Chapter 22 – Sebastian #2
Russo’s eyes narrow as he considers my suggestions. “While I appreciate the thought behind these proposals, Your Majesty and Mr. Prime Minister, I worry that they will not go far enough in addressing the underlying issues.”
But since it’s not a no, he’s clearly ready to negotiate.
“Then let us work together to find a solution that meets the needs of everyone involved,” I counter, determined to prove my commitment to resolving this strike.
“We’re open to discussing other options that will achieve our shared goals if you have any terms you’d particularly like to discuss. ”
“It is more than just the money. It is the lengthy hours as well.”
“So you’re asking for more money and less working hours?” Fernando questions, not pleased with that at all.
“Sì. The financial and mental health of your workers should always be your top priority.”
“Mr. Russo, we understand the concerns of your workers,” I begin, unwilling to play his game. “We’re here to find a solution that benefits both the people of Messalina and the transportation industry.”
Russo’s eyes flicker with doubt, but he doesn’t interrupt. The silence in the room is heavy, even the ticking of the ornate clock seems to hold its breath.
“Prime Minister Fernando and I have discussed the issue at length,” I continue, my voice unwavering.
“Right now, we propose a pay differential for overtime worked. If your employees are required to work more than thirty-four hours per week, they will receive increased compensation, effectively rewarding their dedication. Thirty-six hours is the national standard for a full-time employee, and I am unwilling to discuss changing that. This deal allows two hours of what will now be considered overtime pay for them. This is the bargain we are offering and nothing else.”
Russo furrows his dark brow as his fingers drum rhythmically against the table. He’s trying to rattle me, but that’s not something I’m known for as a man or a leader, and I know he’s aware of that.
“All right, Your Majesty,” he finally concedes, offering a terse nod of approval. “That is a fair suggestion.”
“Excellent,” I reply, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. “I trust this plan will help alleviate the strain on your workforce while ensuring the smooth operation of our transportation systems, which will restart the moment the deal is done.”
“Indeed,” Russo agrees, standing up and extending his hand. We shake firmly, sealing our agreement. The tension in the room dissipates like the morning fog, replaced by a sense of cautious optimism. For once, the curse doesn’t seem to have touched this.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Russo,” I say before turning to leave the room, Fernando following close behind, only everything stops when I see a text from Rowan.
Rowan: Commander Lawrence is here. How long until you can return?
Me: On my way now.
“Your Majesty, your ability to remain composed and focused under pressure never ceases to impress me,” Fernando remarks, kissing my ass slightly as we walk together toward our waiting vehicles.
“Thank you, Fernando,” I reply with a smile, although my thoughts are already drifting back to the palace. “I take it you and your cabinet can handle this from here?”
“Absolutely, sir.”
We shake hands and I slip into the back of the SUV, telling Javier about our waiting guest. Upon returning to the palace, I find Rowan in the front courtyard looking pensive, his brow furrowed.
“Sorry to call you back early. Did you get the deal done?” he asks, and I nod. “Good. Commander Lawrence is waiting in your study. I haven’t asked him anything yet.”
Together, we make our way through the palace corridors, our footsteps echoing against the hard surfaces. As we approach my study, I steel myself for the conversation ahead. Answers, I hope, will be forthcoming.
“Take a breath, Rowan. If anything, this is what you’ve waited two decades for.”
He throws me a side-eye but otherwise doesn’t speak as we enter the room.
“Your Majesty, Prince Rowan.” The head of the royal guard, Sir Lawrence, greets us with a respectful bow as we enter the room.
His expression is stoic, betraying no hint of emotion, but I’ve known the man my entire life.
He was there the night our father was murdered.
The night Desta was taken. I didn’t realize he was in charge back then.
I was too young to care or think about it.
“Commander,” I acknowledge, shaking his hand as we all sit down, the fire blazing in the hearth. “Thank you for coming. What we’re here to discuss might seem…strange or out of place.”
He gives me a curious look. “Okay. Whatever you need from me, I’m here to help.”
“We’d like to ask you about the guard’s former assistant, Marie Elonaise. What can you tell us about her?”
Surprise meets his eyes. “Marie?” he questions, his gaze distant as if recalling a long-forgotten memory. “That’s going back a long way. I take it I am not to ask why you need this information.”
We don’t reply, but the message is clear, and he nods, sitting back in his chair, his posture stiff, ever the soldier.
“Marie was a quiet woman who kept mostly to herself. I didn’t know her well other than she was good at her job.
She was diligent and efficient and worked as an assistant to the royal guard for about five years or so.
I couldn’t tell you more about her, because I frankly don’t know. She never shared anything personal.”
Rowan glances over at me, clearly sharing my curiosity about why someone so capable, who had been there for five years, would leave her position.
“Was there anything…unusual about her departure? Do you remember her giving a reason for leaving?” Rowan asks.
He hesitates for a moment, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. “Your Majesties,” he begins cautiously, “Marie was dismissed from her position by your mother, the former queen.”
A chill sweeps through me, as though an icy gust had found its way into the warmth of the palace.
My heart clenches tightly, disbelief and anger battling for dominance within my chest. Why did our mother bother giving us a bullshit name to throw us off track when she knew who took Desta all along? What the fuck is she trying to hide?
“Are you certain?” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper as I work to rein in my fury.
