Royally Benevolent (Resplendent Royals #4)

16. Hosting

16

HOSTING

WYATT

“ W yatt, can you explain why two men are doing a ‘sweep’ of the place?” Mom asked.

I couldn’t easily explain it unless I told her my friend was a princess. That would only further complicate things in her mind. I hadn’t expected an entire security team to show up at my residence and inspect the place. The leader of this sweep approached before I could answer.

“Mr Worthington, the place is clear,” the man said in French. “This is a suitable location. Plain-clothed men will remain outside your residence until this business is finished.”

Business . Was it that deep?

He continued, “The Princess will arrive shortly.”

I winced, looking at Mom’s expression. Tonight wasn’t going to plan. Theo was still awake. Now, Mom knew what was up. We’d had the house swept . What more could go wrong?

“Thanks,” I said, unsure what to say to the guard.

“Did he just say princess ?”

“My friend is Princess Odette. I didn’t realise there would be such a commotion, Mom. Honest. She’s just a normal person. When I met her, she was just Odie. A normal girl.”

Yes, a normal girl. A totally normal girl living in a palace with a queenly sister. What was I thinking!?

“And she’s coming here?”

“Sure, why not? We’re working on our strategy for Vision 360. It’s work, I guess? But I think she’s a friend.”

“It’s not friendship if she’s just a work acquaintance?—”

“It’s both,” I said. “I am helping as a friend. But we’re working for the betterment of the cause. When you meet her, you’ll get it, Mom. Promise.”

I only hoped it was true as I nervously waited for her arrival in the living room. I bounced my knee and sat silently, mulling over what I could say. How did you welcome friends? How did you make them feel at ease? It was as if I had forgotten how to be normal.

The doorbell rang. I looked at Mom, who stared up from her book expectantly. Get the door .

Odette greeted me with a warm smile, dressed in a bright red coat. Did she own anything that wasn’t bright? Her whole wardrobe was cheerful. The colours matched her sunny personality. Odette held a bag. Had she brought a present?

“Come in,” I waved her in.

“I apologise for the hubbub. When I mentioned the why of this, they insisted on coming along.”

She waved back at her security team. “I tried so hard to explain you’re a friend and all, but sometimes they don’t listen.”

When I closed the door, Theo stood in nothing but underwear. He raced over to hug her.

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry,” I pulled him back.

“Oh, don’t worry.” Odette squatted on his level. “I am glad you’re awake. I brought you something, Theo.”

He clapped his hands, grabbing the bag from her and rifling through the paper. Inside was a tiny stuffed dog—one that looked just like Grieg.

“Doggy! Chien!”

“Exactly. My nephew has one and loves it,” she said. “Hopefully, that’s okay? ”

Odette looked up at me. I nodded to confirm it. “Of course. He’ll love that. Theo, what do we say?”

“Merci!”

“ De rien . You’re so welcome.”

She hopped up.

“Can I take your coat?” I asked.

“Oh, God, yes! Sorry. I was distracted.”

Odette pulled off her coat, which I hung in the closet as Theo distracted her. His lack of clothing mortified me. I worried she would think I was a terrible parent, as I was sure her sister’s kids behaved far better.

“I am so sorry for the mess,” I said. “He’s fighting bedtime, and we’re still in flux?—”

“Stop apologising. It’s fine. He’s lovely.” She patted his head sweetly. “You’re very awake, aren’t you?”

“Yep!” Theo declared before my mother appeared.

She did a little bow in the doorway to the foyer.

“Oh, stop, please,” Odette extended her hand. “I’m Odette. Are you Wyatt’s mother?”

“Odie, this is my mother, June Worthington. Mom, this is Odette.”

Mom stood, silent and starstruck.

“So nice to meet you,” Odette brimmed as Mom shook her hand.

“And you,” Mom choked out, nervously turning to Theo. “Theo, please go put your PJs back on and let’s go to bed. Papa has business to attend to.”

“Ugh!” Theo stomped out.

Odette giggled. “So much excitement.”

“I am so, so sorry,” I said. “We couldn’t get him to go down once security showed up. He was so excited to see people. He’s very social. And he’s not even dressed. I swear he was?—”

“It’s alright. Kari, my middle nibling, went through a very naked phase recently. Rick cannot wait to torture her with this detail in her teenage years.”

I laughed. “That’s funny. Thanks for understanding.”

“It’s nothing,” Odette said. “Now, can we talk shop?”

“Sure,” I agreed. “You want a drink? Is that allowed? ”

She gave me a girlish smile. “Wyatt, I am off the leash. Yes. Do you have any wine?”

“Yes,” I agreed. “What is your preference?”

“I am craving a good, oaky red. Something vibrant.”

“I’ve got you,” I agreed. “Give me a sec. Take a seat. Make yourself comfortable.”

I showed her to the living room before running to the butler’s pantry for our upstairs wine selection. I searched until I found something well-rounded, opened it, and brought it to the living room.

“Apologies,” Odette blushed. “But… do Americans drink straight from the bottle?”

I looked down. Facepalming, I said, “Oh, shit! I forgot glasses.”

Embarrassed, I scuttled to grab two red wine glasses. “Sorry. I forgot. I don’t… I don’t have people over so often.”

I was suddenly so scatterbrained. When did I lose my mind? Was it really so unnerving to have a pretty woman sitting on my couch? I should have been on better behaviour. She was a friend . Friends don’t find one another attractive. I shouldn’t sexualise her.

Odette said graciously, “I don’t either. Asking people over is… complicated. Of course, going somewhere is also annoying.”

“You don’t like inviting people over, like, ‘Hey, want to come by the palace later?’”

“Not particularly.”

“Was that awkward in school?”

Odette cringed. I wondered what she objected to.

“Sorry, if that was personal?—”

“No,” Odette said. “Not to dump my life story on you, but I’m like… I was a little isolated growing up. Making friends was a challenge until university—college, as you’d say. And even then… complicated.”

“I am sorry,” I said. “I had no idea, Odie.”

“It’s okay. I’m good. How do I help you save the world, Captain Paranoid?”

“We have got to come up with better superhero names, Odette. This is pathetic.”

“That will be our next order of business after fixing all the roads in this charming but poorly designed city.”

“So, step one, save the world? Step two, choose superhero names?” I joked. “I think that’s putting the cart before the horse.”

“Or the basket before the bike? Hey, that works for the Dutch. It’s good enough for me.”

“Let’s focus on a plan first,” I said. “Then, choose superhero names?”

“Sounds great,” Odette smiled. “How do we plan to save the world?”