Once Upon A New York Minute: Part 1

by Sherry Ficklin

  “Oh, um. An accident.”

  “That looks like a pretty serious accident.”

  “It was a long time ago,” I say, my tone more curt than I intend. “Sorry, sore subject.”

  “Lord Darcey was asking about you today, as well,” Tommy says, sidling up on her other side. “I think he’s got a thing for you.”

  “Ugh, I mutter. He’s got to be in his forties, right?”

  “He’s a man with money and a title, he doesn’t let a little thing like age stop him from chasing skirts,” Sarah chimes in. “As a matter of fact, I seem to remember him bringing some young model to the Yule Ball last year. The Queen was furious, the girl was barely eighteen and he spent most of the evening with his hands on her backside. It was embarrassing.”

  “How many balls do you guys have?” I blurt, regretting my words as soon as they escape.

  Behind me Liam snickers, handing me a glass of wine. “That’s a loaded question.”

  Sarah ignores him, “Annually, three. The coronation is a special event. But we have a Mid-Summer Ball, a Yule Ball, and of course the Queen’s Ball. That falls on the birthday of the queen, or if there is no queen, on the anniversary of the birth of the previous queen.”

  “A tradition my great-grandmother started,” Aiden announces. He’s changed into a pair of log shorts and a t-shirt. “She loved throwing parties, it sort of just stuck.”

  “The Queen’s ball is the only one that anyone in the kingdom, regardless of title, can attend. Tickets are sold, the money donated to charity. And she usually offers a contest for free tickets as well.”

  “That sounds like a great event,” I offer.

  Liam snorts, “If you like fancy cakes and free champagne.”

  I make a face, “Who doesn’t like fancy cakes and free champagne?”

  “Liam,” the others all say in unison, and I laugh out loud.

  Liam makes a sour face.

  Behind us the sail fills with air, and we pull away from the dock. Gliding through the water, we all lay in the sun, drinking and talking. It feels good. It feels normal. There’s no king, no council, and no crazy woman out to get me.

  “Do you have an extra shirt or something I can borrow,” I whisper to Aiden.

  He lays his palm against my cheek. “You don’t have to hide,” he says.

  “It makes me uncomfortable,” I admit.

  With a nod, he strips off his own shirt and hands it to me.

  “Thanks,” I mutter, pulling it on.

  Eventually the boat slows to a stop, and the crew drops anchor. There’re no other boats on the water today, and the water is calm and crystal blue. The basket Sarah brought is stuffed with food. Sandwiches and cheese and fruit. Even a few one-bite pies complete the meal. It’s a ton of food, and once the others have had their fill, I bring an armful over to the crew who sits on the far side of the boat.

  “Hey,” I offer. “I thought you guys might be hurry.”

  They exchange glances before excepting the food with smiles and thanks.

  “Of course, thanks for bringing us all the way out here, its so beautiful. Do you guys sail often?”

  I chat with them for a few minutes, then thank them again and return to the others.

  No one says anything, but Aiden offers me a warm smile, sitting beside me and laying a kiss on my shoulder.

  “Would you like to go for a swim?” he asks.

  I motion around us with one finger, “Like here? In the middle of the ocean? Is that safe?”

  Liam snickers, “What, you can’t swim either?”

  I glare at him, “You know I can swim. You dumped me in that sulfur mud hole, remember? But for the record, aren’t there sharks out here?”

  “No sharks,” Aiden promises.

  “Ok, but how do you know?” I press.

  He stands, taking my hand and leading me to the edge of the boat, and points at the water. “Look how clear the water is, how shallow it looks. See there’s no reefs here, no other fish?”

  “Yeah,” I say, unconvinced.

  He continues. “So, there’s nothing for sharks to eat. They avoid this area, it’s why I like to sail here. Plus, the crew will keep watch for us while we swim. Ok?”

  “Fine. But if I get eaten by a shark, I expect you to avenge me. I’m talking full Captain Ahab.”

