by C R Riley
The woman bites her lips together and nods. “Should I say it exactly like that Your Majesty, or would you like me to summarize it a bit.”
Antonio glances down the hall to where I spot Isabel peeking her head around the corner. He motions for her to step out from her hiding place and then looks at the woman who keeps calling him Your Majesty. “Feed her boiled beets and pigs’ feet for supper tonight and make sure she eats it all.”
A giggle echoes down the hall toward us, and then the little girl twirls around and quickly runs off in the opposite direction.
“Keep her out of the west wing. If she becomes too much trouble then send her to Gabriela or my mother. I am sure they will have plenty to discuss once they hear about what I am up to. But don’t allow anyone else to disturb us. When we are ready to make acquaintances, if Miss Cross feels up to doing so, we will meet them in my quarters at that time. Thank you, Helena, you are dismissed.” Then he presses on my back again, and once again we are moving at a rather abrupt pace.
“Are we in a hurry? Afraid if you don’t get me there fast enough someone will interpret us again.” I try to move my feet briskly, but since I am wearing rather high heels today—three-inch ones to be exact—I trip.
The man has very fast reflexes. He is able to stop me from making a fool of myself, landing flat on my face. “Maybe we should slow down. We are almost there and I believe we are in the clear now.”
A few moments later we step through an open door into a room that is museum like. I get the sense the lights have just been turned on when I catch a door in front of me close very gently. I quickly forget about that door when I spot several portraits, mostly of men, surrounding us. Every person has a crown proudly planted on top of his or her head. I move towards one of the few women proudly deposited amongst these men, and notice the plate under it reads Queen Juliana Teresa Aragon.
I spin around and stare at the man behind me. “We are in Aragon Palace.”
“We are.” He places his hands behind him as he stares at the portrait in front of me. “Queen Juliana was the very first female ruler of Hermosa Islas. It is said that she is also the one who made it what it is today.”
I turn around and study her closely. “Why is that?”
“Because unlike most Queen’s during the era she reigned, when her son was born, she gave him his father’s name, Reyes.”
“Isn’t your last name Reyes?” I ask not really thinking much about it right now.
“It is. Queen Juliana is my great many times over grandmother.” He motions for me to continue.
I inspect each portrait after hers and notice they all bear the name Reyes and my mouth goes dry. He stops in front of the last portrait and stares at the image that reminds me very much of the man standing next to me.
“This is King Ramon Esteban Reyes, my father.”
I reach up and trace the nameplate. “Isabel’s father?”
“Yes. My father was the first King to divorce. Eventually he married Sophia, Isabel’s mother. Because Isabel was born to the wife of the King, she became the fourth heir to the throne.” He seems to be waiting for me to ask, so I don’t disappoint him.
“And who is the first heir?” I can’t look at him, knowing exactly what he is going to reveal.
Antonio steps back and motions for me to follow him into a room just to the right of him. When I step in, I know exactly where we are. I have seen photos of this particular room several times. Studied it meticulously while I was going over all the files handed to me this week.
We are in the Throne Room.
“This room is only used for special occasions now. Tomorrow it will be filled with some very hopeful ladies who would like to seize the attention of their King. There are those who believe it is time for him to marry. Time to stop playing games and select his wife from a collection of women they deem worthy.
“But the King has other plans that he hasn’t yet revealed to them. No King before him has really ever been given the power to freely choose his wife. They all married before taking the throne, and were either told whom they were to marry, or the Sovereign approved of their choice.
“That is not the case here though. Before the Heir Prince could find a suitable wife, his father was murdered, making him the first unwed King of Hermosa Islas. And while there are those who believe they can influence the King to marry from an elected group they have assembled, he has decided to change history and marry for love rather than position.”
I am very aware he has not mentioned this king’s name yet. “Is that allowed? And doesn’t it take time to fall in love with someone? I mean it would take some time to get to know a person, don’t you agree.”
“I most definitely agree.” Antonio spins around and stares at me with his head held high. “If I the King say it is allowed, then it is allowed. And when it comes to this, I the King will stand my ground and not be persuaded, or made to feel obligated to please those who voice their thoughts on the matter.
“I, King Antonio Ramon Reyes, have come to a decision. I know this may not be how one may conduct such things where you come from. However, as King, I am required to do things quite differently. Tomorrow night I’d like to introduce the woman I plan on trying to persuade that I am worth her time.”
While he is striving to stand tall and strong, like I assume a King is taught, I can see behind the shroud. What I perceive is a man who is unsure of himself as he attempts to impress the woman standing in front of him. He may be King, but that doesn’t make him any less secure about his ability as a man.
“What if she refuses such a request?” Is the first question that pops into my head.
“Then I’ll do what every man has done when he finds himself enthralled by a woman; I’ll do my best to change her mind.” He takes a step forward until he is standing right in front of me. “Are you refusing my request Larkin?”
“I think I am more like shelving it.” I cross my arms as a way to shield myself from him. “I’d like to leave now.”
