by C R Riley
Larkin twists her head so that she is now looking at me and smiles. Then drops her left hand into her lap and slowly allows it to slide across it until it settles on my knee.
“Okay.” She questions me as she gives it a little pat.
“More than okay.” I notify her as I bump her leg slightly. “Alla donde fueres, haz lo que vieres. I believe that is what Esteban said at the end of his decree. It means when among wolves we must howl.”
I can see her mind turning that over in her head while she finishes her soup. “I still don’t get it. I’m sorry. You all must really think I am the reason dumb blonde jokes were created.”
My youngest brother finally joins in on the conversation. He is seated next to Esteban, and has up until now he has been a very quiet observer. “You are referring to the fact that blondes are nice to look at but unable to understand the simplest of things.”
Larkin nods once so he decides to have a little fun.
“Three blondes walk into a building. You’d think at least one of them would’ve seen it.”
Larkin laughs as do the rest of us.
A wicked smile takes over Lorenzo’s face. “Why did the blonde get fired from the M&M Company? Because she kept throwing out all the W’s.
“What did the blonde say when she saw a box of Cheerios? OMG! Donut seeds.
“Why do blondes love boob jobs? Because it’s really the only job they are qualified for.”
“Okay, that is enough Lorenzo. You’ve made your point.” I glare at my brother who is so very proud of his little fun. “You will have to excuse the young Prince; he sometimes takes thing a little too far.”
“And you will have to excuse the King, because he doesn’t have a funny bone in his body. Father had it removed when his was just a wee little lad. Replaced it with a boring stick that he shoved up his bum. That way when everyone made the claim about the snobby king with a stick up his backside, they wouldn’t be arrested for being mendacious.”
“Boys.” My mother’s stern voice has all three of us glancing her way. “I apologize Miss Cross. You can add the most prestige titles in front of their names, make them take all the proper etiquette classes required to teach them how a prince should act, scold them more times than one could even count. One would expect that would do the job. One would think men that look as honorable as them would have some manners around a woman who isn’t accustomed to their form of batter. Please understand that I did my best, but boys will always be boys, even when they are a King or Prince.”
Larkin rotates to face my mother. “No apology necessary Madam. It is Madam correct, or should I call you something else. I really have no idea what I am doing here.”
“Madam is fine dear.” My mother takes her hand and rests it on top of Larkin’s. “I am no longer a woman with a title. I lost it when I divorced. However, I am the mother of the King and the rest of these royal brats.”
“Hey.” The four of us loudly object.
My mother only grins as she continues her explanation. “Therefore, I am allowed to be addressed as her Royal Highness Angela, but there is no reason for you to address me in such a way. Madam or even just Angela is fine by me.”
We continue to eat our meal and talk freely amongst ourselves. My family takes the time to ask Larkin a few questions about her. I am pleased to find that they welcome her so freely while doing their best to make her feel comfortable.
Gabriela even joins in after having sat there so quietly most of the evening. She has always been self-cautious around people she doesn’t know. So, I am pleased when she questions Larkin about her job. Even seems very interested as she listens to her passionately explain why she loves it so much.
The women start talking about the De la Pena Citadel. Larkin is sharing with them her thoughts on what she’d like to do to it. My mother and sister are ready to get back to the place that has been their home for years and seem very excited about her enthusiasm.
“Time to howl Larkin.” Lorenzo warns us before we are graced with the presence of someone, I know I didn’t invite.
Looking as lovely as always, the woman curtsey when she stops in front of our table. Most of the women in this room would never make such a bold move as to approach the King while he is obviously having such a grand time. However, this woman’s familiarity with my family and me, seems to have made her bolder than most.
“Your Majesty. Your Highnesses. Your Royal Highness.” She takes the time to acknowledge everyone except Larkin. “I am honored to have been invited to attend such a celebration. May I speak freely Your Majesty?”
“Lady Dalia, I believe you forgot someone.” I lift my chin and wait.
“My apologies Sir. Please introduce me so that I can address her properly.”
I notice the overconfidence in her right away. I will not have this woman making Larkin feel as if she is less than the one standing before me.
“I’d love to. Titles are not as common in the United States like they are here, so allow me to improvise.” I know she will not object because no one question or corrects the King. “Her father is a member of the Senate, so that would make her proper addressing title in this country to be Lady. Then again, her mother is a pediatric surgeon. We all know how highly we hold those so gifted and often make them Dukes and Duchesses. Therefore, as King I have decided to grant her equal status, and encourage you to address her appropriately. This lovely lady seated next to me shall be known as Countess Larkin …”
I hold up a hand and turn to face the woman seated next to me. She is staring at me like I have lost my mind again, but I don’t care. I know exactly what I am doing. “Larkin what is your middle name?”
She shakes her head slightly at me. “You do not need to do this. Just introduce me like you would anyone else Antonio, please.”
I hear Dalia softly gasp as she utters. “The audacity of such a woman. She has no respect for him at all.”
I tilt my head to let her know I heard her loud and clear, with just my eyes focused on her I then speak. “Did you say something Lady Dalia? Something perhaps you’d like to say about how I allow the Countess to freely address me when we are having a private conversation?”
