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“Campaign?”

“Yeah, a Virginia senator.”

“Politics?”

“Yes.”

“You want to write about politics?”

“I used to,” Palmer replied. “Honestly, when I was in school, I thought I’d end up on the political beat, but… I don’t know; it’s not super exciting to basically live on a bus while she goes from town to town trying to drum up votes.”

“Then, why are you doing it?”

“Believe it or not, it’s a step up. It’s something regular to write about. And if I do a good enough job, I get off the bus and put on something else. I was hoping that one day, I could maybe get into broadcast journalism.”

“TV?”

“I took a bunch of classes on it in school. My degree isn’t in broadcast specifically, though. I went with the newspaper because I wanted to write, but I think I’d like to do broadcast one day.”

“You certainly have the face for it,” Elizabeth said, winking at her.

“Is that a compliment, Your Majesty?” Palmer teased.

“Definitely,” Elizabeth replied. “And is there anythingIcan do about the whole Lynch thing? I can turn him down; tell the paper I’ll only deal with you.”

“No, Lynch is good. If youaregoing to talk to a reporter, there are worse ones out there. He’ll treat your story right, or I wouldn’t let him near you.”

“You’d do a better job,” Elizabeth told her. “I read therealstory you wrote, and it is very good.”

“You’re biased.” Palmer squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “And so am I now; that’s the problem. I shouldn’t be writing anything about you anymore.”

“You are a very good reporter.”

“My boss would disagree with you,” Palmer argued.

“Then, he would be wrong. Not many people would have given up what you gave up for me, Palmer. I don’t know much about journalism, but I’m pretty sure that with your talent, and what I read that you’ve only shared with me, you could have written something that would win you awards, get you a promotion, or whatever journalist get when they do a great job.”

“I guess.” Palmer shrugged. “I don’t really feel like I gave up anything, though.”

“You don’t?”

“No, I feel like I’ve gained so much recently. I love you, Elizabeth, and I want to be here with you. I’ve never been good at taking time off before. When I finally did, I met you. I want to spend time with you this week. I want to be here when you get the news and for us to figure out what happens next.”

“You will tell me, though, right? If me being who I am orwhatI am is causing you problems or isn’t allowing you to have what you want in your life, you’ll tell me? I don’t want that for you. I’ve seen what that does to people. Alex, for example.”

“You?” Palmer said. “You weren’t able to be who you are or have what you wanted.”

“I’m trying to change that,” Elizabeth replied, smiling at her. “You’re a pretty good start. I just don’t want you to ever feel like I did, or like Alex did, because you’re with me. Promise me you’ll tell me.”

“Okay. I will.” She kissed Elizabeth’s forehead. “Right now, I’m just jet-lagged and so happy to be here with you.”

Elizabeth pressed her lips to Palmer’s and suggested, “Let’s get you to my bed. You can take a long nap.”

???

“Miss Honeycutt,” Rebecca greeted her when Palmer entered the office.

“Rebecca, I think you can call me Palmer, don’t you?” she replied, moving into the room and looking around. “I just woke up,” she added, addressing Elizabeth this time. “They told me you were in here.”