Chapter 27
"So that's about it?" the publisher asked, closing up the manuscript. "
"There are still a few pages left," the writer said, "You're not finished with the story yet."
"No, I think I want you to tell me the rest," the publisher said, his eyes narrowing. "I think I'm pretty sure where it's going."
The writer tried not to smile. "I don't think you do. There are so many things that you just don't expect in here."
"Like what, Geoff," the publisher said, turning to him now. "We all know that Danielle and Henry got married. "
Geoffrey nodded his head. "Yes, "Phil, but we had to talk her into becoming Queen, she wanted to give up royalty so to speak, become a caterer' s wife, settle down and help Henry run the business."
Phil sighed. He put the manuscript on the table. He knew it was all in there, he just wanted to hear Geoffrey tell him in his own words. He just couldn't believe this.
"So she stepped down?"
Geoff nodded. "She's now a Countess to Henry's Count. And the business is called 'Castle Catering'. The tagline is 'Where you're treated like royalty." He sighed. "You know that she's quite good at it, too. She makes a mean tuna salad sandwich. The best I've ever eaten. You remember the family secret, use the…"
"Yeah, yeah, I remember." Phil nodded. "So she's more like the queen of the deli sandwiches now than the Queen of Haven."
"Yeah, but Jackie is running the show as always. Her and Larry are married and have taken the castle by storm. Thanks for letting them use the basement, Phil, to set things up temporarily. The kids are setting up Auguste's old family estate as business headquarters."
"Ennis?"
"Geoffrey sighed. "Phil, come on, you know Margo married him. She discovered that Jerrold was a mama's boy and just wasn't king material."
"Only in her eyes, I guess. But you're happy about that. She still gets to be Queen, on the other side of the world where she won't bother anyone." Phil smiled.
Geoff smiled. "That's only half of it. What she doesn't know is that Ennis has an older brother, William who is already on the throne. Renee spilled that little secret after we married. She just wanted Danielle out, so she said anything she could. Wait until Margo gets back from her honeymoon. That's when she'll find out the truth."
Phil put his hand up to cover his mouth. He was trying to keep a straight face, but it wasn't possible. "And I hear that Jerrold and Rupert are…"
"Well, let's just say they're partners in a really big adventure. They are already reaping the rewards from their Princess Fitness franchise. Queen Daphne and Jerrold's new wife, Rhonda, talked them into it. Apparently, the entire family needed to work out. And so the family invited their friends and the friends invited more friends and well, you know how it is."
"And you and…"
"Well, after I convinced Renee to step down, we decided to take an extended cross country road trip. After I whisked her away on a world wind honeymoon, she decided that she liked being away from the intrigues and politics of the court. And I need a long rest, Philip. That's why your son Frank is so right for the role as the new King."
Phil nodded. "Well, he was trained for it, just in case. I'm still going to be the Director of Palace Affairs for a short time until we find someone else."
"And publisher of Regal Books, Ltd."
Phil smiled. "Well, you got me, Geoffrey. It will be a challenge. All my work is cut out for me."
Geoffrey stood up as did Phil. "And my new book?"
"With this ending, it should be a runaway best seller. That is unless we get sued."
Geoff shook his head. "No chance. I got everyone's permission. There should be no problem."
Phil smiled and extended his hand. "Well, then, everything's taken care of. Goodbye, brother. Have a safe trip and let me hear from you once in a while if you decide to write."
Geoff smiled again and took Phil's hand in his own. Good luck with everything and don't worry. You'll hear from me again."
"Have to, Geoff. You'll get the royalties from the book sales."
And with a shake of the hand the two brothers parted.
And everyone lived happily ever after.
