“Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.”īut Sal didn’t look put out. “Ha,” Theo said in disbelief, poking Sal’s textbook. You need to let loose every now and again. “You just don’t ever want to trust anyone but yourself to get things done. Theo grumbled and she arched an eyebrow in triumph. “And you answered those messages during the ceremony, did you?” she asked, cradling her mug of tea. “Because then I would have delayed several orders for the charity and missed a vulnerable youth reaching out for help,” he said hotly. Why couldn’t you have just given them your phone for a few hours?” “Only you would meet a prince and get in a barney. As usual, when Sal was stationary, there was a text book open in front of her and sheets of notes scattered about detailing the anatomy of dogs, cats and rabbits. “So,” she said as he sat down at the kitchen table with her and two mugs of tea. In fact, Theo was pretty sure she was amused by the whole affair. Then it had all come chuntering out for poor Sal.

It was like he’d bottled it all up until he was safely away from his nan. Theo made himself take a long breath and let go of the irritation that was rattling around inside him. She was smiling to herself in the late afternoon sunshine. Now she was changed back into her usual blouse, long skirt and flat, sensible shoes so she could tend to her flowers and make sure they were blooming.

Deep down, though, he could tell she was chuffed to bits. All the way home, she’d chatted about the people she’d met and what a lot of silly fuss they’d made of her. She’d just had her usual cup of tea, of course, but Theo had made himself feel a little better with a couple of rum and cokes. Nan and he had gone for an absolutely delicious lunch down a posh London pub once they’d left the palace. Theo had done a good job at hiding his irritation after meeting Prince James.

Even on a day off, she still had to keep busy. He looked fondly through the net curtains on the window to see his nan pottering about, watering the garden again. Which is a load of bollocks, considering what a brilliant day we’ve had.” Theo sighed and offered her a sheepish smile. “What did that kettle ever do to you?” Sal asked as Theo stomped around the small kitchen.

A Right Royal Affair by Helen Juliet