She changed the subject then by asking her mother if she’d like to get a snack before the teacher conferences began.
A short time later, Karia was sitting with her friends while the parents were speaking with the instructors. As soon as the conferences were over, it would be time for lunch in the Great Hall.
“I heard they went all out with the menu this year,” Rhiannon said as she sipped her tea.
“I heard that, too,” Calista said. “I’m glad. I’m sick of the usual.”
“Well, anything would be better than that healthy crap they serve us,” Colleen said.
“Don’t worry; we have plenty of junk food now, thanks to our folks,” Karia reminded her.
She saw her parents coming back into the room, so she got up to meet them.
“More glowing reports, dear,” her mother said. “We’re very proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mum,” Karia said.
Her dad looked at her and smiled. “Yes, you’re doing very well, as I knew you would.”
They mingled with some of the other families until it was time to move to the Great Hall.
The lunch buffet was magnificent with various meats, vegetables, breads, salads and desserts to choose from. Karia put a slice of ham on her plate and added a little of everything else then joined her parents to enjoy the feast.
After lunch, they were free to walk the grounds or go back up to the dorm room. Karia and her parents chose to take a walk. It was a beautiful day, and many others were taking advantage of the mild weather as well. Dinner was a formal affair, so they all changed clothes before going back downstairs.
Of course, there were the usual faculty speeches. Headmaster Knightson spoke first, followed by each member of the teaching staff. Afterward, there was a display of the special projects the students had worked on, and then the parents all left to return to their hotels until the next morning. They would be back for breakfast, spend some more time with the students, and then Parents’ Weekend would be over for another year.
Back in their room for the night, the girls looked over the gifts their parents had brought with them.
“Man, they went all out for us, didn’t they?” Colleen said as she popped a chocolate in her mouth.
“I’d say. Between your folks and mine, we’ll gain ten pounds by Christmas. Oh, look what my mum brought for me to take to the palace with me when I visit over fall break.” Karia went to the closet and pulled out the two new outfits.
“She bought you clothes to take with you? Does this mean she’s warming to the idea of you dating the prince? Those are cute, by the way.”
“Thanks. Not exactly what I would have chosen, but I think she was trying to stay on the conservative side, so I could also wear these here at the school. And as far as warming up to Henry and me, I don’t know about that. They were gushing all over Oliver. Mum even told me that my dad has tried for years to get him to come to work for him, but the master prefers to teach.”
“I still think the master is waiting for you. I also believe your parents would be all for a relationship between the two of you when you graduate.”
“I seem to get that impression about my folks, but I still think you are way off base about the master.”
“Maybe,” Colleen said. “You could be right. He could be showing extra attention to you because of his friendship with your family.”
“Well, I’m not going to lose any sleep over it. One more week, and I leave for the palace. I can’t wait to see Henry and Emma again.”
“Do you ever notice how you always include Emma?”
“So, I like her. I don’t get what you mean.”
“You never say you can’t wait to see Henry. It’s always Henry and Emma. It’s almost as if you think of both of them as friends.”
“I do think of both of them as friends. You’re reading way too much into that, Colleen. Seriously, of course, I’m delighted at the prospect of spending some alone time with Henry. It’s been much too long since we’ve been able to do that. I am also looking forward to spending time with his sister. She is great fun, not stuffy or snobbish at all.”
“Okay, maybe I am exaggerating. Sorry. I hope you have a wonderful time. I know I certainly plan to enjoy my week off.”
But later, as she lay in bed, Karia thought about what Colleen had pointed out to her. She’d never really noticed, but she did always seem to include Emma when she spoke of visiting the palace. She shrugged it off. Colleen was always trying to make her think. It would be fine. She loved Henry, didn’t she? And he was in love with her. Wasn’t he? She knew Colleen was only trying to be sure that she was really following her heart. Life with the royals would not be easy. She knew that going in. She just had to learn how to deal with it. Then why was she always questioning her relationship with the prince?
Chapter 6
The weekend had arrived, and all the students were eagerly anticipating the weeklong break. Many had already gone at the end of the day Friday, but a few had waited until Saturday morning. Karia was saying goodbye to Colleen as she waited for the car that Henry was sending for her.
“Have a great time at home,” she said as she hugged her friend. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Colleen laughed. “I can’t guarantee that. You have a good time too.”
Colleen’s mother got out of the car to help her daughter with her bags. “Hello, Karia. Do you have big plans for your break?”
“I’m visiting friends,” she replied. “It’s nice that you could drive up here to pick up Colleen.”
“I thought we’d make a mother/daughter day of it, have lunch, do some shopping. I know that once her young man arrives, I won’t see much of her.”
They all laughed, and both mother and daughter hugged Karia one more time.
“Have fun! See you next week!” Karia said as Colleen got into the car and buckled her seat belt.
Almost everyone was gone now. There were just a few others still waiting for rides, and Karia was glad of that. She didn’t want to call attention to the fact that one of the royal drivers was picking her up. The less people who knew, the better it would be.
