“The nanny, my love. The nanny. Are you sure?”
There is no hiding the hope in his eyes.
“No. I’m not. Not even a little. But I know you’re right thatwe need a new nanny and Charlotte feels like the perfect fit. She reminds me of me.”
“Oh great,” he deadpans. “Does that mean she’s going to mouth off to me?”
“A nicer version of me,” I amend. “And no sleeping with this one.”
He rolls his eyes, making sure I see him do it, and his lips slip to my neck. “Only ever you.”
“Excellent. I’m holding you to that. So do you want to tell her or should I?”
“We’ll do it together,” he says and pauses, a smile lighting his handsome face. A real smile. “We’re hiring a new nanny.”
“I know.” I just hope she can help us fix what seems to want to break.
26
BELLAMY
Over the next few days, background checks are done, and my old bedroom is turned into Charlotte’s. It’s a weird feeling. Very bittersweet. I know I’m married to Sebastian. I know I’m the queen. I’ve even felt like one on occasion.
But when we’re in the palace, I just feel like Bellamy. No title. No heirs.
This feels like the final piece, the last transition, and now I have no choice but to be queen and all that comes with that. My heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of excitement and lingering guilt that refuses to be silenced.
“Are you ready to welcome our new nanny?” Sebastian asks, sensing my unease. His eyes are full of understanding, and I take comfort in that.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I reply, offering him a small smile before stepping outside to greet Charlotte.
“Bonjour!” she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she steps out of her car. “I’m so excited to start this new adventure with your family.”
“Welcome, Charlotte,” Sebastian greets her warmly.
“Yes. Welcome. Would you like to see your new room?” I ask, trying to push my guilt aside.
“I’d love that. Thank you.” I lead her inside and up to her room along with Emily and one of the attendants carrying her luggage. Emily goes over the basics of the palace with her, and I linger by the door.
“You can come in,” Charlotte tells me once Emily leaves us. “Keep me company while I unpack. I had two roommates in Paris, so I’m used to having people around at all times.”
Hesitantly, I enter, leaning against the wall and watching her unpack a small suitcase filled with books, games, and toys for the children. She talks animatedly about her plans for their education and activities, and I find myself drawn to her passion and dedication. It also renews my guilt, but in a different way.
I was never this sort of nanny.
I mean, I was dedicated. I played with the children. I read with them and did homework with Phaedra, but Charlotte is already a way better nanny than I was, and she hasn’t even officially started yet. Still, I’m glad she’s the new nanny if this is how she’s going to be with them.
Then again, she chose to take this position whereas I was essentially forced.
“Your love for teaching really shines through,” I tell her, genuinely impressed. “I think the children will benefit greatly from having you here.”
“Thank you,” she replies, her cheeks flushing. “And I’m glad to be here, not just for the children, but for you as well. I can see how much you care about them, and I promise to do everything I can to support you.”
Her words hit me deeply, and at this moment, I know I made the right decision. My guilt begins to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of friendship. We spend the rest of the afternoon sharing stories and laughing, and by the time supper hascome and gone and night takes over, Charlotte feels like a natural addition to our family.
As I lie in bed, my thoughts drift back to the day’s events. Despite my initial reservations, I can’t deny the positive impact Charlotte is already having on our lives. She brought with her an infectious energy and warmth that I didn’t realize we were missing, and I find myself looking forward to the days ahead.
In the darkness, Sebastian finds me, curling his body around mine and intertwining our fingers. Once again, it’s the first time he’s initiated contact with me since the hospital. I don’t know if he’s simply afraid to touch me after the scare or if he wants to keep his distance for other reasons I’m trying very hard not to think about.
