Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

I knew Sutcliffe would advise me to forbid it, but this was Molly’s night. “Sure. Tell her it’s formal.”

Molly nodded. “Thank you. Good luck with the vote.”

I grumbled. I needed more than luck. Yesterday’s publicity stunt had blown up. I didn’t know whether I had enough sway to convince the rest of the cabinet to change their votes. They could be stuck on my damn love life instead of the critical infrastructure system our agriculture needed.

“I’ll let you know how it goes, love.”

I picked up my files in the office and headed for the cabinet room. I didn’t know how today turned into the one day when I had to fight for everything that mattered. There wasn’t time to second-guess how I had arrived at this intersection. I had to make it through two huge obstacles to come out on the other side victorious. Failure was not an option.

30

Molly

I knew the elevator had reached the main floor. The air always changed when Damon was gone. I sank on the sofa, curling my feet underneath me. I leaned over and pulled my phone from my purse.

I called Brooklyn. “Hey.”

“Mol, what is going on? These people just showed up and started packing your things. I’m freaking out.”

“Shit. Already?”

“You know about this?”

How was I going to explain it? “I’m moving into the palace.” I went for the rip-the-Band-Aid-off approach.

“You’re what? Hey, that’s mine, not hers,” she called to one of the movers.

“I’m moving. Damon wants me to move into the palace with him.”

“You’re not coming home? Ever?”

I sat forward. “Not back to the apartment. I’m sorry. It’s not safe for me anymore. Damon thinks royal security will be able to keep a closer eye on me here.”

“What am I going to do? You’re my roommate, Mol. We have a lease. Rent.”

“And I’ll cover all of that. I promise. I wouldn’t do that to you.” I didn’t know how she would take it. I hadn’t had much time to process it myself.

“This is so weird. They’re going through everything.”

“I’m sorry. I’d be there if I could, but it would only upset everyone in the building. I don’t want our neighbors to be harassed for an interview.” I looked out the window. Everything was peaceful and serene here. Surrounded by beautiful grass and ocean scenes, it was hard to imagine what Brooklyn was dealing with.

“I can’t believe you would just leave like this.”

“I meant to call you before they got there, but Damon is a little impatient sometimes.” I pulled the curtains together and returned to the sofa. “But I have something I think will cheer you up.”

“What?” she snapped. She tried to stay annoyed but I could tell she was intrigued.

“How would you like to attend a royal ball?”

“Go on,” she prodded.

I smiled. “Damon is throwing a ball tonight to announce my position at the palace. It’s a protocol thing. I could really use a friend. And I know you would have fun. It’s exactly the kind of party you’d love. All the royals in one place,” I teased.

“You aren’t kidding. He is impatient.”

“Will you come? Please?”

“Does this mean I have to go shopping for a dress?” she asked. The previous anger in her voice had been replaced with excitement.