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The queen glared at her. “That’s why we’re in this situation. You, Julian... Calliope, Alcott! Your horrible judgment and indiscretions!”
“That’s not fair,” Julian said.
“You take this for granted, living as if it will always be here. Nothing is guaranteed. There has been serious talk about abolishing the monarchy. Where will all of you be then?”
Julian, Bettina, and Catherine exchanged startled glances, and Jameson frowned. So, he’d been the sole recipient of that significant information? Why?
“In exchange for your lives of privilege I only asked that you keep your lapses private. Instead you parade around moaning about how difficult your life is and act surprised when the people resent you for it. The same people who start to wonder if we’re too expensive or perpetuate outmoded values.” She shook her head indisgust. “I never thought I’d ever say this, but thank God John isn’t alive to see what you’ve become.”
Bettina’s mouth dropped open, the color drained from Julian’s face, and Catherine pressed a shaky hand to her chest. Dani looked at everyone as if she couldn’t believe this was happening.
He’d warned her about his family.
But he’d never heard the queen speak to her children in that manner. It was a testament to her heightened emotional state. Which meant she was capable of anything.
And that could be catastrophic for him. He needed to talk to Dani. Alone. He had to tell her what his grandmother had threatened to do. She should hear it from him.
Because she was right. As much as Jameson hated it, the revelation of their involvement would obliterate any story in its path, including the events of the royal tribute. His grandmother would be furious. And someone would bear the brunt of her displeasure.
The queen managed to channel the composure that had benefited her since she’d assumed the throne. “I have worked too hard to have it end this way. And I will not tolerate John’s memory and life work being ruined. We’re going to fix this.”
Catherine finally entered the discussion. “What do you suggest?”
“The only thing that might temper it. We confirm the two of them are dating. Lean into the fairy tale. It worked for Julian and Fi.”
“This is bullshit!” Julian erupted, his pale skin reddening. “First you inform us of this celebration for our father but tell us we’ll only have minimal involvement. Then you bring him in and parade him in front of us as our replacement—”
Catherine held up a hand. “Julian—”
“Stay out of this, Cat! Everyone knows you’re enjoying this.”
“You’re sick,” Catherine said, crossing her arms and stalking over to a window.
“Why do you have to address anything? I’m sure I’m not the first woman Jay has dated. Did they all require press releases?”
Jameson curled his lip. “We are not making an announcement about our relationship. This is not a publicity stunt in service to the monarchy. This is our lives. Our private lives.”
“But you didn’t keep it private. And now we have to address it.”
“It’s okay, Jay. I guess the fact that I’m black is newsworthy.” Dani rolled her eyes, then patted his arm. “They can put out a statement. Bennie will probably want to, as well. Just a simple ‘we’re enjoying each other’s company,’ yada, yada, yada...”
He shifted to look at her. “Dani, you don’t understand—”
“At least one of you sees reason,” the queen said. She tilted her chin. “Louisa, set her up for etiquette and comportment lessons and a meeting with the press office. We’ll need to begin incorporating her into Jameson’s schedule—”
Dani’s head jerked to the side. “Say what now?”
“What schedule?” Jameson asked, confused.
“Your new schedule as a senior working royal,” the queen said, continuing without missing a beat. “And we’ll need to figure out how to deal with her music and videos. We can’t have that sort of image associated with the prince’s girlfriend.”
Dani shook her head as if the motion would resolve her confusion. “What’s going on? What are you doing?”
“Exactly what I said. The Palace will issue a statement confirming your relationship, and you’ll act accordingly until you’re no longer needed.”
Blood thundered in his ears. “That’s out of the question!” he said.
Dani stared at his grandmother. “You’re crazy if you think I’m agreeing to that.”
