When I closed the bedroom door I caught a glimpse of my hair and makeup-free face in a mirror and frowned. I needed to do something about that and quickly. Reporters would be camped outside the hospital waiting for my arrival. Not to mention David would be with me. I was vain enough to admit that I wanted to look nice for him. So I threw my bag on the bed and got started. As a royal there were certain things expected of me, and looking nice was one of them. I enjoyed yoga pants and T-shirts as much as the next girl, but it would send the wrong image to people if I showed up to visit a beloved aide looking like I had just been to the gym.
I also didn’t want to look too professional or serious, so a suit or dress was out of the question. Instead I opted for a designer top and jacket to pair with jeans and my boots. The key to packing an emergency bag was to include pieces that would work well for different occasions and things that you could mix and match.
And if there was one thing I knew how to do, it was to look the part of a princess.
TWELVE
WITH SAM AND Alex out of the country and on a private island, the paparazzi had nothing better to do than hound me and Max. It was frustrating, but also a part of life I’d come to expect. There would always be someone wanting my picture, and there would always be another person hoping for something embarrassing.
Security had been deployed at the hospital to make sure patients were able to enter and leave as needed without being harassed. It was a sad day when you had to tell television vans to move out of the ambulance lane, but today was one of those days.
Chadwick and David had ridden in a separate car, while Tabitha, Max, and I rode together. I hadn’t been able to find time to speak with my new, temporary assistant, but I would soon.
“I think you should take a minute to address the crowd.” Tabitha flashed me a large smile. Her sweet voice made the words sound innocent, but I didn’t like being told what I should and shouldn’t do.
“I had planned on it.” I shot Max a look and he shrugged.
“Excellent. I’m sending you some key points now. Check your e-mail.”
I froze, unable to find words for a moment. I knew she was trying to be helpful, but that was a bit over the line. “Thank you, but I already know what I am going to say.”
“You should look them over, just in case. These cover every contingency or possible question.” She explained her reasoning slowly and I felt myself growing even more annoyed. I wasn’t stupid, I just didn’t need her help for this.
“Tabitha, I know you mean well, but I’ve been speaking to the media for a very long time.” I ground my teeth before continuing. “The only thing they need to know is that Selene is in good hands and making positive movement toward recovery. I’ll express our pain and sorrow at seeing such a close friend in so much pain and then walk on. Nothing else matters at this point.”
“I released a statement explaining that you saved Selene’s life in the car, so it’s well known that you were a big part of her survival. I’m sure there will be questions about what you did.”
“You what?” My voice was much louder than I had intended. Max stilled in his seat and I could see the anger working behind his eyes. “You released a statement without consulting me?”
“I didn’t want to bother you, but time was of the essence. Besides, it’s my job to do that stuff.” Tabitha cocked her head to the side. “Don’t worry, I made sure that you looked good.”
“That I looked good?” My hands shook in my lap. I was so angry I was vibrating in my seat. I’m sure she meant well, but this was inexcusable. I opened my mouth to tell her off, but Max beat me to it.
“Your job is to do what Her Royal Highness directs you to do.” Max’s deep voice cut through the car. “Your job is to make sure she’s awake at a time she sets. Your job is to follow her orders and to make prudent suggestions when the time calls for it. Your job is not to make assumptions or to do what you think is right without asking Catherine first.”
Silence filled the car and I tried to keep the shock from my face. Max was never one to mince words, but I’d never heard him correct someone so thoroughly.
“I apologize.” Tabitha frowned, her eyes going wide. “I was only trying to handle things the way Selene would.”
“Selene and I have worked together for a long time now and have a better sense of each other.” I searched for diplomatic words. “Suggesting that I saved Selene’s life is not true. It also diverts the attention from those who truly deserve the praise; like the doctors, nurses, and other staff. They are the ones who saved Selene and they are the ones who will benefit from the praise. It would instill trust from the surrounding community in their medical team. Pretending that I saved Selene will do nothing for me, but make me look as if I’m asking for a pat on the back, when all I really care about is my friend healing.” I took a deep breath. “Besides all of that, if Jameson had not walked me through it over the speakerphone, I would have had no idea what to do for Selene.”