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 me.”
“You’re not coming home?”
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 everyone 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.
“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 love it. 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.
“Probably.”
“Then, yes. I’d love to go.”
I grinned. “Thank, God. I thought you were going to turn me down.”
She laughed. “I would like to kick these movers out of the apartment.”
“Soon. They’ll be gone and you’ll have your own place.”
“You know I never really wanted my own place.”
“I know. I’m sorry. But we can hang out tonight and we’ll make some plans. You can come to the palace anytime. I’m going to have my own apartment here.”
“Holy shit.”
I looked up with the elevator dinged. Ayla walked into the suites.
“Brooklyn, I have to go, but I’ll make sure you have all the details and an invitation. And a car.” I smiled. If I was dating the king, I could send a car.
“Wow. You can do that?”
I wasn’t completely sure, but I thought it was worth trying. Sutcliffe would go crazy. I decided I’d try to flex my muscle with him a little.