I force what I hope is a convincing smile. “Of course, Your Highness. Just a bit tired from the night shift. What can I do for you?”
As Charlie enters the office, I frantically try to smooth down my hair and straighten my uniform. God, I probably have ink on my face or something equally mortifying. Why couldn’t it have been literally anyone else who walked in?
I clear my throat, desperately grasping for some semblance of professionalism. “Did you need an update on security protocols for the upcoming gala?”
Charlie settles into the chair across from my desk, studying me with those piercing green eyes that manage to see right through my bullshit. I resist the urge to squirm like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
“Actually,” he says slowly, “I wanted to discuss that rather interesting article in last week’s paper…”
Oh shit. This is it. I’m about to get fired or be exiled to some remote outpost guarding goats or something. I open my mouth, ready to launch into damage control mode, when Charlie holds up a hand.
“Relax, Zeke. You’re not in trouble. But I think we need to chat about how to handle this situation. For both your sake and Benedict’s.”
I sink back into my chair, relief washing over me even as anxiety still gnaws at my insides. Whatever happens next, at least I’m not getting the boot. Yet.
Charlie leans forward, his expression softening. “Look, I get it. I’ve been in your shoes, sort of. When I first started dating Kris, the media went absolutely crazy. American Commoner Steals Prince’s Heart! headlined every tabloid from here to Timbuktu.”
I chuckle, remembering those headlines. “Yeah, they had a field day with that one. I think my favorite was Royal Romeo Finds His Yankee Julio.”
“Oh God, don’t remind me.” Charlie groans, but there’s a twinkle in his eye. “Point is, I know what it’s like to suddenly have your private life splashed across every newspaper and gossip site. It’s overwhelming, to say the least.”
His words hit home, and I feel a knot in my chest loosen slightly. “How did you handle it?” I ask, genuinely curious. “I mean, Benedict’s already talking about leaving Lydovia. I can’t blame him, but…” I trail off, not wanting to admit how much the thought of him leaving hurts.
Charlie nods, understanding written all over his face. “It’s not easy, but here’s the thing about being part of the royal circle—we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves when it comes to the press.”
I lean forward, intrigued. “What do you mean?”
“Well,” Charlie says, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, “let’s just say we have ways of…redirecting attention. Creating more interesting stories for the vultures to chase after.”
My mind races with possibilities. Could we really throw the press off Benedict’s scent? Give him the peace and privacy he deserves?
“So you’re saying we could make this whole thing…disappear?” I ask, hardly daring to hope.
Charlie winks. “Not disappear, exactly. But we can certainly make it old news very quickly. Trust me, by this time next week, no one will care about some media prince and a guard because they’ll be busy speculating about, oh, I don’t know, Prince Kristoff’s secret passion for competitive llama racing or something equally ridiculous.”
I burst out laughing, relief and excitement bubbling inside me. “Your husband is going to kill you for that one.”
“Eh, he owes me.” Charlie shrugs, still grinning. “The point is, Zeke, we can handle this. Benedict doesn’t have to leave. You two can have a chance to figure things out without the whole kingdom watching your every move.”
For the first time since that damned article came out, I feel like I can breathe again. Maybe, just maybe, this isn’t the end of the world after all.
I lean forward, clasping Charlie’s hand in both of mine. “Prince Charlie, I…I don’t know how to thank you. This means more than you know.”
Charlie’s blue eyes sparkle with warmth as he squeezes my hand. “That’s what friends are for, Zeke. What am I doing as a prince if not facilitating some happily ever afters, huh?”
We share a laugh, and I’m struck by how lucky I am to have Charlie in my corner. He may be royalty, but he’s also a genuinely good guy.
“Seriously though,” I say, “you’re a lifesaver. I owe you big time.”
Charlie waves me off. “Consider us even for all those times you’ve kept me safe out there. Now, shouldn’t you be somewhere? Perhaps checking in on a certain American visitor?”
“You’re right,” I say, jumping to my feet. “I should go. But first…”
I dash to my locker, rummaging through until I find what I’m looking for—a slightly squashed box of apple cinnamon donuts that I bought this morning but haven’t had the heart to eat because they remind me too much of Benedict, and right now, they feel like the perfect peace offering.
As I head for the door, Charlie calls out, “Go get him, tiger!”
I turn back, grinning. “Thanks, Prince. For everything.”
