by Jenny Frame
As they were nearing the private drawing room, Theo placed his hand on the small of her back and rubbed it soothingly. “I’m sure it will. You just need some time to regroup, and we’ll help and look after you,” Theo said with a smile.
Lali was waiting for them. “Your Royal Highnesses, I’ll just introduce you before you go in.”
“Thanks, Lali,” Theo said.
Lali walked into the room and announced, “Your Majesty, His Royal Highness, Prince Theodore and Her Royal Highness, Princess Rozala.”
Theo hurried to Bea, gave her a bow, and took her into his arms for a big hug.
“Theo, how are you today? George wants a report tonight.”
“Do you two ever stop fussing?” he said in mockingly annoyed fashion.
Bea stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “No, because we love you.”
“And what about you, Bea?” he said with a smile. “Any baby Georges on the way? The media seemed convinced we’re to expect the patter of royal feet anytime soon.”
Bea play-hit him on the arm. “Suddenly everyone has an opinion on my fertility. And for your information, Theo, you’ll just have to stay as second in line to the throne for the time being.”
“Woe is me!” Theo said dramatically.
“Where’s my kiss, boy?” Queen Adrianna said, stamping her stick on the floor.
“Sorry, Granny, Mama.”
*
A few paces back, Roza stood awkwardly watching the intimate family scene. The ease with which this side of her family interacted was foreign to her, and she envied it.
“Roza?”
Her thoughts were interrupted by Bea calling to her. Roza walked forward and curtsied. “It’s nice to see you again, Your Majesty.”
Bea was not stiff or formal. She smiled at her and opened her arms to pull her in to a hug. Roza was stiff at first, but relaxed when Bea squeezed her tightly and said, “It’s great to see you again.”
She then was equally welcomed by Aunt Sofia and Great-Aunt Adrianna, as she had always called her.
They had tea, cakes and some chit chat, before Sofia said, “I hear Perri is your lady-in-waiting now, an excellent choice.”
“She wasn’t my choice,” Roza said sharply.
Sofia gave her a serious look. “She is one of your godmothers, Roza, so I can’t think of anyone better to look after you.”
Roza felt like she’d been sucker-punched in the stomach. “She’s my godmother? I thought—I thought I only had a royal godmother, Princess Eloise of the Netherlands?”
“No, Roza. Perri was my sister’s best friend and was first choice. She only chose Princess Eloise out of convention. Surely you must have seen still photographs and footage of your christening.”
She hadn’t seen much, apart from the times it was shown on TV and she wasn’t quick enough to change the channel. Roza never wanted to see the ceremony without her mother there. Besides, her christening was more reminiscent of a funeral than welcoming a baby into the world.
“I haven’t seen much. I thought she was there just as Mother’s friend.”
“No, she was there to vow to help in your care both spiritually and physically,” Sophia said.
And she left me too.
*
Princess Roza’s car arrived back at St James’s Palace. When Major Ravn opened the door, Roza got out quickly and stormed up the steps, fury building inside. She burst into the apartment and shouted, “Perri! Where are you?”
“In the bedroom, ma’am,” Perri replied.
Roza stalked into the bedroom to find clothes spread across the bed as Perri was putting all her luggage away neatly.
“Are you all right, ma’am? Did you have a good meeting at the palace?”
She ignored the question. “You’re my godmother, my mother’s first choice.”
Perri stopped hanging up the clothes. “Yes, I am. Your mother and I were the best of friends. She named you after me too. Didn’t you know?”
There was just one revelation after another lately, and the fury in Roza was rising. “What is your full name?”
“I was Rosa Percy until I married Lord Linton.”
“Why didn’t you stay with me after she died? You were my godmother—you should have stayed in contact at least.”
Perri looked down in sadness and perhaps guilt. “My best friend had just died. I had known her since I was five years old, all through school and university. We were like sisters, and I was grief-stricken like everyone else, but I thought it best—”
“You left me on my own.” Tears tumbled down Roza’s cheeks. “A little girl that nobody wanted around because she reminded them of what they’d lost. You should have been there for me.”
Perri appeared shocked at Roza’s outburst. Somewhere inside Roza knew she wasn’t just angry at Perri, she was angry at her mother for leaving her.
“I thought it was best to leave—I thought your father would marry again and I would be in the way…”
“No, you were just like everyone else, you blamed me for Mother’s death.”
“No, Roza, that’s not true.” Perri came closer and tried to take her hand, but she pulled away.
Roza grabbed one of her most revealing dresses off the bed and said with coldness in her voice, “I’m going out. Don’t wait up, Godmother.”
“What about your appointment tomorrow at the Queen Consort’s charity?”
“Oh? You know about that too? Is everyone conspiring against me?” Roza sneered.
When Bea told her about working at Timmy’s, she had put on her very best false smile, but inside she was frustrated and annoyed. Not that she minded helping a charity—she had taken part in raising money for charity all of her life, auctions, parties, polo, and racing events. It was the idea she was being sent to work a nine-to-five job to keep her out of trouble.
