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“My father could just as easily find a way to declare you unfit,” Sigurd says.
Flora adds, “He’d be hard-pressed. There’s no law against entitlements to any offspring of a sitting king, no matter the status.”
“I’ll do my duty,” I tell everyone. “And I’ll do exactly what needs to be done with the monarchy.”
What that means, exactly, depends entirely on how the king takes responsibility for the news—if the paternity test comes back positive.
I tell them what I plan to do.
Not only do I have four new siblings, they are all in agreement.
35
Jo
I just have to get through this press conference.
One foot in front of the other.
Although I still don’t know why I’m even here.
I feel like an afterthought, in every way possible.
And still, Jakob’s hand squeezes mine.
We walk into the plaza and straight toward the platform where the king and queen wait behind a line of bodyguards. Oddly, it seems they’ve hired extra men for this appearance.
“I’d like to speak to you, Your Majesties. It’s critically important.”
The king waves us off with a smile.
Jakob and I exchange looks.
Why does Jakob think the king will suddenly take responsibility when he’s known all along and never has before?
Uther shoots us a warning look, effectively telling us to back off.
“Trust me,” Jakob tries. “They’re going to want to hear it from me. We may want to postpone the press conference altogether.”
I squeeze Jakob’s arm.
“You’ve done your best. It’s time to let it go.”
My husband is a mix of emotions.
“Whatever happens happens at this point, Jakob.”
He surrenders, finally, as I guide him to the stage where Flora waits, beaming at Jakob.
As a rule, I’m not a fan of being on stage. I look out into the crowd, and I see no one I know there except Suzanna, whom I only just met this morning. So many people. So many strange faces. I do my best to keep my face placid, focusing on the princess’s very gracious speech in which she thanks Jakob for his bravery. People chuckle as she reaches for him to place the medal around his neck; he has to squat down for her to do it.
Jakob bows to the princess, bows to the king and queen, then digs something out of his pocket. The princess freezes in surprise when she sees what he holds in his hand.
“I believe you dropped this, Your Highness.”
Looking out on the crowd, I know that the audience loves Jakob. I can see that already. He didn’t need a media coach. Everyone can see how adorably shy, sweet, and humble he is.
My Jakob. But he’s not mine any longer. Not as soon as the news gets out about who he might be.