  He lays a hand on his chest, “On my honor, I will avenge your fishy death.”

  “Alright then.”

  Climbing to the back of the boat, the crew lowers a ladder over the side. The boys take off their shirts and Sarah removes her cover up. Liam climbs in first, followed by Sarah, then Aiden.

  “You alright?” Tommy asks. “You look pale.”

  “Admittedly, I’m a little freaked out right now.”

  He nudges me, “You gotta just go for it, commit one hundred percent. Like this.”

  Taking a few steps back he runs, taking a flying leap off the back of the boat and landing in the water with a splash. Surfacing, he shakes his head, flinging water at everyone.

  I glance over my shoulder to the crew, “You guys won’t let me get eaten by sharks, right?”

  They chuckle, and shake their heads.

  “Alright, just gotta go for it.” Taking a few steps back I run, my foot lands on the rail and I spring forward, propelling myself into the air a moment before plunging into the warm, tropical water.

  When I surface Tommy is clapping. “Ten out of ten, nice jump.”

  I struggle, checking my suit. “Just gotta make sure my ladies are still in their assigned seats.”

  Liam laughs, splashing me in the face.

  We swim for a long while, then climb back aboard. Aiden gives the order and they pull anchor, tooling around for a while. I set against him, my back against his front, and he wraps me in his arms.

  Enjoy it while you can, a little voice in my head warns, and I push it away.

  The Other Shoe Drops

  We watch the sun begin to set over the water, both of us reluctant to come back to reality. The horizon blazes red and orange before fading into deep purple. It’s nearly dark when we pull back into dock, the last bits of light dying on the horizon. The others take their car and return to the palace, but Aiden and I stay a bit longer, sitting on the dock as Kato leans against the car.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” I say, nudging him playfully as we sit shoulder to shoulder.

  Not looking at me, he frowns. “Today was wonderful. I was just wishing every day could be like this.”

  I purse my lips before responding. “Me too, but that’s not reality for anyone. We all have responsibilities, jobs to do. Yours are more intense than most but, it’s not a bad thing. It makes the days like this even more special. It’s all about balance.”

  He looks to me, a smile spreading across his lips, “You are very wise.”

  I make a disgusted noise, “Obviously.”

  “I mean it Haven. You have so much grace about you. The things you do, the way you carry yourself, I see people all the time who have to force it, who have been taught to play the part since they could walk, but for you it’s effortless. You just are. How is that?”

  I’m quiet for a moment, memories welling up inside me like dark clouds forming on the horizon. “There was a time when I was sure I was going to die. This was years ago, but I remember thinking, this is it. My time here is over—and what a waste. I remember thinking that I could have done so much more—been so much more. So now, every day feels like a new chance to be a part of this amazing world. And it doesn’t mean every day is perfect or that every choice has to be some huge, life affirming event, it’s smaller than that. It’s just trying to do the best I can with the time I have and maybe make other people’s lives a little easier along the way.”

  He leans back, his gaze never leaving my face. Finally, he whispers, “Are you ever going to tell me what happened to you?”

  I can’t help the frown that pulls at my mouth.

  “I think—and I may be wrong—
but I think the reason you didn’t tell me the truth about who you were when we first met was because you didn’t want it to color my judgement of you. Right? You didn’t want it to effect how I saw you as a person.”

  “That is true.”

  “It’s the same for me. It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just that I don’t want it to change how you look at me. I don’t think I could bear it if you did.”

  Reaching out, he traces my jaw with his fingertips. “Haven, nothing you could ever tell me would change what I see when I look at you. I love you far too much for that. If you believe nothing else, believe that.”

  Seizing his hand, I lay a kiss in his palm. “I do.”

  He doesn’t press, and I’m glad. My resistance is already thin just being around him and I know that if he were to ask again, I’d tell him. I’d let the truth spill out and pool at his feet—and despite his promises, he’d see me very differently then.

  And that might actually kill me.