“Absolutely, Your Majesty,” Commander Lawrence confirms, his expression grave. “It happened twenty-one years ago.” He clears his throat. “Two weeks before Desta’s kidnapping and your father’s death.”
“Do you remember any reason given at the time?” Rowan questions quickly.
“No. I did not speak with your mother nor was I there when Marie was discharged. I was simply told about it after the fact by your father and that was that. I hadn’t thought much about it as a new person came on shortly after, and then, well, then Desta was taken, and your father murdered.”
The weight of this settles heavily upon my chest, pressing down like a crushing burden. A myriad of questions swirl through my mind, each one laced with confusion and doubt.
I glance over to Rowan, who gives me a brief nod, and I turn back to the commander. “Thank you, Commander,” I say quietly, my thoughts racing ahead like a runaway train. “That was very helpful.”
“Always, Your Majesty,” he replies with a nod. “I’m always here to serve you and your family.” He goes to stand and then hesitates, glancing from me to Rowan before continuing. “Actually, there is something else I wanted to discuss with you if I may?”
“Of course.”
“I understand you’re in need of a new nanny for your children, King Sebastian?”
I frown, momentarily taken aback by the abrupt change in topic but grateful for the distraction. “Yes, that’s correct. Why do you ask?”
A rare smile lights his face. “Your housekeeper, Emily, overheard earlier speaking of it with Queen Bellamy. My daughter, Charlotte, has recently returned to Messalina after working as a teacher in France,” he explains, pride evident in his voice.
“She has extensive experience with children, and I believe she would be an excellent fit for your family.”
“Charlotte, you say?” I repeat, mentally cataloging the information. I didn’t know he had a daughter. Actually, I didn’t know he was ever married. But the idea of entrusting my children to someone with a connection to our loyal royal guard holds a certain appeal.
“Yes!” he exclaims. “She’s well educated, responsible, and highly adaptable. I also trained her myself when she was a teenager, so she’s more than physically capable of keeping the children safe and knows how to handle threats.”
“Thank you for the suggestion, Commander,” I say with a small, relieved smile, liking the idea more and more. “Your daughter sounds like a wonderful candidate. We will certainly take her into consideration.”
He stands and bows respectfully. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Once the commander leaves, I turn to Rowan, my voice hiding none of my rage. “What are we going to do now?”
“Sebastian,” he sighs, running a hand through his hair.
“Fuck! There is no information on Marie. She’s gone.
Poof. Evaporated into thin air. Our mother fired her and two weeks later, Marie took Desta and killed our father.
Why the fuck would our mother keep that from us instead of telling us the facts from the start?
That’s what I don’t get in all of this. That’s what I keep cycling back to. ”
I shake my head. “Same. Maybe she feels responsible because she fired her?” Only as the words leave my mouth, I know they’re too simple. “No. It’s more than that. I just can’t think of why she wouldn’t want us to know who took Desta.”
He sighs, losing steam since there are no answers to be found. At least not yet. “Go talk to Bellamy about this Charlotte woman. That’s at least promising.”
I leave Rowan here and stride through the palace halls, my heart lightening at the prospect of sharing news about Charlotte with Bellamy.
I know we have to consider other candidates, but something about the commander’s daughter feels like a perfect fit.
My fingers graze over the cool stone of the corridor walls as I approach the new third floor of the library.
“Sebastian!” Bellamy calls out upon seeing me enter, her eyes sparkling. She’s sitting on the floor reading a book with Zayer while Phaedra and Sabrina work on a puzzle with Arthur asleep beside them. “How did your day of crazy meetings go?”
“Better than expected actually,” I reply, snatching Zayer off her lap and lifting him high in the air before kissing the crown of his head and setting him down. “Do you have a moment?”
“Sure,” she answers, surprised.
I help her off the ground and walk her over to the fireplace on the opposite side of the room. I love that she’s using this room. I love that she’s smiling again.
“Is everything okay?”
“Rowan and I learned some troubling information about this Marie person and honestly want to throttle our mother, but we also received a promising recommendation for a new nanny.”
“That’s a whiplash,” she snorts. “How did that come about?”
“Her name is Charlotte, and she’s the daughter of the head of the royal guard,” I explain. “She gained experience working with children as a teacher in France and has recently returned to Messalina. He believes she would be an excellent fit for our family.”
“It’s wonderful to have a recommendation from someone you trust.”
“I agree.” My mind wanders back to the revelation about my mother. “And there’s another reason why Charlotte could be valuable to us.”
Bellamy tilts her head, prompting me to continue.
“With everything Rowan and I are uncovering about our family’s secrets, having someone close to the royal guard within our household might prove beneficial.
I’m not saying any of us are in danger, but I have no idea what’s going on with this, and I like the extra layer of protection for you and the children. ”
“More of the curse?” Her voice and expression sour.
“Not necessarily, but I can’t discount the notion of our safety being in jeopardy with all of this either.”
“I see.” She nods, understanding the implications of my words. “Well, I’m certainly not opposed to that.”
“Good.” I lean in and kiss her lips. Her sweet, plump lips that I plan to fuck later. “But we should still consider other options and make sure she is the best candidate for our family.”
“Of course,” she agrees, her fingers gently brushing my cheek. “But I wouldn’t mind meeting with her first.”
“Then we’ll make it happen,” I whisper, pressing my lips to hers in a tender kiss before wrapping her up in my arms, feeling peace for the first time all day. Already knowing it won’t last.