by Jenny Frame
“I care about you too.” Lex punctuated her declaration with a kiss on her nose. “Shall I go and hunt and gather then?”
“Yes, please. If you could spear some pain au chocolat, I would be eternally grateful.”
Lex bowed and said, “Your wish is my command, Your Royal Highness. I think my spear will be accurate enough.”
“Oh, really?” Roza grabbed the hem of her boxers and pulled her towards her. “Good with it, are you?”
Roza felt alive with Lex. Everything about her excited and lightened her heart. She was surprised when Lex lifted her and turned to set her on the table. “That’s for you to find out.”
Roza slipped her hands down the back of Lex’s boxers, grasped her muscled backside, and pulled her to her sex.
Lex had that fiery passion in her eyes again, and she leaned in to push Roza down on her table. When Lex’s lips came to hers, Roza whispered, “Pain au chocolat.”
Lex’s head fell onto her chest and she started to laugh. “Oh, Princess, you are such a tease.”
“But you love it. Now go—hunt, gather, and all that tough stuff.”
Lex let out a breath. “Pain au chocolat. On its way. Are Ravn and the team still outside?”
Roza nodded. “Ravn and some of the team went home last night and left Johann and the rest. They were relieved at six this morning.”
“Okay, I’ll bring enough for everyone. I’ll just take a shower.”
“Can I come?” Roza asked with a smile.
Lex shook her head. “No way. You’ll drive me insane, get me worked up, and then ask for breakfast. I’ll go myself, Princess.”
Chapter Fourteen
The day of the Dreams and Wishes press launch arrived, and Roza was nervous. She stood in the shower and let the hot water hit her face as she tried to wash away the knot of worry inside her, but it didn’t work.
She switched off the water and stepped out to dry herself with her big fluffy towel. Roza wrapped the towel around her hair and caught herself in the steamed-up mirror. “Who am I trying to kid. I shouldn’t be doing this.”
Roza had a lot of experience courting the press cameras, trying to evade them, and leaking them stories to infuriate her father, but she’d never held a press conference to announce something good, something really important. The thought of answering questions about something that she had personally worked on was scary.
Lex will be there.
Roza let out a breath and wrapped another towel around her body. She walked out into her adjoining bedroom, where Perri was hanging up her outfit for the day.
“What do you think, Roza? The blue or the cream outfit?” Perri asked.
Roza’s eyes were immediately drawn to the blue designer jeans, cashmere blue and white nautical style sweater, and navy blazer.
“The blue. It’s perfect for an outdoors play day.”
Perri smiled brightly. “That was my first choice too. We’re getting to think alike.”
Roza laughed. “More like I’m growing up, and dressing more appropriately.”
Perri walked over and grasped her by the shoulders. “I’m so proud of you, Roza. You’ve done so well since coming to Britain, and your mama would be proud, especially at what you’re doing today. Children’s charities were always her favourite.”
“I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself.”
“Of course you won’t.” Perri led her by the hand over to her dressing table to sit, and began to brush her wet hair. “You will be wonderful. You’ve worked hard on this idea.”
Roza looked at her in the mirror. “I’m scared.”
“Why are you scared?”
Roza tried to find the words to explain her fears. She let out a long breath. “I’m afraid no one will take me seriously. I’m afraid I’ll freeze and not know what to say, that I won’t be able to give my speech.”
Perri kept on brushing her hair, despite the fact that all the tugs were gone. Roza found it soothing, and she wondered if her mother would have done this sort of thing for her.
“You won’t. I have every faith in you, and Lex has faith in you—that’s why she’s given you this project. Don’t think about the media’s expectation of you. Be your own person and start forging a new path. The press will just have to follow you, and your new path.”
Roza reached to her shoulder and took Perri’s hand. “Thank you. I’m so thankful I have you in my corner.”
Perri gave her a kiss on the head. “I always will be.”
“Can I ask you something?” Roza asked.
“Of course.”
“What was Mama like as a mother, to Gussy, I mean. Was she a hands-on mother or did she leave it to nanny?”
“Hands-on?” Perri laughed. “She never had Gussy out of her arms, if she wasn’t on official royal duties. Your mama was determined from the start, despite the old-fashioned Denbourg courtiers, to be as normal a mother as possible. She took Prince Augustus everywhere she could, the park, animal farms, fairgrounds, and unless they were out of the country, she and your father put him to bed each night. The King read him a story and your mother sang a lullaby.”
As Roza listened to a description of Gussy’s childhood that was so different to her own, tears started to fall from her eyes.
Perri hugged her from behind. “I didn’t mean to upset you, my little Roza.”
Roza wiped away her tears. “It’s okay. I like hearing about Mama, and what Father was like. I’m just sad I couldn’t have known that kind of family life. When I was a little girl I thought my nanny was my mother for a time, then when I was able to understand a bit better I felt sad, and I’m ashamed to say angry, that she’d left me with Father. He never held me, never played with me. I always thought that I was to blame for her death.”
