Page 109 of Royal Reluctance

“Your call,” Kate says. “I’d recommend using the front foyer. We announced Odin’s engagement in your father’s big office, so let’s do it differently. Because this is very different than how Odin did things.”

“I’m not my brother.”

“No.” Kate smiles. “You’re not.”

Three hours later, I stand on the bottom step of the staircase, Hettie and Tema on the stair above me.

Hettie has a death grip on Tema’s hand. I know she’s bribed our daughter with anything she could think of to behave.

“You can smile and wave, but let’s leave the talking to Prince Daddy,” she implores Tema one last time.

The name has sort of stuck. I can’t say I hate it, especially when Tema whispers it while she’s giving me a hug.

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the hugs.

Kate stands on the floor and appraises us one last time. She motions to Hettie to tug down her shirt and gives my tie a flip. “You look perfect,” she announces. “A perfect little family.”

I nod because I’m not sure I can say anything. The few words Kate provided me keep going around in my mind like it’s on repeat.Thank you for coming. Eight years ago… we have a daughter…

For about the fiftieth time I really wish I’d taken Dad up on his offer to address the press rather than insisting I do it myself.

But it has to be me. If I’m about to start on this new chapter of life, then it has to be me laying everything out in the open.

“Any questions?” Kate asks. “Because they’re going to be banging the door down in about one minute.”

I glance back at Hettie who gives me a nervous smile. “You good?”

“I’m perfect,” she says.

Yes, you are, I mouth. With a wink at Tema, I turn back to Kate. "Let’s do this.”

Ten terrifying minutes later, the foyer is filled with press, and my cheeks already ache from smiling. I’ve lost count of how many pictures are taken.

And I still haven’t said a word. Finally, Kate asks for quiet. “His Highness, Prince Bowden would like to make a statement,” she says. She gives me an encouraging nod and then it’s on me.

Hettie trails her fingers down my back, and I take a deep breath. “Thanks for making the trip in the snow,” I begin. Even I can tell my voice is shaky, and I clear my throat, the sound amplified by the microphone in front of me. “I won’t take much of your time, but I wanted to introduce someone to you. My… my wife, Hettie Crow. Erickson, now.” I glance back at Hettie, reaching back to squeeze her hand that she’s rested on my shoulder. “Princess Hettie.”

Questions hit me like a wave, and I raise my hand. “We were married eight years ago,” I say over the voices, and I wait for them to quiet so I can get the rest out. “Two days later, my mother died in an unfortunate accident, one I’m sure you all remember. After which Hettie left to live in British Columbia, Canada because I was unable to fully process my grief and guilt over my mother’s death.”

Hettie’s hand tightens on my shoulder. “You’re doing great,” she whispers. I take a deep breath and plough ahead.

“My mother was the only person I told about our marriage, and since this happened only hours before her accident, I blamed myself for her death. Because of this, I wasn’t able to be the husband Hettie deserved, or be a father to our daughter. Which is why she kept her birth a secret.”

Another round of reactions and I pause, wishing I had taken Kate up on her offer of a bottle of water.

“I’m giving you the whole story now, in the hopes that you’ll be respectful and give us the privacy to begin living as a family. Yes, Hettie and I are officially married. Yes, we’ll be having a second ceremony, which you might be invited to if you stop interrupting me.”

There’s a smattering of laughter, and I look around with surprise.

“No, I did not know I had a daughter. Hettie’s decisions are hers and I would appreciate they not be questioned or even brought up unless Hettie does it herself.” I pause. “If you do, you definitely won’t get an invite to the wedding.”

Hettie laughs softly behind me and hope flares.

I can do this.

I glance over my shoulder again, this time at Tema who is practically dancing with anticipation. “Now, for the reason you’re all here. I’d like to introduce a very important person to you. My daughter.”

I smile at Tema, who wriggles out of her mother’s hold and jumps down the two steps to the floor. “Hi!” She waves. “I’m Princess Tema.”

---