Page 53 of Coronation (Royally Forbidden #1)
Do we like King Benedict now?
King Benedict, accompanied by girlfriend Zelda Flowers, stepped out Friday night in a show of support for the king’s former wife, Lady Julia Fletcher, on the occasion of her latest art gallery opening.
Stopping on their way into the building, the two shared a playful moment during a chat with reporters, with Zelda noting His Majesty had “better” be attending the premiere of her current project, and the king assuring everyone within earshot that he wouldn’t dare miss it.
Uncharacteristic banter aside, their outing provided further evidence of the new relationship flourishing.
Several eagle-eyed witnesses were quick to point out a detail that has royal enthusiasts around the world fanning themselves.
After all, it can’t be a coincidence that the smudge of lipstick spotted on His Majesty’s neck just so happened to match the shade being worn by Zelda.
While an evening with an ex-spouse hardly seems like a recipe for romance, the couple didn’t appear to have any trouble enjoying one another’s company and remained close throughout the night.
King Benedict and his former wife Lady Julia have remained—publicly at least—on quite good terms. However, while onlookers reported the three shared a brief but pleasant exchange, several of the catering staff had another tale to tell after doors closed for the night.
“She flew off the handle,” reported one staffer.
“ Really nasty things Lady Julia was saying about poor Miss Flowers, who was perfectly lovely as far as we could see. She purchased a painting to support the gallery and was very respectful to all of us working. You don’t usually get a lot of pleases and thank-yous in that kind of crowd.
I can’t say I know either of these women personally, but from what I saw Friday night, I’d say King Benedict has traded up. No wonder he was so grim before.”
Overall, sentiment for the king has grown more positive over the past month, in a trend royal reporters are now referring to as The Zelda Effect .
“Zelda has a way of humanizing His Majesty in a way the people of Stelland aren’t used to.
In her company, he isn’t a cold, scowling snob.
Instead, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of glimpses of King Benedict smiling, laughing, and looking at the woman beside him in a way that simply screams smitten ,” said Celebrity and Royal News correspondent, and expert on all things Zelda and Benedict, Ashley Hutton.
“On top of this, I think people are excited that royal appearances are no longer limited to a few highly selective and impersonal events. The date they had at the Shakespeare production in Brackenwood Park is an excellent example. Seeing His Majesty sitting on a blanket, eating dinner off a tin plate, and discreetly enjoying a play with his very charming girlfriend at his side was a real treat for the people.”
The Zelda Effect doesn’t appear to be lessening anytime soon.
With only a few weeks to go until King Benedict’s coronation, interest in the event has been picking up steam, with hotels in the capital city of Wyngate selling out, as citizens of Stelland and beyond clamor to witness this historic moment.
Ashwell Palace has not yet responded to questions on whether Zelda will be present in Saint Clement Cathedral for the ceremony, an honor typically reserved for members of the cabinet, high-ranking nobility, and members of the royal family .
An American girlfriend would be a significant departure from tradition, yet the obvious attachment between the couple already has many wondering what other unconventional announcements we have to look forward to from King Benedict.