But the look on her face when I'd accused her of lacking dignity...
I'd screwed up.Badly.I'd let jealousy override reason, had lashed out at someone who'd just spent the night in my arms, who'd been vulnerable and trusting and real.
She'd been right about the timing being suspicious.Right that someone was actively sabotaging her, and I'd just made their job easier by attacking her instead of standing with her.
I looked down at the tablet again, at the photo of Betty laughing in that hot tub, young and carefree and completely unaware that years later, someone would use that moment to destroy her future.
She'd been telling the truth.I knew she had been.And I'd chosen to believe the worst anyway.
The question was whether she'd give me a chance to make it right.
***
THE EMERGENCY CALLcame two hours after Betty left.
My mother's face on the screen held that particular expression she reserved for occasions when I'd disappointed her on an international scale.The Grand Duchess appeared in a smaller window beside her, looking tired and older than I remembered.
"The scandal has already reached three continents," my mother said without preamble."We need coordinated messaging before this spirals further."
"Isabelle is right."The Grand Duchess's voice carried less of its usual steel."This requires a unified response from both families.Lord Viktor will remain at the Solmarian palace to coordinate our communications strategy."
I sat up straighter."With respect, Your Grace, I'm not sure that's necessary.Our press office can handle—"
"Your press office released a statement calling the photos 'unverified' when the source has already been authenticated by three news agencies."My mother's tone could have frozen the Mediterranean."We need someone with experience managing royal crises.Viktor has handled similar situations for the Grand Duchess for fifteen years."
"He's also the one who brought this to our attention in the first place," I pointed out."Rather conveniently timed."
The Grand Duchess waved a hand, the gesture weaker than it should have been."Viktor has my complete trust.He'll report to both households and ensure we present a united front.The alliance cannot afford more amateur missteps."
The word "amateur" landed like a slap.She meant Betty, of course.But she also meant me.
"There's another consideration," my mother added, and something in her voice made me pay closer attention."Given the pattern of incidents surrounding the Princess, having Viktor on-site provides an additional layer of oversight.He can identify potential problems before they become public embarrassments."
Oversight.That was a diplomatic word for surveillance.
"You want him to watch Betty."
"I want him to protect the alliance."My mother's gaze didn't waver."If the Princess is being sabotaged, Viktor has the intelligence connections to find out who's responsible.And if she's simply unsuited to royal life, better we know now rather than after the six months have passed."
The Grand Duchess nodded, though she seemed to be fighting exhaustion."I've already authorized his extended stay.This is not a request, Archibald.It's an arrangement between our two houses."
After the call ended, I checked my watch.Betty needed time to cool down, and frankly, so did I.Chasing after her now would only make things worse.
I'd find her before the reception.Apologize properly.
In the meantime, I had a dossier to pull on Viktor Beaumont.
