“If you’re busy, I can—”
“No. What is it?”
“The girls are asking for—well, they’re asking if I can take them shopping.”
“Shopping?” This was new.
“They want new dresses for an event at their school, and I’d love to take them shopping.” She came into the office and hesitated at the edge of the desk, her cheeks a shade of pink that Armin found himself instantly obsessed with. Katie searched his face. “You know, we can really talk about this another time. I can see your mind is occupied.”
“My mind is occupied,” he admitted. Katie raised her eyebrows. “But if you’d like to take the girls shopping, feel free.”
“How is it occupied?” she asked.
“It’s just…political nonsense.” It was utter nonsense. There was no better way to describe it. “None of your concern. Nothing that will affect the girls.”
“What kind of political nonsense?” He saw the care in her eyes, the way she was tiptoeing toward that line that separated them, as royalty and staff.
He met her eyes. “An unflattering article in The Defender. Spreading more rumors about my family—claiming that someone in the royal family has been hiding a secret love child.”
She narrowed her eyes. “What will you do?”
“My publicist is telling me that I should engage. Flex the muscles of the monarchy and shut whoever this is down.”
Katie was already shaking her head. “I disagree.”
He let loose a laugh. “Do you?”
“Don’t ignore it. But…give me a day. Stay quiet, don’t respond, and I’ll bring you something.”
Katie turned on her heel and left, not waiting for him to say another word.
As soon as she was gone, Valentina came back into the room, shooting a glance over her shoulder. “The staff is getting a bit out of hand, isn’t it?”
He ignored the question completely.
Because the truth was, Armin was desperately intrigued.
“Ready? We’ll go in, show Prince Armin your new dresses, and head off to school.”
It was early yet, but Armin was already in his office for the day. Lily and Seraphine each held one of her hands, beaming at the new dresses they wore. Lily’s dress was blush pink, and Seraphine wore a darker shade, closer to a dusky rose. Katie had brought their school things with them and set them on a table nearby the door.
“Let’s go, let’s go.” Lily rocked up on her heels, her smile bright as the dawn.
Katie released her hand and knocked on the door. “Prince Armin? It’s us.”
“Come in,” he called back right away, and when she opened the door he was already smiling. As the three of them came into the room, he clapped a hand to his mouth in faux surprise. “Who are these beautiful creatures? What’s happened to my daughters?”
The girls giggled, basking in the attention.
“Show him, then.”
“We got new dresses!” cried Seraphine, and both of the girls did a little twirl.
“Beautiful,” Armin said, coming out from behind his desk and kissing them both on the crown of the head, one after the other. “You’ll look wonderful at school today.” He made a show of checking his watch. “But hurry, or else you’ll be late.”
Both girls stepped forward without Katie saying a word and gave him a quick little embrace. Armin’s face lit up. And then the girls, excited to show off their new clothes, were tearing for the door.
Katie had to go after them. But first, she pulled a folded piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to Armin. “A press release.” Out in the hall, she could hear the girls getting their satchels, but she couldn’t resist watching as Armin