Page 14 of A Royal Mistake
Like it or not, she needed the suitors to access her trust. And she needed Henry to get Stanley International off the ground. She didn’t have the first clue what she was doing, but damn it, she was going to figure it out. She would do whatever it took to prove to herself and everyone who doubted her she was more than just The Princess Royal.
If she had to pull a few strings to ensure Liam partnered with VDRI, so be it.
A gentle elbow dug into her side and she glanced at Lena, whose eyes had gone round as saucers. Pippa flicked her gaze to the crowd, where reporters were raising their hands and shoving mics toward the queen.
“Is it true Princess Philippa has invited a dozen suitors to spend the summer at the palace?”
“Will the palace Press Secretary confirm the names of the suitors?”
“Would Princess Philippa care to comment on her intentions toward the bachelors staying at the palace?” shouted one particularly bold reporter.
Her intentions? Sweet Jesus. What were they expecting, a royal orgy?
Didn’t these people have any shame? This was a hospital opening—for children—and they wanted to gossip about her marriage prospects? On the other hand, if people were really into this whole suitor thing, maybe she could use it to her advantage.
The queen shot Pippa a warning glance before returning her attention to the pack of rabid reporters. “We will not be commenting—”
“I’d be happy to address your questions,” Pippa said, stepping forward. Lena let out a squeak of surprise as she joined her mother and faced the reporters, a bright smile pasted on her face. She hated speaking in front of large groups—like, “there was a real possibility she might projectile vomit on the gathered crowd” hated it—but she would not let fear hold her back. She’d have to get used to putting herself out there if she wanted to start her own charity. “Valerian law requires that any princess wishing to embrace her royal duties must first be married.”
Tension oozed off her mother, and she didn’t need to look at the other woman to know her smile had turned brittle as glass.
“It’s an outdated law, to be sure,” she continued, voice steady despite the anxious roiling in her belly, “but as a loyal servant of Valeria, I’m committed to my duty. I am indeed hosting a select group of suitors at the palace in hopes that one day soon, I may join my brothers’ efforts at the RFV, because I can think of no greater honor than serving the people of Valeria.”
Tucking her shaking hands into the folds of her skirts, she sucked in a steadying breath. Technically, she’d spoken the truth. She’d happily join the RFV and lend her voice to the many charities it sponsored while introducing her own passion for supporting women and girls the world over.
If only the laws weren’t so bloody antiquated.
“I’m touched the people of Valeria have taken such interest in my courtship.” She fought to keep a straight face as she turned to her mother. “And therefore, I will invite a select group of trusted reporters to join me as I embark on this exciting journey.”
Game. Set. Match.
“How delightful,” the queen said, clasping her hands together. Probably to keep from reaching across the stage and strangling her only daughter. Oh, her mouth was smiling, but there was steel in her eyes. “I’m afraid we’ve run out of time, and we certainly don’t want to hold up the hospital staff as they welcome their new patients. All further questions can be directed to the palace Press Secretary.”
Ten minutes later, Pippa found herself tucked in the back of a limo, face-to-face with the queen as Lena inched toward the door. From the looks of it, she was considering a tuck and roll. Who could blame her? The tension in the car was thicker than marmalade.
Still, it was worth it to see the look on her mother’s face.
“What in the bloody hell were you thinking?” the queen demanded. Fury lit her dark eyes, and it was like looking in a mirror, save the tiny crow’s feet that had recently lined her mother’s face. “Inviting the press into the palace like that?”
Pippa gave a mental eye roll. The press hardly needed an invitation to report on the actions of the royal family. Their titles alone made them fair game, and the fact was, they’d all been tabloid fodder from birth.
Well, except Liam. He’d stayed squeaky clean until recently. Just one of the many benefits of being the heir.
Freaking patriarchy.
“I was thinking,” Pippa said, flashing a sweet smile, “it would be nice for the people to witness the beauty of true love.”
I think I just threw up in my mouth.
Not that she didn’t believe in true love. One look at Liam and Lena, or even Xander and Evie, was all she needed to believe. It was just that she didn’t think true love was waiting for her inside the palace walls. True love couldn’t be arranged. It just… happened.
When you least expected it, according to her brothers.
The queen’s nostrils flared. “I will not stand idly by while you make a mockery of your courtship.”
Did her mother not see how ridiculous the whole thing was? Besides, if she didn’t laugh about it, she’d bloody cry.
It’s a means to an end.