"Good. If you can't reach me, please let one of my aides know if you need anything else or if you're not receiving the cooperation you should."
"I will."
He suspected she would only try to contact him as a last resort. Did she even have the contact information for his aides? On one level he appreciated that she'd be considerate of his time and responsibilities, but he also hoped she wouldn't need to.
Another moment passed and he took a step away from Victoria then turned to face her. "I need to get to the offices." As much as he wanted to take her in his arms, he couldn't let himself. If he did, he would likely break down and never want to leave. He couldn't afford that - either the time or the emotions.
Instead, he leaned forward enough to give her a light kiss on the cheek. "I'll make sure someone lets the stylists know what time you'll need to be ready."
"Thank you."
Enzo gave her hand a light squeeze then went to the en suite to get ready for his day.
Once dressed in an appropriately somber, dark suit with a crisp white shirt and a subdued tie, he made his way to his old office. The first thing he noticed was that most of his personal items had been removed, likely to the Monarch's office.
Fortunately, there was a door connecting the two offices. This one would be turned into Victoria's office before long then eventually become the office of their eldest child, though that day was a minimum of two decades in the future.
A total of six aides waited for him when he entered the office. No doubt they'd been informed he was on his way. Three were his top aides, while the other three were his mum's. All would help with the transition, though eventually everyone would be restructured to one extent or another. His mum's aides may choose to retire as they were reaching that age anyway. Hewould have to decide if his personal aides were able to make the transition from aide to a Crown Prince to that of a Monarch. The roles were similar in some ways, but not in others.
All six bowed or curtsied as Enzo crossed the office to the conference table where they waited.
For nearly three hours, they went over one item after another. As they worked, a light breakfast was brought in by three stewards, all of whom showed signs of tears on their cheeks.
Finally, the time came to leave the office and meet his family near the main entrance to the palace.
The first one he noticed was Victoria, appropriately garbed in a black dress with black stockings and heels. Her hair had been tamed into a ponytail at the base of her neck. The rest of his family wore something similar to the first couple as it were, though one of his brothers wore a black shirt with his black suit and sported a tie the color of the blue-green waters found off the coast - their mum's favorite color and the official color of Dellisole.
If only Enzo felt he could do the same.
For the service in a few days, they would wear the uniforms of their military but he needed to incorporate more of their national color into his daily attire.
And into a ring for Victoria.
She still didn't have one.
Her hand slid into his as they arranged themselves in order of seniority. He and Victoria would lead the procession with his siblings arranged in pairs behind them.
With a nod toward the staff who would open the door, Enzo began to walk forward. The courtyard wasn't overly large, but it still loomed long before him. Victoria's hand tightened on his as they moved onto the cobblestones.
The gates were opened by members of the uniformed security detachment. The area directly in front of the palace overflowed with flowers, photos, stuffed animals, and other mementos from the people. The actual crowds had been moved back for the time being. Once the family returned to the palace, the barriers would be removed so they could lay items at the edge of the piles.
He knew when those gathered realized Victoria was at his side. The reverent hush lifted a bit as they whispered to each other, likely wondering what the story was - and if they were really engaged. Many of them would know the stories about Victoria, but this would be the first time anyone were able had seen the two of them together.
They walked along the edge of the flowers and gifts, trying to take it all in. Victoria pointed out a small bear with a photo of him and his mum attached. One of his sisters drew his attention to one with the last full family portrait.
And then they reached the end of the blocked off area.
With a deep breath, he turned, placed his hand on the small of Victoria's back and started toward the line.
8
The looks of confusion were carefully hidden by most of those along the rope line, but Victoria could still see it in their eyes.
Still, they bowed and curtsied and called her "Your Royal Highness" and never actually questioned why she had joined the ranks of their royal family on such an occasion.
They still expressed their condolences, likely expecting that she'd been closer to the late queen than the public knew.
Photos were taken surreptitiously by some and more openly by others. There was no posing for selfies or anything else that might be considered celebratory.
