I clapped my hand over my mouth as a laugh escaped. We all knew exactly who she was talking about, though I was surprised that Renata’s less-than-sparkling personality was known by even this gaggle of women.
“I don’t know how Prince Oliver stands to even entertain the notion that she could be queen,” Ida said.
“Me neither,” Mel agreed, shaking her head. “When wewere in primary school, she would make everyone call her Queen Renata. She was so sure that she would marry Xavier and become queen someday.”
“And now she’s moving on to Oliver.” Adelaide sighed deeply.
“And if Knox had been legally adopted by the royal family and taken the throne instead of Oliver, she’d be going after him, too.” Mel nodded.
Something like jealousy stirred in my stomach.Whoa, rein it in, Birdie. He’s not yours. Calm down.
My mind flashed to a few hours ago when I had felt indifferent about Adelaide’s announcement that she had slept with Oliver. But the thought of Renata pursuing Knox filled me with rage and jealousy.
“Birdie, did you hear me?” Adelaide asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t. What did you say?”
“It looks like your car just pulled up.”
“Oh! Great. Okay, well, that’s my ride. Ladies, it was a pleasure meeting you. I’m sure we’ll see you again.” I waved.
I thanked Jacob and said goodbye to Adelaide and Mel, promising to text them later with what shoes and jewelry I was going to wear on Wednesday. As I stepped outside onto the cobblestone walkway, I spotted Renata and Alistair Davies coming out of the bakery’s side door. They crossed the street and stepped into the doorway of one of the apartment buildings that overlooked the street, oblivious to those around them. Renata leaned in like she was about to kiss Alistair, but instead handed him a small pink USB drive.
Those two are definitely up to something.
The driver opened the door to the black SUV, blocking my view. I got in, pondering what Renata and Alistair Davies could be plotting as we drove back to Lexington Manor.
“I’ll take this and make those final alterations this afternoon, Your Highness.”
“Thank you, Ahmet,” Oliver said as he slid his arms out of a charcoal plaid suit jacket and the tailor returned it to its hanger.
“We will also have your coronation wardrobe ready for the first fitting next week, sir. Queen Isobel said that would be best with your schedule.”
Oliver’s mouth quirked in a wry smile. “She likely knows my calendar better than I do. That will be fine.”
The pear-shaped man bowed before rolling the rack of suits out of the suite. Oliver looked over to me, exhaustion washing over his face.
“A whole wardrobe just for my coronation.” He rubbed his hands over his face as the door closed. “Do you think we can just fast-forward to after the new year when it’s all over?” he asked, turning to King Leroy.
Leroy chuckled warmly. “You’re doing great, son. I know this isn’t what you thought you’d be doing with your life, but if it’s any consolation, you’re a natural at it. I couldn’t be prouder of how you’ve handled the bombshells dropped on you these past few months.”
“Thank you,” Oliver said with a small smile. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, looked at it, and slid it back in his front pocket.
“Got somewhere else to be?” I asked from where I lounged in a nearby armchair.
“Nope. Just trying to figure out if I have enough time to go catch a quick nap before the garden party tonight,” he laughed.
“Speaking of the garden party,” Leroy started, clearing his throat, “are there any leading ladies in this race? I’d like to make sure that I’m spending my time prioritizing the right ones tonight.”
Oliver let out a breath as I held my own, hoping Birdie’s name wouldn’t leave his lips.
“There are a few I’m seriously considering,” Oliver said as he took a seat in the chair next to mine. “Adelaide Levy, Sabine Thorne, and…” He looked at me and then down at his hand, which was now tapping a rhythm on his thigh. “Bernadette Hamilton.”
“The American, huh?” Leroy raised his eyebrows. “That would definitely cause a shakeup. Maybe not a bad one, but certainly a shakeup.” He ran his fingers along his jaw. “Who would have thought you would fall for an American?”
My body went stiff, and I felt my shoulders rise toward my ears from the tension. I knew that they had hit it off, but it was still hard to think that he could have her and I couldn’t. I always wanted the best for Oliver and Birdie was just that: the best. I immediately itched to get out of this room and remove myself from this conversation before there was anymore talk of the women vying for Oliver’s heart and the throne.
“But I think she’s more than that. Right, Knox?” Oliver said.
