Page 116 of Tabloid Princess

“Do I get anything, even one detail? I mean come on, Leia. You played with the crown jewels!”

My mouth fell open for a split second. “No! Nana don’t be disgusting.”

She chuckled and picked up a paper. The front-page image showed Oliver being driven somewhere, his head resting in his hands. Clandestine Heir: Prince spotted leaving secret dates.

“It’s rubbish. They don’t know he was here during the week.”

“During the week, Leia?” Nana’s mouth fell open.

Oh, did I forget to mention that?

“It was nothing.” I waved it off and tried not to look at the paper. Oliver’s expression was tense, as though he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He hadn’t seemed like that here.

I didn’t want to ruin my memories of the night before with the concerns of today. Naive I know, but to exist in our little bubble for a while longer, seemed the preferred option.

“Leia, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

My hand banged on the table making us both jump. “You said you wanted me to be happy.”

“And I do, and you seem it. But you saw what the press did to you just the other week on nothing more than a rumour alone. What will they do when it comes out about the two of you? And it will.”

“It doesn’t have to, not yet. No one has to know.”

“I think that’s very silly, and honestly dangerous. Do you love him?”

“Nana! For goodness’ sake; it’s been a few weeks.”

“I know you, Leia. And I know how much it takes for you to trust.”

I tried very hard to be angry with her prying, but I couldn’t, not really. Nana had stuck with me through everything. “I think I might do.”

She sighed and a pang of disappointment clattered in my chest.

“You don’t like him?”

“No. I think he’s amazing, handsome, polite, and kind. In fact, when I met him yesterday, I could have fancied him a bit myself. But I worry for you.”

“Nana, don’t. This will stay quiet for a while, and he just wants to get to know Daisy. I mean that’s a good thing, right? He’s worked out pretty quick that she’s my most important thing and he’s willing to earn her love too.”

“I think it’s very noble. Not many guys would be willing to make the effort after just a couple of dates. But, Leia. He’s going be the king. What happens if you survive the press and this carries on. What happens then?”

“Nana, you are getting way ahead of yourself.”

“It’s what old ladies do. We think and worry about everything.”

“Old my arse. Anyway,” I swiftly changed the conversation. “What are you going to do today?”

I literally bounced on my seat.

“Should the question be what are you going to do today?”

“Eeek. I don’t know. He said it was a surprise.”

She shook her head but softened it with a smile. “Looks like I’ll be having a roast dinner for one. What a shame, and I got Yorkshire puddings in.”

“Oh, don’t give me that.” I pulled a face. “Why don’t you invite that man over you’ve been ‘dating’. You could wow him with your roast potatoes.”

Nana stood. “I don’t need roast potatoes to do that, Leia.”