Royal Rebel

by Jenny Frame

  “They are so kind,” Roza said.

  “There is a book of condolence in the embassy for the public to sign, ma’am. We have stopped anyone from entering until Your Majesty has completed the formalities.”

  Roza saw the drizzle of rain on the car window, and thought of the discomfort the people would be standing in until she had finished. “Lund, I wish you to organize an overhead covering to protect the people from the elements. Have it run down to the end of the street.”

  Perri smiled at her thoughtfulness. “That’s a wonderful idea, ma’am.”

  Lund looked less than impressed. “Ma’am, is that really necessary?”

  Roza touched the sovereign ring that gave her connection to all those members of her family who came before and felt a strange feeling of self-assurance and confidence. “Yes, it is. I also want tea, coffee, and bottles of water taken to the line as they wait. Is that clear?”

  “Abundantly, Your Majesty.” Chief Lund activated her phone, and started to make the necessary arrangements.

  The car stopped around the back of the building for security. Ravn opened her door and she and four other agents circled Roza as she walked inside the embassy. Everyone was so frightened there could be a sniper anywhere at any moment.

  When she was shown into the ambassador’s office, she felt calmer at seeing George and Bea. They both were over to her in seconds, and out of habit Roza started to curtsy, but George stopped her.

  “No, you are Queen now, Roza. You bow to no one.” George engulfed her in a hug, and Roza drew from her strength. “Sorry doesn’t seem like an adequate word, but we are truly sorry for your loss. Remember, Bea, Theo, and I will always be your family and be there for you.”

  Roza struggled but succeeded to keep the impassive composure she had been wearing like armour since last night. “Thank you, George, and thank you for coming.”

  George pulled back, apparently surprised at her impassive composure.

  “I’ve cried myself out, and I need to keep myself calm or I’ll go under,” Roza explained.

  “We understand,” Bea said and gave her a warm hug of her own. “Where’s Lex?”

  That was something she didn’t want to talk about, the other gaping wound on her soul. “At her family’s house. She didn’t come with me.” Roza walked over to the desk and gazed at the painting of her father on the wall behind.

  “Is she meeting up with you later?” Bea asked.

  “No. We are no longer together,” Roza said flatly.

  “But you seemed so happy,” Bea said.

  “We were, but apparently, she doesn’t care enough to walk into royal life with me.” Roza walked to the door, and said, “I have a pledge to take. Will you come with me?”

  George and Bea shared an unreadable look, and then George walked forward to the door. “Of course. Lead on.”

  They were led into the meeting room and everyone apart from George and Bea went down on their knees. Lund lifted the Denbourg Book of Prayer from the table, and as she had rehearsed, Roza placed her hand on the book.

  “I, Rozala Maria Ximeno-Bogdana-de Albert, being King Christian’s one and true heir, pledge to uphold the laws, democratic rights, and privileges of the people of Denbourg.”

  Everyone repeated with one voice, “Long live the Queen.”

  *

  Later that evening, Lex sat on her couch watching the news reports over and over. Watching Rozala, the woman she loved and could never have, was a form of torture, but in some perverse way she believed she deserved that torture. She had turned her back on Roza and broken her heart, all because she was scared.

  I’m pathetic.

  Since Lex had returned to London, she had nothing to do but think, and she realized that as much as she tried to pretend that she left Roza because it was best for Roza, for Roza’s future, that was only an excuse. Lex had let her go because she was scared, and now it was too late. She’d lost the one woman in the world who loved and understood her.

  Lex felt her hunger for a hit and a drink grow to match the pain in her heart. It would be so easy to have a drink and numb this misery in her heart. Her phone started to ring and she saw it was Vic calling. No doubt she thought she was going to do something stupid—and she was. She was going to hide in oblivion.

  “Computer, switch off phone.”

  She looked up at the lonely figure of Roza giving her speech inside the Denbourg embassy. The strain was evident on her face.

  “I dedicate my life to your service, and I give my word that my prime minister and my government will find those responsible for striking at the heart of our way of life, our freedom, and everything we hold dear—”

  Lex felt such a sense of pride. “You’re doing so well, darling. It might be hard but you’ll do so much better without me in the long run.”

  Lex lifted her glass of apple juice to her lips, and said, “To you, Queen Rozala, the love of my life.” Her voice broke at the last word and her gaze fell to the tattoo on her wrist. She remembered Roza’s finger tracing over it and saying, I’m so proud of you, Lex. You are the strongest person I know.

  The emotion and shame crashed like a wave upon her, and she began to weep for the first time in years. She smashed the glass down on the coffee table, furiously wiped away her tears. “I’m sorry, Princess. I let you down. I’m not strong enough to be what you need.”

  *

  Lex became aware of an incessant ringing as she woke. “God, how long have I been sleeping?” The clock on the TV news said nine o’clock. “Fuck, I must have dozed off.”

  The doorbell kept ringing repeatedly. “Okay, okay, I’m coming.”

  Lex stood and ran her hands through her hair. As she was about to walk out of the living room, new footage of Roza caught her eye. Queen Georgina was escorting her to her private plane at the airport. Roza and George walked up the red carpet, with ceremonial troops lining the way.

