Chapter 14 Leo #2
Prime Minister Beesley stands at the front, her expression carefully neutral as she watches our approach.
Since Fiona’s birth and the announcement of the Future of Astipia Bill, she’s maintained a pragmatic cooperation, neither fully embracing nor openly opposing the initiative.
Today’s formal signing of the Act into law represents a significant victory, albeit one achieved through political manoeuvring rather than straightforward negotiation.
Elder Kiri and the other tribal representatives stand to one side, their formal attire and dignified bearing drawing respectful attention. When Kiri spots Rangi with the prince in his arms, her face lights with a smile that carries unmistakable approval.
Victoria gestures us toward the side entrance where we’ll await Kit’s arrival. As we slip away from the main gathering, I catch snippets of conversation from the assembled press.
“...quite comfortable with the captain, aren’t they?”
“...heard they’ve been close since the sacred sites negotiations...”
“...traditional role of warrior-guardians in tribal culture...”
The narrative is forming already, shaped partly by Kit’s orchestration but taking on a life of its own. I wonder what they’d say if they knew the full truth—that the man carrying the royal heir with such natural grace shares my bed, my confidences, increasingly my life.
Perhaps someday they will know. But for now, this careful introduction is enough of a step forward.
In the small antechamber adjoining the terrace, we find Jonathan waiting, his normally easy demeanour tense with what I recognize as new-father anxiety.
“There are my children,” he says, relief evident as he moves to check on them. “Everything go smoothly?”
“Like clockwork,” I assure him. “She’s a perfect ambassador already.”
“Kit will be pleased.” He glances at Rangi, offering a genuine smile. “Thank you for helping with this. I know it’s rather beyond the usual diplomatic duties.”
“It’s my honour,” Rangi replies, as he lifts Elanor off his shoulders to hand her over to her father.
Jonathan’s eyes flick between us, and I see the moment he decides to speak plainly. “Kit’s orchestrating quite the introduction for you two, isn’t she?”
Rangi chuckles. “Is it that obvious?”
“To anyone who knows her, yes.” Jonathan shakes his head fondly. “When Kit decides something is going to happen, resistance is futile. And she’s decided the two of you are going to be public knowledge, but on her terms and her timeline.”
“I’d be annoyed if she weren’t so damned effective,” I admit.
“That’s the general reaction to Kit’s machinations,” Jonathan agrees. He catches Eleanor’s hand before she can run off then reaches for Fiona with the practice of a father of two. “She’ll be here in a minute. She wanted to make a proper entrance.”
As if summoned by her name, the door opens and Kit appears, resplendent in formal attire that cleverly disguises the fact that she gave birth less than a month ago. Her crown catches the light, the ancient gemstones glittering as she surveys our little group.
“Well?” she demands without preamble. “How did it go?”
“Exactly according to your master plan,” I tell her dryly. “The press ate it up.”
She grins, unrepentant. “Excellent.” She moves to take Fiona from Jonathan, her expression softening as she gazes at her daughter. “Did you enjoy your first official appearance, my darling? Did you help your uncles present the proper image?”
“She was perfect,” I assure her. “They both were.”
“Of course they were. They’re my children.” Kit’s gaze shifts to Rangi. “And you, Captain? How did you find your first experience of royal display?”
“Educational,” he replies diplomatically, earning a laugh from Kit.
“Well, get used to it.” She adjusts Fiona’s blanket. “The public seems quite intrigued by your presence in our little family circle.”
“You’re impossible,” I tell her, though without heat.
“I’m efficient,” she corrects. “Why waste a perfectly good opportunity for positive press? The public gets their cultural education, the palace gets favourable coverage, the tribal representatives are honoured, and you two get to be seen together without it becoming a scandalous revelation.” She shrugs as if it’s the most obvious solution in the world. “Everyone wins.”
“And the fact that you’re slowly conditioning the public to see Rangi as part of the family?” I challenge.
Her smile is serene. “A happy coincidence.”
Before I can respond, Victoria appears at the door. “Your Majesty, they’re ready for you.”
Kit nods, her expression shifting to the public face of monarchy—serene, dignified, powerful. “Let’s not keep them waiting. Jonathan, children, with me. Leo, Rangi, follow behind as we discussed.”
As we move to take our places for the formal procession onto the terrace, Kit pauses beside me, her voice dropping to ensure only I can hear.
“Leo, I know what I’m doing,” she says softly. “Trust me. This way, when you’re ready to make a formal announcement, it won’t come as a shock. They’ll already be used to seeing you together.”
I’m touched by her concern, hidden though it is beneath layers of pragmatism and royal strategy. “Thank you,” I murmur.
Her smile warms. “What are big sisters for, if not to meddle in their brothers’ love lives?” Then, louder for all to hear, “Places, everyone. We have a historic Act to sign.”
