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“I don’t mean as a student. I understand that my days of trying to earn an advanced degree are over. I would just love to go back to my little house off-campus.”

“The whole country knows that’s your house, Elizabeth. It’s not nearly as secure as the palace.”

“I’m aware. I need it, though, Rebecca.”

“Would you be willing to go if security was close by but not in the house with you?”

“Can you work up a plan, and I can take a look at it?”

“I will do my best, Ma’am,” Rebecca replied.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, grateful.

She’d been one-year shy of achieving a degree that no longer mattered but was something she cared about. As fifth in line to the throne, she wasn’t obligated to perform royal duties and could have pursued a career. Now, she had one and would have to give up school and her plans to become a Ph.D in Physics. She still loved the idea of returning to her off-campus home that had been more like a cottage than Coburn Cottage. It had one bedroom, a wood-burning fireplace, and a small backyard with a garden. It had also been hers. Elizabeth hadn’t been there since before her flight to London and had things she needed to pick up beyond going there for the respite she desperately needed. She could only hope that she’d be permitted to go on her own, without an army of guards, which would’ve defeated the purpose altogether.

CHAPTER 4

“Who gave you my number?” Rebecca asked.

“It’s a long story. It took me a while to get to you. I had to go through about six people,” Palmer replied.

“And you believe I will dowhat, exactly?”

“I’m looking to do a story,” Palmer told her. “I was hoping I could interview you.”

She placed her phone on the café table between them, hovering her finger over the record button.

“If you’re looking for a story on the bombing, I wasn’t there,” Rebecca replied, sipping her tea as if unaffected.

“I’m not doing a story on the bombing. Well, Iam– I’ve sentthatstory off to my editor already, though. That’s the intro piece.”

“Then, what exactly is your angle, Miss Honeycutt?”

“I’ve been doing man-on-the-street interviews for the past few days. There’s an interesting mix in St. Rais. Most people I interviewed are actuallyforthe monarchy. They genuinely believe it provides value beyond just a family of figureheads.”

“You’re an American… Are you an anti-monarchist yourself?”

“No, I’m an American: I’m apathetic about the whole thing,” Palmer replied, shrugging.

Rebecca lightened and laughed a little.

“Thatdoessound very American of you.”

Palmer smiled, hoping she was making headway with the palace staffer.

“It wouldn’t matter if I was pro or anti anyway. I’m a reporter; I keep my opinions out of my articles.”

“Very well,” Rebecca said, nodding. “So, what exactly are you going to be writing about?”

“I’d like to do a long piece on the history of St.Rais. That would be the start of it, anyway. Your nation’s war for independence is similar to the Revolutionary War; our countries were both fighting with the same country. And I find it fascinating that while America went anti-monarchy, St.Rais stuck with it. Beyond that, I’d like to include interviews with palace staff, pro and anti-monarchists in St.Rais. And my biggest hope of all would be to get a sit-down with the Queen.”

“That’s not possible,” Rebecca replied instantly, shaking her head rapidly from side to side and bringing her teacup to her lips.

“I understand her security is tight. Security is more than welcome to vet me. I’m not a huge fan of providing my questions in advance, but I’ll do that if it’s necessary. And I don’t have to record the interview; I can just take notes.”

“Her Majesty is incredibly busy. I’m sure you understand.”

“I’m sureyouunderstand I still have to try,” Palmer replied. “I write for one of the most popular newspapers online and in print in the entire US. We have distribution in St.Rais as well. There are copies of my paper available on that stack right next toThe Wall Street JournalandThe New York Times. I won’t pull my piece into any particular leaning – that would be unethical – but I will be fair in what I write. I won’t misquote or take things out of context; I’m not that kind of a reporter,” Palmer explained. Then, she slid her business card across the table. “Would you at least get this in the hands of someone close to the Queen and let her make the decision?”