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“Just last week, the pair were seen together at the royal fundraising gala for the children’s hospital, where Miss Fullerton took a tumble on stage, falling into the arms of none other than the Prince. Some sources suggest she may have tripped intentionally.”
“What sources?” Grace said. “That is ridiculous.”
“Adding to the intrigue and suspicion, Grace Fullerton is currently facing legal trouble in the United States, being sued by a former client for damages related to a canceled wedding,” the news anchor said. “Speculation arises whether she may have come to Verdana on a similar mission, to disrupt the royal wedding.”
“Where do they get their information from?” I said. “What a load of garbage.”
Mother huffed and changed the television station to another news program, which was also talking about us.
“The public is demanding answers,” the anchor said in an even more serious tone than the anchor on the other station. “Her Majesty, Queen Annabelle, appears to be caught in the middle of this scandal. Speculation is rampant, with the biggest question being—has the royal wedding been called off?”
The station played the same video of us coming out of the Tunnel of Love.
“What is truly happening between Prince Oliver and Grace Fullerton?” the reporter asked. “That is what everyone wants to know. As the nation eagerly awaits official statements and clarifications from the royal family, we will continue to follow this developing story closely.”
Mother clicked off the television and set the remote on the table. “This is a disaster. Do you not remember what I said to you before you left?”
“You told us to enjoy ourselves,” I answered.
Mother took a step closer to me. “Do not be coy with me, Oliver. I specifically told you to avoid going viral, because the last thing we needed was a royal scandal. It has been just one thing after another since Miss Fullerton’s arrival. What do you have to say for yourself?”
“What do you want me to say, Mother?” I asked, quite tired of her behavior.
I sympathized with her grief, the void left by Father’s absence, and her longing for peace and stability in the kingdom. I comprehended the reasons behind her actions, but the person standing before me was unrecognizable. The bitterness had reached a point where it was affecting everyone in the palace, and I was past growing weary.
She huffed again. “For one, explain to me how you got paint on your face?”
“Does it really matter?” I stated indignantly. “People believe what they want to believe.”
“What they believe now is unacceptable,” Mother said. “We need damage control. I want you to release an official statement to the press. Tell them this was all a huge misunderstanding, that you were at Atomic Adventures with relatives and a couple of employees.” She glared at Grace when she emphasized employees, which did not sit well with me. “And most importantly, make it clear that the wedding is still on. Then I want you and Veronica to make public appearances together, let yourselves be seen holding hands and looking closer than ever. Moving forward, I forbid you and Grace to be in the same room together.”
This had to end now. If it weren’t for Father and the promises I’d made to him, I would have said something about her behavior months ago. No more.
“I’m sorry, but when did the queen of Verdana become a dictator?” I said. “This is ridiculous.”
Mother’s eyes went wide. “I have an obligation and a reputation to uphold. This is not a game. What I say goes. Do not question my authority any further!”
Before I could give Mother another piece of my mind, Grace said, “Oliver’s life isn’t a game! Have you ever asked him what he wants? What are his gifts? Do you know? Do you even care? You have the most amazing, wonderful son, but you are too caught up in your own world to even appreciate them.”
Mother glanced at me, blinking, at a loss for words.
This was an extraordinary event.
It was the first time I had ever seen her speechless.
I absolutely loved that Grace had stood up for me.
Luckily, a jolt of brilliance hit me that could finally liberate me from the clutches of this nightmarish, arranged marriage. However, the plan would require the expertise and clever minds of both Veronica and Grace. The problem at the moment was extricating ourselves from this ridiculous meeting. The only conceivable solution was to pretend to endorse Mother’s idea wholeheartedly.
“What you suggested is a great idea, Mother!” I said, with possibly too much enthusiasm. “Grace and Veronica will collaborate on the remaining details of the wedding moving forward. I won’t be a part of it. And I will issue that press release ASAP. Anything else?”
Mother eyed me suspiciously.
So did Grace and Veronica.
“Is there anything else that you need?” I asked in my kindest voice.
All three of them were still staring at me.
