Chapter 7
THE PRINCE’S SPEECH
DUNCAN
London Daily Times
Can he learn to do better? Is he capable of reform?
Many Britons are asking today whether such a thing is possible. We hope for Her Majesty’s sake it is. Otherwise, people will be looking down the line of succession for a bright light. Maybe his cousin Prince Keir is interested in the job?
Istood, hands shaking before the teleprompter.
My heart beat out of my chest, and my palms sweating profusely.
I looked at Miss Mills, hoping for confirmation that I could do this.
I didn’t usually freeze up before a camera.
Instead, I baited photographers and got into it with them.
The palace always gave me an earful for that.
I questioned everything. What if it wasn’t enough? What if it didn’t help? What if it all went south?
Miss Mills smiled back. She was still very, very pretty, but why was I still thinking with my cock? There was no way I got to touch her after all of this. Right? Again I thought. Well, maybe? Not if I fucked this up. No perky tits in my face. No round ass to grab. Nope. Better pull it together!
“And 5,4…” the producer switched over to mouthing the cues. I was up.
“Hello. Yesterday morning, screenshots of conversations between myself and Lady LeRoux were leaked to social media—the result of a hack. The words within them were private and never meant to be made public.”
I took a deep breath.
“To all of you, to my family, and to anyone my words have hurt, I am very sorry. The words I used were hurtful. I used harmful, unacceptable language directed towards a person I cared—and still care—deeply about. I never should have and I take responsibility for it.”
It was true. I did still care about her even if I wished I didn’t.
“It was a different time in my life, as is this. And my promise to you all at home—and to my family and friends—is that I will do better to educate myself about the ways language disproportionately harms women. Words hurt. Language matters. And, as a public figure, I am held to a much higher standard—as I should be.”
I did agree with all of the above even if I was sore about being labelled a misogynist when I said the same things everyone said.
Next came the lie. I battened down the hatches.
“Prior to this, I hoped to announce I was returning to RAF Valley to assist in the air traffic control shortage. Unfortunately, that is now overshadowed by my harmful words. I plan to do my best job to help relieve the stress of those currently serving who may now go on to assist in the civilian holiday travel rush. Given my current misstep, it will be the least I can do to assist.”
Too bad I don’t want to. I loathed that time in my life which had, off and on, become my brand of Good Boy when I was ever capable holding down that label for more than five minutes.
It was boring and unfulfilling; but if it was that or disappointing my poor mother, I would choose to suffer boredom one hundred times over.
“To those who continue to taunt Lady LeRoux, please do not. She is a kindhearted person. She did not deserve my words then. She certainly does not deserve harassment now. No one does.”
I took one final pause and looked at the room to see relaxed faces. I hadn’t cocked up.
“Thank you and good evening.”
“And… we’re out!”
Everyone broke up.
Miss Mills smiled, “You did a great job.”
Before I could say a word, my mother burst in and gave me the biggest hug and most embarrassing kiss on the cheek. Well, I’d done alright! If only for Mum. Miss Mills would have to wait.
Miss Mills said, “If you all do not mind, Your Majesty and Your Royal Highnesses, I am going to take off for the evening. We will be in touch tomorrow?”
“Sounds wonderful. Thank you, Miss Mills,” Mum said. “Give Mrs.. Forest our best. I hope she soon is holding her baby.”
“Yes, ma’am. I am about to call her.”
“Yes, thanks, Miss Mills,” I said. “I appreciate it.”
Miss Mills nodded and disappeared into the ether.
Someday, I would get her alone. Maybe I stood a chance again?
Chasing her was a terrible idea. I had just promised to do better.
And yet, I wanted to imagine myself between her thighs.
This is why I would never manage to be king.
Men like me weren’t cut out for the job.