Free Charlotte & Nate (Royals of Valleria #4) by Marianne Knightly Page A

happened last night?”
     
    Despite herself, she blushed. Then, angry with herself for getting embarrassed again at something that wasn’t her fault, her face got even redder. “I already told you what happened.” Fear settled like lead in the pit of her stomach. “Did Pierre tell you a different story?”
     
    Coco nodded grimly. “He said you asked him to come over, answered the door half-naked, and forced him to kiss you .”
     
    The lead in her stomach turned to fire. “That lying bastard! Coco –”
     
    Coco held her hand up to interrupt. “You don’t need to tell me a thing. I know when a man’s lying to me, and he was. He’s been dealt with.”
     
    “What do you mean?”
     
    “He’s been fired. There is a zero tolerance policy for harassment. He packed up his things this morning, and the guards escorted him out.”
     
    Charlie sagged in relief against the counter; she’d never have to see him again. “Really?”
     
    “Really.”
     
    “And no one needed to speak with me again? What about his access to the palace?”
     
    “No to the first, and security is changing the passcodes as we speak. He wasn’t asked to leave Valleria, but he’ll have a hard time finding work once they found out I let him go.”
     
    “Okay. Okay.” Charlie took a deep breath. She was okay. “Thanks, Coco.”
     
    Coco pursed her lips, as if trying to decide whether or not to reveal something. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but it wasn’t just your word that was taken into consideration.”
     
    “It wasn’t?”
     
    “No. He didn’t want me to tell you, but I’m going to anyway. Prince Nathaniel said he saw you being harassed by him, and asked me to look into the matter.”
     
    Her heart start beating faster. Was she angry with Nate for interfering or happy that he’d spoken out on her behalf? She didn’t know. “When did he contact you?”
     
    “Last night.”
     
    “So, you already knew when I called you this morning.”
     
    “I knew something had happened, but not the details. If you hadn’t called me, I would’ve searched you out and asked about it myself.”
     
    Charlie realized her hands were gripping the roller with a brute force. She had ten different feelings inside her and she didn’t know what to do about it. “Thank you, Coco.”
     
    “Don’t be afraid to speak up, Charlie. No woman, or man for that matter, in my kitchen needs to put up with that nonsense, understand me? If it happens again, you come straight to me.”
     
    The flying feeling of having someone believe her swept through her. “I understand, Coco. Thank you.” Before she could think about it, she was hugging Coco. After a few moments, Coco hugged back, her wide arms easily encompassing Charlie’s slim frame; she felt buried in warmth.
     
    Coco patted Charlie’s back before pulling away. “You’re a good girl, Charlie. I’m only going to say one more thing here and then leave you to your work.”
     
    “What is it?”
     
    “The Prince.”
     
    The euphoric feeling of a moment ago swiftly crashed. “Yes? What about him?”
     
    “I don’t know why he was down near your room, and I don’t want to know. Prince Nathaniel is a good man, but make sure you’re taking care of yourself, Charlie.”
     
    That was easy enough to do; Charlie had been taking care of herself since she was a child. “I will, Coco. Don’t worry about me. Will this, I mean, did this change your mind about the promotion?” she asked in a rush.
     
    Coco merely shook her head. “No, it didn’t. But keep in mind that a position such as Head of the Kitchens does not mesh well with a royal romance, understand me?”
     
    Charlie swallowed. “I understand.” She’d known a romance with a prince was just too good to be true.
     
    “Good. Now, get back to work. The Queen’s going to be down later to finalize the menu for the state dinner. Make sure you have some desserts for her to try.”
     
    “I won’t disappoint you,