I wasn’t doing this. Sutcliffe could fuck off. There wasn’t an argument he could present to make me back down. Tonight, Molly was going to be presented to the royals and to the Galonian government as the Royal Consort.
The position would entitle her to apartments in the palace. Behind closed doors, it was no one’s damned business where she slept.
“I appreciate your counsel, Sutcliffe. I know exactly where you stand.” I interrupted his incessant argument that I was breaking every royal protocol known to generations of kings. “But this is my decision. There will be a ball in the blue ball room tonight. If it’s too late notice for any of the members, they can read about the announcement tomorrow morning with the rest of the country.”
“Your Highness—”
“No.” I glared at him. “If there isn’t a loophole we can use, then we’re going to pave our own way. I appreciate your perspective on the institute my family represents, but I’ve made my decision.”
I rose, straightening my jacket. I looked at Molly, but she wasn’t paying attention. I wondered how much of my stance she had heard.
“Molly?”
“Yes?” Her head jerked upward.
“Let’s go.”
I held out my hand and led her away from the study. The staff carried on their usual tasks, but in about ten minutes they would find out we were hosting a ball. This place would come alive like a bee hive.
We turned down the corridor for the residence elevators.
“Are you ok?” I asked. She hadn’t spoken since the meeting.
The security officers opened the elevator for us. The doors closed.
“Molly, are you tired from the trip?” This morning we had awakened on the yacht, flew to Freychon, and completed an aggravating protocol meeting. Hell, I was tired.
“Royal Consort? What is that? Mistress or advisor?”
“I didn’t think you’d care what the title was as long as I made this work.”
“I don’t care about having a title at all.” She walked into the apartment. “I do care that people are going to hear ‘consort’ and think I’m the royal call girl.”
“You’re not.” I pressed my lips together. This was supposed to be settled.
“Why didn’t you mention Dominic’s past to me before?”
I ruffled my hair. “And give you more reason to run out of here?”
She looked startled. “I wouldn’t do that.”
“No? Isn’t that where we were last night? You were ready to quit before we even began.”
She sighed. “For completely different reasons. It’s not the same.”
“I can’t make this perfect for you, Molly. I’m trying my fucking best here. But this is my life. I’m the king of Galona. And I want you. I’m willing to break traditions and laws to make that happen. What are you willing to do?”
I saw the look of hurt flash across her eyes.
“What if we both sacrifice too much?” she whispered. “Is it supposed to be this hard?”
I wrapped my arms around her. “I’m ready to announce to the world that you are the king’s Royal Consort. To clear up any confusion, that means you’re my advisor.”
“Not a concubine?”
I chuckled. “No, love. Not a concubine.”
Her shoulders relaxed. “I’m sorry. The meeting freaked me out. Sutcliffe isn’t a fan of me.”