“After meeting with the two of you today, I’ve decided a joint interview will give the press too much to speculate about. You’re obviously very”—she pauses—“familiar with one another, and the media will analyze not only what you say, but how you interact with each other. Speaking separately will give them less to work with and hopefully help this die out sooner, which is our goal.”

I nod. “Fine.”

“All right, I’ll be there tomorrow for your interviews to make certain things go smoothly. I’d also like to meet with you both separately before then to discuss some general guidelines. We’ll be releasing a statement tonight, likely citing some sort of scheduling issue as to why you’re no longer going to be appearing together.”

“That’s fine about the statement, but I’d like to be there for your discussion with Jace.”

“With all due respect, Your Highness, I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”

“Jace came all this way. The least I can do is be there for his prep sessions.”

“Considering you’ll be the topic of our conversation, I think you being there might be counterproductive.” Anne continues, “I can assure you our interests are entirely aligned when it comes to preparing Mr. Dawson to speak to the press.”

I study her for a moment. “Fine,” I agree. “As long as Jace is all right with it.”

“I’ll send for Mr. Dawson shortly and update him on the change of plans.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I reply. “I’ll let him know.”

Anne looks like she would like to argue, but simply nods.

“What are you and Papa doing here?” I ask my mother.

“We just wanted to see how things were shaping up for tomorrow,” she replies neutrally.

“Hmmm,” I respond. “And?”

“It seems like Anne has everything under control,” she replies. “We’ll leave you to it, Anne,” she says, standing from the chair.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Anne replies, bowing her head respectfully. “Your Majesty,” she adds, nodding to my father.

He smiles, then follows my mother and me out into the hallway.

“You were listening, weren’t you?” my mother accuses.

“The door was open!” I defend. “I can’t believe she made him come all this way for a glorified press release. I thought the whole point of asking Jace to come here was so we could appear in person together.”

“It was!” my mother snaps. “None of us knew you’d act like some love-struck schoolgirl around the boy!”

“Evelyn,” my father reprimands.

She sighs. “I’m sorry, Vivienne.”

I nod in acknowledgement of her apology, but the words still sting. “I’m going to find Jace,” I tell my parents. “Is the boat back at the marina?” I ask my father.

“Yes, they finished the repairs last week,” he replies. “Why?”

“I want to take Jace out on the water,” I respond. “He’s never been sailing before—well, I did try to take him in South Carolina, but it didn’t go very well…”

“I’m not sure if that’s the best idea, Vivienne,” my mother cautions. Her voice has calmed. “If anyone managed to get photographs of you…”