Chapter 360: An Evening at the Palace
Lady Helena Reynolds entered the drawing room next to Princess Jessica, finally relaxing a bit after being so nervous at meeting the reigning monarch and his wife.
“Dinner was wonderful, your royal highness,” Lady Helena said as she walked next to Princess Jessica into the lounge adjacent to the family dining room. “Please extend my compliments to your chef. It was a true delight.”
“I’m sure Monsieur Tremont will appreciate your kind words,” Jessica replied as they sat down. “He so rarely has the opportunity to challenge himself anymore. Growing older, Stephen’s tastes – and I must admit, my own, as well – are fairly simple, so I know he was excited to have a visitor to impress.”
“Well, he certainly did so,” Helena replied. “It’s been such a lovely evening I almost wish it wouldn’t end.”
“Such flattery,” Stephen said, smiling. “Though, I must admit, I’ve truly enjoyed myself as well. Michael has brought young ladies home before – but none have been quite as lovely as you.”
Helena dropped her gaze, nearly blushing.
“So how are you finding life in the city?” Jessica asked. “It must be quite a change from Hemingford.”
“It is,” Helena replied, “though, having spent so many years in Paris after my parents passed, Hemingford was more of an adjustment than Weston. While I enjoyed the peace and beauty, there were times it seemed a bit more bucolic than I might have preferred. At least, until Michael arrived.”
“Of course,” Stephen replied. “Which leads me to my next question. Do you two plan on going public with your relationship?”
“Stephen!” Jessica snapped as Helena dropped her gaze nervously. “That’s none of our business!”
“It is very much our business, my dear,” Stephen said. “If they are serious about this relationship, going public will be a much better option than being found out by the press. Believe me, I learned that lesson with Michael’s mother.”
“That may be, father,” Michael said, crossly. “But I would appreciate you allowing us to determine the next phase of our relationship. When we’re ready to go public, we will – but no amount of pressure from you or the press will push us into it.”
“Suit yourself,” Stephen said. “But I won’t be around forever, Michael. It’s time for you to start thinking about your future. That means a wife and a family. The monarchy requires stability, and it’s your responsibility to provide it.”
“I think we’re all getting ahead of ourselves,” Jessica said, trying to de-escalate the conversation. “Michael and Helena have only recently begun seeing one another. I think there’s plenty of time for them to decide how they want to move forward.”
“Perhaps,” Stephen said, standing. “I apologize if I’ve overstepped. If you’ll excuse me, I should turn in before I say anything more.”
“Father, you don’t have to ….” Michael began.
“Goodnight baroness, Michael,” Stephen said. “I’ll see you upstairs, my dear.”
After Stephen’s departure, the room was silent for a moment.
“Mother, what the hell is going on?” Michael asked quietly. “This behavior is extreme – even for him.”
“I’m not sure, but I intend to find out,” Jessica said. “Now, as far as you two are concerned, I hope you’ll ignore my husband’s comments. Michael, why don’t you show Helena the gardens. They’re actually quite lovely at night.”
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Continent of Oceana | History of Weston | History of Corwyn | History of Torenth | History of Allycia
