Page 51 of Royally Redeemed
“It is crucial for you. Your star needs to rise, sir,” Miss Mills said. “You are to be king.”
“This is my swan song. It is your big introduction, Duncan.”
I hated the idea of Mum’s retirement, even if I knew she long deserved it. If only she could also spend time with the grandchildren she was desperate for me to provide.
“We need to improve your view among younger people to cement the institution,” Mum said. “Young people will watch a fun slice-of-life program. It's why we're releasing it in parts.”
“And right to streaming same day,” Cressida said. “Meet your audience where they are, Your Majesty.”
“Exactly.”
“We hope to reach the female demographic,” Lucy added. “Miss Mills, what say you? Would your friends watch it?”
Ouch. Way to make me feel like an old man.
Ella nodded. “Yes. My flatmates and best friend would. The latter isboundto be obsessed and use a VPN from where she lives in Paris.”
“Oh, Paris. Exciting. What does she do?” Mum asked, totally off topic.
“She works for a fashion house.”
“Nice,” Mum said.
That was posh. I learned something new every day.
“Maybe he can use it to find a potential girl,” Dad joked.
“Dad!” I glared.
Eloise snickered, hiding her grin.
It only encouraged me the way the approval of Mistress Millsalwaysdid.
32
BREAKING UP
ELOISE
Ihadn't told my flatmates the news about moving out in June nor had I given my boss notice. After the second documentary meeting, The Duchess and John showed me to my new Palace office. An office. In a bloodyPalace! And it wasn't too bad. It had a door! I was impressed. Breaking hearts could wait a minute.
Social Secretary to The Prince of Wales. It thrilled me.
I gave myself a moment to soak up my small, but meaningful career milestone. On my way out, I got brave and passed off a note to The Prince’s assistant. I decided to write him back the night before. I watched her deliver it to him as he signed letters to patronages. I hoped he appreciated the extra effort, but I mostly sent a note to avoid cyber sleuths from having their say. NessaGate remained front of mind.
I told Abi in person. Mark greeted me at the door and led me to the snug off the kitchen. To break the news, I brought a bouquet, some coffee for the new parents, and an adorable knit jumper I'd bought in Wales.
“You're too sweet,” Abi said.
I was lucky enough to hold Sally. She was adorable—tiny, pink, and slept like an angel in my arms.
“She's perfect,” I said. “I wanted baby snuggles.”
I knew it wasn’t “cool” to admit you want children someday. Women are primed not to mention it—especially to potential partners—but I wanted children either out of a sense of primordial craving or a need to do it “right” to make up for my own shitty childhood. But as I'd seen too many wives tasked with raising their husbandsandchildren, I knew that dream required the right man. Lucky for Abi, Mark wasn't like that.
“It's exhausting.”
“I bet,” I said.