Closing his eyes, he nods once and I can perceive disappointment as it takes over his facial features. “As you wish.”
He walks me back down the corridors of the Palace towards the entry that we stepped through almost an hour ago. After he retrieves my purse, he notifies his security team that we are leaving and then rides with me in silence back to the hotel.
When we have pulled into the underground entrance, and his men have left us to say our goodbyes, he finally speaks. “What are you afraid of exactly?”
“Antonio … Your Majesty.” I start to explain.
“To you I will always be just Antonio.” He places his hand over mine.
“That is very sweet of you to offer, but truth be told you have never just been Antonio have you. Born with a title securely attached to not only your name, but also the person behind the name.” I reach up and run my fingers along his jawline, where I discover the roughness left behind after a long day. “I’m not saying no, however I am also not saying yes. I’m asking for time to consider what you are proposing, although I’m not really sure what that is.”
“I am proposing that you allow me to date you, I guess that would be the proper wording.” He leans into my hand.
“Do kings, or even princes, actually date?” I snicker thinking how that would work.
“As a prince I had a few dates, girlfriends even. It can I suppose be tricky and complicated. Everything about my life Larkin is complicated, planned out, and very rarely boring. Please give me a chance.”
Chapter 8
Larkin
I honestly have no idea what I am doing all dressed to the nines and getting ready to head to Aragon Palace with the rest of my team. It has to be the absolute dumbest thing I have ever done in my entire life.
Early this morning the formal invitations came along with the proper attire for the five members of the Manchester team. I guess Antonio decided it was time to let the others also know who he was, since come Monday we were going to start
restorations on his palace.
I thought about making up some excuse on why I wouldn’t be able to attend. Fake a stomach virus, migraine headache, even a family crisis if necessary. Except that all got squashed when Cameron called us down for a meeting. He expressed how privileged we should all feel about being invited to such an event, which I learned was actually a celebration for Hermosa Islas.
The Constitutional Ball was an annual event that celebrated the current regimen. How they were one of the only countries left, where the top ruler was born into that position and not elected. Where that born ruler worked side by side the elected officials and together, they diligently made Hermosa Islas the thriving nation it is today.
So that meant my thoughts of skipping out on such an important event was not going to happen. This was not only important to the man that invited us to his country, it was also important to the country where we would be working for the next several years. We needed to make friends with those in charge, so that they would make our jobs hopefully easier and not throw up roadblocks along the way. It is always a good idea to make friends instead of enemies when you do what we do. Otherwise the process of obtaining permits, setting up building inspections, applying for work visas, and all those other important items we may require along the way, could cost us time and money.
Therefore, I dress in the turquoise chiffon floor length dress that hangs off my tall slim frame perfectly. A dress that gives the impression I am more endowed upstairs than I truly am, not that I am lacking, but I am not as full as this dressed makes me appear. That may have been the rhinestones fault, since they outlined the bodice and form a lovely flower shape right between the girls. The straps of the dress are even lined with the sparkling stones and cross in the back, stopping just above my shoulder blades.
I was pleased to discover the dress had a back to it, when I first pulled it out, I wasn’t so sure it did, and I wasn’t clear on what I would have done about that. I didn’t typically wear backless dresses, didn’t like how exposed I felt in them. It was intimidating enough knowing I was being displayed in this dress so others would take notice of me. I didn’t need anything else to mess with my nerves tonight.
The entire ride to Aragon Palace Hope chatted about how she was surprised to discover we had been in a Royal’s presence and didn’t even know it. Giggled about how I had acted in the conference room when I told Antonio I wanted him to kneel before me and apologize.
I felt my face burning from embarrassment whenever I recalled all the times, I had made a complete fool of myself that first day. I didn’t dare tell her how I told him I’d never bow to him even if he were the freaking King of England. She would never let me forget about it, not that I ever would. I had completely disrespected him and the throne he took pride in being a part of. It’s a wonder he didn’t have my head for it.
I reach up and rub my bare neck, thinking that maybe this was all a ruse, and before the evening that is exactly what he would have. My head on a platter while he got the last laugh and made a mockery of me and my loud mouth foolish self.
We are escorted in like everyone else, which I guess surprised me. I thought we might have to enter through a different entrance since we weren’t anyone really. I’m not sure why I thought that, because it wasn’t like this was my first rodeo or ball for that matter.
Growing up as a United States Senator’s daughter I had frequented my share of high-class social events. Even made an appearance at the Inaugural Ball when I was barely thirteen. My father had just won the election and was personally invited to attend. My mother unfortunately couldn’t join him, since she was busy in Chicago performing miracle surgeries on children who needed her, so he took me as his date. I’d been terrified that I would freak out and embarrass him, but my father had faith in me and that had given me the courage I needed to get through it.
I hadn’t thought about that night in a very long time. I believe I may have worn a dress that was similar in color to the one I have on now. I recall shaking hands with so many people I didn’t know and smiling until my face literally hurt.
