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“Thank you all for joining me to celebrate my beloved John and his lifelong passion for charity. As you all know, my husband was an early adopter of the environmental cause. When we were first introduced, in 1965, I was trying to get to know him and he was trying to convince me that the Palace needed to reimplement recycling protocols closer to World War II standards!” She paused for the laughter. “He died far too soon for my liking, but then that was John’s modus operandi. He was way before his time in a lot of ways.”
The queen took a moment to compose herself before continuing.
“And I couldn’t think of anything he’d love more than a week focusing on his favorite charities along with a concert featuring some of his favorite acts. The proceeds from all of this week’s events will go to John’s charitable trust. So I will thank you in advance for your generosity. And I couldn’t be more pleased that his work will continue influencing and benefiting generations to come, thanks to our grandson Jameson. You’ll be seeing and hearing more from him this week, as I’ve named him the Crown’s representative for these celebrations. He’s the future of this family and we couldn’t be prouder.”
There were gasps of surprise and then an enthusiastic round of applause. He nodded and smiled tightly, but his attention was on one person.
Dani.
He scanned the room and found her speaking to a footman on the far side, away from the guests gathered near the platform. Giving in to the primal need to be near her and fix the tension between them, damn the consequences, he excused himself... only to find his way blocked by Julian. The crown prince’s features were flushed, and his hair was a bit disheveled.
“How does it feel to be up there and have my mother fawningover you?” he asked, his words slurring as he lifted his glass to his mouth.
“Sober up, Julian,” Jameson said, attempting to move past the man and follow Dani.
“It won’t last,” Julian said. “You’re only in her good graces because she needs you. But once she doesn’t, once you, heaven forbid, disappoint her, you’ll be on the discarded heap like the rest of us.”
What were they, two boys in school fighting over the same girl?
“The difference between the two of us is that would be fine with me,” Jameson said, before walking away.
He approached the footman, distinctive in the palace’s uniform of black tails with a red and gold vest. “Where did Dani go?”
“Your Royal Highness?” the young woman asked, confusion and a touch of panic coloring her expression.
“Duchess. I saw you talking to her. Where did you send her?”
“Oh. Uh—”
“Yes?”
“Well, sir, I—” Heat flooded her cheeks.
Impatience was getting the best of him. This need for her was clawing in his chest.
“Spit it out!”
She flinched. “The lavatory!”
He blinked. “The lavatory?”
“I can’t believe I just said ‘lavatory’ to Prince Jameson,” the footman uttered before composing herself. “I’m sorry. There was a line at the one we’re supposed to direct guests to, so I sent her to the one near the Royal Closet. I know I shouldn’t have, but she’s Duchess. It’s not like she’s a regular member of the public...”
“It’s okay,” he said, gentling his tone. “You’re not in trouble. You did the right thing. Just don’t send anyone else.”
Relief flooded her face. “Thank you, sir. And I won’t. I promise.”
He exited the ballroom and hurried down the long hall to the room that didn’t hold fur-lined mantles, crowns, and scepters as the name might suggest, but was actually where the royal family assembled before official state ceremonies. Coming across the door he sought, he slipped inside and closed it behind him.
Small, by palace standards, the room was similar to many others in that it was lavishly appointed, with a magnificent fireplace, antique chairs and tables on an enormous Aubusson carpet, and paintings from many of the world’s great artists adorning the wall.
It was also empty.
Several moments later, the mirror-backed door on the other side of the room opened and Dani emerged, smoothing a hand down the front of her dress. His audible exhalation was loud in the space, and she froze, glancing up with wide eyes.
“Jay! You scared me.”
A montage of emotions altered her features. Relief. Warmth. Hurt. Anger.
