The Controversial Princess (The Smoke & Mirrors Duology #1)(56)
I leave my father signing correspondence, of which he has no idea what it is about, and put myself on the other side of the door, bubbling with resentment. Not just for myself, but for Sabina and her family. Colin served my family for years and my father’s dismissed his death so callously. You would think by now I’d have mastered the art of keeping my cool, would have learned to keep the fa?ade of serenity in place. But today? I’ve been attacked for something that should never have made the news. Four obnoxious men cast their judgement, and I feel completely muzzled. They believe my reputation will only be restored if I marry Haydon. If he’ll have me now. Insufferable. My heart feels squeezed, and I once again think how awful it must be for those of my family in loveless marriages. I will never be allowed to be with a man outside of this smothering world. I’ve never fully actualized the cost. My heart. Now, I’m truly worried for my future. And like an omen or something, my mobile sings with a call from Josh. I reject it and spend a few moments staring at the huge portrait of my grandfather on the opposite wall, the previous King of England, his noble nose held high, his stout body embellished in red velvet. Like my father, his successor, he was hell-bent on shining the family in the best light and building the support through the monarchists, no matter the cost of his family’s happiness. We’re here to serve. It’s that simple.
“Your Highness?”
I blink myself out of my thoughts and find Dr. Goodridge approaching. “Oh good, you’re here,” I mutter, pushing my back off the door. “His Majesty could do with some Valium.”
Sid’s lips purse and Dr. Goodridge frowns as I pass them, making my way to my car. I dial Kim as I go. “I’ve just seen it,” she says when she answers. “Felix is in meltdown.”
“How did we not know about this?”
“The editor of The National is a fully-fledged republican. Shouts about it at any given opportunity. He’s one we can’t control.”
“Well, he has certainly shouted about it,” I mutter. “I’ve just left my father’s office. My name is mud.”
“We’ve had calls from Hello, the BBC, and ITV in the past half hour, all trying to secure interviews with you to put your side of the story to the nation.”
“There is no bloody story. I kissed a man while having a few vodkas, for crying out loud.”
“Well, the King has vetoed them all, so it’s a moot point.”
“Are they preparing a press release?”
“Yes. Something along the lines of them being disappointed that an editor who notoriously has a vendetta against the royals would make an innocent birthday celebration into something sordid.”
I laugh out loud. Sordid? Oh, they have no idea. But the party before the sordid stuff really was innocent. “I bet the press is having a field day.”
“Well, you’re trending on Twitter again. And, frankly, most are singing your praises. Even some republicans are shouting loud about you being the most human of the royals. Don’t beat yourself up too much about it.”
I huff sardonically, but appreciate her trying to help me see the positives. “It’s not some of the public’s incorrect opinion of me that bothers me so much. It’s the fact that whoever printed that headline has made my life ten times worse with the King. I’ll be locked in the tower soon.”
“I’m pretty sure social media will launch a petition to have you freed.”
I smile. “Did you find the Jimmy Choos in red?”
“They’ve been delivered.”
“Thanks, Kim. I’m heading to the stables. I’ll be back by four in time for Jenny. Sabina’s husband passed away in the night. I need to send her some flowers and a card as soon as possible so she knows I’m thinking of her.”
“Oh dear. That would explain why I can’t get hold of her. I’ll sort it.” Kim hangs up and Damon comes into view. I can tell by his face he knew all along why the King had summoned me. “Traitor,” I mumble as I reach him.
“You still have your head,” he retorts on a small smile. “The kid had Dropbox synced to his phone, so Prince Edward may have destroyed the device, but the picture had already made its way into cyber space. Sorry about that.”
“You weren’t to know.”
Damon nods past me, indicating for me to look, and I see Sid coming down the steps. “Ma’am, Her Royal Highness Queen Catherine has requested you join her for breakfast.”
I don’t mean to deflate, but I do anyway. I want to leave this stifling pile of bricks, yet I can’t bring myself to refuse my mother when I know she’s dining alone, like she does most mornings. “I’ll wait for you here,” Damon says as I reverse my steps and let Sid escort me to the dining room that puts Kellington’s to shame.
“Adeline.” Mother reaches her hand out to me. “Thank you for coming.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” I say, dipping to kiss her cheek as I take her hand. “I was already here.”
She squeezes my hand before motioning to the chair beside her. “Sit.”
I do as I’m told and let one of the staff pour my tea. Mother seems as serene as ever, her olive skin glowing, her hair in a neat bun at her nape. I would question whether she is aware of the goings on in the newspaper, but it’s The National. The whole bloody world knows. “Mother,” I sigh, ready to air my grievances, if only to get them off my chest. I know nothing can be done about them, but, as they say, a problem shared …