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“What?” I spoke for the first time, and the man turned to me.
“You are about to go on your royal tour, your honeymoon. Yes, there are already scheduled events that the press will be attending. But you will have our own camera crew following you both around. Pictures and clips posted—”
“You wish to make us, the monarchy, a reality show?” Gale finally spoke, his voice deep and harsh. “That is your grand suggestion?”
The man stared, and it took a second before he relearned to speak. “More of a documentary, sir, which would then be shown on New Year’s Day.”
“Why so far?” Elspeth asked them. “Is it not better to get it out quicker?”
“The press will be all over the tour. There will be a lot of good and positive news of them out there already. If we add more to it, I fear people will tune it all out,” he explained. “We chose not to do Christmas because the king will have returned to the capital to give the annual speech. We didn’t want it to conflict. New Year’s Day allows us another chance and to set a new narrative for the year… Of course, we would not share anything that was not approved by either of you.”
Gale just glared at him, clearly not buying it.
“Gale, the only way to show people you are not the same person you were is to actually show them,” Elspeth replied.
His jaw cracked, and he sighed and looked at not her but me. “What do you think, Odette?”
What did I think?
I thought they had all forgotten about the fact that I was still getting used to this. It was hard enough when the cameras were outside, and now they wanted them inside so they could watch me? I didn’t even know everyone’s names yet. What if I ended up making a fool out of myself? But they were now all staring at me, waiting.
I forced a smile.
“All right, though we might have to work on a few boundaries.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
Arabella and Elspeth nodded, so apparently, it was the right thing to say.
“Now on to the second story of Mr. Ambrose,” Mr. Balduin stated, and I was glad because I at least knew his name.
Breathe, Odette. Breathe.
“I believe this may be a play by the prime minister to get on your good side, sir,” he said before handing him a tablet. “He has appointed the toughest prosecutor to this case, and they have asked for the death penalty.”
“I’ve thought about this.” Gale sat up, a little less stern now that his sex life wasn’t the topic of debate. “And this might be one of the only things I agree with the prime minister on. He nearly killed a member of the royal family; that is a crime punishable by death under the law.”
We had gone from talking about hands in hot tubs to the death penalty?
“Yes, sir, but some would argue that in seeking the death penalty, the monarchy could bring back capital punishment. The queen was not yet a member of the royal family when he committed his crime—”
“The queen was wearing a crown,” Queen Arabella cut in sternly. “She was seated under the seal of the monarchy beside the Adelaar, at a state dinner in front of not just the nation but the world. Anyone with eyes could see she was a member of the royal family. The king is correct. The prime minister is correct. The man committed a crime punishable by death. Then he should be judged so.”
“Let us not forget this would mark the king’s legacy,” Elspeth replied back just as sternly. “It will be remembered that the first thing he did after becoming king was to have a man killed.”
“I would not have a man killed; a jury of his peers would, Mother,” Gale reminded her. “I am not getting involved.”
“By not getting involved, you are getting involved,” she said back. “He should pay for his crime. But still, think of what it will say about you.”
“It will say he is strong!” Queen Arabella nearly yelled. “The country needs a resolute king. The videos with the queen will show he is a good and faithful husband. It will paint him as stable, even sweet and lovable. The counter to that will be allowing the prime minister to act as he deemed fit.”
They went back and forth over and over. Gale and his grandmother on one side. Queen Elspeth and the lawyers on the other. Trying to judge what the best image of the monarchy would be. And I felt like the world was spinning. Soon everyone’s voice just blended into background noise.
I glanced over to Wolfgang, who was watching me. I wasn’t sure what look I was giving, but he came forward and coughed, causing the rest of the room to pause and turn to him. “Excuse me, sir, the queen’s mother will be going to the airport soon. She wished to spend a few more moments with her before she left.”
“Right,” I said, quickly rising from my seat, causing everyone else to rise as well. I looked at Gale. “We will talk more later?”
“Yes.” He nodded, offering me a half-hearted smile.
I didn’t wait for anyone else. I quickly made my escape, entering the hall, and as the door closed behind me, I looked at Wolfgang. “Thank you.”
