Page 90

“Do you want to come back to my hotel, then?”

Palmer turned to her and softly said, “Yes.”

“Would it be okay if we stopped by your parents’ house first, though?”

“Sure. But, why?”

“So that you can get your stuff, Palmer. I’d like you to stay the night with me.”

Palmer softened and asked, “Youdidhave a hard time sleeping last night, didn’t you? It’s why you slept in so long today.”

“Palmer, you misunderstand,” Elizabeth began, taking Palmer’s hand and placing it into her own lap this time. “I don’t want you to stay because I need help sleeping. I just want you to stay.”

CHAPTER 30

“Hey, Cami,” Palmer said into the phone. “Yeah, I’m with a friend right now, but I’ll be at Mom and Dad’s tomorrow to see you.”

“Okay. Mom said you were with the Queen.”

“I am. We’re going to hang out tonight, but she’s very excited to meet you tomorrow.”

“She is?” Camilla asked.

“She is, yeah.”

“Does she have a tiara?”

Palmer turned her head to look at Elizabeth and said, “You didn’t happen to bring a tiara with you, did you?”

“Idid,” Elizabeth replied.

“Wait. You did? Why?”

“For your sister, of course,” Elizabeth replied as if it was a stupid question. “It’s one of my old ones. I thought it might fit her.”

“You actually brought a tiara for her to try on?”

“No, I brought one for her to keep,” Elizabeth responded. “What kind of person would I be if I gave your sister a tiara to wear but not to keep, Palmer?”

“You can’t just give–”

“Palmer?” Camilla interrupted.

“Sorry, Cami.” She refocused on her sister. “Elizabethdidbring a tiara for you to try on. How cool is that?”

“It’s awesome. I’ll get to meet her tomorrow?”

“Yes, but it’s late now. Mom told me she’s trying to get you to get some rest.”

“She is, but I wanted to talk to you first.”

“You need to get some rest if you’re going to meet a Queen, don’t you?”

“I do. If I go to sleep now, morning will come faster.”

“That’s right. I love you, Cami.”

“I love you, too.”