Page 174 of The Royal Art of Revenge

“You—”

“When will we know the outcome of the hearing?” I ask, cutting her off before they can descend into their third bickering session of the afternoon.

Alec checks his watch. “Hopefully within in the next five minutes. Finn will call me as soon as they’re done.”

“Am I late?” Beatrix rushes into the room, and both Alec and Valentina lower into a bow and curtsey to pay their respects. She acknowledges them with a small nod before coming over and sitting on the sofa next to me. “I do apologise. The Prime Minister would just not let it go.”

I swallow. “Does she oppose me?”

“No, quite the opposite. She’s rather taken with you actually and can’t believe someone would stoop so low.”

“She doesn’t know the allegations aren’t true.”

She looks at me as if I’ve suddenly grown three heads. “Darling, anyone who’s had the pleasure of spending five minutes in your company knows it isn’t true.”

I’m not going to argue with her. I’ve tried. She’s adamant I’m the most perfect being to have ever existed, so I shall happily leave her to that delusion.

As far as the queen is concerned, she supports my rights and my wrongs. I daresay I could murder someone in her bedroom, and she’d brush it off as if I’d spilt a glass of water.

It is rather nice to have such unfettered support, I must admit.

“Has Annette been by yet?”

“I’m here.” Annette walks into the room with her usual stern demeanour. It’s fractured only by the hint of worry in her eyes, but she still smiles warmly at me. “Harriet. How are you?”

I swallow back the lump in my throat. “Nervous.”

The Queen pats my shoulder, while Valentina smiles at me sympathetically.

“Don’t worry,” Annette says. “I can’t see the judge denying our request. It may be that he orders the name to remain confidential but allows us access to it to address the claims made against you. That may be the best outcome for all.”

Alec’s phone rings on the table, and we all freeze.

All except him.

He walks over and checks the screen, then meets my eyes as he answers. “Hold on,” he says, tapping. “You’re on speaker now.”

“Is everyone there?” Finn asks, his voice cracking slightly on the line.

“Yes,” the Queen says. “Is it over?”

“Yes.”

“And?” When he doesn’t immediately reply, Annette says impatiently, “Do spit it out, Your Royal Highness.”

“Sorry, Michael was just getting rid of an enthusiastic reporter. It seems someone caught wind of our appearance here.”

“I told you not to go,” Beatrix grumbles.

“Of course I’m going. This concerns my wife,” Finn shoots back.

Alec snorts. “She’s not your wife yet.”

“Will someone just tell us what the judge said?” Valentina snaps, smacking her hand against the table. “Good grief!”

Yes.

What she said.