I don’t even have time to respond — Octavia’s anger lashes out like a whip once more. “You would throw away a thousand-year-old legacy on a whim,” she seethes. “And for what? To spite me?”
“Contrary to what you believe, you hold no sway over my decisions.” I force myself to speak in a calm voice, but inside my pulse is thudding twice its normal tempo. I’m playing a dangerous game against a most competent adversary.
Don’t overplay your hand.
Don’t fold too fast.
Feigning composure I don’t feel, I swivel my cool gaze from Simms to Lady Morrell to Octavia. My voice is empty of emotion.
“If I decide to help — and that remains a very bigif— what is it that you’d want me to do?”
“Essentially, you will become the face of the royal family. Attending functions in the king’s place, granting royal favor on his behalf, greeting the press and the public if necessary.” Simms’ beady eyes are wide. “Your title as the Crown Princess will not alter. You will simply become more visible. An active participant in all aspects of Lancaster business.”
“Accessible to the common people,” Lady Morrell chimes in. “They sorely need someone to rally behind. Someone young and beautiful, who represents a long and prosperous future for our country.”
A huff flies from Octavia’s mouth. I’m surprised steam hasn’t started leaking from her ears upon hearing someone refer tomeas the young, beautiful salvation of her precious dynasty. Her expression reminds me of the evil queen in Snow White, shaken to her core to learn she is no longer the most attractive woman in the kingdom.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall… who is the most Botoxed of them all…
Let’s just sayaging gracefullyis not in her skillset.
My lips twist in amusement. I can’t deny I’m actually enjoying myself a bit, watching Octavia squirm. Seeing the tables turn as she’s forced to come tomefor help. After all the terrible things she’s done to people I care about, there’s a part of me that would like nothing more than to see this horrid woman brought to her knees.
Maybe that means I’m a bloodthirsty Lancaster after all.
“Princess Emilia…” Lady Morrell wrings her hands. “Without you to unify the nation, I fear the spirit of Germania could be lost forever.”
“I see your predicament,” I murmur, contorting my features into a mask of bemused innocence. “And I do sympathize. But I have a question.”
Simms’ brows lift.
“How exactly am I supposed tounify the nationwhile I’m confined to the castle grounds?” I ask, leaning in. “How exactly am I supposed tobefriend the common peoplewhen my own friends have been threatened and blacklisted from all royal residences?”
It’s phrased like a question, but everyone in the room recognizes it as a bargaining chip.Quid pro quo, bitches.You want me to act like a princess for the cameras? Fine. So long as I get something in return.
“Here’s the deal.” I flatten my palms on the table surface. “I’ll be your Lancaster show pony until Linus recuperates… but some things around here are going to have to change.”
“Such as?” Octavia hisses.
“I want to leave this castle whenever I see fit. I will no longer be held here as a prisoner.”
Octavia laughs coldly.
“You know that’s not possible, Your Highness,” Simms explains. “You need proper security until the threats have been neutralized.”
“I’m aware of that. Which is why you’re going to give me my own personal unit of guards. Selected by me, assigned by me, and answering only to me.”
“The King’s Guard is more than capable of protecting you—”
“I’m sure they are. But they don’t follow my orders, do they?No. They follow my father’s.” My eyes narrow. “They block me from leaving this castle. They restrict my phone calls. They screen my mail. They installed a firewall on my laptop that prohibits access to damn near every news outlet and social media platform. They withhold all sorts of information from me about the true threats to the crown, to my life, to this nation…”
“That’s protocol,” Octavia snaps. “Just because you think you’re above the rules doesn’t mean they should change.”
“And yet, if you want my help,changethey will. I want autonomy within this prison. Within my own life. That’s non-negotiable.” Sitting my back in my seat, I let my words simmer in the air.
Simms and Octavia trade a loaded glance. I get the sense they’re having some sort of silent debate, weighing whether or not to cave to my demands. I’m sure Octavia makes the final decision, but it’s Simms who answers.
“Very well. We will assist you in creating your…Princess Guard.”