Deathstalker 06 - Deathstalker Legacy

Douglas. Anyone special... I'd have thought you'd have had your security people check that out long ago."
    "They did," Anne said dryly. "However, according to their reports, which incidentally amounted to an absolutely huge file that you'd better pray I never get around to publishing, men come and go so often in your life that they couldn't even keep track of who was in favor, and who wasn't."
    "I've always had a very generous nature," said Jesamine, entirely unperturbed. "And publish and be damned, sweetie. I've always been very open about my life. In fact, once I become Queen and boringly monogamous, half the gossip magazines will probably go out of business overnight."
    "Don't you believe it," said Anne. "The public are fascinated with every little detail of Royal life. The magazines will just find something else to excess about; like whether you're pregnant or just putting on weight. I notice you still haven't answered my question . . ."
    "No, there's no one special," said Jesamine, just a little sharply. "You know very well there's never been anyone special. Most men are just too damned intimidated by who I am. Hopefully that shouldn't be a problem with Douglas. And what about him? Am I kicking anyone out of his bed?"
    "No one who matters," Anne said briskly. "Douglas has always tended to choose his women mostly on the grounds of how badly they'd piss off his father. Not really the basis for a strong relationship . . . And besides; he can be a real pain in the arse to get on with. Don't get me wrong. He's likeable enough, even charming when he puts his mind to it. But he's stubborn as a mule, and he won't be told what to do, even when it's clearly in his best interests."
    Jesamine clapped her hands together. "We're going to get on like a house on fire, I just know it! We have so much in common!"
    They laughed together, drank their tea, and squabbled amicably over the last few chocolate biscuits.
    "I suppose I'll have to give up touring and performing completely, once I'm Queen?" Jesamine said finally.
    "Almost definitely. Maybe later we can arrange something, if you really feel the need, but for now you're going to have to concentrate on the dignity of your new role. We need to distance you from the . ..
    frivolities of your previous existence. I think you'll find being a Queen very different from just playing one.
    Not least because you can't leave this role behind you at the end of the evening."
    "Oh darling, trust me; that's part of the attraction. As Queen, I'll finally have a chance to do something with my life. I know I've always been a deeply frivolous person, party party and shop till you drop, and I've enjoyed every minute of it; but more and more lately, I feel the need to achieve something.
    Something real. Something that lasts. I have a horrible feeling I'm growing up.
    "And I'm tired of being other people. Tired of being a star. It's so ... up and down, and the public, bless their black little hearts, can be so very cruel about what's In and what's Out. I've had to reinvent myself so many times I've lost count. When I'm Queen, I'll decide what's In and what's Out, and I'll make them all love me for it!"
    "That's the spirit," said Anne. "You were born to be Queen, Jes. You've always understood the first rule of Royalty; just because they love you, it doesn't mean you have to love them back. Unlike most of your contemporaries, you've never taken being a star too seriously."
    "Well can you blame me, darling? When everything comes easily, how can you value it? When everyone adores you, without even knowing the real you, how can you take it seriously? The person they love isn't real, just an illusion I create on stage, six days a week and twice on Saturdays. God, I hate matinees. I am tired of hiding behind wigs and makeup and other people's characters. As Queen, I will be myself.
    Let them adore the real me, for a change. I've earned it."
    "Damn," said Anne, smiling broadly. "The Empire isn't going to know what's hit it."
    "So," said Jesamine, putting down her teacup and looking Anne sternly in the eye. "When do I get to meet Douglas? What's he really like? All I know of him is what I see in the news. Is he always that grim?
    Does he ever smile? What's he like in bed? Does he like opera? Does he know my work?"
    "Typical actress," said Anne. "Calm down. He'll be here in a few minutes, and then you can decide for yourself. Don't worry; at heart, he's a good sort. Luckily, with him, what you see is pretty