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“I'm slowing down, my dear. It's not that I'm ill or dying or anything quite so dramatic.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” I reply in a rush, relief sweeping through me.
“It's just that this job, as historical and as noble and important as it is, does take quite a toll. I’ll be 76 at my next birthday, which I know is young for many people, but for me it's…well, my role has worn me out a little.”
“You're tired of the job, not anything else, right?” I'm implying that I hope he's not tired of life, but I don't want to be quite so blatant.
“Yes, my dear. No one tells you when you ascend to the throne just how all-encompassing it becomes. I’ve loved it, and it’s been my pleasure to perform my kingly duties, but I feel I would like to formally relinquish my monarchical authority.”
I look at him blankly. “You’re going to do what now?”
Grandmama laughs. “Speak in simpler terms, my darling.”
“I want to retire,” Grandpapa says.
“Can you retire from being king? I thought it was a whole life thing here in Malveaux.”
“It is, however one can choose to step down should one want to,” he clarifies. “I would like to be able to sit on the proverbial front porch and watch the world go by for a while. I'd like to slow down and smell the roses, possibly wander around like the peafowl.”
Grandmama gives his hand a little squeeze, and I’m struck afresh by the love they share.
“Your grandpapa has put his all into the role of King,” Grandmama says. “He would like a change. We both would.”
“It's been very stressful wondering whether Nicolas will actually abdicate,” Grandpapa says. “Knowing you want to take on the role in case he does is very reassuring for this old man.”
“You’re not old, Grandpapa. You’re simply mature.”
His face creases into a smile. “You’re very sweet, Maddie. The country is falling in love with you.”
I press my lips together. The country isn’t the only one falling in love.
“When are you thinking of stepping down? I mean, I'm good with becoming Queen someday if that’s how this works out, but is there any need to rush this thing?”
My grandpapa laughs, and it strikes me it's not a sound I’m all that familiar with. Perhaps the weight of being King feels as though it's beginning to lift for him? “Let's sit down together and work out a plan.”
“Sure. Have you heard from my uncle? Do you know what his plans are?”
He lowers his head. “We have not.”
When the heck will this man reappear and tell us what his final decision is?
“My sense is that we need to give the people at least a year's notice, possibly longer,” Grandpapa says.
“A year?” I let out a breath. “I thought you were going to say next week. A year I can do.”
He beams at me. “A year it is then, my dear. A year it is.”
“Now, my dear. There’s another topic we need to address,” Grandmama begins, and I already know where she’s heading.
Alex.
“I know, and I want to reassure you on that front,” I say to preempt them.
Grandmama’s eyebrows raise to her hairline. “Reassure us? Does that mean you and Alexander are not involved in a romantic liaison?”
“Look, I get it. Really, I do. We all know Alex had a certain reputation a while back. But that’s the old Alex. I promise you, he’s changed,” I protest. I can’t help the smile from claiming my face as I think of what he means to me. “He’s so much more than some good-time guy. You have to trust me when I tell you my heart is completely safe with him.”
My grandparents exchange a look.
