Page 178 of The Royal Art of Revenge

“As lovely as this all is,” Annette says slowly. “Might we discuss our next moves?”

“Can you produce a hidden blade from up your sleeve, Annette?” Oscar asks teasingly.

She eyes him in that stern way only someone tired of accommodating his bullshit could. “Why don’t you come over here, young Lord Lindberg, and let us all find out?”

He swallows and takes a step back. “No, no. You carry on.”

“So kind of you.” She pushes her glasses up her nose. “Your Majesty, if I may…?”

Beatrix waves her hand for her to continue.

“The major media outlets and papers won’t be covering it until we have a statement to release alongside it,” Annette explains. “The immediate concern is the entertainment pages sharing their story tonight. We should also anticipate it leaking online as we speak, given that Miss Devereaux has received some messages about it. Unfortunately, we cannot contain the internet. Miss Harriet, I recommend that you stay off social media and perhaps avoid your phone for the time being.”

I nod. That’s not the worst idea in the world. God only knows what people are going to say about me.

“Your Royal Highness, I might suggest the same for you,” she says to which Finn nods in agreement. “Miss Devereaux, it would be helpful if you could tune in to the social circle and see how far this news is spreading. I believe you are the most effective in terms of being a socialite among us.”

“Of course. How should I respond if I’m asked anything? Would you like me to say anything even if I’m not?” Valentina asks, pulling out her phone.

“No, thank you. If you could merely listen, that would be helpful. As for responding to questions, I suspect you may get some relating to your own experience. I cannot ask you not to discuss that, but I would ask that you refrain from discussing anything about Miss Harriet. A simple “I’m sorry, but I cannot speak for her,” should suffice.”

Valentina nods the way Finn and I have before her.

“Your Grace, please continue digging up whatever information you can find.” She pauses. “Find something we can throw at him.”

“Annette, that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,” Alec drawls. “I’m starting to think you like me.”

“Then stop thinking. Lord Lindberg.” She pulls her glasses down and peers at him. “Whatever it is you do with your little social media accounts that I pretend I don’t know about… Keep doing it.”

He grins. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” She pauses, then turns back to me. “And… Miss Harriet, it may not come to this, but I would like you to be prepared for the fact you may personally have to address this.”

“No,” Beatrix says firmly. “Absolutely not.”

“Your Majesty—”

“No.”

I get up and sit at the table instead of on the sofa, then reach across and take Beatrix’s hand. “It’s all right. I can’t ignore this. If there’s any chance I have to speak about this, then I want to do it before it looks as if I’m forced into it.”

She presses her lips into a thin line, but she doesn’t argue further with me.

“Annette, we’ve discussed the kind of charities I want to focus on. I can’t address this live, but if we make it a pre-recorded message…”

Annette pauses. “You can address the situation in your own words and announce the initiatives you plan to champion after the wedding. Yes, let us do that.”

Everyone looks at Beatrix. She takes a moment, but she ultimately sighs and nods as she turns to me. “We do not rush this. If at any point it becomes too much, we stop. I refuse to rush out a statement, pre-recorded or otherwise, that may compromise your mental health.”

I smile. “I won’t push myself. I promise.”

CHAPTER FORTY – HATTIE

Three days.

That’s how long it took me to record a video address of the worst time of my life. The very same one that will be broadcast to millions of people in Askurg. The same one that will follow me throughout the rest of my days and define who I am as a person.

And it was undoubtedly one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done.