“No, Your Majesty.” She lowers her head like she has been taught to do. “Please forgive me.”
I roll my eyes and turn back to the only person I am interested in right now. “Middle name Larkin, or I will be forced to make one up and you will be forever stuck with it. Shall we go with Luna perhaps?”
“Moon.”
“Luna means moon yes. See you did learn something in that Spanish class after all. Maybe we should go back and get your grade adjusted.” I tease her.
“Ha, ha. I believe Lorenzo was correct about your funny bone being removed.” She sighs before she continues. “My middle name is Moon, Larkin Moon Cross. I’m pretty sure my birth mother was high when she filled out my birth certificated.”
“Or perhaps when she looked at you, she was reminded of how we all need a light to lead our way through the darkness. Therefore, she gave you the name of the brightest light available once the sun disappears, in hope that you could be her light.”
“But I wasn’t.” She whispers as a tear slides down her cheek.
“Maybe not, however you are mine. You shall guide me out of the darkness by always being the brightest light amongst a sky full of stars that will never compare.” I lean forward and kiss her lips quickly, letting her know I mean every word I just revealed. “You okay?”
“You have got to stop asking me such a stupid question right after you kiss me like that. I’m as fine as a woman I suppose would be after such an act.” She brushes her hand against her cheek. “Thank you.”
I wink at her before I turn back to a very apathetic woman, who is doing a poor job of withholding her thoughts right now. “Countess Larkin Moon Cross, and in case you haven’t figured it out already, let me make sure to paint a very clear picture for you and anyone else out there interested. I King Antonio have my
sights set on the beautiful woman seated to the right of me and only her. She’s captivates me like no one else ever has. I plan on doing my best to get her to agree to date me. She hasn’t accepted my invitation as of yet, because she has this crazy idea that kings don’t date. This King however plans on showing her how very mistaken she is about that. Now I believe you had something you wanted to say.”
“Madam Larkin please forgive me for not addressing you earlier.” Dalia clears her throat. “I was going to suggest we move this celebration along, since everyone seems to have finished dinner. Perhaps we could start with dancing in the Throne Room to allow everyone to socialize and get to know the Countess.”
I know how hard that was for her to suggest. What she really wanted to suggest was that I forget about Larkin and let all these eligible women who were invited so they could impress their king, be given the chance to do so.
I turn to glance at my family and decide it would probably be a good idea to let them all mingle. After all both of my brothers are also present and single, maybe they would like to socialize with some of the single ladies here tonight.
Plus, I do believe I might enjoy dancing with Larkin, showing her that I do not have a stick up my butt like Lorenzo suggested. I can let loose and have fun if I so choose to, and tonight I plan on letting her see just how much fun this King can have.
Chapter 10
Antonio
The next two hours are like they have always been at these types of events. There is your traditional dancing, where an orchestra plays lovely waltzes, mixed with a few upbeat fun big band tunes.
I do what I have done every year these last five years. I mingle and talk to a few people I haven’t seen since last year. Mainly because that is what the King does, he makes himself available to his people.
Every member of the King’s Council is present, as are all other elected and appointed officials, unless they have been excused. Which really was why I didn’t care if I offended any of them by not showing up. They make up most of the guests present and are the ones who decided to invite those eligible women they envisioned would make a suitable queen.
I wouldn’t have been the first king to skip an event because he was protesting against what many of these officials were proposing. It was a silent practice performed by a monarch to let them know he disagreed when no one seemed to be listening.
I also knew my mother would have made some formal announcement, about me getting caught up in Royal business and then apologizing once. Afterwards she would suggest they continue without me, and that perhaps when I was finished, I’d join them. Everyone would receive the message and they would either back down or they wouldn’t, but at least I wasn’t taking all of this sitting down.
However, I got the privilege of doing something better. I got to attend one of my favorite events while publicly declaring that I would be in charge of my love life. Declining offers to socialize with any of the women they invited, since it would be rude of me to ignore my date, leaving her with strangers. I bestowed a genuine smile and then suggested that perhaps one of my brothers would appreciate some company, after all they we both currently single.
Eventually that backfired on me though when Lorenzo came with one very enthusiastic looking Lady Maribel Allegro on his arm. She was one of the approved that none of us had any interest in. Her family has been trying to marry her off to one of us since she was sixteen. They were apparently in negotiations with my father before he died, although he had not brought it to my attention.
Please don’t take this the wrong way, and know that I wish there was another way of stating this, but there is not. Lady Maribel is very sweet. She is a year younger than Lorenzo so in her early twenties. I have tried to be nice by implying she was too young for me in the past. Although that wasn’t the real issue at all, to put things as kindly as possible, she is very stout with unique features and taste.
“OMG.” I hear Hope whispering loudly to Larkin. “Who is the mutt attached to the young Prince’s arm? He deserves a Golden Globe for his acting skills. I honestly have to say he appears interested in her and has her is eating it up. Okay shhh, they are coming this way.”
