He holds me for a long moment, just like he did when I was a child, despite having wires connected to him, and an IV in his arm.
“I love you, Daddy.”
I haven’t called him Daddy in years. He was never fond of the term, he thought it was too casual.
But he doesn’t scoff or reprimand me. He simply kisses my head and pats my back.
“I love you too, poppet.”
“I’ve told him twice that he shouldn’t go,” Mum says as I help her decide which tiara to wear to the state dinner tonight.
I’ve been home for a week, and each day, Father has grown stronger and healthier.
But we all agree that he should sit this one out.
Of course, he’s stubborn and refuses to send his regards.
Mum reaches for the Queen Victoria tiara, and I nod. This has always been her favorite, and it fits her well.
As an unmarried woman, I can’t wear a tiara to an official event. But I already have a favorite.
The Cartier Halo tiara is one that’s always drawn my eye. Of course, when the time comes, it will be up to the Crown which tiaras I’m given to wear. Upon my death, they’ll be returned to the vault for future generations of royals.
I help Mum fit the tiara on her head, and she smiles at me. “It looks like we’re ready. You look lovely, darling.”
I glance down at my sequined green dress and smile. It’s a mermaid silhouette that hugs my curves but doesn’t show too much skin.
It’s skirting the line of appropriate for a member of the royal family, but Mum didn’t say anything, so I assume it will work for tonight.
This is an annual dinner the palace puts on each year for the heads of state from all over the world. Everyone from the President of the United States to the Prime Minister of Israel will be here.
And Father is determined to attend, as if he didn’t just have a heart attack last week.
Of course, he’s not about to show weakness in front of the world’s most powerful leaders. And, part of me understands that, of course.
But I wish he’d have had more time to heal.
Mother and I are escorted upstairs to the family parlor, where the rest of the family is waiting.
My sisters-in-law, Nina and Anne, look lovely in their dresses and tiaras. And my brothers are handsome in their tuxedos.
“I must say, we’re an attractive family,” Mum says with a smile. She takes Father’s hand, and he kisses her cheek.
“They take after you,” he says and gives her a wink. “Let’s go meet our guests, shall we?”
Our security is very much present but discreet. Liam is also in a tux and sticks close to me, but I don’t get to walk with him on my arm, or include him as my guest.
I haven’t told my family about our relationship yet. It’s not that I’m embarrassed, I’m wary.
What if they don’t approve?
I’d rather keep our affair to myself and enjoy it, than have it pulled out from under me.
The family is introduced as we enter the room, and we greet each of the guests.
Finally, we sit and have a meal, which is always the easiest part of the evening because I can really only talk to the people on either side of me.
I’m fantastic at small talk, after many years of coaching. But I hate it.
And once we’re finished with our dinner, we mingle.
This is the part I don’t love. It’s boring to me, and inevitably, someone asks about my relationship status or tries to introduce me to someone appropriate.
“Ellie.”
I turn at the sound of my name and smile at Gretchen, a woman I don’t know well, but who walks in the same circles of society that I do.
I don’t trust Gretchen as far as I can throw her, which isn’t far. She loves to gossip, and when the mood strikes, she’s happy to show her claws.
“Hello, Gretchen.”
“It’s lovely to see you.”
We exchange air kisses and offer fake smiles.
“And you.”
“Oh, your necklace is just beautiful,” she says. “Is that the Queen Mary?”
“It is.”
Gretchen knows a lot about royal jewelry. She’d hoped to marry one of my brothers so she could wear it herself. Sebastian was always her favorite, and she was beyond miffed when he married Nina last year.
She still has her eye on Callum.
“So, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in quite some time.”
“I’m doing well, thank you. I was in Montana for a few weeks until recently.”
“Well, that would explain it then, wouldn’t it? I was so sorry to hear about you and Beauregard separating.”
“There wasn’t much to separate.” I reach for a flute of champagne, taking it off a serving platter. I’ll need a few of these if I’m to speak with this woman for long. “He and I weren’t ever really together.”
“I must have misunderstood.” She clutches her pearls and tries her best to look contrite, but it’s all an act. “I beg your pardon.”
I nod and sip my champagne, ready to move on. Liam’s about six feet behind me and can hear every word of every conversation. I’d rather not talk about other men that I may or may not have been seeing when he’s within earshot.
But Gretchen isn’t finished.
“So, are you seeing someone new, then?” she asks.
“No.” The answer is short and curt. “I’ve been in Montana, Gretchen. Of course, I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Oh, that’s right. Well, don’t despair, darling. Someone will come along.”
“Why on earth would I despair? I’m young, famous, and rich. I have nothing to worry about.”
I wink at her and walk away, leaving her to open and close her mouth like a fish out of water.
My comment was tactless, but I was sick of listening to her. And how dare she pretend to pity me?
I absolutely will not stand for that.
I take a deep breath and continue around the room, chatting with some of the world’s most important people while keeping an eye on my father.
He’s starting to fade. His face is pale.
He should go to bed.
But he might have me beheaded if I recommend it in front of all of these people. He even refused to allow a press statement to be released on his behalf.
He said that he’s fine now, and there’s no need to worry the citizens.
As much as I love him, my father is as stubborn as they come.
“How are you, sweet girl?” Nina asks as she sidles up next to me.
“Tired.” I smile over at her. “How was your trip to Africa?”
“The best trip I’ve taken in a long time. I got to see an elephant being born. I’ll never forget it.”
“I’m glad.”
“How long have you and Liam had this thing going on?”
I frown and glance over my shoulder. Liam is scanning the room, pretending that he didn’t hear Nina’s question.
He heard it.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure.” She grins and nudges me with her elbow. “You may be discreet, but I can feel the sexual tension from across the room.”
“I haven’t even spoken to him since I came into the bloody room.”