When I needed some fresh air, after having been there for several hours, my father walked me outside to the garden area. I ended up sitting down on a bench while my father kept chatting it up with others who were there.
My mind wonders for a minute as I recalls a conversation I had with a young boy while I tried to gather my wits.
“Do you mind if I join you Miss?” The voice has a funny sound to it, an accent I don’t believe I have ever heard before.
“It’s a free country.” I blurt out and then shake my head knowing that was rude. “I mean, sure I guess.”
He plops down next to me and the scent of him has my preteen mind swirling. Cinnamon with a tang of something a little more masculine mixed together. I’ve never smelled anything like it before; so I end up turning my head and taking a deep inhale. That way I can remember what it smells like when I think about this moment later.
“Did you just sniff me?” He chuckles as he leans in closer.
I scowl, making him retreat quickly. “I am just breathing here if you don’t mind. It helps me calm the nerves.” So, I lie, shoot me.
The boy, or more like teenager, smiles at me and I suddenly feel like I am going to pass out. I begin to sway and feel my body slipping off the bench and nearly land on my rear. If it weren’t for the quick thinking of my bench buddy, I would have.
“Wow. You okay?” His hands wrap around my arms to keep me steady until I recover.
“I’m fine.” I shake my head and then try to stand. “Just got a little lightheaded. I’m better now. Thank you.”
A hear a man with the same accent calls for him. “Hora de Antonio que habia vuelto adentro. Di adios a la senorita. Darse prisa.”
“Padre venidero. Dame cinco minutos.” He rolls his eyes and sighs. “Guess it’s time to pretend I actually care about this circus show. It was nice sitting with you and I hope you feel better. I’m Antonio by the way.”
“Nice to meet you.” I start to introduce myself but the older gentleman mumbles something loudly that has his son standing and stalking off.
I haven’t thought about that night since it happened. Seems like even at a young age Antonio had a strange effect of me.
He is taller now than he was at—I’m guessing—sixteen. Back then he was a scrawny teenage boy who was just coming into his own. Now he is a man that displays confidence, and is so much more of a potential threat to the clumsy girl that lives inside of me.
As we finally step into the Throne Room, which by the way looks completely different now that it is filled with people. Before the room seemed way too big for the two of us standing inside of it alone. But now that there are a few hundred people gathered in the large space, it appears smaller.
The room is rich in color with its deep red walls, accented in gold trim. The floor has obviously been polished, because it shines so impeccably that I can see my reflection staring back at me. It’s a good thing my heels have a rubber sole, otherwise there could have been disaster in my near future, when I surely would have slipped on it like it was ice and landed on my backside. I guess that would be fitting, since it seems the host of this event seems to prompt me to stumble and utter words I most likely never would.
We are there almost an hour before an announcement is made that dinner will be served soon and everyone should make our way to the dining area. When large doors open on the opposite end of the room, we all begin rambling that way. There are palace servants positioned at the doors to help direct everyone to their assigned tables.
Cameron gives our names to the attendant and everyone is instructed to follow one of the men. That is everyone except me, I am asked to step aside and wait until a man named Sir Edward comes to get me.
Hope can’t help but giggle, as she leans in and whispers something about me being separated because I impressed the host with my wittiness.
I skate to the side and wait, and wait, and wait.
The line of guests behind us has now dwindled down to about twenty. It has taken a half hour to seat everyone. I have been left standing here like some castaway and start to wonder if they forgot about me.
I smell him before I feel a hand land on my back. That hint of the cinnamon I recalled earlier is still present, but there is also a very deep masculine essence that accompanies it now, making me weak in the knees. I rotate my head, and if he hadn’t slipped an arm around my waist, I know I would have become a puddle on the floor.
I thought the man was a threat to me dressed in his designer suits those first few times I was blessed to get some time with him. Those suits have nothing on the sight before me now.
Tonight, he is dressed in a black long tail tuxedo that was obviously designed for his precise frame. Underneath his jacket is a gold threaded vest that stands out against the crisp white shirt and black jacket. Instead of a traditional bow tie, his royal medallion is suspended from a thick red, blue and gold ribbon that hangs heavy against his chest. Last, but not at all least, inside the left breast pocket of his jacket, is a silk turquoise handkerchief that corresponds with my dress.
I know I am staring at him. But who can blame me? The man paints a very delightful image that is intended to draw attention.
And then I remember we are in a crowded room, which has become extremely hushed considering the number of people present. So, I stop staring at the man, who is also staring at me by the way, and direct my attention towards the room that seems to be very interest in what is transpiring behind them.
“Your Majesty, you have guests.” I remind him as I twist my head back around so I can glance over my shoulder at him again.
His eyes are currently scanning my body and he doesn’t even bother to stop his inspection when he replies. “And right now, the only one of them that was capable of inspiring me to get dressed is standing next to me. It wasn’t until my head of security informed me of your arrival that I even bothered getting ready.”
