Page 58 of Royal Player
“He has legal claim to one of our resorts,” my father says. “If he only cared for profit, he’d simply take it over. Why so suspicious? I thought you favored the match.”
“Things have changed,” I say.
My father looks perplexed; my mother concerned.
“I’ll explain later,” I say, striding ahead. “There’s much work to be done.”
My mother catches up to me. “Peter will make that work easier. Don’t put him off, Polly. He wants to help, and he is what Beaumont needs.”
I halt, my eyes narrowing. “Iam what Beaumont needs. I have the energy, drive, and strategic mind to get this kingdom thriving. This is my birthright. I will not hand it over to a male business tycoon or a male cousin just because that is the way it has always been done.”
My mother’s mouth forms an O of surprise. “Where is this coming from? You cannot lead alone. Such venom. You need to learn to be less headstrong. Our traditions are what make our kingdom strong.”
I clamp my mouth shut. My frustration slipped through. I don’t have time for arguments or rebuilding the social order of the monarchy. I need to focus on recovery for Beaumont. “Excuse me, I believe I am tired. I will be in my room for a spell.”
“Of course,” she replies graciously. “Travel can make anyone snappish. Welcome home.”
I give her a tight smile and head for my room. I have cell service, which means I can make phone calls. There’s no internet, but the palace has power. I need to assess the conditions on the island and then get out there to see for myself. Then I need to make sure the supplies expected at the airport make it out to the areas that need it most. There’s much to do, and time is of the essence. There have been thirty-two storm-related deaths, and I don’t want the death toll to get any higher.
I pull out my phone and there’s a text from Oscar:Let me know if you got in okay.
My love.My heart squeezes, my eyes hot as I text back.I’m here, and I love you.
A response pings back a moment later.I love you too. Say the word and I’m there.
I will.
I take a deep breath. It’s not the right time for Oscar to show up here, but I hope it will be soon.
Chapter Fourteen
Polly
After what feels like a zillion phone calls, I change into my workout clothes (my only casual clothes)—a pink T-shirt, black yoga pants, and sneakers—and head up to Marge’s room on the third floor. I’ve gotten the power company to join social media and have set up my own account, getting as many locals to follow me as I could get a hold of. Before the storm, royal protocol forbid me from being on social media, but it’s the easiest way to communicate with everyone quickly, so screw it! Royal protocol willnotget Beaumont back on its feet. My goal is to get the islanders to post pictures of problem areas with geolocation tags so we can pinpoint exactly where there’s downed power lines and blocked roads. Power restoration and access to roads is a top priority. We need power, especially for the water-distribution system, which is repaired after only minor damage. While that’s in motion, I need to take care of the displaced people. Enter Marge, a natural caregiver. Firm and no-nonsense, yes, but underneath that she has a big heart.
Marge’s door is open, and she’s sitting by the window at a small round table, staring at the sea. Her brown hair, streaked liberally with gray, is in a neat bun at the nape of her neck, her shoulders drooped. It’s tough to return home to such devastation.
“Marge,” I say softly, not wanting to startle her.
She turns to look at me over her shoulder. “Are you working out now after our long journey?”
“These are the only clothes appropriate for a disaster area,” I say as I head toward her. “I can’t be in veils and dresses at a time like this.”
Her lips purse. “I’ve told your mother Prince Oscar is in love with you. I did not reveal your actions toward him.”
I let out a breath and take a seat at the table next to her. She’s doing her job as chaperone, as expected. Marge has been with me since I was nine years old and shipped off to boarding school. In many ways, she’s been a mother to me.
I meet her eyes. “I’m not angry. I know you were doing your job as my chaperone. That job will end soon when I marry.”
“Of course,” she says briskly. “I’ve always known my job would end at your wedding.”
I take her hand and place it on my cheek. “Marge, you’ve been my constant companion, and I want you to know how much I appreciate you.”
Her eyes tear and she leans forward, kissing my forehead. “You’ve turned out splendidly, Polly. I never thought you were too much trouble.”
I pull back with a laugh.
She laughs too. “Okay, you were too much trouble, but all those traits that are difficult to manage in a child will be an asset to you as a leader. I’m glad you’re full of energy and stubborn and strong-willed. A queen should be. Beaumont will need you now more than ever.”
