Page 45 of Royally Redeemed
“I know how much he loves them—and you—after spending some time. I’m just going to take this upstairs and finish getting ready.”
“You won’t eat anything?” Mandy looked concerned.
“I don’t know. I don’t have much time,” I explained.
“Let me make you something to eat on the plane, love,” Mandy said warmly. “It’s the most important meal of the day!”
I smiled. “You are too kind.”
29
TAKING FLIGHT
DUNCAN
28 December
London Daily Times
Prince Duncan thought he outsmarted the press by landing back in London unannounced. Still, his cheeky attempt was thwarted as crowds gathered at London City to greet him. We know for the past few days he was stuck at RAF Valley on a more than twenty-four assignment in the air station's tower, but nothing more.
Royal Correspondent Leo Hayes asks, “Will he be back on business or is this just an excuse to go out and party?”
Indeed. Only time will tell.
Ileft for London in a good mood—and not just because I realized Ella wears short little nightgowns to bed every night. That was delightful news, but not the important bit. John told me when volume slowed in a couple of weeks, I may be able totaper off shifts at Valley—depending on what happened with the documentary—and that I might have a new assignment soon. Those words came from my mother in an early morning call.
So, as we landed in London, I had reasons to be cheerful. My arrival was eventful. I hadn’t given the press a heads up, but they tracked my plane coming out of Valley and were waiting for us at City like it was their job.
“How did they know?” Sweet Ella asked as if born yesterday.
“They track my plane’s tail number. It’s a competition among a group of people online,” I answered.
At least she was along with me for this thing, right? And while I wanted to spend time mooning over her, I couldn’t.
When we arrived back at the Palace, we went our own ways. Eloise went with Lucy to talk strategy. I stuck around to talk to Mum and Dad.
Dad put his paper down as I entered the dining room and met me with a signature bear hug. Apparently, things were getting better for me. Even as a man of nearly forty, having him give me great big hug was the best feeling. I was home. It may not have been for the best reasons, but at least I in London.
“Hi, Dad,” I said. “Where is Mum?”
“Oh, she was up early talking Lucy's ear off and it delayed her getting ready. She'll be here shortly.”
I joked. “She knows Lucy lives down the way but I'm living in Wales, right?”
“She's keenly aware and very excited to see you.”
“I didn't really do much of anything. I cocked it all up with that reporter.”
“I would have done the same, son. It was annoying but it seemed your handler managed it properly. And then your dedication with Valley in a time of crisis. Your mother's heart swells with pride over shit like that.” Dad shrugged. “You know how she is. She'll want to know all about it.”
There was nothing to tell.
Luncheon arrived and soon after so did Mum. She did so with a flourish—loudly storming in and giving me an embarrassing hug and kiss.
“And how is everything?”
“It's fine. I will spare you the boring details of the tower, mum.”