“Oh, Roza, I’m sorry. I should have come back to the Denbourg court and helped your father bring you up. His heart was broken and I felt that I was a reminder of what he had lost.”
“Just like me,” Roza said sadly.
“Don’t think about that. Think about how proud you’re going to make your mama today.”
Roza smiled and nodded. Maybe she could make the family she’d always wanted with Lex. If Lex would just talk about it, and not pull away.
*
The grounds at Windsor were a hive of activity already when Princess Rozala arrived. There were tents for food, face painters, candyfloss, popcorn, and every kind of fun snack you could think of. There were fairground rides, a mini-castle playground, and a pirate ship for the children, who were all dressed up as their dream characters.
“I feel sick, Lex.”
Lex took her hands and said, “You have nothing to be worried about. You’re going to make a short speech, then play with the children. That’s easy. You’ve seen the kids out there? They are having a blast, and it’s all thanks to your hard work. If you get nervous or tongue-tied, just imagine you’re reading the speech to me as we did at the office.”
“I’ll try my best,” Roza said.
“That’s my princess. You are going to smash it.” Lex pulled her into a hug and kissed her brow. “Let’s go.”
They walked out of the tent and immediately the flashes of the media cameras dazzled her eyes. As they had arranged, Summer was waiting outside for Roza. She took her hand, and Summer gave her the brightest smile.
“You look pretty, Ms. Princess.”
Summer always made her smile, no matter how she was feeling. “Thank you, Princess Summer. Let’s go and see your friends.”
Lex had dropped back behind her security and all Roza could think of was that Lex should be by her side.
The children and the play workers sat cross-legged on a platform area that had been built for Roza to give her speech. Behind the children the press and photographers sat waiting on their story. They had already been warned by Timmy’s PR executive not to ask any questions about the arms scandal or the growing speculation over Roza’s mystery lover, but whether they would stick to that was an
other matter.
The play workers and children began to clap as she approached the podium. Her prepared speech waited for her. She gripped the side of the podium hard, and read the first few lines of the speech in her head.
You can do this.
When she looked up into the glare of the press lights, she couldn’t see the children any more. She saw her father the King, looking at her with disappointment in his eyes. Her mouth immediately dried and her throat started to close.
The flashes of the cameras seemed to become blinding, as panic gripped her. The King was impatient and looked at his watch. “Get on with it, Rozala. I knew you’d never be able to do this one simple thing.”
In desperation she turned to her right and saw Lex calmly smile back at her. She closed her eyes for a second, and tried to imagine speaking to Lex. When she turned back to the audience, her father was gone and a smiling Lex was there in his stead.
Roza’s body started to calm, and she began the speech.
“Queen Maria, my mother, once said that the care of our children reflected our hopes for the future of our world. Those words have always echoed in my heart, and I felt it my duty to carry on her wishes and try in one small way to show my hope for the world. During my time working at Timmy’s, I have come to see what a difficult time a child’s illness is for all the family. But the things that can bring relief are play, imagination, and laughter. The Dreams and Wishes Foundation will be a charity dedicated to providing the means for giving every child their own dream and wish. That could be becoming a princess like my friend Summer there”—Roza pointed down to the little girl who was now sitting with her mother, and there were collective awws from the assembled crowd—“or an astronaut experience for the day…”
The rest of the speech went perfectly and Roza took the first few questions from the press equally as perfectly, knowing she had Lex’s support right behind her. Lex along with Perri and her developing relationship with Ravn made her feel more secure than she ever had.
“Princess Rozala, could you tell me if you have the support of the Queen and her Consort for this venture?”
Roza smiled. “Of course. The Queen graciously allowed us to use the grounds of Windsor to launch this new arm of Timmy’s, who as you know are vigorously supported by Her Majesty, the Queen Consort.”
Smashed it, she thought, just as Lex had said.
A well-known reporter from one of the more tabloid-style websites stuck his hand up and she had no choice but to accept.
“Yes?”
“There are reports that the royal rebel has a new lover in her life, can you comment on that?”
Roza heart started to beat hard. She’d known this would happen. Someone was bound to ask an awkward question, but using all the grace she could muster she smiled politely and said, “We’re here to talk about the children.”
She pointed to another more reputable journalist, but the previous questioner shouted in a loud voice, “One can only hope this new lover doesn’t have the arms to send good British and Denbourg troops home in body bags.”
Roza’s stomach fell and she started to shake, but in a second Lex was by her side and took control of the press conference. “We will now move to the play tent where the princess will host a tea party for the children.”
Roza couldn’t move but she felt Lex’s gentle touch guide her away from the podium. She wasn’t aware of much, but as they walked into the play tent that had been set up for the tea party, she heard Lex say to Ravn, “Major, could you get our PR to give us ten minutes before they lead the children in.”
They entered the tent and after a brief word the caterers left them alone in the vast space. Lex wrapped her arms around her and tried to calm her tears. “Shh…it’s okay. I’m here now.”
“No matter what I do, no matter how I try and change, I’ll always be the royal rebel, won’t I?”
