“I do need clothes but... I need to figure out some other stuff first.”
“You're literally under water, so yes.”
“I have reusable bags in the kitchen. Start pulling out things for dinner. The lamb, butter, milk, herbs, veggies, and then grab the potatoes from near the sink.”
I nodded. “And your clothes?”
“Stop fussing about my clothes, sir. I have luggage in my wardrobe.”
“Ah. Alright. Can you do me a favor?”
She crossed her arms. I'd done it again.
“I would really prefer if you would just call me Duncan, Miss Mills. It getssoawkward to have you call me ‘your royal highness’ or ‘sir’.”
“I will think on it.”
Thinking on it was better than no. I acquiesced, packing what I thought could make a meal. She could return. The entire place was frozen anyway. I now hadeveryexcuse to make a move and everyopportunityto impress her. Instead, she bailed herself out while I played with her knickers. I could kick myself. I'd been charming in a past life, hadn't I? Couldn't I make it work now?
18
THE QUEEN’S PAJAMAS
ELOISE
24 December
London Daily Times
As Royals arrived for a formal Christmas dinner at Sandringham's main house, we made note of the arrivals—all in white tie. This is the family tradition for Christmas Eve. Leah Roughy and Lourdes Lennon arrived for a childfree night. Both women looked like a million bucks in what Leah’s publicist assured us is “absolutely Dior couture” and we would expect nothing less. Notably, The Prince of Wales remains absent. Kensington Palace stated earlier today:
“His Royal Highness remains in Wales for now. He stayed past the end of his shift at RAF Valley to ensure the airstrip was properly shut down. A terrible storm has hit Wales, and he may be needed on hand. Her Majesty understands and is more supportive than anyone of the Prince's dedication to his job.”
Whether we buy that excuse or not, we must accept it.
After catching Prince Awkward holding my panties—even in the low light of my now-sinking bedroom—I was less enthusiastic about joining him for dinner or whatever we were doing. After fighting him to carry my own luggage, I gave up. He took my overnight bagandall my groceries. I understood his odd chivalry but not his desire to go through my drawers.
“I am sorry about being nosey,” he said as we walked into the warm house.
I immediately kicked off my wet boots, my teeth chattering.
“Let's just... not focus on that,” I said.
“Okay. Well, why don't you take what you can upstairs? I will put the food away. Draw yourself a bath and warm up?”
“I don't want to be a bother, Your?—”
“Duncan, Miss Mills.”
“Well, you cannot call me Miss Mills then.”
“I will call you what I choose but I am basically ordering you to call me Duncan. I know you're a good girl, so you'll do as I say. Or, at least I shall tell myself that.”
Was that an innuendo?
“Okay,Duncan,” I tried to be cheerful. “I will go take a bath and be back down.”
“If you need to dry your clothes, laundry is in the utility room right over there,” Duncan pointed.
