Page 52 of Modern Romance June 2025 5-8

For the hard-won appointment she’d finally managed to schedule had been cancelled very late last night.

Cancelled without explanation, let alone apology or an offer to reschedule. Given the difficulty she’d had trying to make contact with the man, she shouldn’t have been surprised. It was clear she, and her concerns, weren’t important enough for royal attention.

That made fury fizz in her veins. She welcomed it as an improvement on nerves.

The people she represented had been patient. They’d followed the proper channels. Yet every attempt to get a hearing had been stymied, every submission met with offensively vague responses.

His Majesty wasn’t interested.

He’d soon learn his mistake.

Yet she had to force herself not to press her hand to her stomach where butterflies the size of Alpine eagles swooped and swirled.

The guard turned back. ‘I’m sorry, His Majesty’s staff have no appointment scheduled.’

‘One was made and I’ve travelled some distance to be here.’ She withdrew her phone and showed him the original email.

The man’s eyebrows rose as he read her name. He looked decidedly uncomfortable when he met her eyes again. ‘I’m very sorry, ma’am, but I was told…’ He stood straighter. ‘I can’t admit you.’

Which was what she’d expected. ‘Very well, I’ll wait.’

She walked around him to a gilded, antique chair a few metres from the door.

He hurried after her, but not in time to prevent her sitting. ‘I really have to ask you to—’

‘This is a public area.’ She smiled at him. ‘Perhaps you’d inform His Majesty’s office that I’ll wait until it’s convenient to see him.’

She knew the King would consider any time inconvenient but she’d given up waiting for him to act decently. If she had to shame him into meeting, so be it.

Faces turned in her direction, the sightseeing group and staff too. The harried guard whispered urgently into his mouthpiece.

Annalena settled in her seat and tapped her phone. She might as well answer work emails while she waited.

She was absorbed in a report when she heard voices. Without looking up she knew the door to the offices had opened and someone was conferring with the guard.

She checked the time. Half an hour had elapsed. Maybe they’d hoped she’d grow bored and leave. Fat chance!

High heels clacked then stopped before her. Annalena kept reading.

‘Excuse me, ma’am.’

It was the guard. She looked up to see he was accompanied by a woman in a sleek charcoal suit, silk shirt and air of sophistication. Her perfect make-up didn’t conceal the way her mouth clamped tight.

‘Hello,’ Annalena said, taking the initiative. ‘Are you from his Majesty’s office? I—’

‘I’m afraid you’re wasting your time. The King isn’t available.’

Annalena blinked slowly, letting her eyes widen as if no one had ever spoken across her before. Clearly she wasn’t going to be offered the courtesy of an introduction either.

The woman lifted her chin. ‘You were sent an email. The meeting was cancelled yesterday.’

Annalena let the silence stretch. ‘It took well over a month to arrange this meeting and I’ve come from Edelforst solely to see the King on an urgent matter. I know he’s here today so I’ll wait and hope space opens up in his schedule.’

The nameless woman frowned, eyes narrowing as she opened her pinched mouth. Annalena forestalled her. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I’ll get back to my work while I wait. His Majesty isn’t the only one with a busy schedule.’

She turned to her phone, but not before she saw the woman’s jaw clench while the guard beside her veiled a smile.

Annalena’s last comment was unnecessary. She’d been raised to be polite, especially given her position. But the woman was rude and Annalena didn’t take kindly to bullying. That was what the King of Prinzenberg and his minions tried to do.

---