Reluctantly Royal

by Nichole Chase

  “Maybe they should be.” Sam smiled.

  “Stop that.”

  “Stop what?” Her smile turned mischievous.

  “Stop trying to plant ideas in my head.” Especially when there was already a seed there.

  “You know, once upon a time, a very smart person told me that it’s easier for people on the outside to see what’s going on.” She paused for a moment. “Especially when you’re in love.”

  “That’s stupid.” I leveled my gaze at her.

  “You have much to learn, grasshopper.”

  “Don’t you have pregnant things to do? Like looking at baby clothes?” I rolled my eyes.

  “I’m getting the dirt on your girlfriend.” Sam shifted in her seat. “Duh.”

  “She’s not my girlfriend.” I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. It was like being back in grade school.

  “Hm.” Cathy tapped her mouth with her finger.

  “Out with it.” I cracked my eyes open.

  “I think you’d be good together. She pulls you out of your shell and you give her something stable.”

  “I’m not stable. I’m an artist.” Stable sounded boring. Sounded like a job.

  “It doesn’t matter what you do.” Sam shrugged. “Alex is going to be king one day. Not exactly who I saw myself ending up with.”

  “You guys are killing me, you know that?” I closed my eyes again.

  “Okay, back to the serious topic.” Cathy darted her eyes up toward the staircase. “Is her father going to be at the funeral?”

  “He better be.” The words came out in a growl. “And he better be sober.”

  “What are you going to do if he isn’t?” Sam asked.

  “I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I ordered him to be sober. I guess I could have him thrown in jail.”

  “You can’t throw him in jail for coming to his father’s funeral.” Sam laughed at me.

  “Actually, if he gave him an order from the crown, he could,” Cathy said quietly, and looked at me. “Did you?”

  I didn’t respond. When was the last time I had ever given an order from the crown? Oh yeah. Never. I didn’t do things like that. Until today.

  “Are you kidding me?” Sam looked between us and I shrugged. “You can’t do that, Max. It would be a PR nightmare. Not to mention it would probably upset Meredith and Marty.”

  “What would be better? Letting him beat on his daughter in front of everyone? Or let him call Marty a bastard in the middle of the church?” I sat up and looked at them. “You tell me, because I don’t know. I’ve tried to figure it out, but I just don’t know. What would hurt them the most?”

  Sam frowned and looked down at her hands. For the life of me I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

  “Are you crying?” My eyes widened in horror. “Why are you crying?”

  “I’m not. It’s just such a terrible situation.” She sniffled but didn’t look up.

  “Way to go, ass-face.” Cathy got up and knelt next to Sam.

  “I’m sorry.” I didn’t even know what I had done, but I was really sorry I had done it.

  “It’s just really sad.” Sam rubbed at her eyes. “And I’m hormonal. And you’re an ass-face.”

  “Please don’t cry.” I stood up and took a step toward her, then a step back. I wasn’t sure if I’d make it worse by hugging her or not. “I shouldn’t have said it that way.”

  “It’s true though. There are no good solutions.” She looked up at me. “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I—that man makes me so angry I snap. I’ve come close to hitting him twice now and I’m not sure I could stop myself a third time.”

  “I didn’t know it was so bad when I sent you to help.” She looked up at me and my heart broke. Giant tears glistened on her cheek and I wanted to slam my head in a door. “It’s my fault.”

  “Hey.” Giving up, I crossed the room and sat on the arm of the chair and hugged her against my side. “It’s not your fault. I’m glad you sent me. I shouldn’t have told you.”

  “Damn straight.” Cathy shot me an evil glare. “What were you thinking?”

  “I don’t know.” I held my hands up in surrender. “I’m frustrated and just blurted it out.”

  “I’m okay.” Sam shook her head. “I’m fine. Really. But we have to help them.” Her eyes darted toward the stairs.

  “I’m trying.” I sighed. “But right now there is no clear path. They’re stuck in limbo for the next couple of days.”

