“A coronation is a solemn occasion. I don’t know about having a celebration at the same time. Yes, it’s a celebration of the new monarch in a sense, but it can also be a reminder of the one so recently lost.”
Enzo found himself acutely aware that Victoria’s hand had come to rest on his knee. She meant for it to be a comforting gesture, and it was, but unusual given the length of their relationship.
His focus shifted back to the question at hand. “I guess the only real solution is to talk to the PR departments. We might want to get them on a big conference call and discuss it as a team.”
“We’ll have to talk to our families first. I know you wanted your mum to be the first one we told.” Victoria moved away from him, twisting so she faced him. “We could make a trip to your home tomorrow. Talk to your mum. I can come back here while you spend time with her and take care of the things that need to be taken care of. When you can get away for a couple of days in a few weeks, we’ll talk to my family.”
After turning that idea over in his head for a moment, he nodded. “That sounds like the best idea. Will you be able to go with me? Or do you need to stay here for a few days? We can video call so you can meet my mum right away.”
“Can you have your staff prepare for a flight home tomorrow for you and, if I can, I’ll join you?” Victoria lifted her hand to brush her fingertips against the hair at his temple.
Enzo closed his eyes as the relaxing motion lulled him. “I’ll send a text in a minute and see how quickly it can be arranged.”
“I wish I could be there with you.”
“I know.” Enzo blew out a breath. “I really shouldn’t have been gone this long, but Mum insisted I take a holiday before...” He couldn’t finish the thought.
“Before you have even more responsibilities that make it challenging.”
Though the responsibilities of being the next monarch had never rested on Victoria’s shoulders, she understood the realities of his life in a way a few others could.
She turned so she could sit next to him again. They sat in silence, each deep in their own thoughts, for several minutes before Enzo felt his phone buzz at him. A glance at his smart watch told him he needed to take the call.
He pressed a quick kiss to the top of Victoria’s head and stood, moving away from her to talk to his assistant.
The news wasn’t what he wanted to hear.
“Have them get the plane ready. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Thank you for letting me know.”
As he slipped the phone in his pocket, Enzo felt Victoria come to stand behind him, her arms wrapping around his waist as she rested her cheek against his back.
But she didn’t ask about the call. She just stood there.
No matter. Enzo made sure to take a deep breath and put on a smile before turning around and taking her in his arms.
“I was going to ask them to have the plane ready early in the morning, but I’m going to need to leave much sooner than that.” He gave her a gentle kiss. “They’re already bringing my car around.”
“Would you like me to go with you?” The sincerity in her voice, the clear concern in her eyes, almost made him say yes.
Instead he shook his head, an easy smile slipping into place. “Of course I’d like you to come with me, but you need to stay here and talk with your mum and take care of anything else that pops up.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed her face. Because she wanted to go with him - or because she didn’t want to stay and face her mum, especially alone?
Either way, he would be leaving her behind.
She gave him a kiss and then stepped back. “Please keep me updated on how things are going?”
“I’ll text you later.” Hopefully they’d be able to talk on the phone, and he’d be back in Southern Santiero in a couple of days.
Giving her hand a squeeze, Enzo turned away from her and walked out the door.
Time to head home and find if he was already king.
2
Meeting with her mother had never made Victoria so nervous before.
But she'd never told the press she was engaged before either.
