Page 60 of Royal Player
Her hand goes to her throat. “Who are these people?”
“They are our people, and they’ve come to us seeking refuge. I’ve granted it.”
She glances around nervously. “This is most unorthodox. Your father is in his study with Peter. You’d best go see him immediately.” Her hand flutters in the air. “Where are the guards?” She lowers her voice. “These people could be dangerous.”
“We’re in a state of emergency. This is the time for unorthodox.” I give her shoulder a squeeze. “Please make them feel welcome. The guards are assisting the drivers with supplies for our guests. I will go to inform Papa.”
I head for his study. I’m glad to hear that Peter made it to the palace because that means at least one road along the northwest side of the island has been cleared. I’ve spent all of my time in the central area today since access to the northern roads was blocked. These fifty people had walked into the central area in search of food.
I knock on the study door and my father barks, “Enter!”
I step inside, bow my head, and curtsy. “Papa.”
He’s seated on a throne-like highback chair. Peter is adjacent to him in a smaller upholstered chair. An end table between them holds a decanter of brandy and two glasses, nearly empty. Peter, a bald man in his late forties with a paunch, looks very pleased at my arrival. He doesn’t smile, but his dark eyes gleam as they rake me from head to toe. I suppress a shudder.
I take a seat on the leather sofa across from them.
My father speaks in a jovial tone. “I’m glad you’re here, daughter. Peter arrived for dinner with you and has been waiting for quite some time.” He trails off, suddenly noticing what I’m wearing. “I can see I should’ve prepared you for his visit. Please go change into something more appropriate.” He flicks his hand at me. “Be quick about it.”
I glance at Peter, offering a brief “hello” before telling my father, “Some guests will be staying with us until the island is restored to order. They’ve lost their homes in the storm.”
His brows knit. “What do you mean with us? This is a private residence.”
I speak in a level tone. I’m not here to argue the point. It is done. “This residence was originally built with the tax levied on the islanders; therefore, it partly belongs to them.”
He blusters. “It does not belong to them! The palace has been in the Lyon family for centuries. You can’t just invite people to stay here off the street.”
I gesture toward the door. “You are king. Of course, it is your right to evict them. Go to the entrance hall and inform them that you will be turning them out. Be sure to start your speech with ‘my loyal subjects,’ as you so often do.”
I am insolent, out of line, headstrong, impossible. Every label my father has ever placed on me is apparent in his narrow-eyed glare. I don’t even flinch. My only concern is our people.
Peter studies me, his thin lips pulling into a frown. He probably thinks I’m too bold. I will no longer apologize for my true nature. Marge is right. All of my so-called flaws are my true assets and absolutely necessary for the leadership of Beaumont.
My father gets up with some effort and pulls the bell for a servant. Looks like he’s actually going through with evicting our guests. Or maybe he’s calling my bluff. Two can play at that game.
“I can help you walk there,” I say.
“You have done enough,” my father snaps.
I bow my head.
A few minutes later, my father makes his way to the entrance hall with two servants assisting him, one supporting him by the arm, the other behind him should he falter.
I trail behind him with Peter.
“You’re looking well, Your Highness,” Peter says to me. “I’m just sorry you had to return home to such chaos.”
“Thank you. I’m glad to be here. What are the conditions in the north?”
He exhales sharply. “My resorts are gone, unsalvageable.”
“I’m truly sorry to hear it. Will you rebuild?”
“That depends on you. I’m here to remind you of our understanding.”
I lower my voice. “I’d like to speak to you in private. Perhaps after this, we could go to the salon.”
He gives me a sly smile as though I’ve propositioned him. “I would very much like that, Your Highness.”