Larkin swats her friend/coworker. “Me shhh. You are the one calling … oh wow … yeah that is a something else. Save him Antonio.”
“What am I supposed to do about it?” I smile as they approach us.
“Your Majesty.” A high screechy voice pierces our ears. “You are looking very well put together this evening as always.”
Hope mutters. “Is she meant to look like a pumpkin?”
“I was just talking to Prince Lorenzo, saying how I was so looking forward to sharing at least one dance with you.” She makes a pouty face that does nothing to help her cause.
“Make it stop please. Maybe when the clock strikes midnight her dress will go away.” Hope quickly decides that may not be a good idea. “Oh wait, if that happens then can you imagine what is buried underneath. Perhaps the pumpkin dress is just fine.”
“Stop.” Larkin scolds through clinched teeth, struggling not to laugh.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you Lady Maribel, however it would be very rude of me to leave Madam Larkin alone after I personally invited her and all.” I smile and then start to give her the same little spiel I have offered all night long.
However, I am unable to get it out because my little brother cuts me off. “I would be delighted to keep Madam Larkin company while you two dance a little jig. Lady Maribel and I have already completed a few spins around the floor, so now it’s your turn brother.”
Maribel claps her hands several times and squeaks. “Oh, what a lovely gesture Your Highness. I do believe you have earned a favor.”
I hear Hope again as she speaks softly in Larkin’s ear. “Oh boy, a favor. I do so hope she kisses him.”
I cough hoping to cover my laugh, and then almost completely lose it when Maribel reaches down the front of her dress and pulls out an orange hankie. She holds it out for Lorenzo to take, and I can’t say that I blame him for not wanting to accept it.
“I’m afraid …”
I reach out and snatch it out of her hand, then tuck it neatly inside his left breast pocket. Making sure it is displayed just enough for all to see.
“When a Lady offers you a favor you should accept it brother.” I pat his chest hard. “Now everyone here will know she has laid claim on you this evening. As you can all see Larkin gave me one earlier as well.”
I hear her clear her throat to cover up her words. “Liar.”
“Are you ready Your Majesty?” The poor woman is practically bouncing now.
I turn to Larkin not really wanting to do this. “If this will be a problem I can decline. I don’t want you to misunderstand.”
The little nymph turns her lovely smile towards Maribel. “I am placing the King in your care. I believe I need to use the ladies’ room as it is and this way I know he won’t be bored while I am gone.”
I lean down and kiss her cheek right before I warn her. “You will pay for that later. Mark my word.”
A visible shiver travels down her body but even that doesn’t keep her silent. “I look forward to it Your Majesty.”
That little move from my brother ended up keeping me on the dance floor and away from Larkin way longer than I had planned. I danced one very long ballad with her while listening to her shriek at me the entire time, about what I am not really sure of. My attention was on Larkin and Hope, as they watched my brothers gathering all the women, I had turned down earlier. Once I was finished dancing with the orange blob, I quickly realized there was no way I would get out of dancing with a few others. They had all noticed me out there and now knew to use my brothers like she had.
So, it began, and I end up dancing with seven eager ladies to be exact.
Esteban had escorted his current leech to the edge of the dance floor, ready to get her turn as soon as Maribel and I were done. Then Lorenzo was there with another after that. It went back a
nd forth like that until I notice Dalia standing at the edge of the floor, as if she planned on making her move next.
As soon as the song ends, I bid Lady Bella farewell and thank her for coming, which is also when I feel a hand land on my back. I don’t need to turn around to know whom it belongs to. Only one woman would be brave enough to touch me so freely without permission. I can see Larkin still standing a few feet from me, talking to my brother, not at all aware what is about to happen.
“Your Majesty, if I may.” Dalia steps in front of me and curtseys. “It would be my honor Sir if I could have the next dance. Perhaps we could discuss a few issues and clear the air between us. I miss you and …”
Thankfully right then my mother steps up to the microphone to make an announcement. “I believe it is time to let the younger crowd have their fun, as is tradition. Therefore, I’d like to thank all of you for coming, as the orchestra packs up and clears out, I’d like to invite King Antonio, Princess Gabriela, Prince Esteban, and Prince Lorenzo to wish all those who will be departing farewell. The rest of you can make your way into the dining hall again. I believe that is where the after party will be taking place.”
I don’t even bother to acknowledge Dalia; I make a beeline toward Larkin and invite her to join us. There is no way I am letting her leave, so I explain to her exactly what will happen next.
Typically, the King and Queen, along with those who are over a certain age, leave all celebrations around midnight. It all started when I turned eighteen and requested to be allowed an after party. Surprisingly my father had thought it was a noble idea and so the tradition began.
This will be the first year Gabriela is old enough to join, so it is her coming of age party so to speak. She has invited a number of guests to join in on the festivities and I know she is looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about.
Since I am a young unwed King I have been known to stay and have some fun as well. I may not have stayed the entire time, because I wasn’t really into that kind of thing any longer. However, it made me feel more my age and gave me a chance to spend some time with my brothers. It was a more relaxed environment, where we got to pretend, we weren’t royalty while we partied with our peers.
