Royally Benevolent (Resplendent Royals #4)

74. The Last Word

74

THE LAST WORD

WYATT

A sking my assistant to grab a suitcase of clothes and “supplies” wasn’t high on my list. Thankfully, he never said much about grabbing a stash of condoms from the side table in my bedroom. I hadn’t touched them since the night before Theo’s birthday, but I needed to restock them for future endeavours. Stephen, a saint, was keen to pitch in to help Odette and her family. Neandians were loyal, if nothing else.

He arrived with the bag shortly before Mom and Theo came from the States. Queen Alexandra allocated a room for Mom. Theo would sleep on the couch in Odette and Ingrid’s sitting room to keep him close. I knew he wouldn’t sleep in a guest room, and there was no way we’d keep him in bed with us even if he fell asleep there.

“I appreciate this so much,” I said as Stephen appeared at the service entrance. “Do you want to stay for coffee or anything? I am sure Odette would be fine with that?”

“No, I’m good. Busy cancelling and rescheduling all of your business. What should I say to that?”

“That there has been a death in the family,” I answered. “Be honest.”

He smiled. “So I should assume fences have mended?”

“Yes. We’ll be coming back here, I think,” I said.

“I will have to see you in the flesh every day again, Wyatt?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

He chuckled. “Well, there are worse things. I am glad to have you back. Theo needs to grow up here.”

“I know. I have since realised that maybe a Neandian belongs in Neandia.”

Stephen patted my shoulder. “Sir, you are wise… finally. I hope Her Royal Highness is doing well?”

“She has an unrelated sprained ankle and is still processing everything with her grandmother,” I said. “Otherwise, she’s fine. Also, can you ask around for an estate agent?”

“What for, sir?”

“After Theo returns, I want to buy a more secure house—something with some land.”

“Really?” My impulsive declaration took Stephen by surprise.

“And when we return, we will need security. I want to ensure Theo and Odette are safe and the press are held accountable. She’ll be around. I need to make sure we’re okay.”

“Yes, sir. Of course,” Stephen said. “I can do all of that. I am glad to hear it.”

He left, satisfied with the new developments. A footman returned my belongings to Odette’s quarters in the wing she shared with Astrid and Ingrid. Last night, we’d determined it was time to end that arrangement. We needed a place that was ours . It made the most sense. I wanted the world with her . Theo deserved to have two grown-ups who cared for him daily, and Mom deserved to come and go as she pleased. So much good came of this time, far from the press and other distractions. We’d talked about everything, being at times painfully honest about our future. Neither of us was sure it would always work, but we were willing to try.

I returned to the family dining room to have brunch.

“Watch out, Marie Antoinette is on her way,” Ingrid said.

Odette snickered, as did Rick.

“Are we talking about Alex?” Astrid asked.

“Yes,” Ingrid said. “She’s lost it. Truly lost it. ”

“Just let her have her moment to cope with it,” Rick said. “Everyone is entitled to their feelings.”

“Odette, stop looking sour about it. You cannot be sad that she’s gone,” Astrid said.

“I am happy—relieved. However, it’s still sad to lose the last relative living. I think about what could have been and how sad I am that we lost Mamma and Papa. It’s complicated for me.”

“Fuck her,” Astrid said. “Sorry, but fuck her.”

Odette set her jaw. “It’s not so simple for me, okay?”

I squeezed Odette’s leg under the table.

Rick said, sympathetic as he bounced Manon on his knee, “You have every right to feel that way—as Lex has a right to feel so free. Odette and Ingrid, you both had us to advocate for you—to raise you. We weren’t perfect, but we tried to give you the best. Astrid and Lex didn’t have that, okay? Everyone can feel what they need to. And we can all go through the motions together in a week and pretend like we fucking care, alright?”

He shot a pointed look at Ingrid and Astrid. Odette was conflicted, something I’d tried to support her through. I had to be her safe space to land.

The door opened, and Alexandra entered.

“I have brought some others!”

With her, Theo and Mom followed.

“Papa!”

Theo’s face went from confused to excited as soon as he spotted me. Before I could even stand, he raced to me. I picked him up and kissed him. Even at this height and weight, I’d pick him up as long as he’d let me and my back allowed. Childhood was precious and fleeting.

“You made it,” I said. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

Mom patted him on the head and kissed me on the cheek.

She turned to Odette. “I am so sorry for your loss, as I told your sister.”

That must have been an interesting conversation .

“I hope you enjoy bombastic funerals,” Alexandra said. “But make no mistake that this is freedom.”

“Thank you for your sentiments,” Odette said .

Theo looked at Odette, his brain putting it all together despite the jet lag. “Odie!”

She stood to give him a hug, bum ankle or not. I slowed him down.

“Odette’s ankle is hurt, buddy. We need to give her some space and be gentle.”

“You’re here? Are you and Papa getting married?” Theo asked in French. “Why did you go?”

Odette sweetly pushed back his curls and smiled. In maternal French, she answered him back. “We were both busy with other things but are back together now. I thought about you every day, Theo. You were always in my heart.”

Theo buried his head in her waist, squeezing too tightly, then turned back. “Papa, are you getting married?”

“That,” I answered, “is a grown-up question for a later date.”

“A much later date,” Odette said. “We need to live in the same country and do a few more things before we can even talk about that, ma puce .”

I knelt before Theo, his hands in mine. “We’re moving home, okay? To Neandia. When you finish school, we’ll move back.”

“Forever?”

“For as long as I know, buddy,” I said. “And Odette will be living with us.”

He turned to Odette for confirmation.

“ Ouais, ma puce ,” she said, tenderly. “That is the last word.”