Royals of Illéa

Chapter 3-Offer

-Josie-

Kaden and the others had gotten back late last night but I had been awake finalizing Eadlyn's meetings for next week. He came over to see me but I finished work in my room and by the time I climbed into his bed, he was fast asleep. Clearly exhausted from the day of travel.

Breakfast next morning is the most eventful it has been in a while. Ahren arrived in Illea last night and Eadlyn and Lady America are ecstatic. I greet everyone before taking my seat next to Kaden, across from Osten who is busy shoveling bacon and eggs into his mouth.

"Did you get a chance to look at my schedule for next week?" Eadlyn asks from her seat next to Osten.

I nod, "I did but I was thinking you should cancel some of the meetings. It's going to be very hectic week."

"No, no, it's fine." Eadlyn says but Lady America catches eye and mouths, I'll talk to her.

I smile and nod in acknowledgement as a butler sets down my plate in front of me. Despite the change to a constitutional monarchy nearly five years ago, Eadlyn still takes a lot of burden upon herself. Especially now that she's pregnant again we all are worried about her health.

Half way through breakfast, Kerttu arrives with her nanny and quickly scrambles onto her father's lap.

"Hello Kerttu." Ahren says, tickling her as she laughs and swats at his hand.

"How was your visit yesterday?" Lady America asks the gentlemen.

"Very enlightening." Kaden says and then they launch into a discussion of all that they heard and observed yesterday at the schools. I eat my food while I listen to my husband talk.

When breakfast ends, Ahren says goodbye to us and leaves to catch his flight, Kaden leaves with his dad to work on some reports and the others trickle out soon after. Eadlyn and I walk to her office together where Neena is already waiting for us with a guest.

"Lady Brice!" Eadlyn exclaims as she embraces her.

Lady Brice was the interim Prime Minister for the first few months while an election commission was set up and then a new government was elected but people weren't entirely satisfied so when the elections were held again after the five year term, Lady Brice decided to contest elections and was elected Prime Minister. And Eadlyn has been over the moon about it.

We discuss Eadlyn's meeting strategy with province representatives. Lady Brice promises to be present at all of them to make sure they run smoothly. Neena forces Eadlyn to take a break and meet Eikko for lunch while we both stay back in her office and take lunch there.

Thankfully Eikko manages to keep Eadlyn from returning to office for the rest of the day. As it starts to get dark, Neena and I have finished making all the arrangements for next week so we call it a day, grateful that tomorrow is Sunday.

I head to the kitchens where I run into mom. I have a sandwich while I catch up with her. Then we part ways as she heads off to meet Lady America and I to look for Kaden.

I go to my room and call for Amarna. She helps me change out of my dress, into my night gown and then I brush my hair while she puts away my shoes and jewelry. Once I've put on my robe over my gown, I dismiss her for the night and knock on the door that opens into Kaden's room.

"Come in." Kaden calls out and I push the door open to find him lounging on the sofa in front of the television set in his room. His coat and tie from breakfast are nowhere to be seen but he's still in his dress shirt and pants.

"I haven't seen you since breakfast." He complains, making me laugh.

"Sorry, Neena and I've been trying to take on some of Eadlyn's burden." I sigh, sitting down next to him.

"Her Majesty does not make it any easier does she?" Kaden says.

"No she does not." I laugh, "Neena practically had to push her out of the office so she would have lunch with Eikko. Anyways, how was your day?"

Kaden's face turns serious as he sits forward and rests his arms on his knees, looking down at the floor.

"Kaden?" I whisper as I lean forward and rest a hand on his arm, "Share it with me?"

"The parliament has offered me ambassadorship of France." He blurts out.

"Oh." Is all I can say.

At this Kaden looks back at me and smiles, "Mind blowing, right?"

"Yes but you're not happy about the offer?" I say, referring to his sullen face from a moment ago.

Kaden sighs and leans back before looking at me, "Ever since I was born, I've lived in Eadlyn and Ahren's shadow. Eadlyn was destined to be the next ruler of Illea and Ahren of France. I guess the only other person who can relate is Osten but given his personality, I'm sure he's glad to not have real responsibilities."

I nod in understanding as he continues, "I just never thought anyone would consider me worthy enough to hold a real position of power."

I shake my head in disbelief, "Have you ever heard what others have say about you? I listen to the public's opinion every day through the radio and newspaper for Eadlyn and you've always been wise and intelligent in the eyes of the public. It was only a matter of time before you were offered such a position."

Kaden gives me a small smile, "I've never really shared this with anyone."

"Well your wife isn't just anyone, is she?" I smile back.

Hello fellow Selection fans! I hope from this chapter you can somewhat gauge where this story is headed.

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