Graham liked Kuni…but he loved royalty. She was just the bridge, leading him where he really wanted to go. If the king had his way, Mechtilda would marry the Duke of Cambridge—but perhaps not before she stole a commoner’s heart.
His bright eyes latched on to hers. “You are utterly the best. Thank you again.”
She nodded and took another bite of toast to keep from saying something she shouldn’t.
The meeting was months in the future. It wasn’t even scheduled yet. And already, she could see exactly how it would go.
Maybe Kuni should wait out in the coach.
Graham was never going to have a royal title through blood…butmarryinginto royalty was second best.
If Kuni could do it, why wouldn’t he want to try, too? Princess Mechtilda dreamed of marrying for love. Graham was undeniably lovable. Kuni would not put it past Mechtilda to take one look at this handsome, charming, mischievous commoner and abdicate her crown to follow her heart.
Just as Graham had always imagined.
Kuni gulped her tea and wished it were strongjeneverfrom back home.
It was silly to be jealous. Even if Mechtilda wanted to run away with Graham—which she might—Kuni had no claim on him. It shouldn’t matter who he did or did not marry.
There would be no time to think about him. She would be very, very busy as a Balcovian Royal Guard. Too busy to even recall the long ago time she’d sailed to England. Busy protecting Mechtilda, as the king ordered. There would be no running off to elope on Kuni’s watch.
A sudden flurry caught her eye.
Chloe dashed into the dining room in a dripping bonnet and pelisse. The duchess was pink-cheeked and out of breath.
Thank God.Something to talk about besides Graham and Princess Mechtilda.
Kuni hoped it was another case. She was ready to climb the walls herself.
“It’s today.” Chloe clasped her hands to her chest and gave a little twirl. “Mr. York has the floor to present our petition to the House of Commons tonight!”
Hoots and huzzahs erupted from all around the dining room, princesses apparently forgotten…for the moment.
“Finally.”Elizabeth sagged back in her seat and pushed away her empty plate. “How I hated waiting for news.”
Tommy twined her fingers with Philippa, who looked deservedly proud of her father.
“You’ve coached him on what to say?” Graham asked.
“Only a hundred times. They could appoint someonetodayto draft the new law.” Chloe’s eyes shone. “I’ll be right there to watch it happen. Who’s coming with me? The carriage is ready and waiting.”
“Er…” Elizabeth looked around the table.
Graham glanced at his pocket watch. “Now?Parliament won’t begin for another five hours.”
“There’s no dedicated seating for women,” Chloe replied. “After I convene with the men, the ladies and I must save our places!”
“Literally no one will be waiting in that attic a second earlier than absolutely necessary,” Tommy said dryly.
“Come on,” Chloe begged. “I know you’re as excited as I am. Who wants to watch the fruits of our labor unfold before our eyes?”
Silence fell. The siblings gazed at their empty plates as though wishing they still had the excuse of eggs and kippers. They sent shifty-eyed looks at each other, then all spoke at once.
“My swollen joints won’t let me climb that many stairs.”
“YouknowI hate that attic. I told you I’d never choke on that dreadful chandelier smoke again. It’s hot and cramped and uncomfortable, and they gab on until four in the morning.”
“I have to reshelve all the books in the library.”
