“No, we’ll be all right. The stairs don’t let out the type of groaning creak before a piece of wood breaks apart and splinters.”
“Uh-huh.” He shines the light in my direction. “I didn’t realize there were different types of sounds wood can make.”
“Take my word for it, there are.”
“I will, ma’am.”
We turn right and glance inside one of the bedrooms from the doorway. There’s an old metal bedframe and a wardrobe. Faded flower wallpaper is peeling from the walls. The ceiling is covered in cobwebs and yet more disturbing cracks.
I face Art. “You can call me Alice if you’d like.”
He glances away from me and becomes intrigued by the wood of the door frame, running his finger along the grain. “That’s not protocol, ma’am.”
“It might not be, but I’m giving you my royal permission,” I urge.
He doesn’t speak. Well, he may not be receptive to it, but at least I’ve put the idea out there. We’re making small strides.
“Come on, let’s see what else is up here,” I say.
We continue our tour. By the time we finish the first floor, we’ve discovered two additional bedrooms. The stairs to the second floor are narrow, missing a few boards, and also devoid of a railing. Art doesn’t let me go up there, but rather films the space for me with my mobile. There’s two more bedrooms and access to the eaves of the property.
“Ma’am, it appears there may be a problem with the roof. I felt a draft and there are at least two birds’ nests present. The floor was covered in animal droppings. It’s a health hazard and needs to be addressed before you can see it.”
I add those to my already long mental list of necessary repairs. I have no idea how I’m going to be able to pay for everything. “That’s the worst possible outcome. I was hoping I might be able to get away with a simple repair, but I suppose in this case, it’ll be better to get it done right.”
“Which room do you intend to set aside for the security team?”
I cock my head to the side. Security team? “What do you mean?”
He stiffens. “Ma’am, when you or any member of the royal family rehomes themselves from the palace to an outside property, you’re no longer residing in a secured location.”
“Okay,” I answer slowly, trying to understand where he’s going with this.
He fidgets. “That means a protection team officer must be on the premises with you atall times.”
“You and Angela will be living with me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Of all the scenarios that have crossed my mind, having my agents live with me wasn’t one of them. In a few months, Art is going to be under the same roof as me. I dry swallow. Oh boy. Things just got a lot more complicated.
Eight
The following day, my father’s private secretary exits the study and holds the door open for me. “The king is ready for you, Your Highness.”
I straighten my skirt and stand on shaking legs. My pulse is racing wildly in my chest. “Thanks,” I manage.
When I enter, Papa is sitting at his desk, scribbling his name on an important-looking document. “Just one more moment... and done.” He taps the papers together, sets them in the red box to his right, and removes his glasses. As he sees me, a wide smile crosses his face. “Alice.” He points to his cheek. I walk around the desk and give him a peck. His beard is scratchy. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes, sir. I have a few important things I need to discuss with you.” I tuck my hands behind my back, proud of how steady my voice sounds.
“As long as I don’t have to do any more writing, I’m all ears.” He stands and shakes out his hand.
“No, sir, it doesn’t involve writing.” He takes a seat on the sofa. I remain standing and take a deep breath. “It involves a property.”
“Alice, I’ll be the first to admit that the trio of listings Amanda found has been by far the best I’ve seen, but your mum felt you could dobetter. And I’m inclined to agree with her. It’s not a question of location this time. It’s the condition of the overall buildings.”
“I agree with you, Papa, but the thing is... I already bought the one in Queen’s Park,” I say, my voice squeaky. I brace myself.