Well if that’s what everyone thinks, they are sadly mistaken.
“Nobody’s conspiring against you, Roza. The Queen Consort’s private secretary simply called me with all the information you would need. That’s all.”
“I’ll get there when I get there.” Roza left the room full of anger and frustration. Why did everyone leave her? Why was she never good enough for people to want to be with her and love her?
She was going to get some attention and make some noise.
Chapter Five
At seven thirty a.m., Lex stood in front of a projected screen in the Timmy’s conference room, going over her plans with all the heads of department in preparation for the princess’s arrival at nine. “Okay, even though Princess Rozala will be based in my office, it is my intention to show her some of the work we do from every department. So to that effect I have drawn up a program of tasks and duties for her to get a taste of the business.” She indicated to the screen behind her. On it was a timetable of tasks and events for every department.
“As you can see, she will be taking part in the organization of front-line staff collecting money on the streets, to the marketing, financial, and corporate fundraising departments. Now—”
“Excuse me, Lex,” Mel the PR executive interrupted, “this is a golden opportunity to get publicity, raise our profile even higher, and make more money. We could have the press cameras out on the streets following the princess as she collects money in amongst the ordinary people. The public and media would lap it up.”
Lex was furious. Since they had already discussed this privately, she could only conclude Mel was trying to gain support among the other department heads to exert pressure on her.
She fixed Mel with a penetrating stare. “I think I’ve made my position clear on this matter, Mel. This is not a PR exercise—it is something the Queen Consort has asked us to do with discretion. I’m not naive enough to think there will not be media interest in Princess Rozala’s work here, but we will not help them by cooperating. Besides, security would make it impossible to have her out on the streets. Need I remind you what happened to Prince Theo last year?”
Mel held her gaze defiantly for a few seconds before looking down.
“Which brings me to security. The Denbourg secret service agents will be in charge while the princess is here, and if you receive an instruction from the protection unit, you must comply. Let me remind you the importance of wearing your staff passes. Anyone found without will be taken to the security office, plus this floor and my office will be on special alert. You will need prior clearance or an appointment to gain access to this floor.”
She heard a few sighs and mutterings from the department heads around the table, and she couldn’t blame them. Having the princess here would be restrictive and a nightmare in terms of everyday work, but there was nothing she could do about it.
“I know this will be difficult and may hold up our work, but remember this is a request from Queen Beatrice. Timmy’s would be nowhere without her. We would not have expanded as we have if it wasn’t for her patronage, and in fact a lot of you wouldn’t have jobs if it hadn’t been for the money she has generated, so we owe her. Any questions?”
When none were forthcoming, she looked at her watch and said, “Okay, it’s half-past eight. Let’s go downstairs and get the welcoming committee organized.”
It took some time to get the staff ready in Timmy’s reception area, mostly because of people thinking they should be nearer the head of the line than others. Egos were clearly on show today, but finally they were ready.
As nine o’clock came and went, and no Princess Rozala arrived, Lex’s frustration started to build. After an hour and a half she finally got through to Major Ravn, head of the princess’s protection team, and was informed the princess wouldn’t be leaving St James’s palace anytime soon. In Major Ravn’s words, The princess was indisposed. Clearly her party reputation was well earned.
Lex was furious, and ordered everyone back to work. There was disappointment throughout all the staff. Everyone had been so excited about Princess Rozala arriving. Lex walked into her office and slammed the door shut.
She had been prepared to give the princess a chance despite her rebellious reputation, but she had failed her one simple task: arrive on time.
What a waste of time and energy.
*
Morning had come too quickly for Roza. Despite repeated attempts by Perri to wake her for her first day at Timmy’s, she didn’t leave St James’s Palace until half-past twelve after many black coffees to get her feeling somewhat alive again. Roza had met up with some old friends from school the previous night, and the get-together had turned into a night of clubbing at one of London’s most exclusive venues, spilling out at five a.m. to the flashes of the paparazzi cameras.
Finally Perri had managed to get Roza organized and into the car to take her to Timmy’s. Roza hid behind a pair of dark sunglasses and burrowed her way further into the side of the car.
She felt terrible. Her head pounded, she felt nauseous, and all she wanted to do was sleep, but even she knew she would have to put in some sort of an appearance at this charity Bea had insisted she go to. Hopefully after a few handshakes and smiles she could get home and sleep for a while longer.
She opened the drinks fridge in the state car and took out a bottle of water. Her body was demanding water after the excess of last night. Roza caught Major Ravn looking at her with what she could only describe as a parental look of disappointment.
“I suppose you’re quite disappointed in me, Major Ravn.”
“It’s not my place to be disappointed in you, Your Royal Highness. I’m simply here to protect you.”
Maybe she was projecting her feelings of shame from last night, but she was sure she had seen that emotion in Ravn’s eyes as she was carried out of the club after getting too drunk, and the club patrons getting too close and personal with her.
Her late night antics also meant the major hadn’t been able to go home to her family, and for that she was sorry. Why did she do this to herself?
