His bushy gray brows lift. “Do go on.”
“I…” I force out the words. “I will agree toconsiderbecoming your heir — and I mean really, truly consider it, with an open mind, withholding all judgment — but I can’t do that if the whole world is watching me. I want the chance to see what this life would be like without being under the public microscope.” My cheeks stain red. “No royal announcement. No press. No pressure.”
He doesn’t react.
I suck in a fortifying gulp of oxygen and keep going. “This way, you can teach me about the kingdom, about this life, about the responsibilities that come along with being a royal, before I’m locked in for all eternity.Ifyou manage to convince me to stay, I will accept my role as the Crown Princess. But, if not… you will allow me to return to my life, under no obligation to ever take on a royal title.” I shrug lightly. “Call it… a trial period.”
Surprisingly, he doesn’t laugh at me. He simply inclines his head and asks, “And how long would thistrial periodlast?”
“Um…” Shit, I hadn’t considered that. “A year?”
“Until my official coronation,” he counters, his expression unreadable. “In one month.”
“But that’s not nearly enough time! How can I possibly—”
“This is a negotiation, is it not?” he cuts me off in a stern voice.
“…yes.”
“And you are familiar with the meaning of that word, correct?”
I fight the urge to stick out my tongue at him like a child and murmur, “A compromise between parties with opposing interests.”
“Exactly right. However, in this case,myinterests are time sensitive.” He sits back in his chair and steeples his hands once more. “One month — during which time your identity will be kept in strictest confidence from all outside the immediate family, household staff, and security detail. You will be at my disposal for public events, posing as a new royal aide or some other suitable alias. You will also take mandatory lessons in foreign affairs, traditional dance, and proper etiquette from a tutor of my choosing.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I snap, outraged. “You want me to takeprincess lessons!?”
“Twice a day.”
“That’s absurd!” I jolt to my feet. “I will not be subjected to the humiliation of parading around a ballroom, learning how to flirt and finger-wave like some tiara-wearing airhead.”
“Then I suppose you won’t be getting whatever it is you so desperately want.” He shrugs lightly, as if he doesn’t care which path I choose, but his eyes remain intent. “Whatisit you want, Emilia? I imagine something of vast importance, if you’re willing to even temporarily take on a role you so clearly despise in order to get it.”
Don’t let anger cloud your judgment.
Focus on your endgame.
Focus on getting home.
I sink slowly back into my seat and take a deep breath. “I still think one month isn’t nearly enough time.”
He doesn’t say a word.
“But I will concede to it,” I agree, wincing at the idea. “Ifyou give me what I want in return.”
“Which is?”
I swallow hard. “Firstly, I want my belongings returned to me, including my cellphone, so I can call the friend I was with last night and make sure he is okay. I’d also like to see him in person —today, if possible. ”
“This would be…” He glances down at a folder on his desk. “Mr. Owen Harding?”
A jolt moves through me. “Yes. How did you know that? Is he all right?”
“I assure you, he’s perfectly well. So well, in fact, that he’s been calling the palace nonstop since you were extracted last night, demanding to speak with you.”
“What?”
Linus nods. “Quite a determined fellow.”