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I nodded. I knew that by now. Alexandra wanted to be fawned over, even if she swore up and down she did not. Truth was, I enjoyed it.
“Got it,” I said.
I strode down the hall to find the witch tormenting my bride. I entered the Dowager Queen’s sitting with nary a request, annoying a footman who chased me. He missed the mark and soon I was there, in the room with her ten cats, glaring. My pulse raced. I was determined to defend Alexandra’s honour above all else. I had no idea how to fix this, but I would.
Hands balled in fists, I demanded, “What did you do to Alexandra?”
“Excuse me, can you not please address me formally?” Celeste groaned.
“I don’t much feel like it. And given Alexandra runs this household as of thirty minutes ago, I have no reason to fear your wrath!”
“I did not want to see anyone. Come back another time when you have calmed down.”
Celeste didn’t look ill. I realised she was licking the wounds of signing power over to Alexandra. She was upset—unable to watch Alexandra ascend. Her hand was forced. She was backed into a corner. Yes, I could throw my weight around and empower Alexandra to do the same. However, it would not fix the wedding dress a week before the wedding. Nor would it temper my rage or fix her emotional distress over something so important.
“I am not leaving until I have let you have it,” I said. “My family will arrive within the day, Celeste! And they will find the bride beyond help. She is a mess right now. Her dress is nothing like she imagined it. She feels she cannot walk down the aisle. She will, of course. We agreed. We will marry but damn it I don’t want her to feel so ugly! A bride deserves to feel beautiful on her wedding day!”
“Brides always whinge about such things?—”
“Not Alexandra. She has accepted almost every constraint you have placed on her like a champ. She’s taken things on the chin. You don’t get to claim refuge here. You made massive changes to her dress. Did you not?”
“I made some tweaks. I needed to ensure it was acceptable for a church wedding.”
“I doubt that this is the case. She claims it will be a great disappointment to the crowds. I trust her.”
“And you two are speaking now?”
I sputtered. “Well, we have been better, but it will all be sorted out. She’s taking some time?—”
“And you are in a bind? You need to get her under control, Rikard. This is a perfect time?—”
“I will not break her spirit,” I said. “Celeste, I do not own her. She needs a partner, not a dictator. She deserves that. You can trust that we will take care of the institution.”
“I can call the PM right now.”
“I specifically requested news on the matter. The bill was passed and signed. The PM made a formal comment on the matter. He cannot go back. I will not let you rule her with fear now. This ends now!”
Celeste’s face twisted. She knocked a cat off her lap and stood, meeting my gaze.
“You are getting yourself in a heap of trouble, young man.”
“Fuck it. I don’t care,” I said. “My allegiance remains to Alexandra. It always has. It always will. And in a week, I will codify that in front of millions. I love Alexandra—truly love her—and I will do anything for her. You won’t win Celeste.”
She chuckled. “And you can fix this with a week to go?”
“I may not succeed, but I will try. I will do everything I can to help. You destroyed her dreams here, Celeste. See if she ever speaks with you again. I know I will not.”
Lord William arrived. “What is the issue, Your Royal Highness?”
“Celeste has ruined the bride’s dress. I am lighting into her over it.”
“She has two dresses. She has a much less appropriate second dress for your reception. She can be happy I didn’t edit that one. I did this for her own good. Her first dress was too wild.”
“I don’t care what you think about the dress. It was never up to you to alter!”
“Her Majesty always does what she can to guide Alexandra,” her henchman said.
“Well, that’s over. The bill is signed. We’re in charge. Now, Alexandra wants these rooms for our use,” I said. “You may confirm that with her, but it is true. By the time we return from our honeymoon, I expect the Dowager Queen to vacate the Queen’s quarters or there will be hell to pay for all of you. That includes you, Lord William!”
