Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

Sutcliffe had witnessed all my pranks. And many times, he had stepped in, instead of my parents. I’d heard the lectures. The speeches about what it meant to conduct myself as the true prince of Galona.

But now, I didn’t care about his bullshit. I hadn’t for a long time. He was the last person who was going to stand in the way of what Kenley and I had. And there was no way in hell I was going to let him shame her for going after what she loved.

She clutched my hand. “This is so strange.”

“What?” I asked.

“I’m not used to summoning Sutcliffe. I always have to go to him. It’s protocol.”

I laughed. “Get used to it. This is the day the tables have officially turned.”

“He’s not going to like any of this. You realize the world is changing around him faster than he can adjust.” She sighed. “He has the family’s best interests at heart, despite what a grump he is. I don’t think he’s appreciated enough. And he’s fighting to keep the old ways in place.”

I huffed. “He’s not appreciated? What are you talking about? He has the run of this palace. He’s the only one Damon retained from my father’s reign.”

Kenley had always been direct with me. She was an honest and straightforward manager, but now that we had come clean with our feelings, she had let down another set of barriers. She spoke to me unfiltered.

“I realize you don’t have time to worry about the things Sutcliffe does. That’s not how the crown works. The royal family can’t function if they have to deal with the everyday minutia. But what he takes on would crush most people. And he does it day in and day out with the most honorable intentions. Yes, he’s stuck in the old ways. And yes, he’s abrasive and stuffy, but he rarely hears a thank you.”

I stared at her. “And here I thought he just needed to get laid, when really the old man wants gratitude.”

She swatted my chest. “Nic, I’m serious. He sees his culture dying out. He doesn’t like it.”

“Who would?” I shrugged.

She sighed, exasperated I wasn’t budging.

“Maybe I should speak to him myself,” she offered.

The protectiveness curled around my ribs. I wasn’t about to let her be in his line of fire, even if she thought Sutcliffe was a misunderstood old goat.

“No.” I pressed my lips together. “I will handle the news.”

“Fine.” She threw her hands in the air.

We didn’t have more time to argue. My butler announced Sutcliffe’s arrival. I looked up. He tugged on the lapel of his burgundy suit. It signified he held the highest rank of anyone in the royal family’s employ.

After Kenley’s speech, I recognized the jacket might have more meaning than I had ever considered. There was a new aura of pride I hadn’t picked up on before.

“Thank you for joining us, Sutcliffe.” I invited him into the sitting room.

“Your Majesty.” He bowed slightly. His eyes immediately darted to Kenley. “Miss DuBois, you are out of uniform in front of his majesty,” he rebuked.

She pulled her shoulders back. “I am.”

“Royal managers should never—”

I held a hand in the air. “Before you launch into a tirade about protocol, you should know Miss DuBois has handed in her resignation this morning.” I gave him the letter. “The king has read it and accepts her resignation.”

His cheeks reddened. “But why?”

I clasped Kenley’s hand in mine, threading my fingers through hers. “Because we’re a team. But not the way we used to be.”

His eyes bulged. “You can’t be serious.”

“Dead serious, old man.”

Kenley broke from my hold. “What Prince Dominic is trying to say.” Her eyes cu