To Kiss a King - NIcole Burnham Page 0,2

the opportunity to leverage that number for the long-term good of the country. The Strada has remained essentially the same for hundreds of years. The fact it was constructed with parades in mind means it’s wider than other streets of its era, but it doesn’t accommodate modern usage or the influx of tourism our country has seen. Attendees at the San Rimini Grand Prix are pushing against the fences, which is a safety concern. Either the route will need to change or we will need to limit the crowds. No one wants to make that choice.”

“Everyone has their fiefdoms,” Sergio pointed out. “The casinos and shop owners don’t want their entrances blocked while work is completed. The Historical Society doesn’t want to alter the appearance of the street. And while the Grand Prix organizers want a safer route and continued growth, they don’t want to risk losing the race for a year or more due to construction.”

“Agreed,” Eduardo said. “So use tomorrow to show them our redevelopment plan, and use our historical and transportation experts to convince them that our proposal is sound. We’ve put months of research into this, and we’re willing to share all of our findings and to listen to their input as we move forward. Change is difficult, but our citizens need the Strada to function for the long term. If we don’t get it through parliament with a seventy-seven percent approval rating, we’ll never get it. Now, what else do we need to address?”

Zeno ran through the items he would cover at the weekly press briefing, which mainly involved the king’s adult children. Prince Antony had visited an opioid addiction rehabilitation facility over the weekend, and Princess Isabella and her husband, Nick, planned to visit three different schools along the country’s northern border to talk with students about San Rimini’s medieval history. Nick, a medieval studies professor at the University of San Rimini, had arranged a string of school appearances in recent weeks to interest children in the topic.

When Zeno finished, Sergio said, “Tomorrow night, you are hosting a dinner at which the new American ambassador shall present her credentials. She arrived in country yesterday.”

“Claire Peyton,” Eduardo said, leaning back in his chair. “I read the briefing last night. She was previously the United States Ambassador to Uganda?”

“Yes. It was expected that she would stay on under the new President, but she was reassigned to San Rimini when Ambassador Cartwright announced his retirement.” Sergio paused. “It’s not a secret that Rich Cartwright spent his final year or two on cruise control. This will be a change. Given that many in the U.S. State Department consider this an elevation of position, she may wish to prove herself.”

“I read about the rural education program she helped institute in Uganda. It looked interesting.”

“Yes, Your Highness. She will likely request a meeting in the coming weeks to present it to you and ask for San Rimini’s involvement. The American president ran on a campaign that focused heavily on education, so it’s a priority for the administration. However, it’s ultimately a no go for San Rimini. Parliament might support sending funds, but sending teachers or advisors would be less likely, given current security concerns. Even the funds will be a challenge while we’re also trying to push the Strada plan.”

Eduardo didn’t need time to weigh his priorities. There was no contest. “It’s my understanding that parliament will address funding for Central District improvements three months from today. I want our proposal to anchor that discussion. From now until then, that’s our focus.”

He took a sip of his coffee, then asked Margaret, “Where are we on the Our Place program?”

“The five-year anniversary celebration will take place on Friday at the elementary school on Via Fontana. As Patron, you will speak briefly about the need for early intervention mental health support in schools and highlight the ways that Our Place identifies and assists children without stigmatizing them. I have some statistics on the continued need for the program and on its success. I should have a draft speech to you by Thursday, which you can then adapt to your liking.”

“Thank you. That’s a visit I look forward to making. Any others?”

Margaret ran through updates on two other charitable organizations the king supported, then provided a follow-up report on an event he’d attended for an animal shelter.

At the same moment Margaret finished her update, Luisa entered the room. “Your ride is waiting, Your Highness. Your tour of the dementia care center begins in