“For all we know, King Rein the Second was behind it.He certainly didn’t stop it.”
“Why have you never approached the queen on this matter?”Michael said.“Instead of the last five years of constant criticism on some chat shows and social media.You look a fool, ole chap.”
“Maybe because I’m dealing with fools.I tried for an audience with Her Majesty my first term in parliament.But I was stonewalled.”
From his pocket, Michael’s phone buzzed.He ignored it.“If you want this matter resolved, MP Fickle, I suggest you bring proof.Act like a sane, caring citizen of Lauchtenland instead of a man bent on burning it all down.”Another notification from his phone.Michael glanced at the screen, then gently reached for Scottie.“Lady Royal, we’re done here.”
Chapter Sixteen
Scottie
“Michael, I wasn’t done in there.”Scottie matched his long strides toward the Blue Hall exit as he ordered the motor to come round to the side door.“I was hoping to end with an action item.”
“He has one.Find the proof.”
“What is wrong with you?Who texted?”
“Nothing’s wrong.It was time to go.You represented yourself and the family well, Lady Royal.You set MP Fickle on his heels.”
“He set me on mine.He’s as loyal and fierce about his family name as you and I.It’s admirable.Michael, what was on your phone?I only ask because once you looked at the screen, you changed.Was it something about Purnell?Your family or Finn?Is everything all right?”
“Lady Royal, everything is fine.”His shoulders relaxed as he spied one of Perrigwynn’s protection officers outside the door standing by the car.“To the train station, Lou.We’re headed back to Hadsby.”
Once they were on the road, he glanced over at her, smiling.“Sorry to yank you away if you weren’t ready.I could see he was bowing up for a fight.You’ve opened the door.Let’s see if he walks through.”
She dozed on the train ride to Dalholm.The royal car was like a five-star hotel with plush seats, an attendant and food service.
Back at the castle, Michael left her in the Grand Foyer and headed to the Operations Room.Watching him go, Scottie noted his slightly muted demeanor.Something was off with him, but was it for her to ask, “What’s wrong?”For now, she must hurry.Kate was waiting, she’d figure out what later.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” Scottie said, pausing to see Kate dressed so casually.“Trainers and a jogging suit.Are you going for a run?”
“A run?No.Not since I was a girl.But I am feeling better.”Kate fixed a cup of tea for Scottie.“I hear you had an adventurous morning.My secretary sent a photo of you going into Blue Hall.”
“News travels fast.”Was that why Michael left the Grand Foyer so abruptly?“I asked Michael to set a meeting with MP Fickle.Am I in trouble?”
“Not necessarily.”Kate stirred cream into her tea along with a packet of sweetener.“But I’d like to know why you involved yourself with Lauchten politics?I think you’ve been around enough to observe our stance on political interference.The Crown has a strict code, a way we handle things, Scottie.The Prime Minister and I are in touch at all times.MP Fickle is the government’s to manage, not ours.We have enough of an uphill battle with the people to accept you without you venturing into politics.Heaven knows what MP Fickle will say now.”
“I was curious,” Scottie said.“Why haven’t you met with him?Asked why he’s so hateful toward the monarchy?You’ve met with other members of parliament before.”
“I suspect it’s because MP Fickle needs to grow up.He’s tried to pull us into political situations with the North Sea Island Alliance we do not feel is best for us.He should sit down and listen, learn.”
“Kate, he said nothing about an alliance.He claims King Rein the Second stole land, property, shops, mines from his ancestors.The House of Blue, according to Hamish Fickle, spiraled them into poverty.Michael asked for proof, but Hamish said they lost their records in a Midlands fire.”
“I know well enough about the history of the Midlands fire,” Kate said.“Evening embers from a blacksmith’s shop fell on dry kindling and half the town burned while the other half slept.It took decades to rebuild.Did Hamish Fickle mention the House of Blue contributed large sums from our personal coffers to rebuild the Midlands?Because those lands have always been ours, not his.”
“Why don’t you meet with him?Share stories.Tell him your side of the truth.”
“My side is the truth.”Pronounced.No doubt.Queen Catherine not Kate, her mother, now sat at the table.“Meeting with him will accomplish nothing.I’ve experience with these things.Also, the House of Blue never explains.To do so will make it seem as if the crown is defensive or worse, placating Fickle.He’ll go on the first chat show and declare to the world Queen Catherine tried to justify whatever he deemed to be our sins.”
“He’s probably already blabbing about me.”
“Yes, but let’s not give him any more fodder, Scottie.I want your time here to be peaceful and pleasant.So far you were nearly pushed into the quay, saved a woman who accused you of starting it all, then caught in the Midlands melee.”Kate pressed her hand to her heart.“Right now, I suffer more from worry over you than the GBS treatments.”
Scottie reached for her hand.“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the meeting.I thought I was helping, doing something you couldn’t, but I was out of line.”
“It’s all right,” she said.“As a mum, I’m a bit proud.You acted with courage today.Now, tell me, how’s your gown coming along for the Rose Ball?”
So the Fickle conversation was over.Scottie sighed with relief.“Kimbra is a genius,” she said.“The lavender fabric and lace are stunning.”Scottie took a bite of cake.“Kate, you never told me you lived with Shug and Fritz before I was born.”
