Crowns & Courtships Compilation Volume 1

by Carol Moncado

  Jordan thanked him then went into his office and called his mother-in-law. If anyone would know and could help him piece it together, she could. Twenty minutes later, he had some of the answers he needed and a plan in place, with the queen’s approval, to help make it a special night for Astrid. To take her mind off what she lost and hopefully, bring back her passion for the organization.

  Whistling, he headed for the drawing room next to the small formal dining room. Though an informal dinner, the only informal dining areas were in the kitchen or the private quarters. The mayor and his wife weren’t friendly enough to be on that level just yet, and probably wouldn’t ever be.

  Thomas motioned for him to go on in, though Astrid hadn’t arrived yet. Jordan shook hands with first the mayor, then his wife, and invited them to have a seat while they waited for Astrid, who would be along shortly.

  Though nearly petrified he’d say or do the wrong thing and offend the mayor of his hometown for the foreseeable future, Jordan found himself quite enjoying the conversation. At least he wasn’t screwing this up.

  23

  The sounds of laughter reached Astrid as she approached the drawing room. Thomas waited outside.

  “The duke is in there already, ma’am.”

  “I figured that’s what the laughter was from.” She didn’t really like the man. There wasn’t anything wrong with her husband’s assistant per se, but Astrid was glad she didn’t have to work closely with him. Or maybe she was just grumpy. She put on her best smile and entered the room. “Good evening, everyone.”

  All three of them stood. Jordan greeted her with a kiss on the cheek before introducing her to the other couple. The four of them sat down and small talk commenced. Nothing too deep or serious before dinner, but there were definite undertones Astrid wasn’t quite used to. This was her father’s area of expertise. She needed more practice. Maybe that was why her father insisted on the move.

  After about fifteen minutes, an announcement was made. The four of them moved through the large door and into the dining room. The table had been made smaller, more intimate, with enough room for six or eight, but only four places set, one on each side. She preferred this to the way King Benjamin had them seated for that dinner, though she knew it wasn’t always possible.

  The lively conversation kept up throughout the meal. Astrid found she liked the mayor and his wife both, but once dinner ended, she and the mayor had some business to discuss. They all went out onto the balcony overlooking the ocean, but while Jordan and the mayor’s wife went to the railing to look out and make more small talk, Astrid and the mayor took seats near the wall.

  “What is it you would like to discuss?” she asked him, taking a sip of her wine.

  “Exactly what your plans are while you live here, ma’am. We’re most happy to have you, but we’d like to coordinate activities wherever possible.”

  She wasn’t exactly certain what that meant. What kind of coordination? “I’m still making my plans as far as what kind of events I’d like to be involved in.” Did he not want her attending certain charity or other functions because her attendance would overshadow his own? “If you would have your office discuss any concerns with my assistant, we will see what we can work out.” She wouldn’t skip a function just because it irritated him, not if it was something important to her.

  He continued to press, though quite politely, but she held firm. When she invited him to join their spouses, he shook his head.

  “I do believe we must be going. We have young children at home, and we both prefer to be there to tuck them in. We don’t have a full-time nanny, of course, so we do have more limitations on our late-night hours.”

  The barbs tried to wound, but Astrid didn’t let them. “I will keep that in mind next time we need to talk. Perhaps an intimate dinner setting isn’t most appropriate. I’m certain you and I can conduct our business over the phone during regular office hours.” So much for liking them. “Jordan, darling,” she called, using the sweetest voice she had. “I’m afraid our guests need to leave.”

  Jordan motioned politely for the other woman to precede him. Astrid needed to talk to him about that. Sometimes it was appropriate. Other times, he needed to remember he was a Prince of San Majoria and some people would take his politeness as a sign of weakness. He didn’t necessarily need to stop doing it, but he did need to be aware.

  Thomas appeared out of nowhere to escort the mayor and his wife to their vehicle.

  “Darling?” Jordan whispered in her ear once they were gone. “You’ve never called me that.”

  “He was being annoying. Insinuated we don’t love Sofia as much as they love their children because we have a full-time nanny and must not make a concerted effort to tuck her in every night.”

  “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” They started for their suite, with its third bedroom, turned playroom/nursery for Sofia.

  “I know this, and you know this. He was quite rude. Subtle, but rude. So I made sure they would have the opportunity to tuck their own children in. In the process, I also made sure I’ll be able to tuck my daughter in.”

  She looked in the nursery, but no Sofia. “Do you know where she is?” she asked Jordan.

  “Taking a bath, maybe? I’m not sure.”

  Astrid headed for the bathroom, aware that Jordan didn’t follow her. The door to the other room opened as she neared it. Gretchen came out with a freshly bathed and pajamad Sofia.

  “Mama!” Sofia leaned away from Gretchen straight into Astrid’s arms.

  “You look so clean, sweet girl” She hugged the little girl close and nodded to Gretchen.

  “My baf.”

  “You took a bath.” Astrid swung her in a circle, making the little girl squeal. “That would explain it. Would you like to read a book?”

  “Boo’!”

