Frederick frowned. ‘I thought she worked in the palace kitchens.’
‘She does. That’s where I met her. I went down there to sort out how it all works—whether I am supposed to shop, or food is delivered, how and where and when I can cook Amil’s food... Anyway, Gloria was really helpful.’
Which had made a novel change from every other staff member.
‘She only joined the staff recently, but obviously she has been security vetted.’
‘So she used to be a nanny?’
‘No.’
‘All the people on my list have been trained as a nanny—they have extensive qualifications and experience.’
‘So does Gloria—she has four grown-up children. And, most important, Amil loves her already.’
‘Amil needs a proper nanny.’
Frustrated anger rolled over her in a tidal wave—a culmination of being patronised all week and a need to make her own presence felt in a world she didn’t fit into. Again.
‘Will you get your royal head out of your royal behind? Gloria will be a proper nanny. She knows how to keep him safe and she knows how to provide love and security and fun. She makes him laugh, but she will also make sure he listens. At least agree to meet her and see her with Amil.’
‘As long as you agree to meet two people from the list. Then we will make the decision.’
‘Deal. You’ll like Gloria—I’m sure you will. She is kind and she’s down to earth and she’s fun. Fun is important.’ Something Frederick seemed to have forgotten. ‘You must remember that—you used to be the Prince of Fun.’
‘That was a long time ago.’ His tone implied a lifetime rather than mere months.
‘Do you miss it? That lifestyle?’
When there had been a different woman in his bed whenever he wanted, and all he’d had to worry about was where the next bottle of champagne was coming from.
‘That life feels like it belonged to someone else. So, no, I don’t miss it.’
‘I know what you mean. My life before Amil seems surreal sometimes, but there are parts of it that I want to retain—I still love clothes, I’m still Sunita.’
Whereas the Frederick of before—apart from the occasional glimpse—seemed to have vanished completely, remorselessly filtered out by grief and the weight of a crown.
‘I know that you have taken on a huge responsibility, and of course you need to take that seriously. But there are aspects of the old Frederick that you should keep. The ability to have fun, to laugh and make others laugh.’
‘I’ve had my quota of fun.’ He rose to his feet. ‘I have a meeting with Marcus now, so...’
‘You have to go.’
Sunita bit her lip, told herself it didn’t matter. W
hy should it? Their marriage was an alliance made for Amil’s sake—any desire for his company was both ridiculous and clearly unreciprocated.
‘Don’t forget about tomorrow. We have a family day out scheduled.’
‘It’s in the diary.’ He looked down at her. ‘You are sure you don’t want to tell me where we’re going?’
‘Nope. It’s a surprise.’
It was an idea she knew the press would love—the fiancée taking her Prince to a surprise destination with their son. A way of emphasising to the people that their Prince and his Princess-to-be had changed and their party lifestyle was well and truly over.
She smiled at him. ‘It will be fun.’
For a moment she thought he would return the smile, but instead he merely nodded. ‘Goodnight, Sunita.’