  Roza was walking out of her life for good. I love you. Lex forced herself to look away.

  She opened the front door to find Captain Cameron there.

  “Good morning, Lennox. The Queen Consort has sent me to ask if you would join her for morning coffee.”

  “I’m not quite in the best condition to meet with Her Majesty. I—”

  Captain Cameron was undeterred. “We can wait while you freshen up. Her Majesty was quite insistent.”

  Lex looked down at her jeans and T-shirt that looked as if they had been slept in and knew she’d have to change. “Could you wait in the living room while I have a quick shower and change of clothes?”

  “Of course.”

  Lex hurriedly cleared up the mess on the coffee table and the couch. “Make yourself comfortable, Captain. Just give me fifteen minutes, and I’ll be with you.”

  *

  Captain Cameron led Lex through ornate palace corridors until they reached the Queen’s private quarters. She was shown in and found Bea was waiting for her. Lex bowed immediately.

  “Thank you for coming, Lex. Please sit down.”

  On the table between them were pots of tea and coffee. “Can I get you tea or coffee? They’re both decaf. I remembered you don’t take caffeine.”

  “Coffee, please, Your Majesty.”

  Bea poured the coffee, and handed her a cup. “I’ll be blunt and straight to the point, Lex. I know it’s none of my business, but I hate to see anyone I care about in pain, so humour me. Roza loves you and is distraught about leaving you. If you feel the same—”

  Lex sighed. “I do. I love her with all of my heart, and it’s killing me to let her go, but I’m doing the right thing for her. I could never be what she needs, a steady, supportive Consort. I would only bring her shame. I’ve told you what I was, what I am.”

  “I knew you were a cocaine addict and went through rehab before you even got the interview at Timmy’s.”

  Lex was taken aback. “How did you know?”

  “All the applicants for your job were given the secret service once-over
before the interview, and I was given the reports. Apparently it’s standing practice if you are going to be working with a member of the royal family. I remember I was furious when I found out that George had one done on me.” Bea smiled.

  “You knew this and gave me a job?” Lex said.

  Bea took a sip of her coffee and said, “Of course, you are exactly the sort of person who can relate to the people we work with. You’ve been at your lowest and pulled through, and that’s why you would be the perfect Consort for Roza.”

  “But I would be an embarrassment, her people would think—”

  “Roza’s people would know you are no different to them. You can look them in the eye and say you’ve faced your demons and won. Roza has blossomed with your friendship, and then your love. You’ve shown her she doesn’t have to live down to her father’s expectations. I can’t tell you how happy George and I have been to see her so relaxed, so happy.”

  Was it possible that she could have Roza? Could it work if she just tried?

  Lex’s silence obviously spoke volumes to Bea. “The simple fact is Roza needs you, Lex. She doesn’t have a close family and now with the death of her father and brother, she has no one. She’s going to be lonely and isolated—a young woman who hasn’t been trained for the role of being sovereign. George tells me each side of the political elite are gearing up to influence her for their own ends. Political marriages are being talked of already. She needs you, but if you don’t love her enough to give up your life here, I won’t judge you. I know from experience what a terrifying choice that is. The choice is yours, but I just wanted to let you know that the Queen and her family will fully support you if you decide to go to her.”

  “I do love her, ma’am. The thought of royal life is daunting, especially given the way I handle stress. It’s been so difficult with the press and everything, and we were only dating.”

  The public scrutiny had been overwhelming, but now she had no secrets to keep. She had no more skeletons in her closet, no more scandals.

  Bea sat forward in her seat. “The crown changes you, Lex. I would never have believed it even after George and I married, but when we had our coronation…it changed me. I felt responsible to something much greater than myself or even my community. Roza will feel that too, but she is alone.”

  Could she do it? Not for herself, but could she do it for Roza?

  Lex rubbed her face with her hands in frustration. “I can’t bear the thought of her being alone.” Or being with someone else.

  “But remember, Lex,” Bea said with caution. “You will have to walk one step behind her for the rest of your life. Can you do that?”

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Queen Rozala’s plane came to a halt at Battendorf airport. Roza looked out the window and saw the rows and rows of Denbourg ceremonial guard ready to meet her, and dozens of men and women in sober suits ready to shake her hand. She felt nervous and just a little bit panicked. How different it had been the last time she’d walked through this airport in her dress meant to shock.

  Everything had come full circle. This was her life now, and as much as it wasn’t her own choosing, she was going to make sure she did her brother Gussy proud. He’d been born for this job, but she would carry it out in his honour.

  Perri shook her from her contemplation. “Your Majesty? You look to be thinking very hard.”

  “I was just thinking about the last time I was in this airport. I was the royal rebel, desperate to cause a stir.” She looked down at her black outfit with matching black hat and veil. “Now I’m—”

  Roza still struggled to say the words so Perri finished for her. “The elegant and dignified Queen of Denbourg.”

  “Do you think my people will agree? Will they give me a chance?” Roza asked.

  “Of course they will,” Perri said. “They saw what a fine job you did in the UK, and the grace and dignity with which you handled your father’s and brother’s deaths.”