  Reluctantly we return to the car, and I curl into his arms as we return to the palace.

  “I’m afraid I’ll be busy all day tomorrow,” he apologizes. “I had to juggle some meetings around for today.”

  Turning my chin up to him I smile, “That’s fine. I have it on good authority that there’s some paperwork that’s going to require your attention.”

  He grins, “I can’t wait to sign it. Then it won’t matter who sees us together, they will all know I’m courting you.”

  I bat my eyes, “Courting me? That sounds so old fashioned. I like it. I may just swoon.”

  “I’d catch you if you did,” he promises.

  “I still think it’s an archaic law, restricting who you can marry. Barbaric.”

  He frowns, “It is certainly something that has caused more than its fair share of hardships to my family.”

  Waving my hand dramatically, I pronounce, “Then that will be my first order of business. Abolishing that asinine law.”

  He chuckles, “And you plan to do that when so many others have tried and failed? Besides, soon it won’t matter. I’ll be able to have you by my side—if you’ll have me, of course.”

  “Have you ever known me not to get what I want?” I ask.

  “No, I suppose not.”

  “Then once the law is changed, if you are still interested, we can discuss a more formal arrangement. Until then, court away, Your Majesty.”

  “That sounds like a challenge.”

  I shrug, “Maybe.”

  When we return to the palace, Aiden walks me to my room, bowing formally as he releases me to my door.

  “Thank you, Miss Sully, for a most wonderful day.”

  I curtsey, “The pleasure was all mine.”

  His gaze lingers on me for a long moment before he finally turns to leave. I watch him walk down the hall and out of sight before I finally open my door.

  The room is pristine, the air still heavy and thick with the perfume form all the roses, and I smile, leaning my back against the door. Its only then that I notice how empty the space is. Walking around I take stock and realize that all Liam’s things are gone.

  He must already have taken up residence in his new room. My heart sinks a little at the thought. I suppose I’d gotten used to having him around. There’s a note on my desk inviting me to dinner with the king at eight pm. I shower quickly, drying my hair into long, loose waves, and put on what I hope is an acceptable dinner dress, simple and black with a fitted bodice, half sleeves, and a scalloped bateau neckline that's both elegant and a little flirty. The thick and super stretchy knit twirls from a banded waist into a full skirt that ends just above my knees. I’d worn it only once before to an upscale party in Midtown, and it was one of my few dresses with an actual designer label.

  Feeling pretty and confident, I slip into a pair of shiny black heels and make my way toward the dining room. To my surprise, Liam is waiting for me outside the entrance, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his casual black slacks. Seeing me, he whistles.

  “Looking good, Haven.”

  “Same to you,” I say, gesturing to the light blue button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. “Casual, yet classy. As always.”

  He snorts, “Yes, that’s me. Always classy.”

  “You are, even when you try not to be.”

  “Quit spreading these vicious lies. You’ll ruin my reputation.”

  He holds out my arm and I take it. “Is he here yet?”

  Liam shakes his head, “Not yet. Probably got held up saving kittens from a tree or something very heroic like that.”

  “That would not surprise me at all,” a voice says behind me, making us both turn.

  Genevieve strides up on the arm of Lord Darcey, her red dress tight lace that clings to her svelte form in all the right places.

  “Lady St. Lauraunt, Lord Darcey, it’s lovely to see you both,” I offer pleasantly. “Genevieve, that dress is absolutely stunning. Red is a wonderful color on you,” I add.

  She grins, clearly pleased. “Thank you so much. It’s nice to see you again as well. Liam,” she ads in a curt tone.

  “Satan,” he murmurs, turning his back to her.

  “So what have you been up to this beautiful day?” Lord Darcey asks, ignoring them both.

  “King Aiden was kind enough to take myself and few friends out on the water today,” I say. “I’ve never been sailing before, it was quite an experience.”

  “Oh, I agree. I spent as much time as I can manage sailing around on my yacht. There’s something about the open sea that calls to our baser instincts, don’t you think? The drive to explore, to push one’s boundaries in the pursuit of the unknown?”

