"How did I not know about this?"
Prince William's voice suddenly dropped. Earl Granger pursed his lips and said nothing. Shade knew the answer: Prince William had been busy with his business in Osenfott lately and had had no time to concern himself with these matters.
"And Margaret wants to put up her own money? I knew it. The business she's been running behind the scenes is definitely no small operation."
The Prince began pacing before the window again. From his profile alone, Shade could tell how agitated he was:
"This won't do. If she truly intends to contribute money, then I can't pretend not to know. All the cash I have on hand is invested. But if I can't produce even a single copper coin, what will Father think of me?"
As he spoke, the pacing Prince fixed Earl Granger with a sharp gaze. The Earl wore an expression of sudden realization and said softly:
"His Majesty's reply has not yet arrived. Perhaps His Majesty will be able to resolve this matter through Wilundell; after all, the royal treasury remains quite well funded. But if it truly becomes necessary to advance a sum of money first, then how about this, Your Highness? I shall lend it to you. I know you traveled here lightly, so you must have forgotten to bring your checkbook."
Prince William stopped again, still with his back to the window. His tone carried appreciation and admiration:
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Earl. You truly are the most loyal servant of the royal family."
Shade greatly admired Earl Granger's composure, because the Earl could still maintain a perfectly natural, reserved smile of embarrassed modesty after being praised:
"You flatter me."
Shade had thought the conversation would end there, but Prince William spoke again:
"Earl, since