“I can stretch the schedule to fifteen for you.”
I smiled. “That would be appreciated. I’ll meet you when I’m finished with the tour.”
She nodded, backing away slowly. I watched as she walked to join a few members of the press. The fitted skirt hugged the curves of her ass.
“Your highness?” The librarian needed my attention.
“Yes.”
I whipped my head around and stopped staring at what suddenly seemed like the most perfect round and voluptuous ass in the universe.
The librarian led the way and I listened as she explained the upgrades to the computer center and the reading corner for the students.
But it didn’t register. I kept looking over my shoulder at Kenley.
Her brow was pinched together in that way that meant she wasn’t happy about something. She didn’t like what the reporter was asking. I could tell from the other side of the room. It didn’t seem to matter what she said, he moved inches closer and asked another question.
I turned toward Annalise. “I’m sorry. I’ll be right back. Excuse me for a moment.”
I took off in Kenley’s direction.
“Is everything all right?” I asked, strolling up behind her. I shoved my hands in my pockets to keep from balling them into fists in front of the reporter.
Kenley turned to me with wild eyes. I was breaking protocol. I was never supposed to address the media. They weren’t allowed to approach me. But my relationship with the press was a unique one. It was contentious at best.
“Everything is fine, your highness.” She smiled.
“It didn’t seem that way from where I was.” My eyes squinted at the man across from us.
“We were discussing what a wonderful contribution you’re making to Freychon by being here today,” she lied.
“Is that so?” My gaze was on the man fiddling with his notepad. He had moved several steps back since I appeared.
Kenley looked at her watch. “Your majesty, we do need to leave. I’m afraid there won’t be any more statements today.” She looked at the reporter.
There it was again. The instinct to hook a hand at her hip and lead her away from that asshole. But I couldn’t touch her. Not here. Not anywhere.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” she whispered through almost closed lips.
I shrugged. “He was being a dick.”
“Oh my God.” She flinched. “And there are children in here.”
I laughed. “It’s all right. They didn’t hear me. Annalise is trying to keep them from raiding all the trains off the table. Do the children even read here?”
Kenley’s eyes traveled to the children on the floor, wrestling over the coal cars. She giggled. “Maybe not.”
“In all seriousness. Are you ok?” I asked. “Did he say something he shouldn’t have? I can send Rafael over to have a few words.”
“Oh no. Don’t do that. Royal security will only make it worse.”
“What did he say?”
“Let’s wait until we’re in the car,” she suggested.
I said my goodbyes to the staff and followed the royal entourage to the motorcade outside the library. Once we were inside I turned to Kenley.
“Now. Tell me what he said.”