Page 28 of Royally Benevolent

“Thanks,” I said, unsure what to say to the guard.

“Did he just sayprincess?”

“My friend is Princess Odette. I didn’t realise there would be such a commotion, Mom. Honest. She’s just a normal person. When I met her, she was just Odie.A normal girl.”

Yes, a normal girl. A totally normal girl living in a palace with a queenly sister.What was I thinking!?

“And she’s coming here?”

“Sure, why not? We’re working on our strategy for Vision 360. It’s work, I guess? But I think she’s a friend.”

“It’s not friendship if she’s just a work acquaintance?—”

“It’s both,” I said. “I am helping as a friend. But we’re working for the betterment of the cause. When you meet her, you’ll get it, Mom. Promise.”

I only hoped it was true as I nervously waited for her arrival in the living room. I bounced my knee and sat silently, mulling over what I could say. How did you welcome friends? How did you make them feel at ease? It was as if I had forgotten how to be normal.

The doorbell rang. I looked at Mom, who stared up from her book expectantly.Get the door.

Odette greeted me with a warm smile, dressed in a bright red coat. Did she own anything thatwasn’tbright? Her whole wardrobe was cheerful. The colours matched her sunny personality. Odette held a bag. Had she brought a present?

“Come in,” I waved her in.

“I apologise for the hubbub. When I mentioned thewhyof this, they insisted on coming along.”

She waved back at her security team. “I tried so hard to explain you’re a friend and all, but sometimes they don’t listen.”

When I closed the door, Theo stood in nothing but underwear. He raced over to hug her.

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry,” I pulled him back.

“Oh, don’t worry.” Odette squatted on his level. “I am glad you’re awake. I brought you something, Theo.”

He clapped his hands, grabbing the bag from her and rifling through the paper. Inside was a tiny stuffed dog—one that looked just like Grieg.

“Doggy! Chien!”

“Exactly. My nephew has one and loves it,” she said. “Hopefully, that’s okay?”

Odette looked up at me. I nodded to confirm it. “Of course. He’ll love that. Theo, what do we say?”

“Merci!”

“De rien. You’re so welcome.”

She hopped up.

“Can I take your coat?” I asked.

“Oh, God, yes! Sorry. I was distracted.”

Odette pulled off her coat, which I hung in the closet as Theo distracted her. His lack of clothing mortified me. I worried she would think I was a terrible parent, as I was sure her sister’s kids behaved far better.

“I am so sorry for the mess,” I said. “He’s fighting bedtime, and we’re still in flux?—”

“Stop apologising. It’s fine. He’s lovely.” She patted his head sweetly. “You’re very awake, aren’t you?”

“Yep!” Theo declared before my mother appeared.