“Precisely. And your Zara is unattached.”
Xavier gives me a firm look. I can see he’s fighting himself. He doesn’t want to agree to this plan, but he also can’t say no to the Queen. The latter part is what I’m hoping for.
“It will ensure your financial future.” The perk of being a royal is that we have deep pockets. And I’m not above using personal funds at this moment to benefit the entire kingdom. “James has it in him to be one of the best Kings this country has ever seen, but he needs a steady hand at his side.”
“And you think my Zara is that steady hand?” Xavier sips his tea.
“Yes, I do. There is no mention of her in the press, she teaches at a good school, and comes from a respectable, steady line.”
“I didn’t know our family line would be called into question,” Xavier states firmly, setting his cup down.
“No one is calling your family line into question. You come from a good background, and we would be lucky to have someone of Zara’s calibre in our family to carry on the Ainsworth line.”
“Ahh, yes. The heir and the spare.”
I bristle at his remark. “We don’t call our children that.”
“Isn’t it what will be required of them?” He raises an eyebrow at me in challenge.
“While there are certain expectations to carry on the line, they are not simply the heir and the spare.”
“And what will the expectations of Zara be?” He leans back, crossing his arms.
“While we cannot guarantee they will be scandal free—because the paparazzi publish what they want—I don’t want to see Zara plastered over the news falling out of a nightclub or being caught in any compromising positions.”
“My Zara is better than that.”
I give him a slight nod of my head. “She seems like a fine young woman. Someone who will be an asset to our country. She’ll also be required to be a patron of some of our more established royal charities but can also establish one of her choosing.”
“And of course, the royal offspring.”
“Yes, bearing children will also be required.”
“When will you need an answer?” He stands, awaiting my dismissal.
“I’m sure I’ll hear from you soon. Lord Kendall, it was a pleasure having you here this afternoon.” I extend my hand. He takes my hand willingly, even if he might not agree with what I’m proposing today.
“Your Majesty. I’ll be in touch.” He bows before leaving the room.
“Your Majesty, can we expect to set up the tea for next weekend as originally planned?” My advisor is at my shoulder the moment he leaves.
“Please do. I am positive he will say yes.”
“And Prince James?”
“Cancel anything he has planned and make sure his advisors are aware he is not to be late. Best set the appointment for an hour earlier for him to ensure he’s here on time.”
I love my son more than words can describe, but it’s time I take his future into my own hands. For his own good, and the future of this country.
Chapter Three
Zara
“Everyone’s practised, yes?” Looking around, I see nervous faces staring back at me. Never a good sign.
“Okay then. Ready.” I raise my baton and instruments are readied. I move my hands on memory alone as the students start playing. Notes are missed, strings aren’t tuned, and the beauty of the song is lost. It takes everything I have not to stop the song immediately and dole out criticism. Their lack of practise is evident.
As the song ends, I take a deep breath, steeling my face. “Sounds like we could use some work on that song.”
