I wasn’t doing this. Sutcliffe could fuck off. There wasn’t an argument he could present to make me back down. Tonight, Molly was going to be presented to the royals and to the Galonian government as the Royal Consort.

The position would entitle her to apartments in the palace. Behind closed doors, it was no one’s damned business where she slept.

“I appreciate your counsel, Sutcliffe. I know exactly where you stand.” I interrupted his incessant argument that I was breaking every royal protocol known to generations of kings. “But this is my decision. There will be a ball in the blue ball room tonight. If it’s too late of notice for any of the members, then they can read about the announcement like the rest of the country.”

“Your highness—”

“No.” I glared at him. “If there isn’t a loophole we can use, then we’re going to pave our own way. I appreciate your perspective on the institute my family represents, but I’ve made my decision.”

I rose, straightening my jacket. I looked at Molly, but she wasn’t paying attention. I wondered how much of my stance she had heard.

“Molly?”

“Yes?” Her head jerked upward.

“Let’s go.”

I held my hand and led her away from the study. The staff carried on their usual tasks, but in about ten minutes they would find out we were hosting a ball and this place would come alive like a bee hive.

We turned down the corridor for the residence elevators.

“Are you ok?” I asked. She hadn’t spoken since the meeting.

The security officers opened the elevator for us. The doors closed.

“Molly, are you tired from the trip?” This morning we had awakened on the yacht, flew to Freychon, and completed an aggravating protocol meeting. Hell, I was tired.

“Royal Consort? What is that? Mistress or advisor?”

“I didn’t think you’d care what the title was as long as made this work.”

“I don’t care about having a title at all.” She walked into the apartment. “I only care what it is if people are going to think I’m the royal call girl.”

“You’re not.” I pressed my lips together. This was supposed to be settled.

“Why didn’t you mention Dominic’s past to me before?”

I ruffled my hair. “And give you more reason to run out of here?”

She looked startled. “I wouldn’t do that.”

“No? Isn’t that where we were last night? You were ready to quit before we even began.”

She sighed. “For completely different reasons. It’s not the same.”

“I can’t make this perfect for you, Molly. I’m trying my fucking best here. But this is my life. I’m the king of Galona. And I want you. I’m willing to break traditions and laws to make that happen. What are you willing to do?”

I saw the look of hurt flash across her eyes.

“What if we both sacrifice too much?” she whispered. “Is it supposed to be this hard?”

I wrapped my arms around her. “I’m ready to announce to the world that you are the king’s Royal Consort. To clear up any confusion, that means you’re my advisor.”

“Not a concubine?”

I chuckled. “No, love. Not a concubine.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “I’m sorry. The meeting freaked me out. Sutcliffe isn’t a fan.”

“He doesn’t like anyone new. Try not to take it personally.”

“It’s hard not to. His job is to protect you, not me.”

I shrugged. “He has a new job now. He’ll get used to it. He’ll warm up to you. I swear.”

“And this ball tonight, I guess I get to meet the rest of your family?”

I nodded. “They will be there.”

“Where’s Ayla?” I saw the panic.

“You have plenty of time to prepare. In the meantime, I need to address the cabinet.”

“Oh God. The vote is today.”

I gripped her shoulders. “It is. I need to get to the cabinet room. Will you be here when I get back this time?”

She smiled. “I will. But I’d like to have my own things. Can I pack them and bring them over? My research is there.”

“It’s already taken care of. Everything will be here in a few hours.”

“How’d you do that?”

“Helps to know the king.” I winked.

I had a few notes I wanted to collect from my office.

“Wait, I know you have to leave, but can I ask a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Since we’re having a ball, can I invite someone? I’d like Brooklyn to be here. She’s my best friend.”

I knew Sutcliffe would advise me to forbid it, but this was Molly’s night. “Sure. Tell her it’s formal.”

Molly nodded. “Thank you. Good luck with the vote.”

I grumbled. I needed more than luck. Yesterday’s publicity stunt had blown up. I didn’t know that I had enough sway to convince the rest of the cabinet to change their votes.

“I’ll let you know how it goes, love.”

I picked up my files in the office and headed for the cabinet room. I didn’t know how today turned into the one day when I had to fight for everything that mattered. There wasn’t time to second-guess how the intersection was built. I had to make it through the other side with two victories.