I sit up straighter, my expression and tone even. “I don’t believe that to be true.”
He’s silent for a long moment, his eyes all over my face and body as if he’s trying to see through me and find my secrets.
“You’re all business, and I respect that. You tell us you’ll do a good job, and I’m inclined to believe you because I know and trust Emily, and she wouldn’t have put you up for the position and given it to you if you didn’t. That said, you should know I’m all business too. You’re a citizen of this country, so you’re aware of what the former prime minister tried to do to the king and queen. You’ve also been in this palace long enough that I have no doubt you know about our last nanny. Hell, you likely met her once or twice.”
“I did.”
“And do you know what she did?”
“Yes, sir.”
He leans forward, planting his elbows on his thighs as he levels me with his cold stare. “Good. Then you can imagine what little trust I have in anyone in a position to interact regularly with my family and the need for constant scrutiny and oversight.”
I bite back my smile. Not just a pretty face, Prince Rowan has a set of balls and knows how to dole out pretty-worded threats.
I fold my hands on my lap. “I understand that, sir, and you have no reason to trust me. If I were you, I wouldn’t trust me either. But that doesn’t mean I’m not excellent at my job and can earn your trust in due course.”
He stands, and an unsettling silence descends between us. Finally, he speaks, his tone chilling. “Then I guess you just won yourself a promotion. Get used to seeing me, Marcella, because I sure as hell plan to watch you.”
10
MARCELLA
Rowan leaves the room without another word, his threat hanging heavily in the air. I listen as the echo from his shoes on the floor grows quieter and dissipates into nothing. Once I’m positive he’s gone, I stand and tug at my scratchy gray uniform as I debate my next move.
I slip my work phone from my pocket and stare at the dark screen.
I decide not to notify the Signoria or Antonia of my new position. Something has me waiting, and I hold to it. I pull up the housekeeping group messenger app. I have no clue if the king or anyone else will make an announcement, but no doubt the gossip mill is already churning. If I’m temporarily taking over for Emily, I need to let it be known.
This should go over well.
Yet as I start to type, a message comesthrough.
Emily: Some of you may have heard that I fell this morning or saw that I was taken out by ambulance. I’m at the hospital and will be having surgery in the next few days. I’ve asked Marcella to take over my position until I’ve completed my rehab and am able to return to work. I’ve spoken with King Sebastian and have the royal family’s approval of my choice.
Emily: Marcella has my utmost confidence, and I expect you all to help her out and make this transition as easy as possible for everyone. I will update you on my condition as soon as I have more information.
I blow out a breath. Well then.
I send Emily a private text.
Me: Thank you so much for your message. I sincerely appreciate your faith in me, and I promise not to let you down.
She replies instantly.
Emily: I’m positive you’ll do a fantastic job. I spoke to Prince Rowan and King Sebastian, and you have their confidence as well.
I can’t stop the snort that climbs out of the back of my throat and nose. Right. I have no doubt they do.
Emily: Javier will send you a link to everything you’ll need to manage the team and learn their assignments. There is also an iPad in my office on my desk. Everything is already logged in on it. The code is 4-5-9-0 to unlock it. It’ll have everything you need.
Me: Perfect. This means so much to me. Rest up and get better. You don’t need to worry about a thing.
I go back to the group chat.
Me: I appreciate Emily’s and the royal family’s confidence in my work and am grateful for this opportunity. I hope we can work together and make this brief change a smooth one for all of us.
Shoving my phone back in my pocket, I head out of the parlor, down a flight of stairs, and across the palace to Emily’s office. I’ve never managed this many people before, but I know how to read people, how to tell them what they think they want to hear, and how to work them if necessary.
