Page 47 of Royal Resistance

I wait patiently to see if he tells me what the trip is for. Because it wasn’t on his schedule this week.

I know that, because I helped make the schedule.

“We’re looking for a replacement for Mrs. McCutcheon,” he says without giving me much time to wonder.

“And this is something you need to do personally? I think Duncan can handle it. Or even Benny.” It took a few days to get used to the ease Magnus interacted with his equerry, as well as his head of security, but it’s understandable when I thought of how he’s known them for years playing in the band.

“She says she won’t consider it unless she meets me,” Magnus says sheepishly. “And she’s already working for Buckingham Palace, so I don’t want to cause an international incident.”

“It could happen,” I muse. “The queen of Sweden once persuaded the valet of the Emperor of Japan to work for them, and there was considerable backlash against all of Scandinavia.”

Magnus’s usual healthy colour pales. “Are you serious?”

“Poaching staff can be seen as a serious offence.”

“But what if she wants to come?”

“Then that’s her decision but look at the potential cost before you make the offer.”

Magnus shakes his head. “See, that’s something we’d have no idea about.”

“I could handle it for you,” I offer.

“And you’d probably be much better at it, but Dunc’s got a bee in his bonnet about doing it himself. The woman’s husband—her name is Mrs. Theissen—is a lawyer, so we’re going to try for a two-for-one.”

“Does he work for the royal family?” When Magnus shakes his head, I give a smile of reassurance. “Then you should be fine. Offer him the job first, and it will go easier for this Mrs. Theissen.”

Magnus smiles widely. “That’s why I married you.”

“I hope there’s more reasons than that.”

“Many more. Look, I invited Diandra to come stay with you while we’re gone. I know it’s only a couple of days, but it’s pretty lonely being here alone.”

“There’s enough staff that I doubt I’d ever be alone.”

“Meals,” he says ruefully. “I hate eating here alone.”

The image of Magnus at that huge table by himself does something to me. So does the thought of him with a tray in here, not to mention that he obviously thought about my comfort as well. “Thank you,” I say with a shy smile. “That’s very considerate of you.”

“I try. How’s the new sitting room coming along?”

“It should be ready by next week. It seems like this room was decorated around the same time.” I wave my hand at the wallpaper, with its thick brown and blue stripes.

“Yeah, it’s on my list to do something about in here,” he admits. “I thought it would make me feel closer to my father keeping it like this, but I can’t stand the colour. And it’s not me.”

“I need your help,” I tell Diandra. She’s only just arrived, bags piled by the stairs waiting to be carried up.

“This sounds fun.”

“I hope so. I want you to help me redecorate Magnus’s office.”

“Oh, thank god. That place is a man cave from hell! Let’s get started.”

It takes us two days and the help of almost everyone in the castle.

Diandra has an eye for colours and light that I lack, and it takes her no time to pick a hunter-green shade that would go well with the dark wood trim. The gardener, Bob England, provides a few men to strip the wallpaper, and after a quick deep clean from the castle cleaning staff, they paint the room.

I listen to Diandra and keep the massive oak desk, but we find a leather couch and chair in nearby Mary’s Harbour, along with a bookshelf, and have it delivered.