“Thank you all for being here to show your support for Prince James and his new charity, Sporting Kids.” Zara’s lips quirk up in the barest hint of a smile. Damn, she’s giving me grief over the name too. Really not my best work.
“As for a statement, I will give one, and one only.” Her fingers tighten on my arm, and I cover her hand with mine. “What was leaked to the press was a private moment between two people in love. It was a violation of our privacy, and the person who took those photos was trespassing on private property.”
She turns to me, her eyes steely as I can see she’s gearing up. “It was inappropriate for them to be released, and they should not have been cycled through the news. I hope more care is taken to spreading the good work that James is doing here tonight, and not illegally taken photos of us. Our focus will always be on the work we can do to better our country and our people, and not our private lives.”
Damn. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone put the press in their place better than that. The royal family is not one to give statements based on rumours or gossip they spread, but I know how hard it was on Zara being thrust into the spotlight. And this was her taking back control. My future Queen. I’m bursting with pride at the woman before me.
“Zara. What role will you play in the new charity?” She turns to me, her eyes now sparkling.
“That’s up to the prince to decide.”
“James?” A microphone is thrust my way.
I don’t see who is talking to me. My sole focus is on Zara and that she’s here tonight. That she stood up to the press, for herself. For both of us. That has to mean something, right?
“She’ll have whatever role she wants. Now, if you’ll excuse us.” I take her warm hand in mine, leading her away from the press.
“What are you doing here?” I whisper, grabbing a glass of champagne for her from a passing waiter.
“I was told you might need some support tonight.”
My heart swells. She came here for me. I don’t want to read too much into it, but it’s hard not to. “Fuck, it’s good to see you, Zara.” The words burst out before I can stop them.
She pulls on my arm, leading me away from the crowds. “We have a lot to discuss. Maybe I can come over tonight so we can talk?” Her voice is small.
“It’s going to be a long night.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t care. I don’t have anywhere to be tomorrow.”
I wince. I know she was suspended from school, and I hate that. “Yes. I’ll wait up all night if it means I can talk to you.”
“Excuse me, Your Highness. But I was hoping I could have a word with you?” A tap on my shoulder breaks the moment between me and Zara.
“A prince’s work is never done.” She gives me a bright smile, telling me she’s okay with me being pulled away.
“Save me a dance later?”
“I’ll dance with no one but you.”
Clutching my hand to my heart, I follow the man who wanted to talk to me, counting down the minutes until I can have Zara in my arms.
Zara
“Now before weturn you all loose for the rest of the evening, Prince James would like to say a few words.”
My nerves have been getting the better of me all night. Sidelong glances from people here tell me they’ve all seen the pictures of us. I hate that a private moment between us was splashed across the news for the world to see.
But after talking with Ellie, I accepted it’s part of this life. One that I knew I’d have to come to terms with if it meant keeping James. So I came here tonight, armed with a confidence I don’t fully feel, and said my piece. The awe in James’s eyes was worth it.
“Good evening.” James clears his voice, looking out amongst the crowded room. His eyes settle on me. He takes a deep breath and turns back to the audience.
“I’m incredibly thankful that all of you came out here tonight to help launch Sporting Kids.” Claps break through his speech. “It’s been an interesting few months for us royals. I never thought I’d be the one to ascend the throne after my mum, and I’m sure not many of you thought that either.”
People laugh at his self-deprecation. I only wince, knowing how those words ate away at him.
“It’s the honour of a lifetime to serve this wonderful country. And in doing so, I wanted to follow my own passions in life. And that led me to Sporting Kids. After a visit to the new hospital wing in my grandfather’s memory, I met the Smythson family, who were kind enough to join us this evening.” They have a seat of honour at the table in front of the stage.
“As a child, it’s hard being in hospital, and I wanted to make that easier for George. When his love of sport came to light, it gave me the idea for this charity. For children who are sick or are suffering, I want to give them the gift of sport. By working with national and local teams, we are hoping to have this program off the ground and throughout the country by next year. Because keeping kids’ spirits up through the love of the game is something we can all agree on. Thank you.”
