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This earns collective ‘aww’s’ and ‘how sweet’s’ from around the room, which suddenly makes me aware of how many people have been listening to the entire conversation. Feeling a little high on approval of people I’m not paying to say nice things, I continue, “Yes, we’re going to give our children a very typical middle-class upbringing—except the bodyguards, of course.”

The ladies laugh and glance at Xavier lovingly.

“Our children will be doing chores just like I had to do growing up. Scrubbing toilets, picking up dog poop (I mean, if we get a dog, that is), learning to cook—and more than just frying up an egg and expecting everyone around her to be wowed.Real mealsfrom scratch—appetizers, mains, and desserts. The whole deal. I want them to know what it means to work hard. We’re not going to raise any spoiled, entitled, useless little brats, I can tell you that.”

One of the women at the far end of the table calls, “Here here!”

“Wow. Very forward thinking, Your Highness,” Hannah says.

“Call me Tess.”

***

WHEN I LEAVE THE SALON, my hair is up in a very complicated chignon, I have beautifully applied makeup, and I feel like I’m on cloud nine, having won over a group of regular women like me. Yes,thisis the way to popularity. I’ve figured it all out. Be as down-to-earth as possible whilst looking your very best.

I can’t wait to tell Arthur we can let Dylan go now because I’ve got the whole rebranding thing covered.

As soon we arrive at the palace, I make my way straight to his office to give him the good news and show off my new do, but when I get there, Vincent husband-blocks me, telling me Arthur’s on a conference call.

“That’s okay, Vincent. I’ll catch him later,” I say, turning on my heel and strut away. What a perfect day! Nothing could spoil my good mood.