  Astrid settled into the rocking chair. Once Sofia was snuggled against her, she picked up one of the books from the basket on the floor. Together they made animal sounds, then read about a llama and his pajamas, followed by saying goodnight to the moon and stars.

  Sofia’s head had grown heavy before the last book ended. Astrid carried her over to her crib and laid her down. Kissing her fingers, she placed them on Sofia’s still damp hair. After making sure there was nothing in the crib except her blanket and stuffed turtle, Astrid left the room, pulling the door mostly closed behind her. Gretchen had likely already left the other direction.

  Jordan’s door was closed. For a minute, she thought about knocking and seeing if he wanted dessert. They were supposed to have had it after the conversation on the balcony, but that hadn’t happened.

  In the end, she decided to go straight to her room and get ready for bed.

  In the morning, Jordan closed the door to his office and opened his photo editing software. He couldn’t believe Astrid hadn’t noticed him taking pictures of her with Sofia the evening before.

  He’d manage to capture her spirit and laughter in the pictures where she spun Sofia around the room. Her tender side showed through as they rocked and read books. She loved her little girl more than anything. The mayor was crazy to insinuate she didn’t.

  He spoke with the king and outlined his plan for the fundraiser. The king approved and told him he would need to talk to the head of the organization. He edited the next picture while he waited for Thomas to get the foundation president on the line.

  “Good morning,” he said when the phone rang.

  “Good morning, Your Royal Highness.” There was unexplained amusement in the woman’s voice. “It’s very good to talk to you again.”

  Jordan wasn’t sure what to make of that. “I’m sorry. I haven’t caught your name.”

  “Dr. Catherine Lyttelton.”

  His jaw dropped, and he was glad no one was around to see it. “Dr. Lyttelton? I had no idea.”

  “I will admit to being a little surprised I hadn’t heard from my favorite Canadian in a while.”

  Jordan chuckled. “I�
��m not Canadian anymore.” Or was he? He hadn’t renounced his citizenship or become a naturalized citizen of San Majoria yet either. He should probably discuss that with his wife, though it couldn’t be a very big deal if no one had mentioned it yet.

  “Imagine our surprise when we saw the news stories.”

  “You’re not the only one, believe me.”

  “Does your wife know when your transplant was?”

  “We’ve had discussions about my heart.” Surely his doctor knew who the donor had been, but he didn’t want to confirm it.

  “I see.”

  So, they were going to dance around it. Fine by him. “It will be good to see you at the fundraiser.”

  “Agreed. But now that you're here in San Majoria, I expect to see you at least once a year. Preferably not more than once at the office though.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

  Jordan outlined his plan again.

  “And you have the blessing of the palace?” she clarified.

  “Yes.”

  “In that case, we would be honored to work out the details with you. Have your people get in touch with my secretary. We’ll set up a time where we can all meet, either in person or via video conference if you can’t be here, and go from there.”

  “Thanks, Dr. Lyttelton.”

  As they hung up, Jordan glanced at his watch. He had an hour. By the time he needed to leave for lunch with one of the city aldermen, he’d edited several pictures. He just needed to figure out how to make it all work.

  Lunch went better than dinner the night before had. The Board of Aldermen seemed thrilled to have royals in residence in their city again. They hadn’t on a permanent basis since the king took the throne.

  Jordan wasn’t sure what kind of decisions he was allowed to make as a royal, so he took notes and told the man he’d be discussing everything with his wife and get back to them to make actual arrangements. It seemed the board, in their enthusiasm, wanted Jordan and Astrid involved in absolutely everything. That seemed a bit much.

  After leaving the luncheon, he headed to the park where he was to meet with the head of the local amateur photographers’ club. He hadn’t realized “Chris” was a woman, and made extra sure they stayed in full view of the playground and parking lot at all times. He didn’t need anyone insinuating he was cheating on his wife. Jordan didn’t want to be involved in leadership or anything like that, but he did want to be involved. They met once a month for a class from a professional photographer then practiced the technique they’d just learned. They met one other time a month just to take pictures. He doubted he’d make all the meetings, even the classes, but he would make an effort.

  Their next meeting was in a couple of days. They would be at the park shooting wildlife, something Jordan wasn’t particularly interested in - at least not the kind of wildlife they were likely to encounter at a park on San Minoria. It would be a good way to practice, though. He told Chris he would try to make it but needed to check his calendar.

  Back at the palace, he found a package he’d been waiting for. With a grin, he went up to their suite and found Sofia. He settled on the floor in front of her. “I’ve got a present for you.”

  “Wha’ da’?” She pointed at the box he’d brought with him.

  “This is for me and you.” He tugged at one flap until the tape broke, then the other. Finally, he pulled the package out. “This is for us to play hockey.”

  “Yockey?”

  “Yep.” He handed her one stick. “This pink sparkly mini-stick is yours.” His step-daughter loved pink and sparkles. “The blue one is mine.” He pulled the net out and turned sideways to assemble it. “We try to get the puck in here.” He picked up the foam ball. “This.” Standing to situate the net a few feet away and kicking the packaging off to the side, Jordan then knelt behind her. “Here we go.”