“Hey, that was only one gutter tabloid reporter. You did fantastically well. I was so proud of you.”
“You were?”
Lex took a handkerchief from her top pocket and handed it to her. “Of course. Dry your eyes now.”
Roza dabbed her eyes carefully, so as not to smudge her make-up. “I wish I’d never met Thea. It hurts me to think of our people being injured because of her weapons.”
“She would still be hurting people with her weapons whether you’d known her or not, so don’t even think you are to blame. Concentrate on the good things you’ve done today. I was so proud of you out there.”
Roza pressed her palms against Lex’s chest. “Really? You were?”
Lex cupped her face and gave her the sweetest of kisses on the lips. “Of course I was. You looked beautiful, and you spoke confidently and warmly.”
“I froze up at the beginning. I kept seeing my father watching me, but it was the thought that you were there that gave me strength.”
Roza wanted to tell Lex how she felt, but maybe this wasn’t the best of moments. “Lex, would you come with me tonight to the palace banquet?”
Lex sighed. “We’ve already been over this, Roza. If I go as your guest, it will be all over the media. They already know you’re seeing someone over here.”
“I don’t care if they know.”
“You should. Your family will not be happy when they see my history. It’s only going to cause us both pain.”
“My family doesn’t have a say in my choice of partner.”
“You’re being naive.” Lex walked a few paces over to the refreshment table and took a sip from one of the bottles of water.
“Lex, I’ll be the only one not in a couple. I’ll be on my own at one of the most controversial receptions the UK has ever had, with a roomful of homophobes from Vospya.”
Lex stood with her hands in her pockets and sighed. “The reception is tonight, all the seats will be taken.”
Roza hurried over to Lex and grasped her hand. “If I can get you a seat, will you come with me? Please? For me?”
“Oh, all right. If you can get a seat, which you won’t. It’s too late.”
Roza giggled. “Thank you. We better let the children in for their tea party. Go and tell them.” I’m going to make this happen.
*
Bea was in her office at Buckingham Palace, dealing with her correspondence. As ever Rex lay by her feet, sleeping and guarding her. She had no engagements today, because of the state visit. When she and George had gone to greet the president and his entourage at the airport and escort them back to the palace, it had been the hardest thing she had ever had to do. Normally a visiting head of state was led back to the palace by royal carriage and a parade of mounted horse guards and military dignitaries, but with President Loka and the demonstrations and protests over his visit, it was thought best to bring them quietly by state armoured car.
Every smile and piece of small talk took a great toll on Bea. She was only too glad to leave George to have a private audience with him while she made sure all the preparations were done correctly.
Lali handed her a letter on her computer pad and said, “This is the last thing that needs your signature, ma’am.”
“Thanks. Is the banquet room ready to view?” Bea asked.
“Yes, whenever you’re ready.”
Bea sat back and stretched out her arms. “What a day.”
“How was the wonderful President Loka?” Lali asked.
“Oh God. So infuriating. I let George do the talking, and I could barely get a word from his wife. Probably ground down by a lifetime with him.”
“No doubt. How was he with both of you? I mean, he must despise everything about you both.”
“He was cordial but looked at me with disgust. I don’t think he dared do that to George.” Bea got up and smoothed down her dress, and Rex bounced to his paws. “Believe me, tonight is going to be hard. I don’t know how on earth the prime minister thinks this is a good idea.”
“You know Bo Dixon, Bea. She uses whatever means to get what she wants, and she wants P
resident Loka’s trade agreement. It’s all about money at the end of the day.”
“You’re right. I think Bo would sell her soul to the devil for more power and influence.”
“I think she might already have done that,” Lali joked.
Bea chuckled and Lali quickly called down to inform the master of the household, Sir Hugh Blair, they were on their way.
“Come on, Rexie, we’re going downstairs.”
They left Bea’s offices and started to walk down the grand corridors of Buckingham Palace.
Bea rubbed her stomach, and Lali must have noticed because she said, “Are you all right? Feeling sick again?”
“No, it’s settled a bit. I’m just nervous. This is the first banquet I’ve organized myself and my first walk-through without the Queen Mother. If I get anything wrong—”
“You won’t get anything wrong. You’re a professional.”
Bea took Lali’s hand and said, “Just don’t let snooty Sir Hugh talk me into anything.”
As they laughed, Lali’s phone buzzed. “Lali Ramesh. Yes? I’ll ask Her Majesty, please hold.”
“It’s Roza,” Lali said. “She’s popped in on her way from her press event at Windsor. She wondered if she could have a quick word.”
“Of course. Get her to meet us at the stairs. We can talk and walk.”
Chapter Fifteen
Roza waited nervously at the top of the grand Buckingham Palace staircase. What if Bea wouldn’t let her bring Lex? Maybe George would disapprove. All these thoughts ran in a constant cycle around her head.
She spotted Bea walking down the corridor, with her faithful dog Rex beside her, and she felt better when Bea waved to her with a big smile. Roza loved the Queen Consort—she was so welcoming and easy going, so unlike the people that normally populated royal life.