Page 79 of Royal Reluctance

“Coffee? No,” I tell her. “Drugs? Even bigger no.”

“Drugs are stupid,” my little girl says. “Everyone knows that.”

“I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m glad you do.” Abigail grins at her.

“Are you readynow?” Tema demands.

I take a last sip of my tea. “Yes. I just need to find us a ride into town.”

Mrs. Theissen magically appears, like she’s been listening outside the door. “I can arrange to have someone drive you into town,” she says, all business-like. Maybe eavesdropping is part of her job description. “And pick you up when you’re ready.”

“That… I think…” I stammer. It feels awkward, like we’re a burden.

“Thank you, Mrs. Theissen, that would be lovely. I’ll see if I can borrow a car to get us back,” Abigail says for me.

“No need. We have vehicles and people to drive them. His Majesty may want you to have a detail as well.”

“A detail?”

“Security detail. Every member of the family should have one. Prince Bo seems to avoid it if at all possible.”

My mind flies back to Bo in high school. “Has it always been like that?”

“No, it’s been fairly recent. Since Lady Camille had a few incidents, His Majesty decided all those in the castle need to have someone assigned to them.”

Abigail raises an eyebrow. “I’m sure Bo loves that.”

“It’s probably a big reason why he doesn’t stay here very often,” I agree.

“I’m sure it is,” Mrs. Theissen says. “Now, when would you like to leave?”

“Now,” Tema cries, and the older woman deigns to smile at her enthusiasm.

“I’ll have someone waiting for you outside when you’re ready,” she promises and glides off.

“I think I’d like her if she didn’t scare me so much,” Abigail says under her breath.

True to her word, there is a car and warmed and waiting to take us into Battle Harbour.

During the drive down the hill, I look around more than when Bo brought us to the castle. Then, I had been frantic with worry about everything—Tema, Bo, what the king would say. I’m still concerned about the future, but a lot of the worry is gone.

There’s more uncertainty now, but that sickening ball churning in the pit of my stomach seems to have disappeared.

Bo is a big reason for that. Also, the fact that the king didn’t arrest me for treason for not telling him he had a granddaughter.

The snowfall of the first night is piled on either side of the road but the tree branches are bare. It’s warmer than when we arrived, maybe just a few degrees but enough to start the melt and make people feel like spring might actually be on the way.

While we drive through town, Abigail points out things to an excited Tema. I notice that there’s been a few changes in the town, but it looks mainly the same.

Candy store hasn’t changed; Ye Olde Fish Shoppe is still here. The King’s Hat stands as proud as Kalle at the far side of the town square.

“Are we going to see the puppies?” Tema demands as we get out of the black SUV in front of Coffee for the Sole.

“After we go see Nana and Papa Locke,” Abigail tells her. “We’ll pack up some toys and books if you’re going to be staying at the castle.”

“Am I?” Tema turns to me with a hopeful expression.

“Do you want to?”

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