The Royal Heir - Dancing with my eyes closed

Pedal to the metal

(Tommy edit courtesy of @fictionangyl :) )

With everything that's kicked off recently, I've taken my eye off the ball when it comes to preparation for the Auto Expo and the ball that follows it - which, let's be honest, is the only part of the day I'm really interested in. But don't worry, everything's getting sorted in the background, and I'm probably not the best person to organise a car show anyway (although at least I have some driving experience now, right?)

In the days leading up to the event I work closely with Chris and his team on adding a little personalisation when it comes to how the after-party is gonna pan out. After all, Rick's expecting a Beaumont-Jones Bash level soiree, and while I'm not quite sure I can deliver something of such epic proportions, I'm not about to let my girl's good name down.

This event is huge. Huge for the duchy, huge for the area, and huge for me personally, as I need to make sure the Great Houses know just how awesome life is for Bella here. They're all invited - let's face it anyone who's anyone is invited - which unfortunately means I've had to invite Dad and Bertrand. And I've got a feeling Dad's going to do everything in his power to sway the vote back in his favour, especially after I sabotaged his event last week.

For example. I reckon Dad's going to point out anything he can that suggests my manor isn't exactly a child friendly pad. So, being one dance step ahead of him at all times, last time Drake was here visiting Hana, I enlisted his excellent estate maintenance services. And my good buddy has worked his palace preservation magic on this joint. Everything is immaculate, plus he's added corner protectors to all the furniture (after all, Bella's only gonna get taller, she'll be head-bumping height before you can say head-bumping height! His next task is to build a load of round furniture). Hopefully, as a result of Uncle Horsey's diligence, nobody will dare suggest that chez Maxwell is an unsuitable abode for the royal heir.

We've got marquees and speakers all set up in the gardens, all ready for all the cars to zoom down the driveway, bounce over the bridge (Hana's going to take photos of them all as they arrive) and display themselves in the appropriate place. Apparently a track has been set up somewhere in the estate grounds that the cars are going to race around at some point too.

"And then after the cars have all gone home, well some of them won't go home, some will stay because they're staying over for the party, but most of them, we're going to have a big party and you're gonna wear a pretty red dress and I'm gonna wear my swishy new suit and me and you are gonna dance and show everyone how amazing your life is, yeah?" I'm explaining to Bella what the plan for tomorrow night is as I settle her on Friday evening.

"Dan Bebe sha?" she giggles.

Sigh. "No. No Baby Shark. That atrocity is veto'd. But I promise you it won't be all courtly la de dah stuff. Tomorrow night's playlist has been lovingly curated by yours truly over the last few days. There'll be plenty of floor fillers for you to boogie to! We can even get the corgis on the dance floor, yeah! All the puppies in the house, wag your tails and shake your booties!" Beau and Monty wag their tails approvingly as they mill around the nursery. "Ba-bump, chick aba-bump! Woop woop!

"Dan Daddy!" she chuckles. "Dan Totty?"

"Yes baby girl, you can dance with Tommy too."

She looks puzzled. "Daddy dan Totty?"

"Oh!" Now I know what she's getting at. "Well, Yeah. That's the plan. But it'll probably be after your bedtime. Shhh, though. Don't tell him."

She claps her hands in delight.

"Come on then, which story is it gonna be tonight?"

"Kitty!" she proclaims, snugglng up into bed with her lovey and looking up at me.