Chapter 57
Chapter Fifty-Seven
The next few weeks pass like they’re in a dream.
Every night since Kerkyra, I talk to Stef on a video call.
And each day, I’m growing a little more confident in my role as King.
With Stef in my life, even long distance, anything feels possible.
He’s steady and encouraging in my overwhelm.
Meanwhile, I’m more than happy to support him with his upcoming studies and move to Copenhagen.
Following his advice in Kerkyra, I seek help with my nightmares.
Especially after Mamma asks, which means Mads must have said something to her.
Starting therapy’s been surprisingly good.
The nightmares aren’t gone, but they’re less frequent, at least, which is a good start.
Papa’s loss still hurts, but I’m finding ways to work through it.
And with every day that passes, I learn more about being King.
When Stef walks out, my heart leaps to see him.
It’s the first time since Kerkyra, now in late August. He gives an easy smile as he slides into the back seat, and I lean in to give him a kiss, which surprises us both with its intensity, caught off guard.
I lean my head against his, the blood rushing in my ears, goose bumps across my body.
All I want is Stef. And he’s finally here.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I murmur. “I can’t believe you’re in Copenhagen.”
Stef smiles, catching my jaw for another kiss. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than with you.”
Fuck. That kind of thing goes right to a man’s head. And lower, but there’ll be time later to make up for lost time.
“Thanks… I can’t tell you how much this means. I’m so grateful you’re here. Especially with everything.”
The media picked up the story from our night out in Kerkyra and ran wild with it.
Nobody’s issued any kind of official statement by design, neither confirming nor denying we’re together.
Neither one of us regrets being out that night or getting caught by the paparazzi or photographed by some opportunist in the bar.
At any rate, the story has legs, as they say, and it’s a story with buzz all summer long. Rumors run rampant.
I slide my hand over Stef’s in the back seat. “Ready to go to the palace? And meet my mother?”
“More than ready. I’d love to meet her.”
We soon arrive at the palace, and I give Stef a chance to settle into his rooms before meeting him a while later to go see Mamma.
He looks incredible in his white linen shirt against his tan and his pale chinos, and amazingly relaxed, while I’m a ball of nerves.
Even though I know Mamma’s looking forward to meeting Stef, and Stef can’t wait to meet her.
Before long, we enter a small reception room together. Mamma rises, smiling warmly at us.
“Mamma, this is Prince Stefanos.”
“Please, call me Stef,” he says easily, eyes dancing. I reach out to squeeze his hand.
“And Stef, this is my mother, Queen Helen.”
“I’m very pleased to meet you, Your Majesty.”
Mamma smiles at Stef. Meanwhile, I’m trying to remember to breathe.
“Please call me Helen, I insist. It’s so rare that I ever have a chance to meet Theo’s boyfriends. He usually keeps them hidden away.”
Which is a fair point. Also, Aidan never met Mamma, even with everything last year. It should have been a clue.
There’s a round of air-kisses to round off the introductions before we all sit down by the marble hearth. Stef and I take the sofa, while Mamma sits elegantly on a pale blue armchair. It’s a casual room, meant for family rather than any sort of official occasion.
“No need for formalities here either,” Mamma tells Stef firmly.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” Stef says with a smile, getting up to pass her a gift bag. “And I brought you a small gift.”
“Oh, you don’t need to give me any gifts, but I’m flattered,” Mamma says. “It’s very thoughtful of you.”
Curiously, I watch as Mamma takes out a small basket with Greek offerings: honey, tea, olives, a pair of hand-thrown mugs.
“Some small things from Greece,” Stef tells her, “as a thank-you for hosting me.”
Flawless manners. Ten out of ten. I can’t stop smiling at Stef.
“Of course, it’s our pleasure to have you here. Thank you so much, this is wonderful.” Mamma smiles at Stef. “Theo has said so much about you.”
I redden, but my heart soars. Like my two worlds have collided in the best possible way, Mamma and Stef, the two people I can count on.
“I hear you’ve accepted an offer to study for your PhD in Copenhagen,” Mamma says warmly. “In Classics, is that right?”
“Yes. Classical archaeology,” Stef tells her, lighting up. “I can’t wait to begin. I’ve been practicing my Danish.”
I squeeze his hand again. Most evenings, when we speak, Stef tries out his Danish on me, and I try Greek, both eager to learn each other’s language.
“Well…” Mamma leans in, speaking conspiratorially to Stef, and they’re already starting to be thick as thieves, “There’s something you should know. Which I haven’t even told Theo yet. Maybe I should tell you both now.”
I lift my eyebrows, unsettled. “Tell us what, Mamma? You’re starting to scare me.”
She laughs. “Only good things, I promise. But given everything—your Copenhagen-based studies, Stef, and the upcoming celebration for Theo—I’ve arranged an apartment for you for the duration of your studies and personal security for you as well.
Please accept this as a gift from us to you.
It’ll provide assurance about your safety and Theo’s too. ”
Stef’s eyes widen. As do mine.
“That’s so generous,” he manages. “Thank you very much. I have to admit I was feeling overwhelmed at finding a suitable flat in Copenhagen. Though Theo promised to help.”
“I’ve made arrangements for you to see the flat later if you wish.” Mamma smiles at us. “And you’re welcome here in our home anytime.”
“Thank you so much.” Stef looks incredibly relieved. “This means so much.”
“I also want to let you in on another little secret.” Mamma’s mischievous.
I suck back a deep breath. This must be what it feels like to be on the other side of all the reveals I’ve sprung on Mamma over the years. She’s totally doing this on purpose.
“What’s that?” Stef grins.
She leans in.
“I’ve never seen Theo so happy. Not for a long time. Not since before Christian passed. And if only he were here to meet you too, he’d be as thrilled as I am.”
Then, I raise a hand to cover my mouth, stunned. My eyes well up with tears. And they’re the good kind. And then I can’t help it when the release comes. I smother a gasp, tears streaming down my face, shivering despite it being August.
Stef reaches up to trace my cheek, then slides an arm around me.
I cover my face for a moment as he moves closer.
“Theo…” Stef tries.
“Darling.”
“I’m okay, I’m okay,” I gasp. “It’s a lot, to hear what you said.” At last, I lift my head, glancing at Stef. “I’m so happy, you have no idea.”
Stef gives me an affectionate grin. “You make me so happy too.”
Then, I can’t speak. Mamma’s beaming, and she rises to go arrange for some refreshments to be brought up, giving us—me—a chance to compose myself. I’m laughing and crying, and the emotional release has me feeling unsteady. But Stef’s here. And Mamma’s here too.
The people who love me most in the world. And anything feels possible.
Even being King.