Page 20 of American Royalty

“Then why have you been disregarding my calls and messages?”

“Because you don’t need me,” he said in a low tone, hoping she would follow his lead. “You can plan a great concert and honor Prince John, like the queen wanted. I don’t need to be involved.”

“But Her Majesty wants you involved,” she said in aboomingtone, either not getting his cue or choosing to disregard it.

Widened eyes darted in their direction, and he winced. Must she be so loud? “Why is my involvement so important to her?”

“She doesn’t confide in me.Whydoesn’t matter. It’s what she wants and it’s my job to see that it’s done.”

Jameson bristled. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t possibly do it. I don’t have the time.”

“My staff and I will take care of most of the particulars.”

“You should contact Catherine. She’d be better suited to this than me.”

Louisa’s lips thinned. “Sir, I don’t mean to overstep, but the queen wanted me to inform you she is not going to change her mind. You will do this. If not because you care for your grandfather and believe his life and work deserve honoring, then because she is your sovereign and she’s directing you to.”

The last part of her statement sealed the deal. He sighed. He’d do it for Prince John.

For the debt of gratitude and loyalty he owed the man who never would’ve thought to collect on it.

Given the pleasure of his grandfather’s company, his unselfish counsel, and the example of what a loving husband and father could be, wasn’t doing a couple of interviews and introducing a few musical acts the least Jameson could do? He’d deal with the press, the royal scrutiny, and the dredging up of his father’s past scandals.

But he had demands of his own.

“I want an increase in my mother’s level of protection and I want an official announcement naming me as the successor to my grandfather’s charitable trust.Beforethe event.”

“I’m certain that won’t be a problem.”

He shoved a hand through his hair. “What do you need me to do?”

Her expression never altered although her relief was evident. “A project of this magnitude would usually take eighteen months, or at least a year, to plan. I’ve been givensixmonths. So, time is, quite literally, of the essence.” She pulled an iPad from her black tote bag. “I’ve gotten a list of performers from other members of the royal family. I’d like to get the same from you.”

“A list of performers?”

“Yes. Of musical acts to perform at the concert.”

How the hell would he know?

He shook his head.

Louisa sighed. “How about a few?”

He just stared at her.

Rhys came back and placed two foaming pints on the table. “What did I miss?”

Louisa’s grip on the digital tablet tightened. “One.”

“One what?” Rhys asked.

“I need Prince Jameson to recommend a musical act.”

Rhys shook his head. “Oh, he doesn’t know music, at least, nothing popular.”

He wasn’t wrong.

“You’re better off grabbing a random customer,” Rhys said, reaching for the snacks in the bowl.