  He helped her hold it and turn sideways to hit the ball into the net. “Good job!” He let go of her, so she could go get it.

  “My do!” She wrenched away from him.

  Jordan chuckled. “Okay. You do it.”

  He leaned backward to avoid getting hit in the face with the stick. They’d work on technique later. It took several tries, but eventually she connected, and the ball sailed into the net.

  “My win!” Sofia turned to hug him.

  “You did it! You’re a natural! The next Hayley Wickenheiser!”

  “My do ‘gin!”

  Jordan moved back a bit and watched her hit the ball into the net over and over.

  He could get used to this.

  24

  Astrid watched from the doorway as Jordan and Sofia played hockey in the playroom. They didn’t notice her, so she left, not wanting to interrupt their time together.

  She went back to her office, a bit unsure what to do with herself, since she’d blocked out the time to spend with her daughter. Before she could decide what to do, her door opened, and her mother breezed in.

  “Good afternoon, darling.”

  Astrid stood. “Mother. What are you doing here?”

  “I popped over to visit a friend and couldn’t leave without stopping to see you.”

  “I’m glad you’re here.” She gave her mother a big hug then closed the door, certain her mother wouldn’t want this conversation, whatever it would be, overheard by Jade or anyone else.

  “What makes you think that was necessary?”

  Astrid simply raised an eyebrow as she took a seat on the same side of the desk as her mother.

  “Fine. When I told your father I was stopping by, we agreed I would discuss your marriage with you. How are you and Jordan doing?”

  Astrid shrugged. How had she forgotten how mad she was at her parents? More her father, but a minute ago she’d been so grateful to see her mother, that it escaped her that she was still supposed to be mad. Of course, she’d been too caught up in the new shirt and the hair when she’d seen her the last time to remember then either. Maybe falling into the regular routine was easier with someone she didn’t see often?

  Or someone she didn’t feel as betrayed by?

  “It’s a new normal,” she finally said.

  “And does that new normal include a real relationship with your husband? Or are you roommates?” Her mother held up a hand. “I’m not asking about intimate details, but are you working toward fixing things or just leaving them be?”

  With a sigh, Astrid stood and walked to the window overlooking their mini-cove. “There’s more to it than all that, Mother.”

  “More to it than Jordan not telling you who his heart donor was?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you ready to talk about it?”

  Astrid thought that over then decided that, no, she wasn’t. She shook her head.

  “When you are, we’re here for you. You know that.”

  Something in her mother’s voice made Astrid turn. Did they know more than they were letting on?

  “Your father and I are debating attending the Women in Medicine banquet this year,” her mother went on, as though no turmoil existed internally for Astrid. “We wouldn’t want to take away from you as the patron, but make it clear we’re there to support the cause more informally. What do you think?”

  Images from that night, both before and after the accident, ran through Astrid’s mind. “I think I’d rather not go at all.”

  “I’m afraid that’s not an option.” Her mother’s gentle tone reiterated what Astrid already knew. “You will be there, head held high, and smile.”

  “At least portray that I’m enjoying myself. I know.” Which was why her father’s words to her in the hallway the night Andrei died had stunned her so.

  “You never know. You might end up having a decent time. Now, before I go find my granddaughter, something was mentioned to me in passing the other day, though I know far more was meant by it.”

  Astrid turned, her shoulders slumping further. “What? How I’
m supposed to have another baby sometime soon?”

  Her mother’s delicately arched eyebrow told her all she needed to know.

  “Who said something?”

  “The prime minister.”

  Shocking. “If he mentions it again, would you kindly tell him my reproductive plans are none of his business?”

  “I will not, because, to an extent, it is his business. Though the law requiring you to have at least two children is no longer technically in force, the law that replaced it strongly implies that you must.”

  “I’m aware of that. But what if I end up with secondary infertility?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Then what?”

  “That is an exception, and you know it.”

  She did. “Regardless of how well my relationship with Jordan is or is not going, I’m not ready for another child.”

  “I know that, but it has been mentioned to you nonetheless.” She stood. “You are in the main living quarters, correct?”

  “Yes.” Astrid followed her mother out of the office and upstairs. When they reached the playroom, Jordan and Sofia were laying on their stomachs looking at a book.

  Sofia pushed herself up and picked up the book. “Mama! Papa boo’!”

  Astrid didn’t look to see her mother’s reaction to Jordan’s honorific. “You got a new book?”

  “Papa boo’!” Sofia held it up in one hand, her arms extended for Astrid to pick her up. “Yockey.”

  Astrid looked at the book. “A hockey book?” They made such things in board books? He’d probably had Dare ship it to him. It seemed like a Canadian thing anyway. “That sounds fun.”

  Before she could respond, Sofia noticed her grandmother and squealed again as she pulled away from Astrid. Her mother took the toddler and sat in a chair in the sitting room, reading the book to her.

  Jordan came to stand next to her, his presence filling her senses.

  “I saw you playing hockey earlier,” she told him. “Sofia seemed to be having fun.”