“Not yet. But I did ask my brother’s secretary to order a bookshelf, some floating shelves, and a terrarium for me. I’m hoping they’ll turn up today.”
“Rearranging your room again?”
I nod. Bruce knows whenever I need a project to stay busy, I often take to doing up my room. I like to think it allows my creative juices to flow. My brother, however, would disagree and says it’s an excuse for me to buy more furniture I don’t need. But that’s not true. Everything I buy is out of necessity, like the new bookshelf. Otherwise, I would literally have no more space for my massive book and film collection.
“I’ll keep my eyes open for any deliveries. If anything turns up, I’ll text you.”
“Thanks, Bruce.”
He steps out of the car and opens the door for me. As I walk up the three steps to the entryway, he snaps his fingers together, “Oh, ma’am. There is one thing I forgot to mention.”
I glance over my shoulder.
“Do remember the meeting I took after I dropped you off at the palace?”
“Yes?”
“Well, the two new members who’ve been assigned to your detail will be here after lunch to introduce themselves to you.”
Two new team members? What does he mean? I take a few shaky breaths. I don’t remember hearing anything about my needing more security. It was one thing while I was abroad to have some extra bodies around, but now that I’m home, everything should just go back to normal.
Just as I open my mouth to quiz him about the sudden changes, his mobile rings. He ignores it, giving me his full and undivided attention, but I know that when he’s on duty, the only calls he receives are important ones. “You should probably answer that,” I say, my voice quivering.
“Yes, I should, but did you have any questions first?”
Yes, I have a millionquestions. But I’ll have to limit myself to asking the most important ones. “Why are there new officers coming onboard?” I croak.
“I’m being reassigned.”
My hand flies to my chest and I press down on my breastbone. “Reassigned?” I sputter. “What? I don’t understand.”
“Princess, it’s been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve you these last few years, but my superiors have collectively agreed that your entering university spells the end of my time as your lead protection officer.” He shoots me a sad smile. “I’ve been allowed to stay with you much longer than an officer is normally allowed. You need a bodyguard who is younger and fitter than me.”
“But youareyoung and fit,” I insist.
He may have a few gray hairs sprinkled into the brown, and a couple more fine lines than the day we met, but Bruce is in good shape. He runs five miles every morning and has always finished with top marks on the annual fitness test given to members of the security detail.
“I’m chuffed you think so.” He chuckles “But on this account, I agree with my bosses. My mind is as sharp as ever, but my reflexes and body have slowed. I can’t protect you the same way I could when you were a teenager. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you because I couldn’t react fast enough.”
His mobile begins ringing again. “We can discuss it later,” he says.
I nod and take my leave, taking slow shuffling steps from the front to my flat. Sadness wells up inside of me. There’s nobody who can replace Bruce. He’s my friend and one of the few people I can be myself around.
I pause in front of a portrait of one of my ancestors, wearing the State Crown, holding the king’s orb and scepter and wearing a long, flowing red robe. I’m reminded that I’m a member of the royal family. For hundreds of years, the decisions my relatives made were law. “You wouldn’t let Bruce go so easily, would you?” I ask it.
“Well, you know what, neither will I.” I clench my fists together and lift my chin. “He’s not leaving me without a fight.”
Two
Around two, I order a tea service, and invite Bruce to join me in my sitting room before the new team members are due to arrive. I’m trying to be open-minded, but a part of me wants to automatically dislike the new bodyguards.
They aren’t the man I have eight years of history with. Bruceknowsme. He’s been right by my side supporting me through all the crap of the last two years. He is one of the few people outside my family who has my complete trust and won’t betray me. How do I know I can trust these new chaps?
“Ma’am, the spread looks wonderful.” His eyes are dancing as he spies what’s been set out on the trolley. “You’ve remembered all my favorites.”
“I’ve tried.” I stare at my hands, fighting to keep a few tears from escaping. “Can I ask you something? It’s kind of personal in nature. Don’t feel pressured to answer it if you don’t want to.”
“Now you’ve piqued my curiosity. What’s on your mind?” he asks, sitting down next to me and pouring himself a cuppa.
