Chapter 31
AGREEMENTS
DUNCAN
“So we will begin in Vancouver,” John said. “Our tour starts West to East in Canada—all the way to Nova Scotia. Then, South...”
He could have read off the most interesting itinerary, and I wouldn't give a flying fuck.
Instead, I thought about pulling up Ella's dress and burying my face in her pussy until I made her scream my name.
Her lovely, full thighs would feel wonderful.
My self-control waned. We'd been back in London overnight.
She hadn't texted. I wanted to see her tits and touch every inch of her naked body.
Most of all, I wanted to grab her arse in passing.
She had the most pleasant, round bum. The more I focused, the less I cared about any of my official duties.
She looked up from her notepad and her blue eyes met mine. She caught me leering. Her stare turned from one of general interest to a glare.
How would I control myself around Ella for six whole weeks? When would she finally give in and fulfill her part of our indecent bargain?
“Mexico City and Guadalajara would be our last stops,” John said. “The Prince will attend a trade summit and also visit with local indigenous groups.”
“That will be interesting,” I pretended to focus.
Even if that did sound interesting. I longed for fewer stuffy engagements.
“When will we make the announcements?” Ella asked.
“Excellent question, Miss Mills,” John answered. “Once the Prince returns to Wales, we will release the change in plans and a tentative itinerary.”
“Are we planning a sendoff from Wales?” Ella added. “Something His Royal Highness could do to recognize his end of service and departure? Something maybe just for people on base?”
“That is a good idea,” Mum said.
“Well, I don't want it to be about me,” I said. “Miss Mills, I see your point, but I would rather celebrate the personnel remaining.”
She nodded. “Fair. Perhaps a luncheon for them.”
“I would be glad to attend for a promotion ceremony,” Mum said. “Twist my arm.”
“Not a bad idea, Mum.”
“Let's put a pin in it,” Lucy said. “Good idea, Duncan. And also, Miss Mills. It makes sense. I think he's done a bang-up job and it's a transition. We want this tour to be a crown jewel.”
“We will make sure the doc reflects that,” Cressida said. “Our plan is to travel with a minimal crew. Ignore us when you work. We will do a few of the tour stops—let us iron that out—but we won’t be there every day. Again, the focus is on His Royal Highness’s work.”
“That’s it, then? You don’t need me to talk?” I asked, delighted and relieved.
“Well, we will do interviews throughout. We figure once you are done, there will be some follow-up as well. I promise it won’t be that painful, sir,” Cressida assured.
I smiled even though I didn’t want any of this, then looked at Eloise.
She is worth it. I could tell myself I was only in this for the bargain and that all I wanted was to finally have her in every way possible. However, that wasn’t it. Ella stared back with an encouraging smile. I knew I trusted her. If she thought this was best, I would be okay.
“Alright. I can manage that. When will we get the rough cut to review?” I asked.
“Probably end of June,” Cressida answered. “I will do my best, sir. We would have a premiere at the end of the summer.”
“I was thinking we could schedule it for your birthday. Your official celebration in September,” Mum said.
“Brilliant idea,” Dad chimed in.
“It's a lot of fanfare,” I said.
“It is crucial for you. Your star needs to rise, sir,” Miss Mills said. “You are to be king.”
“This is my swan song. It is your big introduction, Duncan.”
I hated the idea of Mum’s retirement, even if I knew she long deserved it. If only she could also spend time with the grandchildren she was desperate for me to provide.
“We need to improve your view among younger people to cement the institution,” Mum said. “Young people will watch a fun slice-of-life program. It's why we're releasing it in parts.”
“And right to streaming same day,” Cressida said. “Meet your audience where they are, Your Majesty.”
“Exactly.”
“We hope to reach the female demographic,” Lucy added. “Miss Mills, what say you? Would your friends watch it?”
Ouch. Way to make me feel like an old man.
Ella nodded. “Yes. My flatmates and best friend would. The latter is bound to be obsessed and use a VPN from where she lives in Paris.”
“Oh, Paris. Exciting. What does she do?” Mum asked, totally off topic.
“She works for a fashion house.”
“Nice,” Mum said.
That was posh. I learned something new every day.
“Maybe he can use it to find a potential girl,” Dad joked.
“Dad!” I glared.
Eloise snickered, hiding her grin.
It only encouraged me the way the approval of Mistress Mills always did.