HENRY by Kate Tilney

Author:Kate Tilney [Tilney, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kate Tilney
Published: 2020-03-11T05:00:00+00:00

Lauren

I am standing in front of the mirror debating which of two dresses I should wear for Henry and I’s date this evening when there is a knock at the door.

Looking at the time, I frown. The family should all be en route to the cathedral by now. Not that I’ve seen any of them since Henry slipped out of my bed this morning.

Tossing the dresses on my bed, I throw the door open and smile at Ona, who is carrying a pile of newspapers.

“Oh perfect. I could use a second opinion.” I reach for the dresses and hold them up. “Which one should I go with?”

Ona closes the door slowly behind her.

“I am afraid I am the bearer of bad news.”

I freeze. “What’s wrong? Is anyone hurt?”

“On behalf of the secretary to the king of Rhodon, it is my duty to inform you that your services are no longer required.” Ona’s eyes take a frosty tint. “Your termination is effective immediately.”

My heart drops to my feet. “Why?”

Ona holds up the newspapers. It takes me a moment to realize what I’m looking at. When I do, my heart stops beating altogether.

There, in full color is my virtually naked body. In each picture, I’m kissing Henry in the pond. I burn with embarrassment remembering what happened just a few minutes after they were taken. That was just last night. How can there be pictures in a paper this morning?

“Are there any other pictures?”

“I think we both know there are. Fortunately, for your sake, they were too scandalous for publication.”

I am such a freaking idiot. I know Henry said the pond was private, but someone clearly followed us. A moment that had been just ours is now on display for the world to see. Bile rises in my throat.

Once these photos hit the international news cycle, there won’t be a school district in the world that will give me a job.

I’m spiraling into a pit of outrage, despair, and humiliation when the headlines on the papers come into focus.

Royal Nanny Getting Busy with Mystery Man

Bare Noble Rumored to be the Duke of Orkhis

“Why would anyone think that’s the duke and me?”

“Because it’s the story the papers were fed.”

“But who . . .” That’s when it hits me. “It was you.”

“I had a job to do.” Ona’s face remains stern. “It is unfortunate you were caught in the crosshairs, but it was necessary. Of course, when we originally devised the plan, we hoped the duke would in fact stray for the beautiful, young nanny. But he never looks anywhere but the princess. So, we had to be creative.”

My eyes return to the paper, where my virtually naked body is there for everyone to see. “What could you possibly think you’re going to accomplish by starting a rumor that the Duke and I are having an affair?”

“It is obvious to everyone who knows anything that the princess is crumpling under the pressure.”

“You hope this news will break her?”

Ona gives a short nod. “Everyone in the know understands she will put saving her marriage above the crown.

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