Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal 1)

Despite no media, the room is still full of security and staff.

The king and queen are talking with Frederick and Catherine. Ellie and Callum are eating pastries and laughing about something. No one looks sad or upset.

“We didn’t invite the press,” she continues. “This is a televised announcement, nothing more. So you won’t have to take questions.”

“There’s nothing to question,” Callum says as he joins us. “The decision’s been made, and that’s that. And if I might say, it’s the right one.”

“Thank you,” Sebastian says and sighs when Sarah walks away. “We’re interrupting morning tele. That’ll piss some people off.”

“It wouldn’t be a Monday morning if the royal family wasn’t pissing someone off,” Ellie says with a bright smile. She hugs me close. “How do you feel today?”

“Fantastic, actually. I didn’t drink anything yesterday, so no hangover for me. I’m a little tired, but nothing I can’t handle. And you?”

“The same.” She watches Sebastian with concerned blue eyes. “I’m a little worried about my brother.”

“Don’t be,” Sebastian insists and tugs gently on her ear. “I’m just fine. And in roughly an hour when I’m in the air on the way to Aruba, I’ll be even better.”

“We’re ready,” Sarah says, signaling to the cameraman. Nick and Charles stand in the corner, out of the range of the cameras. Harrison is talking with them about something.

I wonder how excited they are to be going to Aruba.

The king takes his place behind the podium with Sebastian standing just to his right and slightly behind him. The rest of us gather behind them, visible to the cameras. We all have pleasant smiles on our faces. Not too bright, but we also don’t look mournful.

No one has died.

“And we’re live in three, two…” She mouths “one” and points at His Majesty.

“Good morning,” the king begins. I can’t see his handsome face, but his body language is relaxed, and his voice is strong but calm. “We’ve interrupted your morning to make an announcement. As you know, my eldest son, Prince Sebastian, married Princess Nina yesterday. We are delighted to welcome her to the royal family.

“However, in light of her country of birth, marrying her means that Sebastian is no longer eligible to take his place as king in my absence.

“Sebastian has made the decision to abdicate his position as the next in line for the throne, passing that role on to my second son, Frederick.”

The king takes a breath, and I notice Sarah’s phone light up, going crazy, I’m sure, with requests for interviews with the royal family.

As a publicist, I can just picture the storm this will create.

“I would like to make it clear,” the king continues, “that my son Sebastian is not being thrown out of England. He will retain all of his titles and his place in the royal family.

“And now, I believe my son would like to make a formal statement.”

The king turns to Sebastian and shakes his hand, claps his shoulder, and then they exchange places with Sebastian stepping up to the podium.

“Good morning,” Sebastian begins. He may be nervous, but he’s hard as stone. There’s no tremor in his voice. No hesitation. “This decision was not an easy one for me. I would like to assure you that I’m not deserting my country or the people here that I love so dearly. There will be no change in my work, my duties, or my dedication to serving Great Britain to the best of my abilities.

“I’m certain that my brother Frederick will make a wonderful king when it’s time for him to do so. I have every confidence that both my father and my brother’s reigns will be ones our people will be proud of for many years to come.

“Thank you for all of the love and support you showed to my wife and me yesterday.”

Sebastian turns to me and holds out his hand for mine. I take it and step to him. He smiles at me, then turns back to the camera.

“We had an absolutely splendid day, and part of the reason for that is because we were able to share it with you. As always, the people of our country make me proud. I’m blessed to be your prince, to be a part of the royal family. I am deeply grateful for your support and love.”

He nods, Sarah signals for the cameras to stop, and we all sag a little in relief.

“It’s done,” Sebastian says.

“Do you have to sign papers or anything?” I ask.

“We did that last week,” he replies. “We knew we would be busy directly following the wedding.”

“Have a great honeymoon,” Frederick says, shaking Sebastian’s hand. He leans in to kiss my cheek. “Take care of him. He acts like this was no big deal, but it’s all show.”

“I will,” I promise. Catherine, Callum, and Ellie each take their turns saying goodbye. Finally, we’re left with just Sebastian’s parents.