  Genevieve chimes in, touching his arm gently, “You make it sound so visceral.”

  “It certainly can be,” he says, not looking at her. “I thought you looked a bit sun kissed this evening. There’s a certain glow about you.”

  Looking down, I swallow a snide comment I’m itching to make. “Thank you.”

  “So,” Genevieve says, changing the subject. “How long will you be staying here in the palace?”

  “I few more days at least,” Liam answers for me. “I’m taking her tomorrow to look for a place of her own, but you know how long those things can take.”

  “I hear there’s a charming villa up north that’s available to rent right now,” She offers.

  “I’m sure Haven would prefer something closer to the capital,” Lord Darcy interjects. “There are several lovely places nearby. Some not far from my own house.”

  “Thank you both, I’m sure Liam will help me find something suitable.”

  The doors open, revealing a long table set in fine white and gold china. As we make our way toward it, I see that the seating has been assigned. Grinning, I notice that Genevieve and I are seated across from each other, each of us flanking Aiden. Liam is to my left, Milton across from him. There are two more empty seats, and I can’t help but hope they are for Sarah and Tommy.

  Aiden arrives, announced by the butler before taking his seat at the head of the table.

  “Thank you for joining me this evening,” he offers, motioning to the two empty chairs. “House Rathborne will be joining us presently.”

  No sooner does he speak than Lord and Lady Rathborne appear in the entry. He’s a tall man, easily over six feet with a severe black beard and greying hair around his temples. She, by contrast, is petite, blond hair with a round face and bright blue eyes. He bows and she curtseys.

  “Your Majesty,” Lord Rathborne begins. “Please accept my apologies for our tardiness, we were held up with business when we received your invitation.”

  “Of course,” Aiden says, waving them to their seats. “Thank you for joining us.”

  They swoop into their seats and the servers begin pouring wine and delivering the first plates. The appetizers are scallops, two to a plate, cooked in a delicate white wine sauce. Though I’ve never been much of a fan, I take a bite, surprised by the texture. No
t chewy or rubbery, as I’ve had before, but soft and rich. The soup comes out next, clam chowder. I take a few sips to be polite but leave the rest, still overfull from our earlier lunch.

  The conversation hums around the table, polite but strained. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m the elephant in the room, the great oddity that no one wants to bring up. That’s fine with me, I decide, sitting back and letting the conversation flow around me, content to listen in silence.

  “Tell me, how did you come to visit our lovely country?” Lord Rathborne asks after some time.

  Grinning up from my soup I answer.

  “I actually had the pleasure of meeting King Aiden while he and Liam were in New York. I’d wanted to see the island for some time, so when Liam invited me for the coronation, it sounded like the perfect opportunity.”

  Genevieve’s expression sours at my admission.

  “Well, we are certainly glad you chose to make the journey,” Aiden says with a nod of his head.

  “As am I,” I say, smiling. “Have you been to New York, Lord Rathborne?”

  He nods, “I found it quite off-putting, to be frank. So much commotion.”

  “It is the city that never sleeps,” I offer. “It can be overwhelming at times, but it has its moments.”

  “I’ll have to take your word for it,” he says with a dismissive wave of his hand.

  “Don’t mind him,” his wife chimes in, her voice soft and bubbly. “He dislikes Americans in general.”

  Lord Rathbone’s head snaps up and he shoots her an expression so hard that she clamps her mouth shut like a wounded animal, curling in on herself. Anger flairs up inside me at the sight.

  Sarah had told me he was an ass, but when he looks back to me, he must read the disgust in my face because he looks away quickly.

  “It’s alright,” I tell her. “America has an unfortunate reputation of being a bully on the international playground, and no one likes a bully.”

  Looking up at me, she offers a weak smile. Beside me I watch Liam cover a smirk by taking a sip of his wine.

  “That’s a harsh commentary on your own home,” Genevieve says.