Finally, she saw the dark car making its way up the long driveway that led to the academy at the top of the mountain.
The driver got out and tipped his hat, greeting her with a smile. “Morning, Ms. Daly,” he said as he put her bags into the car quickly. He opened the rear door for her, and after making sure she was safely in the back seat, he closed it and walked around to the driver’s side.
The trip to the palace was relaxing, and Karia read a new book she’d checked out of the library on the ride there.
When the car pulled up in the front and the driver got out to open her door, Karia stepped out and looked around. There was no one there to greet her until, suddenly, Emma came bouncing down the steps.
“You’re here!” the young princess yelled as she grabbed Karia in a bear hug.
“And so are you! Are you on break this week too?”
“Unfortunately, no, I’m just here for the weekend. My break is in a few weeks. Come on, let’s get you settled. Henry’s gone to a lunch meeting, so we’ll have some girl time.”
As she unpacked, Emma sat on the bed and watched. “You brought some new outfits?” the girl asked.
Karia laughed. “Yes, my mum brought them to me last week when she came up for Parents’ Weekend. Can you believe it? She thought I might need them this week.”
“I think that’s great,” Emma said. “I do have some things for you in the wardrobe already, so you should be set for anything this week.”
“Oh, you are so sweet. I just love you,” Karia said as she hugged the princess. “Where is Maggie, by the way? I didn’t see her when I came in.”
“I told her to give us some time together. She was appalled that I said we would unpack your bags.”
“I can imagine. How dare we break protocol?” Karia said as they both collapsed into a fit of giggles.
There was a knock on the door, and both girls straightened up immediately then started laughing again.
Karia walked to the door and opened it. “Oh, Maggie, I’m so glad to see you. Come on in.”
“I brought some tea. Do you need help with your clothes?” the woman asked.
“I just finished unpacking, but thank you so much for the tea. I’m famished,” Karia said.
“No one is home right now but the two of you, so I figured you might enjoy a tray up here rather than coming to the dining room for lunch. Enjoy.”
Maggie excused herself, and when she’d gone, Emma giggled again. “I knew she couldn’t stay away from ‘her’ Miss Daly for very long. She adores you, you know.”
“Well, the feeling is mutual. I think she is great.”
“Mmm, look at this spread she brought us.”
They settled down to enjoy the tiny sandwiches, cakes and tea and caught up with each other’s news.
“So you’re still seeing the same guy?” Karia asked.
“Yes, I am. You’ll have to meet him sometime. It’s too bad you won’t be here over the holidays. He’ll be here then.”
“I know, but that was the deal I made with my parents. I could spend fall break with Henry if I go home for Christmas.”
“Speaking of Henry, he should be back soon. I’m so sorry he couldn’t be here to greet you.”
“I know he’s busy these days. I’m just lucky he was able to be here at all this week. But I came to visit with you too, so his absence will give us some girl time.”
“And since I have to go back to school Sunday evening, we won’t get a lot of that,” Emma said. “Let’s make the most of it. Want to go for a ride?”
“That sounds good to me. I only get to ride these days when I’m here.”
“Well, let me get changed. Your riding habit is already in the wardrobe, so we’ll meet downstairs in a few.”
“Great!” Karia replied as she stood and walked to the large, mahogany wardrobe in the room to find the habit.
Emma was always so thoughtful, providing her with everything she needed each time she visited the castle. Ten minutes later, she was standing at the foot of the stairs waiting for the princess to join her.
“Ah, going for a ride, Miss Daly?” one of the staff asked.
“Yes, Princess Emma invited me to join her.”
“Enjoy yourself. We’re all happy to see you again,” the woman said with a smile.
“Thank you so much. I’m glad to be back.”
Just then, Emma came flying down the stairs with a grin on her face. “I can’t believe you got ready so fast.”
“I’m used to keeping a rigid schedule, remember?” she replied as they walked outside and started toward the stables.
“Ugh, I’m so glad my parents didn’t send me to that mountain school. I don’t know how you do it.”
“It’s not easy, but I’m used to it by now. And I’ve made some really good friends there.”
“Well, as long as you can stand it. I admire you for that.”
They had arrived at the stables by now, so Emma was busy talking to the stable master, for which Karia was glad. For some reason, she didn’t like the criticism of the academy. Odd, considering that just one year ago, she was doing a lot of her own complaining about being there. She was surprised to realize that she had actually grown very fond of the place and the people there. What did this mean? She shook her head, forcing thoughts of a certain dark and handsome master out of her head. No, it was her friends, not the faculty members, she’d grown to care about. Wasn’t it?
Karia was happy to see the mare she normally rode when visiting the royals. Once they were mounted and on their way, the cool fall breeze felt good on her face.
“It’s a lovely afternoon, isn’t it?” Emma asked as they rode leisurely along the trail.
“Beautiful,” she agreed. “Everything is always so pretty here, the grounds and the castle, but I think it’s especially so this time of year.
