He laughed. “Looks a bit like you when you got off the plane!”
“Hey!” I slapped his shoulder, even though he was probably right.
“Samantha would be a great name for her!” Jeremy nodded his head. “You both arrived in Lilaria the same day.”
I looked over at Chadwick, who had covered his mouth with one hand. I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or insulted that he wanted to name an elephant after me. He seemed to understand my inner dialogue because he smiled.
“I believe there is a rhino named after the queen.”
“Oh.” I smiled at Jeremy. “That would be sweet.”
“I’ll have to put it up for discussion, but I have a feeling that it will stick.” He leaned against the railing. “She is a cute little thing, though.”
He cut his eyes toward me and I looked away quickly. Jeremy was cute enough, but obviously not really interested in me.
He showed us around the other exhibits. A few of the people visiting the zoo would stop and ask for pictures, and there were members of the press, but the security detail kept them at bay for the most part. By the time we had completed a full loop, I was ready to hit the road.
“Would you like to grab some lunch? Maybe chat a little about raptors?” Jeremy leaned close.
“I’m sorry, I believe that I have another engagement soon.” I shot a glance at Chadwick who cleared his throat.
“Yes, we need to leave shortly to stay on time.”
“Maybe another time?” Jeremy touched my elbow and I could hear cameras clicking away.
“Thank you for the invitation, but right now I’m so busy I barely have time to tie my shoes.” I smiled at him and moved out of his reach.
“Okay.” He stepped back and let his hands fall to his side. “I wanted to ask if you would consider throwing in your support for the television show. If we have someone with your background we could get a lot of financial help. I think you’d make an amazing host.”
I stared at him for a minute, flabbergasted. I had been expecting him to ask for a donation, to write a check for something, but to be on camera? He was trying to capitalize on my newfound public interest.
“I’m really not good at public events. Being in front of cameras makes me nervous.” As if they knew they were being discussed, the cameras following us clicked away intensely. “You’re very sweet, but I think I’d be a terrible host.”
“You’d be great. The media would eat it up and so would the public. They’ll love your American accent.”
“You mean they’ll love seeing a duchess.” I frowned at him. “I’m not the one for the job, but I wish you the best of luck.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He ran a hand over his jaw. “Would you be interested in donating to the program? We’re always looking for people who have a genuine interest in wildlife.”
“I’ll think about it. For now I need to focus on my lands and the people there. Once I know more, I’ll look into donating to worthy causes.” I held my hand out to him. “Thank you for inviting me, Jeremy. It was nice to see the zoo. I enjoyed the aviary and especially the baby elephant.”
“It was nice to meet you as well, Samantha.” He looked disappointed, but I wasn’t about to offer any money. I could barely understand the amount I had, and I still didn’t know what my responsibilities would be when I got to see my actual home.
Once we were in the car, I melted into the seat and frowned at Chadwick. “Please tell me we don’t really have anything else to do today?”
“Well… there are two more stops.” He cringed when I sat up straighter.
“God, Chadwick, you’re killing me. I’m already exhausted.”
“From avoiding Mr. Flirty?”
“Yes! And from everything else.” I closed my eyes. “I’m not cut out for this life. Eventually I’m going to snap and say what I’m really thinking.”
“Ah, don’t focus on all the bad. Think about it! You’re going to have a baby elephant named after you!”
I laughed. “Yeah. She was adorable.”
“A cute little thing is what he said.”
“Shut it, Chad.”
“I hate it when you call me that.” He frowned at me.
“Good.”
Chapter Twenty
Already Stepping into the Shoes of Her Royal Family
—Lilarian Daily Gazette
The next two days were full of similar events. People eager to meet me and then turn around and ask for money. I even spoke with Dr. Beilefeld, which had been the most important thing to happen since my arrival. He seemed genuinely interested in my father’s case.
Even with the little breaks Chadwick had planned into my schedule, it was exhausting and I was on the verge of a temper tantrum when my phone rang. When I checked my screen I sighed in relief. It was my dad and I quickly answered.
“Hey! How are you?”
“Good. You’re on the news every day. Looks like they’re keeping you busy.” His voice went a long way toward calming my frayed nerves.
Chadwick stood up from his seat at my desk and pointed to his watch before exiting the room.
“Something like that.”
“Well, the doctor said I could leave after my next scan as long as everything comes back okay. I only have one more week of chemo.”
“That’s great! I can’t wait to see you.” I smiled. “Has Patricia given you an answer about coming?”