What was the point in partying last night and drinking cocktails till she couldn’t remember anything? Her so-called old friends were more interested in the attention of being with a VIP and the special treatment that came with it. It used to give her pleasure to know she was causing her father and his many courtiers who looked down upon her as much discomfort as possible. Now it didn’t feel good. She thought of the many Denbourg military forces, many much younger than her, away from home, risking their lives, combating people using Thea’s weapons, while she was drinking cocktails and dancing.
“I’m sorry I kept you out last night, Ravn. I promise I’ll be tucked up early in bed tonight, and you can go home early.”
Ravn’s face softened. “Ma’am, I don’t need to go home early. My job is to protect you, and I will be here wherever you need me and however long you need me. My wife understands. It’s my duty and an honour.”
Roza was quite touched by Ravn’s words. As much as she didn’t deserve such loyalty and reverence, the major and her team would willingly serve her without thought for themselves.
“Thank you, Major. I appreciate that, and I promise to think of others the next time I go out.”
They pulled up outside Timmy’s headquarters, and Ravn said, “Wait till I open your door, ma’am.”
Roza smiled and saluted. “You’re in charge, Major.”
*
As soon as Lennox rounded the corner from her gym onto the street where Timmy’s headquarters was situated, she knew the princess had arrived. On either side of the entrance were two agents checking the credentials of everyone who went in.
She let out a long breath. Lex had thought the princess just wouldn’t turn up at all, and that might have been better for everyone involved. She had been so angry before she left to have her lunchtime workout, but thankfully the exercise had calmed her emotions as it always did.
She showed her security pass at the door and entered the lift to take her up to her office. She tried to think out how she would approach this first meeting, as her attitude would colour their entire working relationship. For this to work she had to show Princess Rozala who was boss but temper that with the due courtesy and respect her position demanded. It wouldn’t be easy, and she just had to hope the Consort was true to her word and would support her.
The lift doors opened and two more agents checked her pass before Conrad came hurrying over from his desk.
“Lex, Princess Rozala has been here for an hour in your office and she is not happy.”
“I’m sure. Let’s go and take her wrath then.”
Conrad led her over to her office doors where a tall, solid woman dressed in a black suit took a few steps towards her.
“Lennox King?” she said.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I’m Major Ravn, head of Princess Rozala’s protection team, and this is Johann, my deputy.” She indicated the silent man in a dark suit to her left.
Lex shook her hand. “Pleased to meet you, Major.”
“Likewise. Both myself and Johann will be stationed outside your office while the princess is here. I would appreciate it if you keep me apprised of any proposed changes to the princess’s movements.”
“Of course, Major. I will.”
Lex walked through the door with her gym bag over her shoulder. She saw the princess by the glass windows, looking out over the London skyline. The princess turned around when she heard the door close, and in that split second before she opened her mouth, Lex was struck by the gentle beauty of Rozala. Her soft, wavy chestnut hair, rosy skin, and beautiful figure all made Princess Rozala breathtaking.
Lex’s few milliseconds of admiration were rudely interrupted by the rage that erupted from Rozala.
“Do you know what time it is? I’ve been waiting for you for over an hour and a half.”
Lex quickly set her bag down and bowed as protocol dictated. “Your Royal Highness, we had a welcoming committee waiting for you at nine o’clock this morning.”
“Ah, well I was out with some friends last night and we didn�
�t get in till later, but I’m here now.”
Lex had seen the pictures all over the net this morning with the headline Royal Rebel hits London.
She knew she would have to set the rules here and now or this would never have a chance of working. Lex took Bea at her word that she would have both her and the Queen’s backing, and said firmly, “Go home and come back when you’re ready to do a full day’s work.”
“Excuse me?” Roza said in a shocked and surprised voice. “Do you know who you are talking to?”
Lennox sat at her desk calmly and began to work on her computer. “Yes, I’m quite aware I’m talking to Princess Rozala of Denbourg, who is also my PA. As such you need to turn up on time for work and follow my instructions, ma’am.”
Roza stormed over to her desk. “How dare you speak to me like that. You are very lucky I’m here at your silly little charity in the first place.”
There were a few moments of silence during which Roza probably was waiting for her to give in and apologize, but she didn’t react to her anger, and kept her head down.
“Look at me when I’m talking to you,” Roza demanded.
“Sounds more like screaming at me, ma’am.”
Roza exclaimed a frustrated and angry shout, like a toddler in a tantrum. “You are the most disrespectful, infuriating person I’ve ever met. You can be sure the Queen will hear about this.”
She stormed off out the office doors and slammed them shut.
“That went well.”
This was the first test. If she truly had the Queen’s and Queen Consort’s backing, Roza would be back, and if not maybe she would be getting a nice cosy room in the Tower of London.
*
George and Bea began their day with a joint engagement to open a new hospital in Manchester. George stood by the state car and watched Bea with pride, as she interacted with the crowds gathered around them. After touring the facility and speaking with both patients and staff, they were due to leave for their next appointment.