, and you will tell me.”

I let out a deep sigh. “I lost my temper with Brimar,” I answer, my head hanging in shame as I pull on the back of my neck. This entire twelve-hour period feels like a goddamn week at this point.

Theo stands from the bed and wraps his robe around him before moving to the seating area, Katla joining him. “Take a seat and start from the beginning.”

Knowing this will be a painful conversation, I sit across from them as they put on their glasses. “We got a text last night, Lilly and I. We were, uh . . . together.”

“It’s no secret that you’re staying in her room,” Theo says.

“Just the first night,” I say, as if I’m in trouble.

“I don’t care,” Theo says. “If you’re in a relationship with her, it doesn’t matter to me.”

“Right . . .”

I explain to them about the prank I was pulling on Lilly with the Lady Whistledown gossip, which makes them chuckle. “And when I was with Lilly, we both got a text from The Informative, and I was fucking confused since I’m the one who sends those texts.”

“What did the text say?” Katla asks.

“To paraphrase, that men were lined up to date Lilly, and the only reason I was with her was because I’ve wanted to take the throne since I was adopted by you guys, but since I’m not blood . . . I can’t take it.”

“What?” Theo rages. “That’s preposterous.”

Katla rests her arm on his. “We all know that’s not how you are, Keller.”

“I know, but only two people in this world know about The Informative and the adoption.”

“Lara and Brimar,” Theo says.

“Yes, and it wasn’t Lara. She had no idea it was happening. Needless to say, she was distraught. But it took me a moment to bring this to your attention because Brimar said he sold the story to the Tribune. I was working with Henrik on getting the story squashed.”

“And did you?” Katla asks with hope.

“Yes. Thankfully, Henrik, since he once worked for them, had friends who terminated the story and forced people to sign an NDA, so the story won’t be out there.”

“So, then, everything is good?” Theo asks.

“Yes, I believe so,” I say, taking a breath for a moment.

“Then why doesn’t it seem as though you’re good?” Katla asks.

Because Brimar stoked my insecurities into a roaring flame.

Because I’m fucking worried that in the heat of the moment, I didn’t check everything.

Because I’m so terrified that something will happen to Lilly that I can’t breathe.

“Just processing,” I say. “It’s been a lot.”

“I can see that,” Theo says. “Brimar was your best friend. I can understand you might be shaken right now.”

“Yeah, just a bit.”

“Well, take a moment to gather yourself,” Theo says. “Because today is a celebration and should be treated as one.”

“You’re right,” I say, standing from the chair and offering them a forced smile.

“Why don’t you stop by the medical staff?” Katla suggests. “Make sure your eye is okay, and then spend the day with your girl. I know she’s been looking forward to this moment with you by her side.”

I swallow hard and nod before I head out the door.





Chapter Twenty-Three





LILLY





I wipe my mouth with a piece of toilet paper and then stand from the bathroom floor, where I just lost all contents of the breakfast I barely ate.

“Miss Campbell,” Runa calls out and then steps into the bathroom, where she finds me. “Oh dear, are you okay?” She rushes over to me.

“Yes,” I say as she helps me to my feet. “Just nerves.”

She gently rubs my back. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I answer as I place my hand on my stomach. “I’m not sure there’s anything left inside of me, so I think we’re okay to proceed. I just need to brush my teeth first.”

“Of course.” Runa rushes to the sink and prepares my toothbrush before handing it to me.

“Have you, uh, have you heard anything from Keller?” I ask, for the tenth time, I’m sure.

Runa’s face turns down in a frown. “I’m afraid not, Miss Campbell. I’m so sorry, but when I hear from him, I’ll be sure to have someone inform you.”

“Thank you,” I say before I start brushing my teeth.

Looking at me in the mirror, Runa says, “You know, Miss Campbell, you’ll have a wonderful day today. I’ve spoken to a few staff members who have friends around the capital, and they’re thrilled you’re here.” She rests her hand on my shoulder. “Not to put pressure on you, but they consider you their angel. Given the history of the Strom family, we truly thought the crown ended with King Theodore, but you’ve come in and saved this country. We’re indebted to you.”