Chapter 20

In the morning, I woke, showered, and dressed for the morning. I was wearing a similar outfit to what I wore last night. I thought this would be a somber day and more formal clothing would be appropriate.

Jam knocked as he came in the open door from the hall. He was wearing a different shirt but was also dressed more formally like he was yesterday. Holding hands, we went to breakfast. I was carrying the pad and pencil from last night.

We worked on my statement to make it from both of us and to be sure it said exactly what we wanted to say. A server brought coffee out and poured our cups. Jam looked up and said, “Thank you, ma’am. We appreciate your kindness.”

“Your Graces are welcome. It is a privilege to serve you.” She remained standing there. “My sister escaped out the door with His Highness. They were coming for them. If you had not stopped them, she would have been killed. The guards would not have arrived in time. Thank you for your service to our people.”

“You’re quite welcome.” I said. “We were just trying to help.”

She bowed. “You did, Your Grace.” She left for the kitchen. A moment later, the other two couples of us entered. On Roger’s heels was his father.

The King said, “Good morning, Jar and Jam. It’s good to see you.” He walked by us and clasped Jam’s shoulder. He bent forward and hugged me. He sat down across from us and said, “Which of you will be speaking?”

Jam said, “Jar will speak but I will stand by her proudly. We’re working on what she will say together.”

King Marcus nodded. “That will be good. Roger, have you prepared your remarks?”

“Yes, father. My intention is to be short. Jar and Jam will be the primary speakers on behalf of the family.” The King nodded. Mentally, I cringed.

Breakfast was served and we all ate. Jam and I managed a blessing before our meals. It was all great food. I admitted to myself that I could get used to eating this well. When we finished, I took Jam’s hand and led him back to my bedroom leaving the door open. We sat at the desk and went over what I would say on our behalf and now on behalf of the royal family. We revised and reworked it for most of an hour before we were both satisfied.

Jam said, “I’m glad that’s finished. Let’s walk in the garden. I need some exercise.” I nodded. We went into the sitting room and left through a door there that opened into the garden.

We walked slowly whispering together. We took most of an hour though didn’t cover much ground. After all, the purpose wasn’t truly exercise. We returned and Anna was there with Mason.

I said, “Anna, could you show me where to get my speech printed, please.”

“Sure, come along.” The four of us went.

She guided us to the King’s personal secretary. “Madam Fierro is my father’s personal secretary. She will type your speech up and print it for you.”

The woman smiled at me and took the pages I handed her. She set them on an easel by her computer and her fingers flew! I had never seen anyone key or type that fast! Before I realized it, she had finished and the pages were coming from a printer located behind her desk. She said, “Please, Your Grace, read it over. I’ll make any changes needed. It is, I think, a wonderful statement and worthy of royalty.”

I stammered, “Th-thank you. Jam and I wrote it together and tried to say what God put on our hearts.” I read it over with Jam at my shoulder. He looked at me and smiled. I said, “It’s right. I noticed you changed one paragraph into two. I like that very much, thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Your Grace.”

She placed the sheets in a royal blue, of course, folder and handed it to me. She said, “Your Grace, unless you object, we will give copies to the press just after you speak.”

I shrugged. Jam said, “We don’t object. Thank you again.” We were bowed out.

It was time for lunch so the four of us walked to the dining hall and were joined by Angela, Roger, and the King.

The King glanced at the folder. “I see you’ve met Anne-Marie, my secretary.”

I said, “Yes, Sire. She is a very impressive woman.”

“I agree. Even after almost twenty years, she can still take my breath away. Her ability to key and read is astounding regardless of language.”

I smiled. “I will never feel accomplished at a keyboard again.”

The King grinned, “You have other talents, Your Grace.”

I managed to eat lunch without spluttering in surprise. I did grin back.

When lunch was finished, I went to my room and used the bathroom and freshened up. I would continue to wear slacks for the memorial service. I met Jam as he came into my sitting room looking good. Angela was next to join us. Mason came across as Anna and Roger came down the hall. The six of us left for the location of the service. The ballroom had been cleared with chairs put in place. A small dais was readied with a large chair and a podium.

I looked at that and whispered, “Oh, crap.” Jam gave my hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. Captain Maes was there and showed all six of us to the front row. We sat down.

We got comfortable as much as was possible in this situation. The doors opened and people entered and found seats. Television cameras were quickly set in place. I noticed the security force was gathered and members were standing around the edge of the hall. They were watchful of those entering. Jam whispered, “I saw metal detectors set up outside. Things are still serious. I will be alert while you speak.”

‘You’ll be beside me.”

“That’s what we both plan by agreeing to marry, dear.”

Finally, the doors closed. A moment later, King Marcus entered through a side door and ascended the dais. He sat in the big chair while everyone quieted. Then, he stood and walked to the podium. He said, “A terrible event occurred a few days ago. We are here to remember those people who were killed. We are also here to officially recognize two new members of the royal family. Jar, Jam please join me here. Roger, Anna, please escort them.”

The four of us joined the King. “Jar and Jam are nicknames for each of these two amazing individuals. Jar’s real name is Joycelyn Amber Roberts. Jam’s real name is James Allen Madison. They are both Americans from the state of Georgia. I’ve gotten to know them and am better for their friendship. The two of them prevented the terror suffered here from being much worse. For their valor, I have brought them into the royal family by naming them the Duchess and Duke of Meuse. I will have the privilege of walking Miss Roberts down the aisle as her honorary father when she married James. I am also glad that they are friends with my son and daughter. Therefore, it is with pride and gratitude that I introduce the Duchess of Meuse to speak.”