Page 14 of Fit for a King

Violet averted her eyes, suddenly very interested in dusting the corners of the alcove.

“Violet? Did you know?”

“No.”

“Don’t lie.”

She hesitated. “Maybe I suspected. But only because Charlie had mentioned overhearing Mr. Baxter whispering something about a switch-up to Mrs. Hutcheon, and then he said His Majesty was busy in meetings during the time you had your interview.”

“Hold on, Mr. Baxter knew?”

“Oh, he always knows. He doesn’t approve, but he knows.”

I pushed away from the wall. “Why didn’t he say anything? How is this normal?”

“He’s the best at keeping secrets.” She shrugged. “And no, of course nothing here is normal. It’s royal.”

I sighed, feeling anxious in my body and the small confines of the alcove. I started to run a hand through my hair, but then remembered my place and the fact it needed to look perfectly presentable, and dropped my hand. “He was furious.”

“His Majesty?”

“No, Mrs. Stuart. Yes, His Majesty.”

“It’ll be okay. He’s used to Prince Gabriel’s pranks.”

“Uh, he threatened to remove me.”

“And somehow you’re still here.” She gave me a small smile. “Listen, all you need to know is if he smiles, it’s the prince, and if he scowls, it’s the king.”

“You could’ve mentioned that earlier.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“Violet!” Mrs. Hutcheon’s voice rang down the hall, louder this time.

Violet glanced out into the hallway then turned back to me. “Keep your head down and do the work and you’ll be fine. His Majesty likes competence above all. I’ll be back to help you with turndown tonight.”

Competence. Right. I possessed that…somewhere.

“Thanks, Violet.”

“No problem.” She started to leave, but then looked over her shoulder and added, “Don’t take the icy reception personally. I don’t think he knows how else to be.”

Apparently so, and here I’d been thinking maybe it was just for show.

Nope.

It seemed I’d need to get used to being cold. Maybe I’d invest in some long johns so I didn’t get hypothermia from the arctic blast of his personality. The thought made me grin.

“There you go,” Violet said, pointing her duster at me. “Whatever you’re thinking about right now, keep it on hand for those moments he⁠—”

“Tries to glare me to death.”

“Exactly. See, you’re already learning. By the end of the week you’ll feel like you’ve been here for years.”

“I’m not sure that’s the best way to sell this position.”

“Okay, how about this? You’ve just stepped into the position of the King of Valoria’s personal footman. A position that will bring prestige to your family, and provide for them for years to come. It’s one of the most important positions in this household.” She leaned in and whispered, “some might even argue the most.”