To Kiss a King - NIcole Burnham Page 0,54
will be tough. Particularly Selvaggi. But I wanted to raise the concern. There are a lot of moving pieces to this project. We need to control what we can.”
Eduardo took longer than usual to respond. When he did, his voice broached no argument. “I won’t put the Strada project at risk.”
There was a collective, “Yes, Your Highness.”
Eduardo addressed Zeno. “Should the subject arise, Claire Peyton is the United States Ambassador to San Rimini. As such, she has frequent interaction with the palace, with parliament, and with a number of San Rimini’s business and charitable organizations. In her previous position as United States Ambassador to Uganda, she developed a reputation for effectiveness. We are fortunate to have her in San Rimini and expect that the media will see a great deal of her both in her public role and in social settings, just as they did Ambassador Cartwright.”
Zeno made a note to himself. That settled, Eduardo asked Sergio to report on his group meetings regarding the Strada project. As expected, the Grand Prix organizers wanted a firm date for completion before lending their support, as well as a specific list of any proposed changes that could affect the course. The casino owners wanted to know about the availability of government financing due to the increased costs of changing their entrances during construction, should their primary entrances be inaccessible. The transportation minister had a question about routing buses around the area while work was being done, but praised the fact that the proposed changes would make it easier for police, fire, and ambulance services to respond to emergencies throughout the area.
“The Central District Historical Society has provided a substantial list of concerns,” Sergio said. “We’re working through those point by point. Of all the stakeholders, they will take the longest to bring to consensus. I have experts meeting with them twice this week. I’ve also started to sow seeds in parliament so they know this is coming and understand that our intent is to submit a plan that has the backing of all the affected groups and a substantial amount of financial and safety research behind it.”
Zeno jumped in. “For better or worse, that means the media is now aware of the proposal. A reporter left a message this morning to ask why Sergio met with the casino owners and whether it had to do with roadway construction. Sergio and I will work together on a statement so it’s ready for my press briefing. We want the media to convey the need for upgrades and that there is a well-crafted plan in place to protect the area’s business interests and its history as improvements are made.”
“Good. Once the statement is ready, send me a copy so I have talking points.”
Zeno nodded, then ran through several unrelated items for the week’s press briefings, including follow-up questions he predicted he would receive about Amanda’s due date. Luisa entered to refill the water pitcher and offer more coffee. Margaret Halaby gave reports on several royal charities and relayed a request that King Eduardo become patron of a new organization, one that had been created to identify and assist elderly or disabled citizens who lacked family support. “I drafted a brief with the essential information for your review,” she said. “I believe the organization is well structured both in terms of financials and their mission. If you are unable to act as patron, I would recommend either Prince Marco or Princess Isabella.”
Eduardo tucked the information into a folder to take to his study while Margaret checked her phone for the final tally from Saturday night’s Royal Foundation fundraiser at the opera. Her staff had sent it moments before, which meant Zeno could use the information in his morning briefing and the king would have the figure should anyone inquire.
They were nearly finished when Luisa opened the door. “Your Highness, Teodora Rossi’s car just entered the rear gate. She’s the new head of the San Riminian Cancer Council. Will you be ready in five minutes?”
“We’re wrapping up now.”
“Then I’ll escort her to the library. I’m told that she is engaged to her longtime partner and is to be married next month.”
“Good to know. I’ll be there shortly.”
Luisa often provided information he could use to relax his guests. Over the years, such tidbits had come in handy. He committed the information to memory and was halfway to the library when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at the screen and smiled at the number. Conscious of