He pauses, frowning ever so briefly. “That everyone will mix, mingle, and find their next charitable cause right here tonight. And toast the happy couple as they…” Finley fights a disdainful look. “Begin their lives in an act of service, forming a line of people serving hot food to all who come.” Prime Minister Finley looks up, clearing his throat. “Hear hear.”
The audience applauds, some more wildly than others. I look up at my husband-to-be.
“That’s our cue,” I say, wiggling my eyebrows. “Let’sstop by the bathroom on the way downstairs so I can take off these heels, okay?”
His smile is warm. “As you wish, Princess Margot.”
Turning around, I am immediately brought up short by the Queen Mother, Lady Ida. I almost trample her and then step back so fast that Stellan has to catch me to keep my balance.
“Queen Mother!” I blurt. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, ma’am.”
She smiles wanly. “Hello, Margot.” She looks between me and Stellan. “I hope you two are doing well?”
Stellan slides his arm around my waist. “We are, thank you.”
The Queen Mother seems pleased. “Wonderful. Margot, I wanted to borrow you sometime this week to talk about the wedding. There are so many Danish royal traditions to consider. Would you mind if my secretary reached out to…” She pauses, cocking her head. “Well, whomever is in charge of your schedule.”
My heart thuds against my ribs. “Of course. I would be honored, ma’am.”
She gives me an odd little smile. “You are going to treat Stellan well, won’t you?”
Blushing, I nod. “I will, ma’am.”
She nods back, looking at Stellan.
“Very well. Run along now, the press are probably foaming at the mouth to ask you questions.”
She turns and heads off toward the prime minister. Stellan guides me toward the door, but of course his grandmother was right.
It’s an absolute mob scene. Flashes go off. Questions are hurled at us.
“Margot! Margot!”
“Stellan, when is the wedding?”
“Margot, who are you wearing?”
“Are you two happy to be engaged?”
I close one eye, raising my hand against the bright camera lights. “We’re thrilled.”
A young man steps close to me, thrusting a microphone is my face. “Margot, your letter inPolitikenhas made you insanely popular with the whole of Denmark. How does it feel to be so universally loved?”
I burst out laughing. “Are you planted by the royal press office?”
He looks a little confused. “No. I’m from the Daily Tribune.”
Stellan steps in. “Alright, alright. Move back a little and give us some space. Margot is unused to being so popular,ja? She is adjusting quite well.”
His answer makes me want to kiss him. Instead I just pull at his hand. “Everyone, could we all start to move downstairs? You can ask your questions while we serve everyone food.”
With a little bit of tussling, we make it down off the dais and into the hallway. A nameless assistant is there to hand me a change of shoes. I slip away from Stellan and push the door of the bathroom open.
There is no one inside, so I hurry into the fancy bathroom. As I sink onto the embroidered, overstuffed ottoman, I let out a sigh.
It’s blissfully silent.
Taking off my heels with a clatter, I rub my feet for a second. “God damned beautiful heels. You are absolute murder on my feet but you look so pretty.”
