There was a succession of photos that blurred in random order of Molly losing her balance and me stopping her fall.
This trip was supposed to be about support for irrigation funding, not about Molly. I stormed to the hallway.
“Yes, Your Majesty?” The security officer nodded.
“I need Sutcliffe and Kenley on the phone immediately.”
“Yes, sir.”
I slammed the door and paced in front of the TV. There was very little coverage about the event today, and an abundance of speculation about Molly. Who was she? Where did we meet? Why was she on a domestic trip with the king?
I groaned. I knew she would be photographed, but I underestimated the press’s interest in her. The fact that I scooped her up in a heroic gesture only fanned the flames.
Security knocked before entering with two phones.
“Kenley is on this one and Sutfcliffe on the other.”
“Thank you.”
Kenley was the go-to on royal damage control. I told Sutcliffe to hold the line a minute.
“Kenley, have you seen the headlines?”
“Yes. They are taking over social media. I’m afraid the entire country knows about Molly Washington’s trip into your arms, Your Majesty.”
Damn it. I closed my eyes. “Is there any way to extract more coverage on the olive groves? That’s the point of my being here. That needs to be the headline.”
“I can release a memo from the palace regarding the trip today. I’ll update all of our sites.”
“But that’s it?”
“Sir, I think you need to be prepared for the frenzy over Molly. You have never taken a companion on a trip. It was bound to cause questions. Her citizenship creates even more interest. Americans in Galona. You might as well have caught a unicorn.”
“I know. Sutcliffe mentioned it more than once.” He was still waiting for me on the other phone. “Do what you can, Kenley. Spin this away from Molly. The cabinet meeting is tomorrow. I need the votes.”
“Yes, sir. I will do everything I can.”
“Do more, Kenley.”
I hung up with her and pulled the Sutcliffe phone to my ear.
“Sutcliffe, I assume you know why I called.”
“Miss Washington, sir?”
He fucking knew why. He wanted me to admit I had been wrong to bring her. That wasn’t going to happen.
“Yes.” I clenched my jaw. “I thought it might take the press longer to show their interest in her, but it was escalated by one picture.”
“I saw it, sir.”
“Everyone has seen it,” I snarled. “Ayla is working with her now, but I need protocols in place when we return tomorrow.”
“I don’t understand, Your Highness, what type of protocols?”
“I can’t let her return to her apartment in the city without security. She won’t be able to go to the library. Her world has just been interrupted. I expect a solution when we return.”
“She’s an American citizen, sir. Maybe she should contact her embassy.”