CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 15

Ingrid had taken the day off work for the first time in a while. Of course, she was only supposed to work five days a week, but she could usually be found in her office on one of her days off or working from home. There was always just so much to do, and that had been especially true prior to Elin taking the throne. Leading up to Christian’s announcement had been busy, but once the King had decided on his official date of abdication, Elin and, as a result, Ingrid had gotten even busier.

Ingrid had needed the rest, but she’d also chosen the day specifically because it was harder than she thought it would be to officially hand Elin over to Markus. He was a great secretary, and she respected him immensely, but Elin was her Princess. Well, at least, she had been her Princess. Now, she was Markus’s Queen.

Instead of working, she’d taken the day off to enjoy time with her sister. They’d visited their parents and spent the day in the backyard of their house, watching her stepdad play with their puppy and her mother cook alongside Sarah Anne, who had always been a mama’s girl. Ingrid had, oddly enough, found a pretty amazing relationship with her stepfather after a few years of not wanting him around as a young child.

She’d needed the break and had even asked that they not watch the broadcast, which was likely on every television, computer, and phone screen in the country. Her parents had agreed, and they’d eaten dinner together. After that, Sarah Anne drove them home.

It was only then that Ingrid pulled out her own computer in bed and pulled up one of many stories about the events of the day. She watched the now-former King give his speech. Then, she watched Elin stand beside him as he signed over the nation to her.

“You did well,” she said out loud.

And Elin had. Her face was strong and stoic but also somehow empathetic and compassionate. Elin was going to make an amazing Queen. Ingrid would love the opportunity to work with her in that new role, but she’d have to wait. She wondered exactly at Markus’s age as she tucked her computer away for the night. He likely had eight to ten years left. And it felt like such a long time to wait; Ingrid wasn’t sure it would be worth it.

Elin would be well into her life as Queen. She’d be married by then; hopefully, to a man of her choosing. And maybe she’d change her mind about having children. Ingrid doubted it, though. The times they’d talked about it, Elin had been pretty firm in her decision. Either way, she’d be settled into the job, and Ingrid wasn’t sure what she’d be able to offer her then. She’d focus on Mari right now.

Mari wanted to leave for graduate school as soon as she could, but in the meantime, there was work to be done now that the line had shifted. She had more obligations than ever, and that meant there was work for Ingrid to do. Ingrid wanted to stay busy. It helped keep her mind off of… well, everything.

◆◆◆

When Ingrid arrived at her office the next morning, she sat in her chair and leaned back a bit, trying to make herself as comfortable as she could in her new permanent surroundings. She glanced down at her trash can and noticed a folded piece of paper with her name written on it on the outside. Ingrid knew that handwriting. She leaned down and picked it up, opening it and reading to herself.

Today has been absolutely crazy. Any chance you could take a break with me and join me in the kitchen for a coffee or tea later?

Elin had expected her to be here yesterday. Ingrid closed her eyes, her heart breaking a little that she hadn’t been here when Elin had needed her most. Then again, Elin would have to get used to her not being around – Markus was her secretary now, and she’d have to start getting used to that at some point.

“Hello. Miss Olson?” someone said at her office door.

“Yes, that’s me,” she replied, closing the note and tucking it safely into the breast pocket of her navy blazer.

“My name is Mary Margaret. I’m the palace decorator in charge of the offices.”

“Oh. Hello,” Ingrid replied, standing up and walking to the door to shake the woman’s hand. “What can I do for you?”

“I’ve been instructed to meet with you and make any alterations you’d like to your office.”

“My office?”

“Yes, I was told to have the extra desk removed, replace it with a chair or a sofa – whichever you’d prefer, and to get you some more light in here if possible – which, it is. The window is small, but you get great sun exposure.”

“I’m sorry. Who ordered you to–”

“Her Majesty, the Queen,” Mary Margaret interrupted. “I’m happy to show you some fabric or paint samples or just to create an overall plan for you to approve. Whichever you’d prefer.”

“The Queen asked you to redecorate my office?”

“When the Queen says to do something, I don’t think she’s asking,” the woman said, winking. “But we can easily get this desk out of here for you to start today and work on the rest later.”

“Where is my office mate going to sit?” Ingrid asked.

“I don’t believe you’re getting one. I’ve been told this is to just be your office moving forward, and you’re to approve all design decisions.”

“I didn’t know,” Ingrid said.

“Would you like me to come back with samples?” the decorator asked.

“I suppose that would be fine,” Ingrid replied.

“I’ll be back after lunch, if that’s all right with you. I have some really great UV-lamp recommendations that are fantastic for the winter. You’ll get your vitamin D without having to leave the office. I know how hard you secretaries work around here.”

“Thank you,” Ingrid said, smiling at her.

◆◆◆

“Markus, can I possibly get an audience with Her Majesty today?”

“Ingrid, she became Queen yesterday – she’ll be completely booked for the next year, at least,” he replied.

“I know. I was just–”

“Ingrid?”

Ingrid smiled and turned around to see Elin standing there.

“Your Majesty,” she bowed a little.

“Hi,” Elin said, smiling at her.

“Your Majesty, your meeting with the Prime Minister was pushed back ten minutes. He’s on his way to the palace now but got caught up in another meeting. Would you like me to have tea brought in for you?”

“Did you need something, Ingrid?” Elin asked her, ignoring Markus.

“I just wanted to say thank you for my office, Ma’am,” Ingrid replied.

“Oh, you’re welcome,” Elin told her. “I was down there last night, and it looked dreary. I wanted you to have some light and some space.”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” Ingrid replied.