  “Hopefully things will be clarified after the reading of the will.” Cathy looked over at me. “Do you think he left something for Marty and Meredith?”

  “I don’t know. She thinks very highly of him, but he also thought his son would turn around. I guess it could go either way.”

  “What if they’re left with nothing but her father to depend on?” Cathy’s brow furrowed. “Will she stay with him?”

  “I don’t think so.” There was no way she would leave Marty in the same house with that man for an extended period of time. How they would fare on their own was another question. But I’d learned my lesson and wasn’t about to say anything about that in front of Sam.

  “She’s a fighter.” Sam took a deep breath. “I can’t see her staying with her dad.”

  “You’re right.” I hugged her tightly. “I’m sorry I upset you.”

  “It’s okay. We knew something big was bothering you, but I didn’t expect that. And I’m overly sensitive right now.” She balled up her fists and looked up at me. “I can’t believe he called Marty a bastard. Was it where Marty could hear him? You know what, it doesn’t matter. If you decide to punch him, give him one for me too.”

  “I’ll be sure to remember that.”

  “Let me know if you need me to run interference for you,” Cathy said. “I can try to keep her father distracted and away from them at the funeral.”

  “Absolutely not.” I frowned. “I don’t want him to turn on you.”

  “Please. He’s not going to do anything to me. And I have bodyguards, anyway.” Cathy shrugged. “It’ll be simple.”

  “We spread out the family.” Sam nodded her head. “You stay with Meredith and Marty while me, Cathy, and Alex manage Arthur.”

  “I don’t know.” I shook my head.

  “Really. It’ll be simple. The media will see it as though we’re showing Arthur special support. I’m betting he will see it that way too.” Sam nodded her head. “Alex will help. He’s good at putting people at ease.”

  She was right about that. My big brother was excellent at making things appear easy and simple. I’d say I was envious of that trait, but I’m not. It would mean I’d have to take on more responsibility.

  “We’ll see.” I stood up. “I’m going to check on Marty.”

  “And Meredith.” Cathy grinned at me.

  “Shut it, brat.” I messed up her hair when I walked by her, content to see her annoyed expression.

  “Jerk.”

  I took the stairs slowly. I didn’t want anyone to think I was in a hurry. Was I in a hurry? Why was I even checking on them? They probably wanted to be left alone.

  As I neared Marty’s door I could hear the two talking softly. I hesitated, not wanting to intrude. Then something changed. Instead of talking, Meredith began singing softly. I leaned against the wall by his door and listened. It wasn’t a lullaby, but a soothing, soft song. Her voice was effortless as she worked through the verses. Perfect without any accompaniment; it was like the song had been written just for her voice. It was a powerful thing, when someone could touch something inside you without even being in the same room.

  Her voice quieted and I could hear her moving away from the bed and toward the door. I waited where I was, unashamed that I had listened to their song.

  “Oh.” She looked at me with big eyes when she stepped into the hallway. “I didn’t realize anyone else was up here.”

  “I came to see how you two were doing.” I p
laced my hands in my pockets.

  “I was just tucking Marty in.” She looked back toward his sleeping form and quietly pulled the door closed.

  “What song were you singing?”

  “Just something I heard growing up.” She frowned. “He hasn’t asked me to sing for him in a while.”

  “He’s very proud of your voice.”

  “Is he?” She smiled.

  “He was bragging on you.” I chuckled softly. “With good reason.”

  “Thank you.” She leaned against the wall and looked up at me.

  I took a step closer to her. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

  “I think so.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m nervous.”

  “About what?” Honestly, I was nervous and I wasn’t the one singing or burying their grandfather.

  “About my father. I have no idea what to expect tomorrow.” She smiled shyly. “And a little about singing.”

  “You? Nervous about singing? The same woman that tells me she lives for the spotlight?”

