AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The concert can tap in to those feelings,” Marina stated. “Give us all something positive to rally around.”
And if the press was busy remembering John and covering the concert, they’d have less time and “space” to expose any other royals acting badly.
“We can showcase Prince John’s favorite musicians and bring in some current popular ones, to appeal to a younger crowd.”
Jameson imagined John would’ve enjoyed that idea. He’d more than loved his grandfather. He’d respected him. John had been smart, funny, and exceedingly kind. He’d nurtured Jameson’s love of philosophy and reading, and had encouraged him to be himself, even if that was slightly different from other royals his age.
And John had loved Queen Marina. With a loyalty, depth, and acceptance Jameson hadn’t believed the royals were capable of. He hadn’t seen it in his parents’ marriage. Or any of his other relatives’.
John had been the emotional linchpin for the family and Jameson knew that his death, and lack of counsel, had led to many of the scandalous behaviors recently exhibited.
“A concert sounds wonderful,” he finally said, endorsing the idea.
Although he was still confused by his need to be here. Maybe the queen thought he had an in with the “younger crowd” by virtue of his work at Birmingham. He supposed he could ask around. Or, once the date was set, he could get permission to advertise on campus.
“I’m glad you agree,” Marina said. “Because you’re going to be the royal family representative for this event.”
Blood flooded his head and pounded in his ears and he was immediately bombarded with the terrifying recollection of the weight of pressing bodies, blinding camera flashes, reporters calling his and his mother’s names, and streams of inappropriate questions. Of photogs recklessly crashing into the back of his car and of almost being run over by a reporter who lost control of his bike trying to get a picture of him and his mother after his father died.
The queen wanted to put him out there to subject himself to that?
Willingly?
Perhaps he’d misheard her. “Sorry, what?”
“Once Louisa puts the event together, you will be the primary representative for the royal family.”
The queen wanting to host a concert was one thing but wanting him to be involved?
He was gobsmacked.
Anxiety twisted his belly into knots. “But... I have a job. I’ll be busy.”
“Louisa said the summer term ends mid-June. The celebration wouldn’t be before then.”
Jameson shot a look in the event coordinator’s direction before saying, “While I appreciate you thinking of me, ma’am, I did have plans for the break.”
None of which included working on a high-profile event for the Crown.
“Louisa and her staff will take care of the logistics. At most, she may need your help with the talent,” Marina said.
He shifted in the chair. “The talent?”
“The musical acts,” Louisa clarified.
Since when was his musical opinion sought? His tastes were more Bach than Beyoncé, Chopin than Céline. In fact, he couldn’t name the songs at the top of the popular music charts if his life depended on it.
Jameson didn’t go out much, preferring solitude or the company of a few friends. He wasn’t a partier. That was his uncle’s and aunt’s area of expertise.
And his father’s.
“Wouldn’t Julian and Bettina be better suited for this?” he asked, referring to said uncle and aunt, the latter who’d infamously followed a rock band on their world tour when she was nineteen.
Marina’s lips tightened, practically screaming her displeasure. “The last thing they need is to be in the spotlight... or within close proximity of musicians.”
Jameson would’ve laughed if he hadn’t been preoccupied with the vise tightening in his chest. “I just think they may have a better idea—”
“Louisa, would you please excuse us?”
