“Then what’s the issue?”
I sighed. “The issue is that somehow, it leaked to the press that I’d pushed for Sophie, and now some of the newspapers are making a big deal about it. They’re saying that I’m bulldozing my way through the Palace, trying to change the status quo. That’s bad enough, but what’s really getting all the staff in a tizzy is the idea that there’s a leak. They’ve been asking me who I’m talking to and insinuating that maybe I’m the one letting this out into the media. Which I’m not. I haven’t told anyone about that meeting, the one where I said I wanted Sophie. Well, I told Nicky, and now I’ve told you, but no one else.”
“And it’s highly unlikely that Nicky would be the leak.” Shelby was quiet for a moment. “So if it’s not you, it’s got to be within the Palace itself, right? Someone working there?”
I paused, casting my eyes up to the ceiling. “That seems like the obvious answer, and let’s face it, it’s not as though things like this haven’t gotten out to the press before. I don’t think anyone is delusional enough to believe that it’s an air-tight ship over there.”
“But you still feel as though this falls on you?”
I bit my lip and glanced beyond my open doorway into the corridor. It was quiet; everyone was either working or at lunch. Still, it was better to be safe than sorry, so I dropped my feet to the floor and jumped up, shutting the door quietly.
“One of the guys in the Palace press office made a remark about Honey Bee, basically insinuating that it must be someone here at the office giving away information to the media. Actually, he went a step further and said maybe it’s someone selling insider info. I told him that he was way off base, that no one who works for Honey Bee would do that, but I don’t think he believed me.”
“That’s a shitty thing to say to you.” Shelby was pissed; I could hear it in her tone. “Can’t Nicky ... I don’t know, have him fired or something? Maybe lock him up in the dungeon?”
I knew she was joking to try to make me feel better, and I smiled as I perched on the edge of my desk. “I’ve suggested it, but he claims they don’t do such things anymore. I mean, what’s the use of getting hooked up with the Royal Family if they’re not going to help me destroy my enemies, right?”
“I thought you’d at least have access to the guillotine for situations just like this,” Shelby agreed. “What’s the world coming to when the Royal Family can’t banish its enemies?”
“Let’s just hope no one’s recording this conversation,” I mused. “Can you just see the headlines?Soon to be royal wants a return to beheading.That’s just what I need.”
“Yeah, well ... if anyone’s listening out there, the CIA or MI6 or whoever, this was all just two girlfriends joking, okay? We have no desire to separate anyone from his head or even to toss him into the dungeon. It’s all in good fun.”
“I’m sure they’re mighty relieved and even now calling off the agents they were sending to take me out.” I swung my legs idly. “Let’s hope so, anyway.”
“If you get into trouble, text me and I’ll send in the cavalry. Meanwhile, though, I have to get to work, or Cabe won’t be happy with me.”
“Oh,Cabe, is it? Is that ... oh, what was his name, Dr. Mallar? He’s your supervisor?” I felt a twinge of guilt. At the time Shelby had been gearing up for her internship in New Mexico, I’d been wholly absorbed in my move to England. I’d only realized later that maybe I hadn’t been a very attentive friend for quite a while.
“He’s ...” She hesitated. “He’s the project leader.”
I wasn’t entirely familiar with all the details of how Shelby’s program worked. “Does everyone work closely with him? Or is that just you?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Her voice was defensive.
“Nothing.” I wished I could unsay the words. “I was just curious about what you’re doing, and—dammit, Shel, I’m trying to be a better friend here. I was just thinking that I suck. I haven’t come to see you, I haven’t even texted you weekly to find out how the hell you’re doing out there. Orwhatyou’re doing. I feel like I’ve been a shitty friend, and I’m trying fix that.”
For the space of several heartbeats, I heard nothing from the other side of the phone, and then Shelby spoke slowly. “Sometimes I don’t feel as though I can tell you what’s going on with me anymore, Kyra, because my life is ... ordinary. I’m a regular person, and it feels like you’re not. Your problems are so much bigger—you’re worried about things leaking to the press and meeting the Queen and which famous people are going to attend your wedding, and meanwhile, I’m worried about whether or not this new strain of hybrid pepper seed will actually sprout. I’m worried about this experience translating into a job in the real world afterwards.” She took a deep breath. “And I’m worried about how the other interns think of me, because I’m sleeping with our boss.”
I swallowed as her words washed over me. On some level, I’d suspected this truth for a while; Shelby had been cagey and evasive when it came to her supervisor. But I’d hoped that I was wrong.
“Oh, Shel,” I breathed. “Is this ... is it a good thing? Or—I mean, I know you’re a smart woman and you know what you’re doing, but is this serious? Are you both on the same page about where you’re heading?”
“I don’t know, Ky. God, I wish I did, but right now, it’s all screwed up, and I’m not thinking clearly.” She gave a little cough, and I wondered if it was to disguise a sob. “Listen, I do want to talk to you more, but I legit have to go now, because if I’m late, it just complicates everything.”
“All right, but let’s make a date to catch up, all right?” I reached for the tablet on my desk. “Tell me when, and I’ll put it in my schedule.”
“I’ll have to look and text you.” She was anxious to get off the phone, and that only notched up my worry. “I promise I’m okay, Ky. You—you hang in there, okay? Figure out the leak situation and try to enjoy the fun stuff. Oh, and my love to Nicky, all right? Tell him to take care of my girl.”
“I will—and Shel, don’t forget to text me. I’m serious. If I don’t hear from you, I’m blowing off all the people here and flying to New Mexico. Don’t test me, woman. You know I’ll do it.”
“Okay, Ky. Got it. Love you—bye.” And she was gone.
For a few moments, I sat there on the edge of my desk, holding my phone, filled with unease and worry. Being royal—or almost royal—was hard, but talking with Shelby, I was reminded that no one was immune from trouble.
“LEGS TOGETHER, SWING THEM OUT. Lips relaxed. Hello, thank you so much for inviting us. I’m so glad to be here.”
Next to me, in the back seat of the gray sedan, Nicky smirked. “Do you think that’s going to help? I’m beginning to think I should have made you a cheat sheet. Or maybe we should have written it out on your hand, like kids do in school.”
