Page 64 of The Unlikely Heir
Sometimes I want to climb into Callum’s mind so I can see the world the same way he does, as something to investigate in all its technicolor glory rather than just something to conquer.
“Anyway, it’s your turn tomorrow to find something magic,” Callum says.
“There is no magic to be found in the EU agricultural trade negotiations, trust me,” I reply.
“I’m sure you’ll find some,” he says. “You just have to look harder.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s right, I just need my glasses of wonder,” I say.
“You just need your optometrist to find the right prescription,” Callum agrees.
I chuckle, and somehow, we move on to talking about how I first got diagnosed as long-sighted.
It’s not even an interesting story. Yet Callum hangs on every word I say, and we move on from that to talking about our childhood injuries and illnesses, and suddenly, it’s already midnight.
“I guess I should let you go,” he says. “You’ve got to be in top form to discuss that agricultural effluent tomorrow.”
“I wouldn’t want to let the country down,” I agree.
“Well, goodnight.” He seems hesitant to end the conversation, matching the same feeling inside me. But I don’t want to dwell on Callum’s hesitancy or try to interpret what it could mean.
“Goodnight, Your Royal Highness.” It’s a gentle tease but also a reminder to myself about exactly who this man is.
I press the End button and take a deep breath before forcing myself to get ready for bed.
* * *
The next morning Toby and I are strolling along the pavement towards our meeting when a flash of yellow catches my eye.
I stop and stare.
Here, among the concrete jungle of the EU headquarters, a dandelion has somehow managed to grow in a tiny crack in the footpath. It’s such a contrast to the panoramic of gray around it.
I crouch to take a quick snapshot of it.
“Um…what are you doing?” Toby asks.
I glance up at him.
“Just capturing a tiny bit of beauty.”
Toby looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, which is a fair enough assumption when you’re the prime minister and taking pictures of weeds. But it doesn’t stop me from completing my task.
I straighten, quickly sending the snapshot to my private phone. I’ll share it with Callum tonight. The thought makes me smile.
Toby continues to send me rogue glances as we walk.
“You all right?” he asks eventually.
“Yes, I’m fine. Why?”
“For the past few weeks, you’ve been acting really weird. Not just with the dandelion, although that’s the icing on the weirdness cake.”
I get an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach.
“Weird in what way?”
“It’s almost like you’re…happy,” he says the word suspiciously.
