“No one knows?”
He shook his head. “He dropped dead after a morning swim in the pool. He was rushed to the hospital, but they were never able to revive him.”
“Oh my God, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. It was the worst day of my life, but the day that has defined me as a man.”
“And that’s how you became king?”
“It is. I was sworn in that afternoon and coronated a month later. I started running the country at twenty-seven and didn’t have a fucking clue what I was doing.”
“Galona is an incredible country, Damon. Your family must be proud. The circumstances that led to your ascension make it even more impressive.” I was awed by him. I was twenty-seven and didn’t know the first thing about running a country. What would I have done in his position? Could Isabel have ruled the same way? What about his other brothers?
He waved me off. “My reign has been about finding a balance between the antiquated way my father did things and the reality of living in a modern society. I’m done with royal shackles. If I want my girlfriend to move in, she should be able to move in. I don’t care about Sutcliffe’s list of rules. That’s the part of the crown I despise.”
“So I’m a political statement against the old ways and customs?”
“In some ways, yes. You are. And even that pisses me off.”
“But on the ship, we can do whatever we want? No rules. No politics.”
He nodded. “Everything we want.”
“Can we go back to the room?” I asked.
“I’ll have them bring us dessert.”
I smiled as he led me away from the table. “But you had your dessert before dinner.”
He chuckled. “I think I’m going to have some more.”
Twenty-Seven
Damon
I squeezed Molly’s hand when we drove through the palace tunnel. I didn’t know what was in store for us, but I was determined not to let her slip away because of tradition. A modern monarchy was essential now more than ever.
“I can’t believe this is where I’m going to live.” She looked up at the towers surrounding us.
The car slowed. Georgan parked just outside the entrance.
“It is.”
As soon as we were inside the palace, Sutcliffe met us in the foyer.
“Your Majesty.” He bowed.
“I’m headed to the residence to change. We can meet in a few minutes,” I explained.
“The royal study, sir?”
“That will be fine.” I tugged Molly along behind me into the elevators.
“He didn’t look happy.” She turned to me.
I shook my head. “He never is. Part of his job I’m afraid. I give him problems and he has to provide solutions.” I brushed the hair from her shoulder. “I thought about the meeting on the flight home and I’d like for you to attend.”
Her eyes widened. The bits of blue swirled with confusion. “The meeting with Sutcliffe? Right now?”