“Ben and Charlie,” Theo finished for her, tossing his buddies under the bus to protect her. “It was a welcome home for me.”
The king took a deep breath, his head shaking. He didn’t seem surprised by this; I guess he was no stranger to their antics.
His head lifted, blue eyes landing on me. His intensity was a punch to the lungs.
“Ms. Sutton.” He said my name like a lash of cold wind, whipping Theo’s head to me. “Do come join us. You can eavesdrop from here better.”
Fuckityfuck.
“Your Majesty.” I curtsied, sweat instantly dotting my hairline and back. “I-I apologize.”
“No better time to meet my son’s girlfriend, I guess. You were part of this debacle as well?” He motioned me to enter. My armpits and neck were already sticky and coated in terror.
I stepped into the room, noticing Lennox and Dalton standing against the wall behind me, both wearing dark suits with gray ties. Silent and so still they could have been statues. Dalton’s head dipped in the shallowest nod, recognizing my existence in the room while Lennox stared straight ahead. But bugger that guy was so hot it made me angry. His personality had to ruin the eye candy.
“Your Highness. It’s an honor to meet you.” My voice shook, my legs rattling as they dipped again. My father told me I had met the king before, running right up to him at an event. Bold as brass, and only three. Fair to say I didn’t remember this prior meeting.
“Baron Andrew Sutton’s daughter.” He said it more like he was reading it from my CV. “I’m not sure I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your father. But I’ve heard about your family.”
There was no compliment in there. He said it so evenly, with not one facial twitch, yet I had no doubt he found my family… less than.
“Majesty.” I dipped my head in answer.
“Father…” Theo rolled his eyes, standing up next to me. “Can we have one thing in this family that’s normal… like meeting my girlfriend? Not drilling her as if she is interviewing for a position here.”
Alexander’s gaze slid to his son.
“There is nothing and will never be anything normal about us,” he replied firmly. “And being your girlfriend, Theodore, is going to be a full-time job for her. After introducing her to me, to the world, she is no longer some girl you can casually date. She is Great Victoria’s.” He placed his palms on the desk, leaning into Theo’s face. “Do you both fully understand that?”
“Yes.” Theo’s chin lifted, his hand touching my back, not hesitating a moment. I, on the other hand, wanted to run. It wasn’t that I didn’t love Theo, wanting a future with him. But the pressure the queen and king were already laying down at my feet rattled all the confidence I had. Other girls dreamed of marrying a prince. I dreamed that Theo and I were normal. That we could date and have fun, while I became a vet and he could do whatever he longed to do.
“If you want to keep this quiet, we can figure something out. I can call a meeting with the PR teams.”
“I don’t want to keep this quiet anymore.” Theo’s fingers dug into my back. “I want the world to know about Spencer. I love her.”
Alexander’s blue eyes skipped to mine, his question drilling into me. All I could do was nod in response, my voice losing its way from my mind to my tongue.
King Alexander leaned back, folding his arms.
“All right. I hope you know what you are in for, Spencer.” There was a definite “once you’re in, you can’t get out” vibe lacing through his sentiment.
“Yes, sir.”
“Announcing you two might help the PR nightmare of this. Distract them.” Alexander picked up the article again, a frown going to Eloise and coming back to us. “Both PR houses will be making statements about your relationship. You two will make your first formal appearance together at the state banquet this Friday and a more casual one at the polo match the next day. Spencer, I’ve set you up with Chloe, she will be handling your PR and calendar and will be meeting with you later to set up everything.”
He flicked the paper on his desk, sitting down in his chair. “As for this, I will be changing things.”
“Changing things?”
Alexander narrowed his lids at his son.
“I foolishly okayed for Dalton to be taken off your lead detail.” He leaned back in the high wingback chair. “I’m putting him back on.”
“What?” Theo exclaimed, moving up to his father’s desk. “You think anything different would have happened last night if Dalton was there instead? No offense, man…” He held his hand out at Dalton. “But Lennox got me out safely without hesitation, and still returned to that madhouse and got Spencer out safe.”
“I don’t blame Lennox at all. I applaud his actions, which is why I still want him here, but not as your lead guard.”
“But he’ll still be part of my team?” Theo glanced back at his friend. Lennox remained emotionless, as if he or his job was not being disputed.
“Sort of.” Alexander nodded. “He will now be Ms. Sutton’s bodyguard.”
“What?” My mouth opened the same time as Lennox’s, his figure pitching off the wall, horror streaking over both our faces.
“Sir?” Lennox’s gaze darted from Theo back to the king in almost a panic. “I’m not sure that is the right position for me.”
“I agree.” My head bounced in agreement, but I couldn’t fight the irritation that he was so insulted at the idea of watching me.
The king jerked in surprise, probably not used to be questioned. “Why not?” His eyebrow peaked, his gaze jumping between Lennox and me.
“Uh—I just don’t think I need a bodyguard, sir.” I licked my lips, trying to sound mature and not like I was whining because I don’t want him to.
“You do. And if you don’t realize you will have a target on your back the moment you and Theo step out together, then you are not ready for what this life entails. If you two are as serious as Theo tells me you are, then you will have a bodyguard for the rest of your life, Spencer.” I could hear the if you marry my son and become princess and later a queen. “Normal activities, like grabbing coffee with friends or going to the movies are no longer options. Every movement you make outside these walls has to be prepped and planned.” The gilded cage I watched from the outside had just come down on me. Now I was locked inside, trapping me even more in a tight circle.
Theo squeezed my arm, a soft smile on his mouth. My fear gripped on to his comforting grin, giving me the strength not to run out of this place. He didn’t know anything else than the cage. It was much harder to step willingly into it. Theo or Eloise didn’t know how true freedom tasted. Not that I did either, but my life had been a lot more unrestricted than theirs.
Alexander cupped his hands, his attention going to the bodyguard. “And Lennox, you have proved yourself capable, a great addition to the team here.”
“I thank you, Majesty, but…”
“Please do not tell me you think being the bodyguard of the prince’s girlfriend, maybe the future queen, is beneath you?” He cocked his head, sitting back in his chair.