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“She is getting dressed, sir”

I hadn’t seen Molly since theI was sure she had been briefed on the vote, but I wanted to talk to her about it

“What is the order of events, Sutcliffe?”

“The royal family will be introduced Your arrival will be announced, followed by the presentation of your mother”

“She’s here?” I was stunned

“Of course” He flicked his mustache

She hadn’t made an official royal appearance in months If there was one person Ayla couldn’t prepare Molly for, it was my mother Damn it

“Then Molly will be introduced?”

He nodded “Yes First to the governh cabinet introductions, and then to the opposite side of the ball room to meet the royal family”

“Standard,” I muttered

“It is, sir Except that we are doing this for a woman no one knows”

“And that bothers you, doesn’t it?” I straightened my cufflinks one last time I only had a few minutes before I needed to be downstairs

Sutcliffe pressed his lips together

“You may speak freely What is it about Molly that you don’t like?”

“I am to speak freely?”