We follow Kit and Jonathan onto the terrace, taking our designated positions as the royal announcement begins.
Prime Minister Beesley delivers a carefully worded speech about heritage preservation, followed by Elder Kiri who speaks powerfully about the sacred connection between land and people.
Throughout, I’m aware of Rangi beside me, our shoulders occasionally brushing as we stand witness to this moment we helped create.
When Kit steps forward to sign the Future of Astipia Act into law, her voice carries clear across the assembled crowd.
“Today, we establish a legacy for generations to come,” she declares.
“A promise that the sacred places of our ancestors will remain for our children, and their children after them. This is not merely conservation, but a recognition that our heritage—all aspects of it—deserves respect and protection.”
As she speaks, I feel Rangi’s hand brush against mine, a brief touch hidden from the cameras by our positions. I respond in kind, our fingers interlacing for just a moment before separating, the contact brief but meaningful.
“In honour of all the children in our kingdom,” Kit continues, “whose future we seek to secure, I hereby establish the Royal Heritage Trust, to be administered jointly by the Crown and tribal representatives in perpetuity.”
The applause is genuine and enthusiastic, even from those who had initially opposed the measure. Kit had been right—framing the act as a celebration of royal heirs made opposition politically untenable. Even Prime Minister Beesley manages to look pleased as she adds her signature to the document.
As the ceremony concludes and we begin the careful choreography of royal departure, I catch Elder Kiri watching Rangi and me with that knowing expression that seems to see through all pretence.
“A good day,” she comments as we pass. “For many reasons.”
“Indeed,” I agree, understanding the layers of her meaning.
“The ancestors would be pleased,” she adds, her gaze moving deliberately between Rangi and me. “To see such... cooperation.”
Rangi inclines his head respectfully. “We can only hope to honour their legacy, Elder.”
“Oh, I think you’re doing quite well at that.” Her smile holds a knowing look. “The stars align as they will, after all.”
With that cryptic comment, she moves away to join the other tribal representatives, leaving us to follow the royal procession back into the palace.
“What did she mean by that?” I ask Rangi quietly as we walk.
His smile is warm, private. “She was referring to the constellation story she told at breakfast that day. Ahkenti and Mirakan, the warrior lovers placed among the stars.”
“Ah.” I feel a flush warming my cheeks. “So she was being...”
“Supportive, in her own way.” Rangi’s shoulder brushes mine as we walk, the contact casual enough to appear coincidental to observers but deliberate enough that I feel its intention. “Like your sister, but with more mysticism and fewer direct orders.”
I laugh softly. “A terrifying combination.”
“A comforting one,” he corrects.
As we re-enter the palace, away from the press and public eyes, Victoria approaches with her ever-present tablet.
“Your Highness, the initial reactions are overwhelmingly positive,” she informs me. “Both to the Act itself and to the... family presentation.”
“Family presentation?” I repeat.
Victoria’s expression remains professional, but I detect a hint of amusement in her eyes.
“That’s how the press is describing it—the royal family and their tribal advisor sharing knowledge.
Several outlets have specifically noted the ‘natural rapport’ between yourself and Captain Rangi with the royal children. ”
I glance at Rangi, who maintains an admirably straight face despite the humour I can see dancing in his eyes.
“Well,” I say carefully, “cultural exchange is an important aspect of modern monarchy.”
“Indeed, Your Highness.” Victoria taps something on her tablet. “Her Majesty has requested your presence for a private family dinner this evening to celebrate the signing. Seven o’clock in the Crimson Dining Room.”
“We’ll be there,” I assure her.
When she departs, Rangi turns to me with raised eyebrows. “Cultural exchange?”
“Well, it’s not entirely inaccurate,” I point out, feeling a smile tugging at my lips. “We have been... exchanging quite a lot lately.”
“Is that what we’re calling it now?” He steps closer, his voice dropping to a register that sends a pleasant shiver down my spine. “Because I can think of several other terms.”
“Perhaps you could demonstrate some of those terms later,” I suggest, glancing around to confirm we’re momentarily unobserved. “For educational purposes, of course.”
His laugh is warm and private. “Cultural education is very important, Your Highness. I’d be happy to provide a very thorough lesson.”
“Seven o’clock is hours away,” I note, already turning toward my quarters. “Plenty of time for an in-depth discussion.”
As we make our way through the palace corridors, maintaining a discreet distance while our eyes promise something entirely different, I realize that today marks a turning point.
We aren’t fully public, not yet, but the first steps have been taken.
The careful introduction has begun, guided by Kit’s strategic hand and supported by those who matter most.
The path ahead won’t be without challenges, but for the first time, I can see it clearly—a future where Rangi stands beside me not just in private moments but in the full light of day, acknowledged and accepted as part of my life, part of the modern monarchy we’re building together.
One step at a time.