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But it was clear as the reporters spoke to him that he was uncomfortable and annoyed with the questions. I wasn’t even sure what to do if it weren’t for Balduin, who messaged Wolfgang to tell me to politely step in and say something uplifting before he could remind us we had to keep to the schedule and leave. It was all as awkward as it sounded and what was worse was the fact that we were now on this beautiful train, with crystal chandeliers and deep-red velvet chairs. The floors were even crafted from the finest rosewood with a deep-blue carpet runner over it. It was as if five-star luxury was shrunk and inserted into the whole train—their staff and guard car, a kitchen, and a dining car in the back. Then for us was the royal cars, which had one conference room per car that had a few chairs around it, a long rosewood table, a bar, and a red phone in the corner.
After that was our private living/drawing room where we were to eat and relax, followed by our own room, and a private dressing room, from what Wolfgang explained. However, we weren’t able to see any of it as Gale and I were still in the conference room. I sat back away from Gale, Iskandar, Balduin, the royal press secretary, who I now knew to be Mr. Jude Vaughan, the man with the bald head and hunched back. There was also the man with reddish-brown hair and a crooked nose, the royal publicist, Mr. Samuell Elling. They were all trying to figure out damage control. Gale’s whole body was rigid and stiff as he looked over the planned statements they were trying to create for him.
“What do you think, sir?” Mr. Vaughan said to him as he handed him the draft.
Gale’s eyes scanned the paper for a few minutes, and nodded. “It will do. It’s much better than the nonsense I said earlier.”
“It wasn’t that bad, sir,” Mr. Elling stated, coming around the table. “A little serious and sharp but not the worst case at all.”
“It still was not the best case, and I need the best case now.” He sighed. “Do you believe this statement will help keep them at bay?”
“Sir, we can do everything, but unless we stop the further leaks, it’s only going to make whatever statement look like a weak defense. We need to put an end to it,” Mr. Vaughan replied firmly. “And we still do not know who is leaking these photos and how many they have left.”
Gale opened to speak and then paused. I wasn’t sure why until he looked over to me, his shoulders coming down only a bit. “Odette, you must be tired. Go ahead, I’ll be there soon.”
I stared at him because I was a little bit too shocked to move.
He was dismissing me.
Why would I be tired? We hadn’t done anything this morning but move from the palace to here. It was clearly him saying he didn’t want me to hear his conversation, and he wanted me to leave. They, with the exception of maybe Iskandar and Balduin, all looked at me, waiting impatiently as if I was a bother. I didn’t like it, the coldness, the condescending way he sounded as he said it. And I also didn’t like the fact that he felt like he needed me to leave in order to say whatever it was he wanted to say.
“Odette?” he pressed when I didn’t answer.
I couldn’t question him. I couldn’t disrespect him, especially in front of all these people. But…but I was kinda pissed.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, I am tired. Excuse me,” I said and even curtsied to him. When I rose and saw the frown on his face, I ignored him and looked at the others. “Gentlemen.”
When I spun around, the only person waiting beside me was Wolfgang, only because Gelula was making sure brunch was ready. He held the door for me as we walked out of the car into the private drawing room. The minute the door closed behind me, I grabbed the hat from my hair and threw it onto the velvet chair angrily.
“I’m not crazy. He just kicked me out of there, right?” I spun back to look at Wolfgang, whose freckled face almost always gave away what he was thinking.
“Of course not, ma’am—”
“Wolfgang, don’t start lying to me!”
He frowned and then nodded. “Yes, he dismissed you.”
“Ugh!” I groaned, marching over to the chair, kicking off my heels, and taking off my jacket before sitting down… I wanted wine. “I’m trying my best not to be angry. I’m trying to keep him happy. I am being bubbly and upbeat and positive for his sake. And he tells me to go away like a little girl, and I can’t say anything back because he is the king!”
We hadn’t even been married for a week, and we were already about to have another fight. Did he think it was easy lifting his mood every time? Did he think I was loving this situation? Sighing, I put my head down, staring at my stockings. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be, right? We were supposed to be…I don’t know, in the easy time of our relationship? Just married, totally giddy, and seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. Right? Or was it me?
“Wolfgang, am I making too a big deal about this?” I asked, looking up at him, hoping he’d have the answers for me.
He opened his mouth, then closed and then opened it, and it was sort of funny because he looked like he was glitching.
“Never mind, sorry, I shouldn’t be complaining,” I muttered, moving to get my heels.
“Ma’am, I think you should go check your bedroom,” he finally managed to say, forcing me to look back up at him.
“Check it? For what?”
He started to fidget again, then just seemed to give up. “Oh, I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep this a secret.”
“What?” I laughed.
“He had a surprise prepared for you. I’ve been trying not to say anything because I think he wanted to show you himself. But…I don’t know, maybe you need a good smile right now?” He grinned.
Immediately I was up on my feet. “A surprise? What kind of surprise?”
