Recklessly Royal(60)

“It was fun. We get along really well even though we’re so different.”

“That’s the key.” Selene smiled fondly. “I dated a boy like David once. All muscles and brooding eyes. He was a carpenter and made the most beautiful things. We had nothing in common, but that didn’t seem to matter.”

“What happened?”

“Oh, life. Things change, jobs change. But I wouldn’t trade the memories.” She patted my hand. “If you really have that special something, hold on to him.”

I frowned. I thought we had that special something. Had I been wrong?

Turning away from Selene I dug my phone out of my pocket and checked my incoming messages. Still nothing. Frowning I checked my e-mail. Nothing there either.

Had I broken some cardinal rule? Texted too soon? David wasn’t the kind of guy to play games. I’d dated those types of people—Kyle had been that guy. The one who thought when I said no I secretly meant yes.

Not wanting to give in to my worry, I decided to text him again. What could it hurt?

Is everything okay? Are the paparazzi bothering you?

I hit send before I could rethink it and turned back to look at Selene with a smile. “There. That’s me not letting him get away. I think.”

“Good for you.” A nurse with a rattling cart pushed open the door and delivered breakfast before leaving just as quickly.

I looked at the covered tray and felt bad for poor Selene. “That looks horrible.”

“Trust me, I know.” She picked up her cup and I moved to help her. “You should get out of here and get some real food.”

“When you’re done, I will.” To be honest, I’d have to leave. I needed to go back to the hotel and change before a video conference.

As soon as Selene was back asleep, I was up and running. Jameson called for the car and I didn’t even take the time to shower before changing. Instead I put my hair in a loose fishtail braid and freshened up my makeup just before my computer beeped.

“Hi, Mother.”

“How are you, dear?” Mother’s face popped up into view and I smiled. She was in a car, headed to parliament for the day. “How is Selene?”

“Good.” I took a sip of the tea Tabitha brought into my room before disappearing again. “She’s healing quickly.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I plan on visiting her at D’Lynsal when she’s released. I want to see her for myself. Oh, and I meant to tell you that your dog is doing wonderful. He hasn’t used the bathroom in my apartments once.” I had asked her to watch Xavier when it became apparent that I wasn’t going to be back soon. Mother situated her phone so that it was off to the side while she went through her files. “I wanted to chat with you about a few things before the others join us. I hear you did an outstanding job at the artisans’ guild.”

And we were off to business in no time. When the prime minister joined us to talk about my program, I had to force myself to pay attention. I kept glancing at my phone, wondering why David was ignoring me.

“Catherine, have you decided on a name for the program?” Mother’s voice cut into my thoughts.

“I—I—not yet. I’ll narrow it down soon.” My attention snapped back to the computer and I frowned.

“Excellent. Let us know once you do and we will meet again.” Mother closed her folder all business. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Prime Minister.”

“Never a problem, Your Majesty. I’m very interested in this program.” He smiled. “Please send my regards to Selene.”

“I will.” I nodded my head. “Good luck today in parliament.”

“Thank you.” They both laughed. They were not in agreement about the newest bill, so it would be interesting to see how it worked out today. However, they had known each other for so long it was easy for them to separate state affairs from each other.

When I closed the computer I threw myself on my bed and buried my face in a pillow. My phone beeped and I practically flew across the room to pick it up.

There was a text message.

But it wasn’t from David. Instead it was Chadwick.

Turn on the news.

Grabbing the remote I pointed it at the television and held my breath. I flipped to a news station quickly and cussed loudly. The reporter was talking about David’s family and showing images of his youngest sister and mother being hounded in a parking lot.

Liberty Anne was crying and shaking her hands at her sides. It was obvious that the attention was upsetting her a great deal and yet the cameras persisted.

“She’s a child, you assholes!” I screamed at the TV in fury.