“I wish you were a permanent distraction. One that would let me see a lot more of her.”
My heart pumped faster and my palms sweat under his gaze. Helustedover me.
“Okay, well I'm a grown woman who makes her own choices and no man—not even one who fancies himself king someday—is going to influence them. So, I shall do as I please, ‘kay?”
“Yes, of course,” Duncan said.
“If you behave yourself and leave me alone,” I said. “I might take pity upon you later.”
Surprise spread across his face.
“Yet. I have a heart. I don't wish to torture you all the time. Or me. Because, while this might benefit you, it's all about me, Your Royal Highness.”
Duncan looked faint.
I understood his concern. It would look like he tried buying me off or something. However, I didn't read it that way. Nor, quite frankly, did I mind the idea of flying across North America with one wayward prince who would do literally anything I asked of him. For good pay, I’d embrace a life as Mistress Mills. At least I could tell my boss where to get stuffed. I couldn’t return to that office or that flat.
With his mother’s offer, I could get the big title and a bigger check. I wasstillin charge. As Monique said, I was only youngonce. If an older man wanted to obsess over me and make me feel powerful, I'd roll with it. I figured when I was old and tired, I'd at least know that a King once risked everything to see every bit of me.
“Now, let's move along,” I said. “I appreciate your candor, sir, but you needn't worry about me. I am in control.”
He only nodded. We walked to the drawing room where everyone milled. I tried to ignore the obvious question ofwhatwe were up to, but Duncan’s expression didn’t help. Thankfully, I could focus on the excitement of Duncan's cousin Leah standing there chatting with the Queen and director, a baby on her hip as if it were nothing. God, she was so fabulous! I was trying not to fangirl.
“Oh, he lives!” Leah announced. “Take my child.”
Duncan barely hugged her before Leah foisted the baby on him. I recognized the kid.
“My God, did you double in size, Vanna?” Duncan kissed the baby’s cheek. I noted to always put him in situations where he could engage with kids. They were magic and he lit up.
“Miss Mills, could I have a moment?”
I looked to see Her Majesty standing there.Shit!My nerves flared.
I bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Oh, come this way, darling. Don't look so concerned.”
I followed The Queen and Duchess of Lauderdale to a corner. “I am sure my son has now spoiled my dreaded plan? He was worried we were being inappropriate and would desert you.”
This was about the job.
I tried to hide my excitement. “Yes, ma’am. The Prince did. He was very concerned just now, and I assured him I was not insulted. I was, if anything flattered.”
She smiled and wiped her hands. “Well, that's good. So, I would like to offer you a good number. I am not the type tosneeze about salary. Women are always told to wait and not ask for so much. I am not that woman. Neither of us are.”
She looked to The Duchess. “I poached this one from my mother's staff once. Within years, I put her in charge of making Georgie behave while overhauling the institution. I believe you two are made of similar stuff..”
“Which was sort of cruel, Nat,” the Duchess of Lauderdale said. “I didn’t agree to all of that, but I did manage it.”
“My point, Miss Mills, is that you have become invaluable only a month into this thing. I don't know if he whinges, but you do not take any lip. I will not lie. He has been granted at least a dozen social secretaries. They either annoy John—who is a bloody treasure—or clash with my son almost immediately. Johnadoresyou and my son thrives with you. If you do not hate him, I would like to keep you on. We can say you are his social secretary for now. If you would like to move to another role after you return in March, I will make it work, alright? Now, what is the price? Give me a number.”
My place in negotiation would never be better than now. So, I told her double my paltry salary. I expected the Queen would say she could meet me somewhere else.
“Done!” She extended her hand, “I will give you plenty of time to find a replacement for your role.”
“That is generous, but they will be fine,” I knew quite well they wouldn't be. “I can start as soon as you need me to.”
I didn't have a noncompete in my contract and didn't make enough for anyone to care. I'd finish our original contract and transition to palace work. It was a total win. I'd not feel guilty. While Jax would be a pain in the ass, Abi would understand. She wanted to see me thrive.