  “It’s different this time. It’s not a show. It’s . . . personal. Real. I can’t become another character.” She lifted one shoulder and let it fall. “I’m proud to sing for my grandfather, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a little nervous.”

  “Well, how do you deal with the nerves?” I leaned against the wall with one shoulder.

  “Distraction.” She lowered her eyelashes. “Trying to not obsess over things.”

  “Hm.” I looked at her, letting my eyes travel over her face. There were some things I’d like to do as distraction, but knew that now wasn’t the time. “I have an idea.”

  “What?” She stood up a little straighter.

  “Do you trust me?” I held my hand out to her.

  She looked down at my hand, then back to my eyes. I waited while she fought through whatever was going on in her mind. My question hadn’t been simple.

  “Yes.” She slid her hand into mine. “I do.”

  “Good.” I lifted her hand to my mouth and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Come with me.”

  “What about Marty?” She looked back at his door.

  “Cathy’s room is right next to his.” I pulled her away from the wall. “I’m sure she won’t mind babysitting.”

  “Boy, you really have a habit of deciding things for everyone.” A hint of amusement crept into her voice. “You’re bossy.”

  “She’s my little sister. I’m supposed to boss her around.” I winked at her. “It was in the rule book I got when they brought her home from the hospital.”

  “Why don’t we try asking her?”

  “Oh, I was going to ask nicely and just expect her to agree.” I led her toward the stairs. “I’m bossy, not stupid.”

  “That’s up for debate.”

  “Hey, that hurts.” I tugged on her hand a little.

  “The truth often does.” She looked at me with a grin.

  Downstairs, Cathy was still working on her computer while Sam was snoring softly on the couch.

  “Why didn’t she go to bed?” I looked at my sister and nodded my head toward the pregnant woman.

  “She’s waiting on Alex.” She looked up at me and noticed Meredith. “Hey. How are you?”

  “Fine.” Meredith smiled but her eyebrows pulled together.

  “Good. That’s good.” Cathy pursed her lips and I wanted to mentally kick her. Way to be awkward, little sister. “Just checking, with the funeral and all tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, but we’ll get through it.” Meredith stood up a little straighter, but I was relieved to see that she didn’t put up any front. “It’s going to be tough.”

  “Actually, that’s why I came down here.” I cleared my throat. “Would you mind keeping an ear open for Marty? I thought I’d take Meredith out to the lake to take her mind off things.”

  “Sure.” Cathy closed her computer and stood up. “I’ll work in my room so I can hear him better.”

  “Thank you.” Meredith smiled.

  “Any time. I like him.” Cathy rolled up her laptop cord.

  “I think he likes you too.” Meredith sighed.

  “Meh, he just likes having his butt kicked at football.” Cathy headed for the stairs. “You guys have fun.”

  “Thanks,” I said.

  Just as she was turning, she winked at me. It took all of my inner strength to keep from rolling my eyes.

  Turning from her, I let go of Meredith’s hand and pulled a throw blanket off a chair. I settled it over Samantha’s sleeping form before turning back to Meredith. It might be a while before Alex made it home.

  “Ready?” I held my hand back out to the redhead next to me.

  “I guess.”

  “You guess?” I raised one eyebrow.

  “I’m going to stick with that answer.” Her lips curved upward.

  “Little dost thou know, disbeliever.” I raised one eyebrow.

  Pulling her with me, I headed out back. The moon was bright, the air was cool, and the stars were shining brightly. We didn’t talk as we walked, which I appreciated. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to hear all about Meredith, but I wanted to let her relax and unwind.

  “Do you have horses?” Meredith stopped near the stables.

  “We have a few.” I let my eyes run over her moonlit face. “Would you like to see them?”

  “Do you mind?” She looked up at me with thoughtful eyes. “I’ve always liked horses.”

  “Of course.” I led her to the doors and nodded at the man who normally tended the horses.

  “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Her eyes locked on a light brown mare. “So sleek and powerful, but they can be nurturing and gentle.”

