Sean walks over and drops a kiss on Ellie’s head. I can’t be bitter towards my sister. She was not cut out for royal life. Seeing her this happy, starting her own family, makes me realize I do need to step up and take responsibility for myself.
I gulp down the rest of my scotch and drop it on the table behind me. “Thanks, Ellie. You’ve been a big help.”
She looks confused. “You don’t have to leave now that Sean is home. Are you going to be okay?” Her voice sounds concerned. She worries about me more than she should.
“I’ll be fine. You just helped me see a few things more clearly.”
Ellie gives me a wary look. “If you’re sure.” She walks over to give me a hug as I head out.
“See you later, Sean.”
“Always a pleasure, James.” He waves me off as I jog down the stairs.
I just need a plan to present to Mum. Maybe she’ll see reason if I start to take control of my life. As much as it pains me to admit, even cutting the club visits in half would be a good start. I may be the prince, but I’m by no means a saint.
Chapter Two
Queen Katherine
“Lord Kendall. Thank you so much for meeting with me today.”
“Your Majesty. It’s such a pleasure to meet you. Please, call me Xavier.” The duke bows, his bald head shining bright towards me. One of the perks of being the Queen. If I need to take action, people are at my beck and call.
“Please, have a seat. Would you care for some tea?”
“That sounds delightful, Ma’am.” I ring the bell next to me, my indication to the wait staff to bring it in.
“Please, call me Katherine.”
“Katherine, then. What summons me to the palace today?”
As the tea is prepared, I drop my hands in my lap, a position that has been engrained in my head since I was a girl.
“Here you are, Your Majesty.” I take the cup, giving my butler a grateful nod.
“Xavier, I was hoping that you and I could come to an arrangement of sorts.”
“An arrangement? What kind of arrangement are you thinking of?” His brows furrow in confusion.
“I know finances have been a bit hard for you lately.”
“I’m sorry, but how is that any of your business?” He sets his cup down, as if he’s about ready to walk out. No one walks out on the Queen.
“My apologies, Xavier. But I’m merely stating facts that are public record as a duke. We are both in a position where we can help each other out.”
“And how is that, Your Majesty?” I don’t miss the extra emphasis on my title.
“My son needs stability. You need money. I believe your daughter is around my James’s age, yes?”
He gives a sharp nod. “What are you getting at?”
“An arranged marriage.” I hold his gaze. There’s a slight tick in his jaw.
“With your son? The ‘playboy prince’?” He winces this time, giving me an apologetic look. “Sorry. I’m sure he’s a fine young man, but with everything the press runs with, all I see is his long line of women.”
“I agree. He’s had little direction in his life until this point. He was always going to be second in line for the throne, so he was never held to any sort of standard. And I’m afraid much of that is my fault. But now, he needs to get serious about his position. And I don’t see that happening.”
“Unless he has a woman on his arm.”
