by Lexi Blake
The lord chamberlain hadn’t been particularly friendly, but then he’d been under a bit of pressure. A royal wedding in a few weeks wasn’t an easy thing to accomplish. Day was happy he seemed to be calming down. “Rai didn’t find out until after the wedding, I suspect.”
“Yes. He married the girl hastily. From what I understand, Rai discovered Kash had been his wife’s lover. You know how palace gossip is. No one can keep a secret here. Kash should have immediately told Rai, if you ask me. No one ever asks my opinion, much less follows my excellent advice. If they did, their lives would all be the better for it.” He turned to her. “Rai was right about one thing. You do make a lovely queen. Hopefully now that we will have a sovereign in residence full time, the country will be more stable. The king can wander as he may and we shall have your wise hand to guide us.”
“Well, I think you might find that the king is much happier staying home now that he’s married. I think he’ll take his duties more seriously than he did before.” She felt comfortable that Kash’s wanderlust had more to do with guilt than anything else. She would gently start pushing him to restart his project. He’d come so close, and he had a true passion for innovation.
The lord chamberlain’s lips pursed as though he was thinking about what he would say next. Or thinking about not saying anything at all. “I should hope so. Nevertheless, I hope you find me helpful. Anything at all that you need, I shall be more than happy to provide it for you. This is your household now. It’s up to me to make sure it runs according to your desires.”
“And the king’s.”
He bowed his head. “Of course. When he is here, I shall surely take him into account. When you return from your honeymoon, I hope we can sit down and plan the next few months.”
“What do you know that I don’t?” She wasn’t going to beat about the bush any longer.
The lord chamberlain shrugged, an elegant motion. “I know he’s planning a trip to Hong Kong a few days after you return from your time on the yacht. He’s going to be gone for a week or more and he told security that you would be remaining behind. He’s planning a series of trips and I do believe he intends to take them solo.”
That couldn’t be right. Hanin had simply misunderstood. Kash wouldn’t leave her behind right after their honeymoon. If he had something he needed to do, surely he would have spoken with her about it.
She looked back over the ballroom floor where couples were dancing. The ballroom was glittering and elegant, but Kash was nowhere to be seen. She did, however, note that Jesse Murdoch was standing at the edge of the ballroom, his back to the hallway. He guarded the door that led to the more intimate gathering areas. There were several rooms in this wing that the royals used to entertain heads of states. They were cozy rooms, perfect for a talk with her husband.
She would ask him calmly and he would explain that it was all a mistake. Then they could start their honeymoon early. She was ready to leave the pomp and circumstance behind and focus on Kash. He’d had a long day. He would need some play to alleviate the stresses. She’d seen his forced smile, the stiff way he’d waved to the crowd on the balcony.
“Thank you, Hanin,” she said politely. “I would love to sit down with you and plan everything out. I think we shall have a busy schedule.”
Hanin nodded. “Excellent, Your Majesty. And let me know if you need anything to make this evening even brighter.”
Because they should be heading off to bed in a bit. They would stand together and greet their guests and then retire while the party went on. It was custom.
So many customs. She stepped out onto the floor and was forced to smile and greet people whose names she barely remembered. Her brand new social secretary was across the palace, meeting with the photographers and helping the queen mother select the right photos to be published in the morning.
Where was Kash? He’d kissed her on the cheek and then frowned as he’d gone to dance with yet another guest. He’d been dancing all night long and only once with her. Kash had spent the evening charming all the ladies, and she missed having all that masculine attention to herself.
She worked her way through the crowd, trying to ignore the chatter around her.
“I don’t know. I hope she’s doing this for the right reasons.”
“Such a beautiful wedding. He’s so dreamy. She’s pretty and all but I’m surprised he would marry a commoner.”
“I don’t know. I expected more from her. She’s a bit on the plain side for a man who could have any woman he wanted.”
“The right reason being money and power, since she’s not going to be getting any fidelity from that man. Imagine actually marrying Kash. Not that he isn’t exquisite in bed. I enjoyed my time with him, but the humiliation would be terrible.”
“Who wants to bet how long it is before he’s right back to his playboy ways? As soon as she’s pregnant, he’ll find a way. I’ve heard he’s already seeing that actress again. She showed up at his wedding. What gall.”
Day stopped.
“I can’t believe he walked out with her. Everyone could see the way he was touching her. The poor queen. Not married more than a few hours and her husband is already cheating.”
“Ah, well, we all know he married her because his mother forced his hand. He’ll get her pregnant a few times and then he’ll be done with her.”
She could feel her cheeks heat, humiliation swamping her.
“Don’t listen to them,” a low voice whispered.
She turned and Phoebe Murdoch was standing beside her. Someone had figured out the new queen was walking among them and the gossip was now being whispered instead of openly talked about. She felt a hundred eyes on her and she steeled her spine. She’d stood up to professors who didn’t think she had a place in their world, to parliament members who laughed openly at her suggestions. She wasn’t about to crumble because a few people said some nasty things about her marriage.
