I don’t wipe the kiss from my hand away on my trousers, like I might’ve done as a child, but I know as soon as it’s acceptable, I’ll be off to the bathroom to wash my hands.
“I’m so glad we can have dinner. Get to know each other a bit better, especially as your father and brother are keen for our countries to work closely together.”
I hear nerves in his voice. He’s repeating lines he’s learned and whatever sincerity is there is hidden beneath masked fear.
“Have a seat.” I gesture to the table that’s been set up. “I’ll have the sommelier bring us wine. I asked for red – I hope that’s okay.” Usually, I’d pour it myself, but that implies intimacy and friendship and I want to keep this as professional as possible.
He nods. “I can do it.” Then he looks about the suite, anxious.
“It’s fine. All taken care of. It’s always a little strange when you have people waiting on in a place you’re used to being casual, so I just pretend I’m in a restaurant.” I offer a smile. “Without the extensive menu choice.”
He laughs and relaxes, and we start to talk. I keep the conversation light, focusing on every day topics and batting away anything personal or anything encroaching on finding out something about me. All the time, I’m aware that he’s hunting for details and that Ben is in the room nearby, listening.
“How come you’re still single? No pressure to marry?” He puts down the fork from our dessert, a red velvet cake that would’ve gone better with a different wine.
I have a choice. I can agree that I’m still single or I can lie and hint otherwise. Gone are the days of the virgin princess and I don’t have to pretend to live in a fairy tale.
“I keep my private life out of the public eye. The people need a royal family to be a figurehead, not a scandal ridden soap opera.”
He nods and I can tell he wants to push for more information. “So you are seeing someone?”
“It’s early days.” So early, neither of us have woken up yet.
“Not serious then?”
I smile. “More wine?”
The door from my bedroom opens and Ben appears in his suit, looking very much like my security. I glance at him quickly, pulling my eyes away before they linger too long.
“Sorry to interrupt, but the plane is going to take off earlier than we anticipated due to weather in Scotland so we’ll have to leave around half an hour earlier.” He doesn’t smile, just looks busy and agitated, giving William a brief nod before heading back into what has been my bedroom.”
“Your security?”
“He is. Head of. He’s taken over from Micky – although I’m not sure if you’ve ever met him.” I stand up and push my chair under. “I’m really sorry about this. I thought we’d have had longer to chat.” My smile is bright enough to light a room and as a false as a thirteen-dollar note.
He stands too, looking disappointed. I have no idea what he expected from the night.
“Maybe I can persuade you to visit me in London in the next few weeks, before parliament is in session again? Show you the sites from a Londoner’s perspective?” He takes a step towards me, shortening the distance.
I’d like to move away, but it would be curt to do so. “I don’t know what my schedule’s like for August – I have an actual vacation that’s not work later this month. But I’ll have Franklyn let you know when I have available.”
His smile is wider this time. “I’ll look forward to it. Or maybe I could join you on vacation at some point? It’s Jumby Bay Island you’re heading out too, isn’t it?”
I feel my spine stiffen and my next inhalation is deep and long. “You’ve done your homework.”
“I like to research the things I’m interested in.” And this time the smile isn’t nervous or even pleasant. It’s predatory. I know that Ben is near and he’ll listening. But I’m not comfortable. And I’m not a thing.
“I think the resort is pretty much booked up for Blair’s holiday.” Ben is there and I’ve no idea where he materialised from. “If you have your secretary contact the palace, I’m sure another meeting can be arranged when she’s back working.”
William’s eyes turn cold. Hard.
“You speak for her often?”
“Only when she’s getting angry. I know of old she doesn’t like being called athing.”
He steps back. “That wasn’t how I meant it. And I don’t want to end the evening on a sour note. I hope we can repeat tonight sooner rather than later.” His eyes are back on me.
“No harm done. And yes, just contact Franklyn. He keeps my diary.”
