“Or if Duncan decides to get back at Dad. I can’t lose the shot with FluxFuel, because Fen, I don’t think I’m getting many more.”
It’s something I’ve kept to myself for a while.
I’m not getting the sponsorships. It’s as simple as that. Better drivers, younger drivers, drivers who don’t argue with the crew boss because he thinks he knows best.
Drivers who don’t take out one of their own team because of a pissy mood.
“You don’t know that.”
“I kind of do. I lost the gig with Red Bull. There aren’t any other cars waiting for me to drive them.” Or crash them. “And there’s not a line of career choices waiting for me. You got lucky here, Fen. I’m not lucky.”
“I thought Milo had something for you.”
“They gave it to Leon Bates yesterday.”
Fenella doesn’t say anything, just presses my hand. We’re here for each other, because really, no one else is. But it’s never been said in words.
Words can be misconstrued. Words can bea weakness.
“I’m not like you,” I say in a quiet voice. “I can’t re-create myself or some tiny town like you. You’re like the good girl here, and I… I’m not. I never have been.”
The words hang in the quiet space, and I wish with all my heart Fenella would argue the fact.
But she doesn’t. Along with having my back, my sister never lies to me, or tries to fluff the truth to make me feel better.
“Ash…” The pity in her voice is new and doesn’t make me feel better at all.
“I need to do whatever it takes to make sure Sophie does not take this to the next level,” I say in a firm voice reminiscent of my father. I hate the sound of it. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
9
Sophie
Thenextmorning,Imove into the castle.
I have two broken toes, no concussion, and I don’t like all the fuss being made over me. Nor do I need it. My father escorts me to what had been Lady Camille’s rooms when she came here from Saint Pierre to marry Prince Odin. The fireplace warms both the bedroom and the sitting room, and it’s already three-alarm blazing. There’s a pot of tea on the table, as well as a fruit basket and a tin of cookies.
This is the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in.
Dad helps me to the couch before the fire, asking me four times if I want to lay down in the bedroom.
I don’t. I’ve been laying down for two days, and even though my foot aches whenever I put weight on it, it’s nice to be upright again.
Mrs. Theissen, the chief house manager of the castle, follows us in, and shows me where everything is. I remember her from when I was a kid, and she seriously hasn’t changed at all save a few gray hairs tucked into her neat chignon.
But the attention from them is nothing compared to Stella.
For the next two days, my sister doesn’t leave my side.
She all but moves into the castle with me; not a big move since she often stays here with Gunnar, but this time she stays in my room.
I’m glad to have her because we haven’t spent this much time together in awhile, and I honestly need the help learning how to use the crutches. It’s surprising how much you need a healthy foot.
But by the end of the second day, I’ve got the hang of it, and Stella’s temper is thin. That might have a lot to do with the constant visitors—the princes, Gunnar, Kalle and Bo, stop by, along with Princess Hettie and little Princess Tema, and Kalle’s fiancée, Edie. Fenella and Silas personally deliver my morning coffee, and Kate comes by whenever she takes a break. Lyra and Spencer show up together and separately, and Dad comes by morning, noon and night.
All six of the Castle Cats pay me a visit, followed by Ajax filming Freddy and Jon for a TikTok.
The only regulars at the castle I don’t see is King Magnus and Ashton. Not that he’s a regular, but I know he’s still here because Fenella—who apologizes for him—and Lyra and Kate all tell me he’s still here.
