His True Queen ~ Jodi Ellen Malpas by Malpas Jodi Ellen

Author:Malpas, Jodi Ellen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: His True Queen
Publisher: Jodi Ellen Malpas
Published: 2018-08-06T16:00:00+00:00

“WELCOME HOME,” KIM QUIPS AS we slowly roam the rooms of Claringdon. I can only sigh, taking in each vast room as we pass through, my eyes being reacquainted with the ultimate of all royal residences. Except it is now my residence.

Aside from my trip to Portsmouth, I’ve not seen outside my father’s office or my new suite in the two days I’ve been here. Watching my parents’ possessions being shipped out in such a military fashion was painful. It was all very impersonal, as if the routine of waving goodbye to one Sovereign and welcoming another is just par for the course. Which, I guess, it is. Except the previous Sovereign was my father. The wretched guilt I hope one day I will get used to clamps down on my heart.

“How are you getting along with Major Davenport?” I ask Kim, diverting my mind. I should have perhaps given her the heads-up on his return, but as far as I was concerned, Davenport had declined my offer and, though disappointed, I didn’t expect him to reconsider.

“Well, that stick isn’t completely up his arse anymore,” she says dryly. “Now I’d say it’s more partially wedged.”

I laugh. “Good to hear.”

“He knows what he’s talking about, I guess.” Kim shrugs. “And he’s surprisingly patient with my lacking areas of expertise.”

“Very good.” I knew they’d work well together, each covering the other’s blind spots.

“And it was surprisingly nice to have someone to be smug with when the statement went out setting the record straight about you and Haydon.”

I laugh under my breath. “David and Sir Don still look like they’ve been slapped in the face.”

“I like that look on them.”

“Me, too. Did you get hold of Edward?” I ask, running a fingertip over a solid oak console table as we pass. Of course, there is not one speck of dust on the wood.

“I’m told he is still in bed.”

“With a gigantic hangover,” I muse.

“Or he’s avoiding you,” Kim adds, and she is probably right. Kim found a private clinic, one that would be perfect for Eddie, but he didn’t take too kindly to the suggestion when I proposed it over dinner on the last night of my residence at Kellington. Apparently, he hasn’t developed a drinking problem. Apparently, he is perfectly stable. Apparently, he is simply making up for lost time and fun.

“He hates me.” I fold at the thought. He doesn’t see me as trying to help him, but more telling him what to do. Taking my new role and running with it, I think he said.

“He doesn’t hate you. He is just a little lost right now. The first step to fixing a problem is admitting you have one, and as far as His Royal Highness is concerned, he doesn’t have a problem.”

“Very true.”

“I don’t know of many war heroes who party like Prince Edward,” Kim muses, all too casually. “I mean, I thought PTSD was more like depression.”

I flick my eyes to her as we round the corner, seeing she looks all too casual, too.

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