  Roza reached across to take Perri’s hand. “I couldn’t have done it without you. You won’t leave me, will you?” If she couldn’t have Lex by her side, the last thing she would need was for Perri to leave. It might be the thing that broke her.

  Perri lifted Roza’s hand and kissed it. “Never, ma’am.”

  Major Ravn approached. “Your Majesty? If you’re ready, everything is in place for your journey to the memorial site.”

  Rozala wanted to go and see the place where her father and Gussy had been killed at the Battendorf war memorial. The people had created their own memorial at the site, with flowers, candles, and cards. Huge crowds were holding vigil there, and Roza felt she had to be part of it.

  Ravn continued, “We are informed that people are lining up along the route. Are you sure you want to do this? You will be exposed to great risk.”

  Roza had been given the latest in bulletproof armour to wear under her clothes, but that couldn’t protect her from the head shots that killed her father and brother.

  Roza felt a deep sense of surety and determination rise within her. “Yes, I’m sure. I want to show Thea Brandt that the House of Ximeno-Bogdana-de Albert will not be frightened by acts of terror. Not while I am Queen.”

  Both Perri and Ravn smiled at her with obvious pride on their faces. Ravn bowed her head with reverence. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”

  *

  Roza was determined and calm, but the visit to the memorial did take an emotional toll on her. As she stood in front of the spot where her family were gunned down, emotion overcame her and tears rolled down her face. There were countless TV cameras trained on her and she was surrounded by thousands of the capital’s inhabitants. Everyone seemed to appreciate her open emotion, and as she made her way through the crowds of people, thanking them for coming, and receiving flowers and words of support, the crowd broke out into the Denbourg national anthem.

  The sentiment and her people’s acceptance of her touched Roza beyond words. She made an internal vow to always put these people and her country first. She would live as an embodiment of Queen Maria’s legacy.

  Roza waved to the people who were gathered outside the palace as her car drove through the large gates. She took a breath as her eyes took in the grand building that was now hers. Perri must have noticed her trepidation, because she said, “This is your home now. I know it must be daunting.”

  “It is. I was so lonely here as I was growing up, and I moved out to my own apartments as soon as I was able at eighteen, and now I’m back in his house.”

  “It’s not his house, it’s yours, and you can make it whatever you want it to be.”

  “I might be able to make changes to the décor and such, but I will still be lonely, with no one to share my life.”

  Perri gave her an enigmatic smile and said, “Oh, I don’t know about that.”

  Roza ignored the comment and got out of the car. She was met by Lund and the Master of the Household. Neither looked very happy. She had thought they would be delighted to get her back to Denbourg and under their influence.

  “Lund, is everything in order?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. Your belongings from your old apartments are in the process of being moved to the late King’s apartment. It should be completed by this evening.”

  “Thank you.” Roza walked up the grand entrance to the palace and through its doors. I’m in my cage now, with no going back.

  Lund struggled to keep up with her fast pace, and spluttered, “Ma’am, if I may? The speech for your first TV broadcast to the nation has been sent to your email. The live broadcast goes out at five p.m.”

  “Thank you, Lund. I’m going to my private quarters now. You are dismissed.”

  Perri who was by her side said, “With your permission, ma’am, I’ll stay and make sure your luggage is safely delivered in one piece from the airport.”

  “Of course.” Roza kissed her and walked up the large staircase that led to the private quarters.

  She slowed as she walked by the rooms tha
t housed her childhood nursery. Never in a million years did that little girl who yearned for her father’s attention ever think she would follow in his footsteps. A gun and a ruthless killer had stolen Gussy’s destiny to rule, but now she had to make sure their legacy remained alive.

  Roza arrived at the door to her father’s—now her—apartments, and hesitated with her hand on the door handle. Roza remembered Lex’s words of encouragement and her belief in her abilities. You can do this. You can be everything he thought you couldn’t.

  She opened the door gingerly, walked in, and gasped. Lennox King was sitting quite nonchalantly by the marble fireplace.

  Roza couldn’t breathe and couldn’t speak. Could this be real? Lex was here, but was she here to stay? The dread, sadness, and worry that settled in the pit of her stomach turned to hope, and those butterflies that had deserted her suddenly flapped their wings.

  “Are you—” Roza spluttered. She could barely speak from the unexpected rush of emotions swirling around her body.

  Lex stood and bowed. “I understand there’s an opening for a Consort in Denbourg, but I’m told that royal protocol prohibits me from asking you what I would like to. I can only hope the question is something you will be ready to ask me someday.”

  Roza took a deep breath and the question burst from her heart immediately. “Marry me?”

  Lex sighed jokingly and said, “Oh, all right then.”

  Roza had never felt happiness like it in her life. She ran, jumped into her arms, and kissed her all over her face, ending in a deep butterfly-inducing kiss on the lips. “Oh God, I thought I’d lost you. I love you so much.”

  Lex caressed her face tenderly. “I’m so sorry for hurting you, but I was scared because I love you. I never wanted to do anything that would damage you or your image, but someone pointed out that it was hurting you more not to take my place beside you, and that’s where I want to be, by your side in marriage, and as your Consort to give you strength.”