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We
flew back to Gevalia, walking directly into a media firestorm with the
announcement of our engagement. We barely had time to shower and change before
we were whisked away to a televised interview. Masen and I worked nonstop for
nearly a week, granting interviews for the Gevalian press. We also took our
official, royal engagement photos in the gardens of the palace, which were
posted all over the world.
The
hoopla never died down. Our quiet life from before was now gone. Masen already
had a staff, a personal assistant and such with his job as the head of the
House of Lords. I did not. On a rare
quiet morning a month after our return to Gevalia, I was having interviews for my
own staff. I needed a publicist, an assistant and a driver. Alec was the head
of my security and had been chauffeuring me around. He’d rather focus his
attention on my safety.
There
had been some displeasure with the official announcement of our engagement. Along
with threats that an American princess would be the downfall of Gevalia. Both
Masen and I were threatened. Our apartment was secured, but when we left, we
were exposed. We needed some extra security. Okay, a lot of extra security.
Esme
wanted us back in the Palace, staying at Masen Manor. Masen wanted to stay
where we were, but with more security personnel. We won that battle, but were
in the process of hiring more, along with my own staff.
I had a staff. Holy crap.
“What
do you think of the most recent candidate?” Heidi asked me. “You seemed to
click with Jane.”
“She
was knowledgeable about the educational reforms and literacy advocacy,” I said.
“Keep
in mind, you also need to plan for a wedding, Lady Bella,” Heidi quipped.
“While your plans for revamping the educational system of Gevalia is
impressive, you have to make plans for your wedding to Prince Edward.”
I
smiled, but it was bittersweet. My smile fell, twisting my mom’s wedding ring
my dad had given prior to our departure back to Gevalia. He wore it on a chain
when it was too tight while she was pregnant with my sister. He felt that it
was now my time to have it. It sat on my right hand, sparkling underneath the
lights. My mother should be here to
help plan my wedding. She wasn’t. Linda was amazing, but she wasn’t my mother.
My relationship with Esme was still on shaky ground.
“We
have time,” I murmured. “For the wedding that is …” I wiped my cheeks, feeling
dampness and tears had spilled onto my cheeks.
“Are
you okay, Lady Bella?” Heidi asked.
I
looked up at her. Her eyes were swirling with concern. “I apologize. I’m very
excited about getting married. It’s just hard to start thinking about planning
the wedding. My mom is not here. She died when she gave birth to my younger
sister. She won’t be here to see me get married. My dad’s dating someone, but
they’re in New York and you know that my relationship with the Queen is …” I
trailed off, wrinkling my nose. “Well, I don’t feel comfortable going over
table settings and finalizing details about the ceremony with Queen Esme. We’re
not exactly besties.”
Heidi
barked out a laugh. I arched a brow at her. “I don’t think Queen Esme has any
‘besties.’ Perhaps Duke Carlisle,” Heidi giggled. “I didn’t know about your
mother. My deepest condolences about her passing.”
“Thank
you,” I muttered.
“With
that being said, I think that Jane would be an amazing assistant for your
educational platform, arranging for meetings and organizing your time. If
possible, I’d like to help with the wedding planning,” Heidi smiled. “I’ve
known Prince Edward since he was a teenager and I’ve worked for the royal
family for quite a while. I know I’m not your mother.”
“You
barely look older than thirty,” I said, my eyes wide.
“I
was blessed with great skin,” she smirked. “And good genetics.” She reached
over, squeezing my fingers. “Now, the rest of your morning is free. I’ll make
the call to Jane tonight and we can spend the rest of the morning making
preliminary plans about your wedding. I can also school you in the ways of the
royals. You’re not in Kansas anymore. I wonder if they have a handbook?”
I
laughed. “A handbook? On how to be a royal?”
“I’m
serious,” Heidi said. “Totally serious.”
“Oh,
my God,” I sighed, leaning my cheek against the glass tabletop.
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