"I am not in the habit of letting others dictate my behavior." The chain of command notwithstanding.
"The older you get, the more you sound like Holger."
"He is a king. I am merely a prince."
"Sure. You just keep telling yourself that."
But it was true.
Now that his brother and Janne had their son, Tor had been bumped down to fourth in line to the throne.
A very different role than the one he'd known for most of his life.
It came with freedoms he wasn't sure even his family understood the extent of yet. As well as responsibilities. Like military service in a war zone.
"I hate to tell you then, but you've got all the arrogance of a king." Far from sounding annoyed by that, Blythe sounded impressed.
"As does my father and he has not carried that title for many years."
"It must be in the genes then."
Tor laughed. "Perhaps."
"I'm sorry I worried you with my 911 text."
"It is good to hear your voice regardless."
"It is. I wish…"
"What do you wish?"
"That I could see you, but I know that's not possible."
"Maybe."
"I know you're returning to the palace for annual leave in November. Janne is really disappointed you can't be there for Christmas."
"Will you be there?"
"I was going to, but now…I'm worried Janne will notice our sexual chemistry if we're together."
"And that would be a tragedy." Of course it would.
Blythe had never changed her mind on that point. Hence her emergency text today.
"Be there."
"You cannot boss me around."
Tor had stared death in the face several times since starting his military service. The action they had planned for December was more dangerous than any he and his team had been on so far.
All of it worked because he had time with this woman to look forward to. Whether on the phone, or in person…or even just texting.
"Be there," he repeated.
"You aren't being reasonable."
"According to you, I am arrogant, not reasonable."