“Aha!” Lilly points at me. “So you admit it, you kicked her.”
“Jesus fucking Christ,” I mutter as I turn back toward my window.
ChapterSeven
LILLY
SOON-TO-BE PRINCE, STIFF AS THEY COME
At one of their first outings since becoming an engaged couple, Princess Lilija and Keller Fitzwilliam visited one of the local playschools. Princess Lilija, eager to embrace a greater understanding of the Torskethorpian playschool system, shined like the day we first met her. Wearing a monochromatic matching trouser and turtleneck, she represented Torskethorpe royalty with heartfelt interest and a genuine smile. As for our soon-to-be prince? Well, let’s just say he was stiffer than a dead cod dried up on the shore. Visibly uncomfortable, he struggled to keep seated in front of the children while Princess Lilija read them a story. Attendees said he was casually moving a little girl away from him until he fully booted her into another student and then fell to the ground, faking an injury. The tumble to the ground led the imminent monarch to split his pants in front of the children, offering a view of black briefs. The student was okay, and there was no harm done other than the less-than-welcoming groom’s image . . . and questions about what underwear he wears. High bets are on Calvin Kleins. Residents are worried. Is this the prince we should expect, or was it just a tragic first appearance? Only time will tell.
I wince as I close the article on my phone.
Pretty sure my hydration story would have been a hell of a lot better than that.
And for the record . . . they are Calvin Kleins. Great detective work, people of Torskethorpe.
“Your Highness? King Theo will see you now.”
I glance up at the footman and nod before walking through the open door to Theo’s private office.
Sitting at his desk, looking over articles himself, he appears to be stressed as he pulls at his gray hair, his eyes scrolling over a piece of paper.
When he spots me approaching, he looks up and sets the paper down on his large white oak desk.
“Lilija,” he says as he stands and moves around his desk. He pulls me into a warm hug and presses a kiss to the top of my head. It’s like that with every greeting. No matter what the situation, even if he just saw me moments ago, he always greets me with a hug and a kiss. I think it’s because he’s making up for lost time . . . that and he’s a very loving man. “Please have a seat.” He gestures toward the sitting area.
“I’m going to assume you saw the articles about Keller,” I say.
Theo’s lips thin as his brows draw down into a frown. “I did, unfortunately. They did not paint him in a good light. Have you spoken to him?”
I shake my head. “He was working out this morning and then had a meeting with Ottar and some of the staff about safety around the palace.”
“Hmm.” He smooths his hand over his cheek. “I’m sure he’s seen this, and he’s avoiding it. That would be his initial reaction. Ignore it and that means it didn’t happen.”
“That would be Keller,” I say just as a staff member knocks on the door.
“Come in,” Theo calls out.
The door opens, and a cart is rolled into the room with tea and fruit.
The staff member sets the tray between us and then pours us both some tea before leaving.
“You know, I’ve spoken with Gothi Elias,” Theo says, his voice concerned. “He’s expressed worry about your sessions. You haven’t fully finished one yet, and Keller seems agitated and jumpy, not willing to talk, not willing to participate.”
I heavily sigh as I attempt to hold back my emotions, because even though I’ve spoken to Keller about our sessions and the wedding planning, it hasn’t eased the anguish I carry in my heart. With each passing day, he’s growing more and more agitated, and we’re growing further and further apart. Even with the whole incident at the school, I tried to lighten the mood with some fun banter, something I’ve done in the past, but he just turned away. Before all of this, he would have pulled me to the side, threatened me with a good time in the bedroom for my mouthy ways, and it would have been amazing. Instead, he went back to his room, leaving me feeling lonelier than ever.
“It hasn’t been easy . . . or fun for that matter.” I pick up one of the napkins and dab at my eyes. “Sorry, I don’t mean to get emotional, it’s just been . . . it’s been hard recently.”
“Lilija,” Theo says softly as he leans forward. “Never apologize for crying. You’re in a safe space, so feel free to show all of your emotions.”
That just makes it worse as more tears try to escape. It takes me a few moments to gather myself, but once I do, I talk through a tight throat. “Is Gothi Elias not going to approve of our marriage?”
“I think he’s just concerned is all,” Theo says. “There are always growing pains with every relationship, and I believe you and Keller might be going through one at the moment.”
“But I don’t even know why,” I say. “I’m so confused. It feels like this all came out of nowhere.”
“Have you spoken with him?”