  “Hm.” I agreed. Horseback riding was one of the few outdoor recreational activities I did on a regular basis. “That’s Butterscotch.”

  “Perfect name.” She walked over to the stall and held out her hand. “May I?”

  I nodded my head in response.

  “Hello, Butterscotch.” I watched as she stroked the horse’s head, humming to herself and whispering to the horse.

  “Butterscotch is Cathy’s horse.” I walked over to a bag along the wall and fished out some carrots before holding them out to Meredith. “She’s a sucker for these.”

  “Ah.” Meredith took a carrot and offered it to Butterscotch. “Here, sweetheart.”

  Butterscotch wasted no time gobbling the carrot and then looking for more. I passed another carrot to Meredith and she offered it to the horse.

  “All us girls have our weaknesses.” Meredith chuckled.

  “What’s yours?” I reached out and scratched the horse behind her ear.

  “Nuh-uh.” Meredith grinned at me. “You have to figure it out for yourself.”

  “Chocolate?” I raised an eyebrow. I did have a sister, after all.

  “That would be too easy.”

  “Flowers?” I shifted closer to her.

  “I do love fresh flowers, but no.” Her eyes sparkled at me.

  “Tricky.” I watched her as she continued to pet Butterscotch. “It’s not jewelry.”

  “What makes you so sure?” She looked at me.

  “You don’t wear much. The little pearl ring on your finger is the only thing I’ve seen constantly on you.” My eyes flicked to the simple ring on her middle finger.

  “Observant.” She looked down the length of the stables. “Do you have a horse?”

  “I do.” I walked a couple of stalls down to where Da Vinci was stabled. “This big guy is mine.”

  “Oh, he’s gorgeous.” Her eyes ran over his sleek black body. She looked at the plaque next to his stall. “Da Vinci, huh?”

  “Well, I was pretty young when I got him.” I chuckled. “It was when I’d really just started to get into painting.”

  “It’s a good name.” She reached out and stroked between his eyes.

  “Do you ride?”

  “I haven’t ridden a horse since I was little.” Her eyes cloud
ed. “It was a really good day.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “Well, my father dried out for a while. Stopped drinking and acted like a real father. I don’t know what triggered the change but I was more than happy when it happened.” She shrugged. “For my birthday he took me to a camp where you could ride horses on trails. It was the most fun we’d ever had together. He even got me a present.”

  “Sounds like a good memory.” I watched her face carefully. Her tone had taken on a fond quality.

  “It is. I guess that’s why I like horses so much.” She shook her head. “I’m sure that’s what a psychiatrist would say.”

  “Not a bad reason.” I shrugged. “We all have fond memories that influence how we feel about things.” And I was glad that Meredith did have some fond memories of her childhood. I was starting to wonder if she’d ever been happy.

  “True.” She smiled at me. “So, show me this lake.”

  I held my hand out to her, reveling in the way she immediately took it without thought.

  I led her through the trees and to an outcropping of rocks that overlooked the water. I sat down and patted next to me. There was a light scuffle on the stone as she took a seat next to me. She tucked her legs against her chest and looked out over the water.

  “This is a great spot.” Her voice was soft.

  “I come here to clear my mind.”

  “You mean the slacker prince worries about things?” She pushed me with an elbow.

  “Occasionally.” I tilted my head back and looked at the stars. “Sometimes I’ll feel stuck on a painting. It’s usually because I need to take a step back and let it simmer.”

  She hummed her understanding.

  “I also come out here when I’ve been in the public too much.” I looked over at her.

  “You mean doing public events? Royal duties.”

  “Yeah. It’s not the speaking so much as all that goes with it.” I took a deep breath of crisp air. “It’s what goes along with being in the spotlight. I feel like I have to be someone else. It’s . . . draining.”

  “What about your art shows?” She cocked her head and looked over at me. “Do those make you uncomfortable?”

  I thought about it for a minute. “No.”