Day gave them her brightest smile. “I hope you’re all having a lovely time. His majesty and I are so glad to be surrounded by such supportive friends. I will let him know how much you care about him.”
She caught sight of a few men and women who paled at her words, but she was done with them. If Kash had walked out with a woman, there was a good explanation. She knew something the others didn’t. Kash didn’t have a reason to hide things from her. He’d been given a clear choice. She would have accepted a marriage without the relationship. She would have been friends and partners with him. He’d chosen and she had to believe he meant to honor the choice.
Phoebe walked beside her. “You are really good at that. I’m fairly certain some of those people peed a little. You know they’re always going to talk about you. You have to be able to separate Dayita from the queen.”
It was an excellent point and one she would take to heart. She stopped at the edge of the crowd and reached for her new friend’s hand. “Thank you. I will try to remember that. Do you know where my husband went and who he was with?”
Phoebe didn’t pale exactly but she did frown. “I think he’s trying to avoid a scene.”
“With a woman?” She was starting to understand what was happening.
Phoebe looked over at the place where her husband was guarding the door. He had a steely-eyed glare that turned away even the most avid curiosity seeker. He caught sight of his wife and they seemed to have a whole conversation with gestures and raised eyebrows. Finally Phoebe turned back to Day. “Apparently one of Kash’s ex-girlfriends managed to get through our security. She snuck in as the date of one of the ambassadors. Before we could figure it out and toss her on her rear, she managed to get to Kash. I think he’s trying to convince her to leave quietly.”
So at least Day knew where she needed to go. “He’ll struggle with that. He’ll view her as something delicate and weak, and if she’s got half a brain in her head, she’ll manipulate him.”
“I don’t think he’s trying to do anything but get rid of her,” Phoebe said.
She strode to the double doors that led to the hallway. Murdoch touched his earpiece and muttered something she couldn’t understand.
“Your Majesty.” Murdoch nodded her way. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“Yes, Mr. Murdoch. You can stand aside and let me get to my husband, who is likely trying to ward off some bimbo.”
Murdoch frowned his wife’s way. “Seriously, baby? I told you to distract her, not tell her everything.”
Phoebe shrugged. “Sorry. I thought that was your ‘hey, you should help out your new friend’ raised eyebrow. You should really be more specific. And she’s not worried that Kash is cheating on her. She’s worried he won’t be able to throw that chick out on her rear.”
Murdoch winced slightly. “Yeah, I’m worried about that, too. I tried to send Rai back there but he said something about Kash being able to handle anything and walked away. I think it’s time to fire that dude, but Kash keeps overruling me. I’ll escort you back if my wife will watch this door for me.”
“I think I can handle it.” Phoebe took her husband’s place. Somehow, despite the fact that she was wearing a beautiful, filmy gown and heels, Phoebe Murdoch oozed competence.
Murdoch opened the door for Day and they slipped out into the hallway. The minute the doors closed, the sounds of the ballroom seemed to fade and she could breathe again. How did Kash deal with such scrutiny every day of his life?
“Take a deep breath,” Murdoch said. “Not a one of their opinions matter. Get used to being judged and get used to smiling and giving them your happy middle finger. I know a bit about this.”
“How so?” She hadn’t realized how tense she’d been until she’d managed to get out of that ballroom.
Murdoch started walking down the mostly empty hallway. There were a few of the catering workers moving mounds of used glasses back toward the kitchens, and she could hear someone discussing the fact that they would need to open another case of champagne. “I’ve been the center of attention before, and not of good attention. I’ve had people think the absolute worst of me and I decided they were right. It got me into a lot of trouble, but I found a group of people who built me back up.”
She smiled his way. “Your wife and friends. That’s good. I’m usually all right being the focus of criticism. I’ve never followed what my father would have called the ‘proper’ path. I can handle it. However, I’m not allowed to use my happy middle finger. The queen has to be more subtle.”
Murdoch whistled. “Damn, I wouldn’t have gotten through most things without being able to shoot people the bird. I suspect you’ll find other coping mechanisms. He’s in that room to your left. I’ll be out here and ready to escort you back to the ballroom when you’re ready. Be careful, though. There are reporters and they’ve been using this hallway to move around.”
“You don’t need to get back to Phoebe? I’m sure I’m safe here in the palace.”
He shook his head. “Nah, Phoebe’s a pro. She can handle anything those people throw at her.”
She strode to the door and heard the sound of a whiny female.
“Kash, we can make this right. All you have to do is divorce her. You don’t even need a divorce. You can get this marriage annulled and we can start over.”
Ah, she recognized the voice from one of the more popular British soaps. Tasha Reynolds was considered one of the world’s most beautiful women and she’d dated Kash for the better part of a year before moving on to one of her costars. She’d been giving interviews in the last two weeks about how she felt Kash was making a terrible mistake with his marriage. The woman had gone on every talk and news show she could, spilling secrets about their sex life and how he’d told her he would never marry anyone but her.
