The woman inside the store nodded. “Your Majesty, this is an honor.” She seemed flustered, immediately straightening her apron.
“Thank you. I could use your help today.”
Her glasses were attached to a chain around her neck. She had thick spongy hair like a curly helmet.
“Anything you need. What are you shopping for today?” she asked. “I-I really am honored you have chosen today to shop.”
I walked toward the first glass case. I didn’t see anything I liked.
“An engagement ring,” I stated.
The woman gasped. “Your Majesty!”
I put my finger to my lips. “Shh. It’s a secret. My family has shopped at Vitania’s for years because of the discretion here. I’m sure that hasn’t changed.”
Her curls shook. “It has not. I will not tell a soul.”
“Good. Then I’m looking for something with sapphires.”
“We have a beautiful selection. I have some pieces in the back. Let me gather a few. I’ll be right back.”
“Thank you.” I smiled at her.
The guards stood like statues at the doors. I wouldn’t be able to maintain the secrecy for long, but after tonight I wouldn’t have to.
A few minutes later the shop keeper returned with a black velvet tray. She pulled back the cloth covering the surface to reveal three stunning pieces of jewelry.
“Your Majesty, we can also custom make any design you like if these don’t suit you.”
I plucked the middle one from the tray. I held it toward the light. It was flawless. The sapphire was the perfect shade.
“I assume these are perfect quality.”
“Oh yes. These are the highest quality diamonds and sapphires. If you would like to exchange a stone for one of your family stones, we can do that as well.”
“That’s not necessary.” I didn’t like the suggestion. I wanted a new beginning. I was tired of the same rings being handed down for two hundred years. That wasn’t Molly.
She was a breath of fresh air. She was light and beauty. She was my sapphire, and I was going to buy her the most expensive pure gem in this city.
“This is the one.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to look at some others?” She seemed surprised I had made my decision so quickly.
“That’s the one.” I handed it to her.
She had a toothy smile. “Of course. It’s a beautiful ring. You have wonderful taste, Your Majesty.” She scurried to the back for the ring box.
This woman didn’t need to say it. I knew I had excellent taste. I had chosen Molly.
The wooden case was nestled inside my suit jacket. Georgan stood by the car door as I walked through the private palace entrance.
Security was behind me.
I was on a mission. I had one goal. Take the elevator to the top floor and put this ring on Molly’s finger.
Enough with the family dissent. Enough with politics and worrying about the sanctity of the crown. I was in love with this woman. I couldn’t think of a single reason to wait.
After all, I wasn’t a patient man.
“Your Majesty.” Kenley rushed me as soon as I crossed the threshold. She was out of breath.
“Kenley.” I turned for the elevators. I wasn’t interested in being pulled into a royal matter.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your afternoon.”
“What is it?”
“Dominic, sir,” she whispered. “Can we step into the sitting room?”
I walked into the closest open room, shutting the doors behind us.
“What has he done this time?” I quizzed her. I could only begin to guess what kind of episode one of his binges had caused.
“He showed up drunk to this morning’s library dedication for the children’s wing.”
“He did what?” I roared. It was worse than I thought. Getting drunk on a golf course or at a cocktail party was one thing. Around children was completely unacceptable.
Kenley closed her eyes. “He stumbled into one of the librarians.”
“Good God. Did you get him out of there?”
She nodded, wincing. “But not before two flasks fell from his pockets. The children saw, sir. There were cameras and phones everywhere. I can’t contain it. It’s already on social media.”
“Fuck,” I whispered, not caring if I swore in front of her anymore. “Where is he now?”
“Sleeping it off,” she answered. “I left him in his apartment. There is a guard outside the door. He can’t leave his suite. Although, I don’t think he’ll awaken anytime soon.”
I ran my hands through my hair. “Why was he drinking so early? I thought the morning events were the safe bet.”
“He never stopped after the ball. I put him to bed, but he didn’t stay there.” Her eyes hit the floor. “He left the palace with a woman. I don’t know who.”