Before She Ruled (Before Series, Book 1)

Chapter Twenty

"No, no, no." Theo jerked up from his seat immediately. "Emilia, go home at once."

Lord Trotten jumped up as well, fixing a glare upon Andrew instead. "You go too far, Weston. Send the lady home at once," he said, his voice much darker than Addie had heard it before.

Lady Emilia Shepard stood in the entrance to the room, shimmering in a dress of dark burgundy, her golden hair swept back to display dazzling pendants at her ears. And in all her feminine glory, she had no time for the men in front of her.

"You," she pointed at Lord Trotten, "have absolutely no business where I am concerned. You may kindly sit down and shut up. And you," she rounded on Theo, "were honestly not going to tell me that we were harboring the Queen of England?"

"Merely a princess," Addie couldn't help but correct.

"Oh, please." Emilia waved her aside, "You are the rightful Queen of England, and we all know it." Then, as if remembering her manners, she dipped into a low curtsy toward Addie. "Your Highness, Your Majesty, please let me offer my service and my apologies for having to change my linens for the past weeks."

Addie giggled and nodded in acceptance of her words.

"Go home, Emilia," Theo repeated, gritting his teeth. "This does not concern you."

"How does the future of this country not concern me? Am I not a part of this, too?" Emilia shot back.

"This is serious, little sister," Theo warned.

"I am not so little anymore, Theo." Emilia narrowed her eyes at her brother. "I am a grown woman who refuses to hide in the countryside any longer."

"I have never said that you must stay in the country. Emilia, I would love for you to be in London more often. Just not here, not now," Theo begged.

"That is not what I mean, Theo. I mean that I am free to do what I wish. My ruination ensured that." She glared pointedly at Lord Trotten, who couldn't seem to look away from the woman he was once supposed to marry. "For once in my life, I am making my own decision. I am supporting Her Highness, and there isn't anything you can do about it," Emilia finished boldly.

Theo appeared as if he was about to tell her every little thing he could do about it, so Addie swiftly cut in.

"Lady Emilia stays," she commanded. "She wishes to be here, so she stays."

It was possible that Theodore Shepard had never looked so murderous.

But there was nothing else he could do for now, and Lady Emilia sat down to join them. Andrew addressed the lords and ladies. "Thank you all for coming to meet at such a late hour. Before we go any further, I'd like to allow Her Royal Highness to begin by sharing a few words that she has written in an effort to aid our cause."

Addie couldn't help but chuckle slightly. Of course, Andrew wouldn't waste any time in pushing her into the limelight. But Addie was ready, and she didn't falter when she moved to stand before them all.

****

When Addie lifted the piece of parchment up before her in resolution, shimmering in her rose gold gown, Theo was stunned into disbelief at her beauty. She glowed, regal beyond question. He'd been attracted to her when she was covered in mud wearing a grubby servant's uniform, and to see her now, like this, was a shock to his soul. How could he have ever thought she was anything other than royalty? And how could he go on resisting her, ignoring her, forgetting her, after this?

Addie cleared her throat lightly.

"In this public announcement, I would like to address His Majesty King Ernest and Her Majesty Queen Frederica.