So she was a crazy bitch. Luckily, Day had figured out how to deal with crazy bitches a long time ago.
She opened the door and got ready to save her man.
* * * *
Kash looked out over the ballroom, hoping to catch a glimpse of his wife.
His wife. Dayita was his. He should feel settled and satisfied, but something gnawed at his gut. He was falling in deeper and deeper with her, and he wasn’t sure he knew how to swim in these waters. Day smiled as she shook the hand of one of the Swedish royals. So poised and perfect.
“She’s truly going to make a wonderful queen.” His mother came to stand beside him, her hand coming to his arm as though she needed him to balance her. The last week had taken a toll on her, but she’d shooed away any thought of resting. “I hope you’ll forgive me someday.”
He looked down at her. “It’s all forgiven, Mother. I understand that you did what you felt you needed to do. You found a proper monarch for the country. She will be wonderful.”
And he would be somewhat superfluous. Already all the serious people shook his hand, laughed and joked around him, and then asked the real questions of his bride. He’d heard the US ambassador asking her for a meeting about potentially inviting the president to Loa Mali for a state visit, and Prince Harry had spoken with her about sponsoring a new charity. Harry only ever talked to him about polo and beer.
His mother had lost Shray, the true king, and she’d finally figured out that Kash was never going to take his place. She’d found a daughter this time, someone lovely and kind and intelligent. Someone who could take Shray’s place. He would be nothing but a sperm donor.
Yes, he’d heard someone say that, and now it played around in his head.
“What do you mean, Kash? You’re the king. Having a queen doesn’t take the crown from you.” His mother blinked up at him as though she couldn’t quite process his words.
He put a hand over hers. It wasn’t a good time to have a fight. Hell, he didn’t want to fight with her at all. He couldn’t truly be angry with her. She’d given him an out. He could leave everything to Day and spend his time as he wished.
Why did that seem so hollow?
“Of course it doesn’t, Mother. You’re right, though. She is a perfect queen. The ambassadors are all happy about her.” He gave his mother a grin. “They don’t have to deal with me now. Of course, they will if I find any of them hitting on my wife again. I swear that Spaniard kissed her hand five times. There’s no need to kiss her hand at all. Does he think we’re back in the Victorian era?”
“You’ll have to deal with the fact that your wife is beautiful and everyone looks up to her.” His mother glanced to her right. “Ah, they’re calling for me. I need to select the official portraits to go out to the press. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Don’t overdo it, Mother.” He would hate for her to not be able to enjoy the festivities, but he couldn’t stand the thought of her crumpling.
She waved the worry off as she started to walk away.
And he was left with the good Scotch and worry in his head that he was slipping into something he couldn’t come back from.
The night before, he’d gotten on his knees in front of Day and by the time she was finished with him, he was begging for her. He’d been on the ground, kissing her feet. At the time, it had felt like the perfect thing to do. He’d wanted to please her more than anything. He’d been happy and relaxed in the moment and he’d come like he’d never come before. He’d settled down with her and wondered what it would be like to have her use a paddle on his ass. Would it send sparks through his system? He’d loved it when Day gripped his cock and brought him to just the right side of pain. Could they explore more?
What would the world say about the pervert king who let his wife rule him? His father would be ashamed and he would be a laughingstock.
He had to stop this slow descent. He had to find a way to not want what he wanted. It was perverted. He was the man and she was the woman, and if they played those games, he should be the one on top.
Why did the thought make him infinitely sad? It was his wedding night. He cared about his bride. He wasn’t sure it was love. Certainly it was lust and possessiveness and a deep and abiding friendship.
Was he falling in love with Day? Was that making him weak?
“I’ve been hoping to catch you alone.”
He stopped, a chill rushing through his system as the familiar voice snaked along his skin. He felt a hand at his back and then he was staring down into big, blue eyes and pouty red lips. “Tasha, I’m surprised to see you here since you weren’t invited.”
A faint sheen of tears made those eyes a crystal blue. “I had to talk to you. I came as the guest of one of the ambassadors.”
“You shouldn’t have been able to get through security.”
She shrugged. “I used my legal name. That should tell you how important this is to me, Kashmir. I made a terrible mistake, but you made a bigger one. How could you have married her? She isn’t even pretty.”
Day was gorgeous, but he wasn’t about to argue with her. “You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’ve got a wife to do that.”
Tasha frowned. “Yes, I’ve been looking into your wife. I’ve managed to dig up some facts about her that might shock you. Kash, please let me talk to you. That woman is using you. She doesn’t love you.”
Oh, but when he was on his knees in front of her and Day was smiling down at him, it felt like he’d imagined love would. In those stolen hours when they locked the rest of the world out, he was a different person entirely. Settled, happy.
And then she would sleep and he would deal with the storm of regret and guilt.
He glanced around but Weston wasn’t in the ballroom. He was probably in the control room, looking out over the palace, trying to catch any threats that would come their way. He hadn’t caught the real threat. Apparently, all a woman had to do was find some ambassador and she could waltz right in.