Page 111 of Royally Redeemed
“I feel as though it was a whirlwind,” I answered. “I think I shall go home and sleep for several days.”
Hopefully with Eloise in my bed. And preferably, if she’s in my bed naked.
“It is always wild when you’re on the move,” Cressida agreed. “Do you think it went well?”
“I should ask you,” I said.
Eloise looked on disapprovingly. I heard her voice in my head.Don’t interview the interviewer. It never works.
“The press are invested.”
“I’m happy with it. If a success is measured in meeting people and learning about other places, I think I did a good job. I have many souvenirs to take home. I have too many stories to count.” I smiled. “It was good.”
“Do you think your mother will approve?”
“I think she will, yes. My time as King won’t be like hers as Queen. We aren’t the same people. Despite that, I think that’s fine. I can make it my own. I hope I’ve proven that much.”
“Do you think it is a little easier for you to open up now?”
“It’s easier to see the forest,” I admitted. “It’s easier to know that I can be myself and people won’t…”
My voice trailed.
Cressida pressed. “You can say it. Whatever you want, we’re here for it.”
I wasn’t sure I could. I looked to Eloise, who nodded encouragingly.
“Well, that people won’t like me. Because Iamdifferent. A wise woman told me that was inevitable, but that people will never get to know me if I don’t let them.”
I didn’t return my gaze to Ella, but knew that made her fight a smile. She’d never admit that the kind words helped.
“Is that wise woman your mother?”
“No. Mum is quite wise, Dad is wiser yet, but… no. She and I are, thankfully, not related.”
I could have kicked myself. It was bait.
“Ah… so is this the girl you refused to discuss before?” Cressida lit up.
“Yes,” I agreed.
“And is she in the room with us?”
Eloise ducked behind John. I wasn’t sure how to respond. I wasn’t about to out her like this.
“Can we go off the record?”
“You have final approval of the doc before we send it out,” Cressida assured. “You can say something here and force me to painstakingly edit it. And if you believe it to be true, it shouldn’t matter. Of course, if you?—”
“I love Eloise Mills,” I said effusively.
Eloise poked out from behind John as I caught my breath. Her face, though confused, wasn’t angry.
“Your… social secretary?” Cressida confirmed.
“Yes,” I answered. “Probably frowned upon, but certainly my least worst mistake. And I’d dispute that as Eloise couldn’t possibly be a mistake. She’s beautiful and clever and driven. There isn’t a single person who can tell me she isn’t worthy of that declaration. And I will bet on it.”
“How so?” Cressida asked.
