Page 26 of Falling for the Queen Mother

"Doesn't your family have an island home?" He knew she access to one, but also knew she wasn't sure exactly the legalities surrounding it.

"She does. That would be a good place. It's secure. No media. Only a few staff members and security team members, but you'll essentially be alone and able to relax."

"I think that sounds like a good idea."

"I'll talk to my mum and you can plan to leave after the interview in the morning, but before it airs tomorrow evening." The king stood. "Thank you for your time." He nodded toward Nate then turned to leave. With one hand on the door knob, he looked back. "I suspect my mum could be open to a relationship, but please be kind to her regardless of the outcome of your relationship."

"I'll do my best," he promised. That's all he could do.

"Thank you."

Once again alone in the apartment, Nate walked to the window and shoved his hands in his pockets, staring out toward the horizon. This wasn't what he'd expected out of this trip, but he found himself looking forward to the time with Alaina.

Just the two of them.

It had been a long time since Alaina did an interview like this one.

Actually, she'd never done one like this one. She'd always been with someone who was "more important" than she was, but this was different.

Between her and Nathaniel, she was the one people were more interested in. As the mother of the king, and as a long time queen consort, the people of Southern Santiero were familiar with her, invested in her life more so than many other people.

Nathaniel entered the sitting room and stopped long enough to bow toward her. "Good morning."

"Good morning."

The team of people setting up for the interview glanced at each other as he took a seat next to her. She'd already had her microphone placed. One of the technicians did the same Nathaniel as another one put a bit of make up on them.

As they settled back into place, Janice - the interviewer Alaina had spoken with many times before - came over to greet them.

She dipped into a curtsy as she held out a hand toward Alaina. "Good morning, Your Majesty."

Alaina shook her hand and nodded her acknowledgment. "Good morning."

The woman turned to Nathaniel. "Good morning, sir."

He shook her hand and greeted her as well.

"We'll get started in a moment," she said as she took a seat across from them. "I want to thank you for meeting with me."

"I understand it likely wasn't your decision, but it's not like we had much choice." Alaina knew her words didn't quite match the friendly tone and smile she kept fixed in place.

Janice frowned. "I'm not sure what you mean."

“You and I both know we’re doing this interview because we’ve basically been blackmailed into it.” The smile stayed where it was and she kept her voice fairly low.

Confusion crossed the interviewer's face and stayed there. "I really don't know what you're talking about."

Alaina’s smile faded. "What exactly were you told about this interview?"

"That you and Mr..." She checked her notes. "...Dougherty eloped and were giving an interview before leaving on your honeymoon." Janice looked back up. "Is that not accurate?"

Alaina shared a glance with Nathaniel. "Excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back."

She hurried out of the room and pulled her phone out of her pocket, sending a message to the Press Secretary as well as Frederick. The statement she'd read the night before told a slightly altered version of the real story, not that they'd chosen to elope.

After ensuring her mic pack was turned off and the microphone itself was disconnected, she answered a call from Paul, the Press Secretary. "How can I help you, Your Majesty?"

"Janice is here for the interview, but her version of events is a little different than what I've been told and what's in the version of the press release I approved."