It had been a week since Father's funeral and I felt the grief-filled haze that had encapsulated the Palace was, finally, lifting. Uncle Richard was bound to leave soon - though I hadn't seen him on the premises much - I had come out of mourning and was allowed to wear clothes with actual colour to public engagements. To add to the joy, Edward's coronation planning was finally on the move. There was still a year to go but it had to be perfect.
Fitzgibbons, Edward's private secretary, myself, Josh and Edward sat around the table, planning meticulously for our press release. I had to admit; the prospect filled me with excitement. It had been 'official' between Josh and I for a while now but not publically.
"You understand this will mean a lot more press attention on you, Josh? They could dig up rather.. bad things." I spoke. He shrugged,
"Nothing worse than having your arse splashed all over the papers, again." Josh chuckled. Fitzgibbons looked utterly appalled but Edward laughed it off, nodding.
"Then we'll put it out today." Edward spoke, prompting Fitzgibbons. He pushed the paper towards Josh and I. It read,
We hereby announce the courtship between Her Royal Highness the Princess Matilda and Mr. Josh Dylan. The Princess is pleased to share the news with the public and hopes they will share in her newfound happiness. His Majesty the King has approved the match and hopes his sister will be "happy with her boyfriend". He also hopes to remind both the press and the public that Mr. Dylan's private life is his private life and will remain so until he is officially a member of the Royal Family.
"You need to sign." Fitzgibbons spoke. I nodded and picked the pen up, signing below Edward's signature. Josh did the same and, well, that was it.
"All done." I smiled.
"Then your job is done and mine begins." Fitzgibbons speaks, glancing disapprovingly at Josh. While Josh was more oblivious, it was abundantly clear to me the courtier's dislike of Josh. Rosa often told me what they were saying about him and it all came down to his unconventionality. The fact he didn't have a title angered them but I couldn't see why. It was the twenty first century, not the eighteenth.
I led Josh down the hall to the main baywindow of the Palace, sitting down with him. It would take a while before the car came around so we had some time to kill.
"I told Hugh we'd be going tonight." I informed him. His face dropped, realising he'd forgotten to tell me.
"Ah, shit." He muttered, readying an apology in his head.
"It's fine," I chuckled. "He texted me. After all, we only have a few months till you go to Africa. We need to use it efficiently."
Josh cheekily winked at me, putting his hand on my knee. "I agree with that."
"That's not what I meant." I responded, unable to hide my smirk.
"Isn't it?" He whispered leaning in and tilting his head just a little, kissing me lovingly. He was sweet, soft, gentle. I giggled a little, running my thumb across his cheek.
"The car is here, Your Highness." Smithers interrupted. Josh pulled back from me but only a little, not embarrassed at all. His face remained only inches from mine.
"Thank you, Smithers." I responded. "He'll be down in a moment."
"Yes, Your Highness."
It only took a few seconds before Josh and I burst out laughing.
"Did you see his face?" I sniggered, unable to hold the laugher in. "He looked appalled."
Josh stood, still laughing a little. He pulled me up and pulled me close, smirking.
