Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

“She is getting dressed, sir.”

I hadn’t seen Molly since the morning meeting. I was sure she had been briefed on the vote, but I wanted to talk to her about it.

“What is the order of events, Sutcliffe?”

“The royal family will be introduced. Your arrival will be announced, followed by the presentation of your mother.”

“She’s here?” I was stunned.

“Of course.” He flicked his mustache.

She hadn’t made an official royal appearance in months. If there was one person Ayla couldn’t prepare Molly for, it was my mother. Damn it.

“Then Molly will be introduced?”

He nodded. “Yes. First to the government. She will go through cabinet introductions, and then to the opposite side of the ball room to meet the royal family.”

“Standard,” I muttered.

“It is, sir. Except that we are doing this for a woman no one knows.”

“And that bothers you, doesn’t it?” I straightened my cufflinks one last time. I only had a few minutes before I needed to be downstairs.

Sutcliffe pressed his lips together.

“You may speak freely. What is it about Molly that you don’t like?”

“I am to speak freely?”

“Yes.” I didn’t have time for this, especially if he was going to make me repeat myself.

“I’m not the only member of the palace household who knows where she came from.”

“You have something against Americans?” I questioned. I didn’t need political issues along with family ones.

“No, Your Highness. I’m talking about The Titan.”

My eyes darted across the room. “The Titan?”

He folded his hands behind his back. “A woman who would participate in the gala is not someone I would choose to be our next queen.”

“Queen?” What the fuck was he talking about?

“You’ve moved her into the palace, given her a title, and tonight she meets the entire royal family and every member of government. Do you not want to marry her?”

I balled my fists at my side. “That’s none of your damn business.”

“It is my business. I am a citizen of Galona. I serve the crown. And if that gold digging harlot thinks she has the right to rule next to you, I’m going to have a say.”

“Is that so?” I arched my eyebrows.

“Your Majesty, you asked me to speak freely.” He wasn’t backing down. There wasn’t an ounce of fear in his eyes.

“I did.” I walked toward the bedroom door. I turned before I exited. “You are the last of my father’s advisors.”

“I am, sir.”

My eyes set on him. “Did you ever question his decisions as you have mine?”