Chapter 5 A Change of Venue
A Change of Venue
Parker
“Ido apologize,” Lucy Ferguson said. “But…we all wanted to help.”
“Yes. And to have Alexandra’s sister in such a predicament all over such a mix-up… well, I could never forgive myself,” Queen Natalie said. “I did not mention this by the way when we talked horses last night.”
I bowed to Queen Natalie and sat by Niall. It wasn’t the plan, but I didn’t refuse an invitation to Buckingham Palace. I knew better by this point.
“You spoke with her sister… last night?” I asked.
“Of course. She is curious about what to expect with little Ingrid here in the coming months. She will stay with my sister.”
By sister, she meant Queen Kiersten of Norway and “little Ingrid” was the baby of Astrid’s family. She was in her early twenties, but that was the lot of the youngest child. She planned to stay in the UK to further an eventing career.
Niall gave me a look, telling me not to read too much into this and to keep my current agenda.
“Now, before the ladies return for dinner,” I said. “I need to get this all out in the open. We need a venue, caterers, and the whole thing. I want her to have what she wants.”
“Well, thanks to Amara,” Lucy said, “we have an inspo board and lots of important details.”
“You… already got that?”
“Do I or do I not have your back, mate?” Niall joked. “You’re good.”
I smiled nervously. “Well, there we are, I guess. But we still need—”
“I have your venue,” Queen Natalie said. “I will host you at Windsor.”
My jaw dropped. “Windsor? But why?”
“Well, it’s a royal event. I am the host. I can do that much.” The Queen sat her teacup and saucer on the coffee table. “Lucy has pulled together some ideas of other vendors. I will let her discuss all of that.”
“I don’t know if Astrid will go for Windsor. That’s a lot. She wanted a genuine knees-up from what I gathered.”
Niall cleared his throat, admonishing me.
“Not that we do not greatly appreciate the offer, of course.”
“Your Grace,” Her Majesty said, “I will offer you whatever you would. Bring an entire orchestra—take over the hall however Princess Astrid’s heart desires—but I think this is your best hope to keep the date and impress your fiancée.”
“She will love it. I guarantee it,” Lucy said.
“If anyone can make magic happen, it is Lucy,” The Queen said. “You must trust us.”
It was all I could do. There wasn’t time to think about anything else.