“Since my meeting is pushed back, do you have a minute?” Elin asked.

“Yes, Ma’am,” she replied.

“Markus, can I have a tea and a coffee with two sugars for Ingrid, please?” Elin asked.

Ingrid resisted laughing at Markus’s expression.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” he said.

“Ingrid, shall we?”

“After you, Ma’am,” Ingrid said, motioning for Elin to walk into her office before her.

Ingrid followed and closed the door behind them.

“Why is it that the moment I become Queen, they give me heels that pinch the backs of my feet? I didn’t have this problem before,” Elin said, sitting down on her sofa and immediately kicking off her shoes.

“I can talk to the dressers for–” Ingrid stopped herself. “Maybe Markus can–”

“Ingrid, you can sit.” Elin motioned for Ingrid to take one of the chairs across from her. “I’ll be fine. I can just put Band-Aids on the back of my feet or something.”

“You should try moleskin, Ma’am.”

“What?”

“Sarah Anne is a big hiker; she swears by the stuff. I can get you some.”

“What is it, exactly?”

“It helps with blisters. It basically reduces the friction.”

“Friction?” Elin said.

Then, Ingrid watched her swallow.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“I’ll have Markus see if we have any here.”

“Very well.”

“Can I talk to you about something?” Elin asked.

“Of course, Ma’am.”

“I don’t know Markus well yet, so I don’t know that I can trust him not to say anything to Steven or my father.”

“I’m sure you can, Ma’am.”

“I’m sure I can, too, but I’m not ready to try yet. It’s just that… I’ve been Queen for about twenty-four hours now, and my father has already told me what to do on several occasions. He’s made my schedule for the next week, told me who to meet with, and even what to say. I agree with some of it, but he’s suggesting I don’t do this commencement speech that I’d really like to do because, apparently, Queens don’t do that. Who’s to say Queens can’t give law school graduates a speech?”

“And you haven’t discussed this with Markus?”

“No, he just has my schedule and tells me where to go so far. I probably only have five minutes until the Prime Minister gets here, so you might have to take your coffee to go, unfortunately.”

“That’s all right, Ma’am,” Ingrid replied, forgetting completely about the promised coffee.

“I’m just worried he’s going to keep interfering.”

“Well, it has only been a day. I suspect he’s trying to adjust to not being King in the same way you’re trying to adjust to being Queen.”

“I suppose,” Elin sighed.

“And forgive me for saying so, Ma’am, but you’re actually luckier than most monarchs: your father is still alive.”

“I know. I know.” Elin sighed again. “He reminded me as much this morning, telling me I’m blessed because he’s still here to mentor me. And I am grateful I still have my father. More than anything, I want him to be happy and healthy. But he retired, and now I’m supposed to be Queen. I don’t mind a mentor, but I don’t want to set the precedent that I’m basically his regent or the face of the monarchy while he’s the brains behind the operation.”

“Ma’am, you have the brains, the talent, and the imagination to be a monarch.”

Elin blushed a little and said, “I do?”

“Of course, you do,” Ingrid replied, softening at Elin’s small voice. “Ma’am, you’re more educated than your father was when he took over. You have a degree in political science and another in law. Your father stayed in the military until he took over, and that’s an education as well, but you did that, too. You earned your rank faster than your father earned his. Ma’am, you were promoted to Specialist 1st Class before Christian was promoted in the Air Force. You are what this country needs right now. Your father might struggle seeing that at first, but I have every confidence that you will show him with your actions that while you could use a mentor, you don’t need a former King telling you what to do.”

Elin smiled and gave her a small nod.

“Thank you, Ingrid,” she said.

“You don’t have to thank me for telling the truth, Your Majesty.”

“Can I be Elin for a minute? Just until the tea and coffee arrive.”

“Ma’am, I don’t think that would be appropriate. We’re not on holiday.”

“Trust me, I know.” Elin nodded in understanding. “Well, I should let you get back to your work.”

“About my office, Ma’am?”

“Yes?”

Ingrid smiled wide and said, “It was very kind of you, Ma’am.”

“Ingrid, I have an early dinner with my parents and my sisters, but my evening is free. Would you, perhaps, meet me in the kitchen later, if you’re not heading home? We don’t have to meet in the kitchen, of course. We could meet up here and have coffee or drinks or…” Elin looked down at the carpet. “Or something else. I could have Henri make…”

“Ma’am, I’m having dinner with my sister tonight, or else I would,” she lied.

“Of course. Sorry. You don’t live here, and you don’t have to hang out with me after hours,” Elin said. “I shouldn’t have… I’m sorry. Enjoy your dinner.”

Ingrid wanted to tell her that she’d love to hang out with her and that she was certain no Queen had ever uttered those words before, but Elin needed to begin relying on Markus, and she needed to stop seeing Elin as her Princess.

“I will, Ma’am. Thank you. Will you stop by my office when the renovations are done?”

“Of course,” Elin said. “I’d love to.”

There was a knock at the door, and it opened to someone carrying a tray with their tea and coffee.

“I should leave you to your meeting, Ma’am.” Ingrid stood up. “I’ll take my coffee with me, if that’s all right.”

Elin nodded. Ingrid took the cup from the tray, thanking the woman carrying it, and left the Queen’s office without turning around, which wasn’t technically allowed, but she hoped Elin would give her a break on the protocol. Ingrid needed to get out of there. She definitely didn’t need the caffeine in this coffee, but she wouldn’t turn it down when offered by the sovereign. She headed back down to her new office and sat down in her chair, placing the cup of hot coffee on her desk. Then, she pulled out the note and smiled as she reread it to herself.