“Why is that?” I asked. “Because it makes us seem human?”
“Because it makes you seem weak. People will soon be wondering if you make all of your decisions with your cock.”
Harsh, but I understood it. Adeline took a deep breath and let it out with a nod.
“She’s right. Those are the kinds of things my father will crucify you for whenever he gets in front of a microphone.”
“Another valid point,” my mother said. “Does your father know about this?”
“No.”
She smiled slowly. “This may be good. Knock him on his ass a little bit. Imagine his face when he turns on the television and his daughter is sitting beside the man he hates and they’re proclaiming their feelings for each other.”
“Maman,” I reprimanded.
Adeline laughed. My mother smiled.
“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” Adeline added. “But I don’t think I should join Elias in the broadcast.”
“This is the way, dear. It’s all or nothing,” my mother said.
“I’m trying to ease her into it. I don’t want to scare her away.”
“She’s going to be scared either way, Elias. She needs to know what she’s getting herself into and what she’s giving up.” My mother looked at Adeline. “What will you do with your company when you get married?”
“Married?” Addie sat straight up. “He hasn’t . . . we haven’t . . . ” She blinked and looked over at me. “We haven’t discussed marriage.”
“This is not your regular relationship, Adeline, where you can wait until the last minute to discuss major life changes. From here on out, every thought, every decision, every single time you think you need to use the loo you’ll have to discuss it with someone on the staff.”
“I understand.” Adeline nodded.
“I don’t think you do, dear.” Mother gave her a sympathetic smile. “I was bred for this and I still don’t understand things. My son was raised to be king and he’s obviously having a hard time with it and his reign has barely begun.”
“We’ll make our own way.” I held Addie’s hand in mine and squeezed it. “I’ll be there through it all.”
“God help you both.” My mother stood up. “I will be in Luxembourg unless you need me to come back.”
“We’ll be fine on our end.” I stood. “I’ll walk you out.”
“It was good seeing you,” Adeline said, curtsying slightly to my mother. “Despite the circumstances and my attire.”
“Keep your chin up, my dear.” She winked and walked away.
“I’ll be right back.” I kissed Addie on the forehead.
Chapter 34
Adeline
My stomach was in knots as they finished setting up the cameras in Elias’s home office and checked the sound. I was standing in the corner of the room beside Pierre and Aramis. Neither one of them provided me comfort. They seemed as nervous as I was—Pierre checking his phone every two seconds and Aramis bouncing on his heels. He was dressed for a workout, with a T-shirt cut off on the sides, exposing his muscular arms and ripped torso. The royals were definitely into their fitness.
“This is taking too long,” Aramis said.
“You have somewhere more important to be?” Pierre slid his phone into the inner pocket of his suit.
“No, but this is making me anxious as fuck.”
“Me too,” I said.
“Well, yeah, you’re the reason we’re here.” Aramis looked at me, raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t remind me. I’m telling myself that this would have happened with or without me.”
“Yeah, right.” Aramis laughed. “My brother would have never dreamed any of this would happen. Trust me. His number one priority has always been the Crown.”
“It still is.” I felt myself frown. “Just because he’s dating an outsider doesn’t mean it’s not his priority.”
“Some will beg to differ,” Aramis said. “I’m some.”
“Well, I’m sorry you feel that way.”
“No, you misunderstand.” Aramis turned to me. “I like this. He’s happy. He’s never been happy before.”
“Surely, that’s not right.” I scoffed.
“We’re actors, Adeline. We pretend a lot for the public. We smile, we laugh, we prance around for cameras to make sure the people paying taxes to afford all of the things we have think there’s no possible way that while they’re struggling financially, we’re struggling emotionally. People think rich people aren’t allowed to be in pain because they have money. We’re told this so often that at a certain point we begin to believe it.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “We’re human though.”
I looked at him for a few beats, at this man who looked so much like his brother, and let his words sink in. All of the things he said made sense, of course. It was just unfathomable that he would be so open about all of it.
“I like you.” I set my hand on his forearm.
“Good.” He smiled wide. “I like you too.”
We turned back to where Elias was sitting behind his desk. He was wearing a navy suit with a white dress shirt beneath it. He’d opted not to wear a tie and unbutton the collar. His dark hair was brushed back and there was a light five o’clock shadow on his face. He looked so fucking handsome and while his brother, Pierre, and I were balls of nerves, Elias looked completely at ease.