Alex was firm. “No. No more of that. Once I take the throne, our lives will be even more hectic than before. We’ll both be pulled in sometimes opposite directions, and I don’t want us drifting apart from each other. You are not a bother, not ever. You’remy wife. You have every right to demand these things from me, to demand help, to demand whatever the fuck you need from me.”
She stepped into him and he felt a staggering sense of relief as she wrapped her arms around him, and his arms enveloped her in return.
She settled against his chest. “We need to find a way to resolve our differences so we’re both getting what we need, but I feel like we’re already losing each other.”
He tightened his arms around her. “Never, darling. You’ll never lose me. You are right though. I’ll do better with your parents, and I’ll do better listening to you and your concerns.”
“And I’ll do better sharing what I need and working together to find solutions. Should we speak to a counselor? Maybe the one that helped us after the baby? I think it might be helpful.”
“I like that idea.”
She glanced up at him. “Don’t get mad at Marcello for keeping the threats from you.”
“I’ll try, but I’m not promising anything.” He cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb over her lips. “If anything had happened to you…”
She put a hand over his. “I’m okay. I’m right here, and I’m safe in your arms. Besides, you’re the bigger target, especially once thecoronation is announced. I’m more worried about you than myself, to be honest.”
“Perhaps, darling.” His phone buzzed in his pocket, but he ignored it and glanced at a clock on the wall instead.
“I think we should prepare for the worst, and hope it won’t happen. After all, your parents have had many threats through the years, and we’ve managed to deal with those so far. We can only do so much.”
He rubbed his nose against hers. “That’s a good plan. But do you know what wasn’t a good plan?”
“What?”
“Making up with you when I don’t have time for makeup sex. I’ve got a meeting with my father I can’t skip.”
She smiled, then lifted up on her toes to kiss him. “Later then.”
“Later,” he murmured before giving her one last, long, lingering kiss.
ten
VALENTIA DAILY NEWS
BREAKING NEWS! KING GABRIEL TO ABDICATE!
In breaking news, His Majesty King Gabriel has announced his intention to abdicate, citing his health and ongoing heart issues as the main reason. In a speech to the Royal Council this morning, he confirmed the rumours that had been swirling for some time, but which ramped up after the death of Her Royal Majesty Princess Victoria.
“It’s time to let a younger generation lead the monarchy, to bring fresh ideas and perspectives, and to infuse their energy into Valleria’s future,” the King said. “I have been honoured to be your king and leader for nearly forty years, and I have no doubt that Alexander is more than up to the task.”
His Royal Highness Prince Alexander will assume the throne and become king in a much more economical ceremony than we’ve seen from recent monarchs across the globe. While some traditions will be maintained, others will be updated for a modern era or put to rest. More details about the ceremony will be released at a later date,but the palace did confirm that the day of the ceremony would be a bank holiday.
“I am honoured to become your king later this year,” Prince Alexander said in a statement following the King’s announcement. “It is my goal to help usher Valleria into a more prosperous era, building on the framework of previous leaders, to make Valleria an even more inclusive, welcoming, and wealthy place for all, including for our middle class. I do not take my job lightly, and I know it won’t be easy, but I hope we can all work together to achieve greatness. Long Live Valleria!”
Prince Alexander also announced that prior to the abdication and coronation ceremonies, he and Princess Rebecca will be making a diplomatic visit to the United States. Though they have stepped in for the current King and Queen in various diplomatic capacities in the past, this will be a true test for the future rulers. Their Highnesses are expected to make stops in New York City for the All Nations General Assembly meeting, Washington, D.C., to meet with the president and attend a state dinner in their honour, and Los Angeles. Throughout the trip, they plan to meet with several charities and workers in various industries, particularly healthcare, and discuss initiatives for veterans. More details about the tour will be released in the coming days.
ALEXANDER
Alex was fumingas he and his brothers entered his office. “I can’t fucking believe this.” Barely a day after the announcement, the Council was already trying to delay or cancel the coronation all together.
“Can’t you?” Nate asked as he took a seat. “It seems exactly the sort of thing the Council would do.”
Alex shook his head as he paced. “I knew they’d try something,but this is some bullshit.” Several Council members had banded together to release a statement that the coronation was being bungled, that the Council should take over planning, and that it should be delayed to ‘put the full glory of Valleria on display’.
Lies, all of them. And the ‘glory of Valleria’ was simply a ploy to empty the bank accounts for a lavish coronation that would be out of touch with most Vallerians. People were struggling, and the monarchy should not be displaying its wealth, it should be distributing it to the people who needed it.
Marcello leaned against the table. “What do you need?”
