AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It is.”
“You know, we’re sitting here cooling our jets. I have to wonder if I should be with him right now. We’re supposed to be figuring out whether or not I can open my heart to him. Shouldn’t we be seeing each other more often than just a few times every other week? I could be using this time to get to know him better.”
“What are you saying?” she asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t know.”
Astrid leaned in closer to me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Why don’t you just go to him?” she suggested. “Spend some time together and see how it feels. You don’t need permission from anyone to see the man you love.”
“Woah, woah, woah,” I said. “No one said anything about love. I like him.”
“For now,” she said, smiling. “I think if there is one man on this planet that you could love and who will love you the way you deserve to be loved, it’s Theo Ashford. That’s not something you want to risk losing.”
“No, I suppose it isn’t,” I said.
We continued to walk while I thought about what I really wanted. We sat down on one of the benches and discussed my outfits for the coming season. I knew she was looking forward to the next session. She would get more time with Jack.
After dinner, I finally found the courage to talk to my dad. I found him in the library, reading an old book and enjoying his usual drink. The library was kind of his space. I never really had the desire to spend time in the place. It reminded me of a cave.
“Father, may I have a moment of your time?”
He looked up from his reading. “Of course, Emilie,” he replied, setting aside his book. “What’s on your mind?”
I took a deep breath, steadying my resolve as I walked into the library and took a seat. “Father, during the next break in Wed season, I would like to travel to the United States with Theo,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “I believe it’s important for me to understand how his estates are run and to experience firsthand the life he leads. It will help strengthen our relationship and prepare me for my future role.”
I had recited my speech over and over. I finally felt like I had it down. It didn’t sound like I was chasing after a man. I posed it as a way for me to learn more. That was one thing he couldn’t reject.
My father looked at me thoughtfully, his fingers steepled in front of him. “Emilie, I understand your desire to learn and prepare for your future responsibilities. However, there is one condition I would like to propose.”
I raised an eyebrow, curious about his condition. “What is it?”
His lips curved into a half-smile as he leaned forward. “I have been receiving countless requests from some of the American news channels for an interview regarding our ongoing match and Wed season. It’s something they have been quite insistent about. You know how they are fascinated by our traditions. Personally, I think if they’re so interested, they could have just stayed British.”
I smiled. “I don’t think that’s what they want. They are fascinated by our traditions like we’re fascinated with their Wild West.”
“I could care less,” he muttered. “They believe we’re all running around wearing horns on our heads and sailing around in wooden ships.”
I laughed at the image. “Possibly.”
“Anyway, I would like you to do the interview,” he said. “Prove to them we’re not Vikings running around trying to raid and pillage.”
“And how would I do that?”
“I believe it would be a valuable opportunity for you to share your perspective, and it would certainly appease those persistent journalists. Plus, it would provide you with some exposure to the media world, which is often a part of modern royal life. You’ll need to get used to talking in public. It will be good media training.”
I should have known it wasn’t just a simple visit to America. This was the kind of thing I was going to be dealing with for the rest of my days.
I considered his proposal carefully. While the idea of facing the media was somewhat daunting, I understood the importance of getting my face out there. It was a chance to represent my family and country. I didn’t want to do it, but if it allowed me to travel with Theo and learn more about his life, it was a small price to pay.
“Very well,” I agreed with a smile. “I will do the interview. I believe it’s a fair exchange.”
I got to my feet to leave when he stood. I was a little surprised when he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him in a loving embrace. He planted a gentle kiss on my forehead, a gesture of his support and affection. Those kinds of gestures were few and far between in my family.
“Thank you, Emilie,” he said softly. “You continue to make me proud. I will see you at the parent meet-and-greet dinner in England. Your mother has been fretting over what to wear for days now.”
I couldn’t help but giggle at the mention of my mother’s meticulous preparations. Her attention to detail and love for fashion were well-known traits, and they never failed to amuse me.
“I wish you lots of luck,” I joked.