“I guess I take it for granted, since I’ve always lived here. I feel like I live in a fishbowl, you know. Oh, silly me. Of course, you know. You’ve had a taste of it already. I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with all that.”
“I’ve learned it comes with the territory. If I’m going to date a prince, then I’m going to have to get used to it.”
“I’m so happy things are working out for the two of you.”
“Well, we’re early stages yet. Neither of us is ready for anything heavy, so don’t go getting stars in your eyes just yet.” Karia laughed.
“I’m just happy to see Henry settled down. I worried, when Alexander was killed, that he wouldn’t be able to change. Since he met you, I’ve seen a huge difference.”
“I can’t take the credit for that.”
“I don’t see why not. You’ve at least had a part in it.”
Karia laughed. “Oh look. Let’s stop and take a break over by that stream.”
“Change the subject all you want, my dear friend, but I will never believe you didn’t have something to do with the change in my brother. And, yes, we can stop for a bit.”
When they had tied the horses, they began walking by the stream. Karia could see guards lurking around. Of course, they would have followed the princess. She sighed. She thought it was bad to have a guard around herself occasionally, but poor Emma never got away from it.
The two girls walked for a while, chatting the whole time while the guards stayed back but still within watching distance. Finally, Emma said, “This is so relaxing, but we should probably head back. By the time we get changed for dinner, Henry may be back. I don’t think he’ll appreciate me stealing you away.”
Karia giggled. “That’s what he gets for being gone when I arrived,” she teased. “But you’re right. We should head back.”
The guards raced forward to aid the two girls in mounting their rides.
“Thank you,” Karia said.
Once they were out of earshot, she said to Emma. “I could have mounted my horse by myself.”
Emma shrugged. “It makes them feel useful. I’m sure they get bored following me around all the time. I don’t live that exciting of a life.”
“Considering what we all went through last year, be glad of that,” Karia reminded her.
“True. I try to keep as low a profile as I can. It’s not always possible, though. Once I’m out of school, I’ll be making appearances like Henry and my mother and father do.”
“I know it’s not an easy life. Your mother and I have discussed that. And I’ve seen it firsthand, with Henry. You’ll do great, though. You have a wonderful personality. I think the public will love you.”
They had arrived back at the stables, and a few minutes later, they were walking back to the castle.
“I’m going to jump in the tub before dinner. You have time if you want to do the same,” Emma said.
Maggie approached then and agreed, “Miss Daly, I’d be happy to run a bath for you. Come, let’s go up to your room.”
Karia grinned at Emma, winked and told her she’d see her later. To Maggie, she said, “Thank you, Maggie. That sounds wonderful after our ride.”
She followed the woman up the stairs to her room and laid her clothes for dinner on the bed while Maggie ran warm water in the gigantic tub and added jasmine scented bubbles. When it was ready, the older woman walked out of the bathroom and told her it was all ready for her.
“I see you’ve already chosen your outfit for the evening, so I’ll be back to assist you in a little while. Enjoy your soak in the tub.”
“Thank you so much, Maggie,” she replied. As soon as the maid had gone, Karia ran to the bathroom, anxious to feel the warmth of the bubbly water.
As she sank into the wet sanctuary, she closed her eyes and took in the scent of the jasmine. She rested her head on the bath pillow Maggie had provided for her and let the warm bubbles cover her sore muscles. It felt like Heaven! She soaked until the water bega
n to cool then hurriedly scrubbed her body before standing up and gingerly stepping out. A bath mat was on the floor beside the tub so she didn’t have to step on the cold marble. Grabbing a bath sheet from the rack, she briskly dried her body and wrapped it around herself as she went to the vanity to comb her hair and brush her teeth.
She spotted a warm robe hanging on the back of the door and put it on before going back in the bedroom. Maggie had snuck in with a tea tray, so she sat down to enjoy the snack before getting dressed. It would be a while before dinner was served, so the tea was very welcome.
She sat down on the bed and curled her legs underneath her, savoring the hot tea and sampling a small cake.
Karia thought about what her life would be like if she were to become a permanent fixture in Henry’s life, a member of the royal family. She wasn’t naïve enough to think her days would consist of riding, long baths and tea in her bed in the late afternoon. No, her days would be busy. She would be expected to make public appearances, alongside Henry and by herself. The paparazzi would forever be in her life. Gone, would be the career she had planned. Oh, she could probably write a book or something, but she wouldn’t be a reporter. Could she handle it? Karia knew that she could do whatever she set her mind to. She had no doubts about that. In fact, she would probably make a great princess and, later, queen consort, serving alongside her husband, the king. But, before she had to make that decision, she needed to be sure that Henry was her true soulmate, the man she was destined to spend her life with. She had to be in love, head over heels, with him. She couldn’t marry him and give up her own dreams otherwise. And she had to know that he loved her above all others and that his playboy, partying days were really over.
She was quite fond of the handsome sandy haired royal. He could make her laugh, make her tingle with his kiss, but was that enough? And it was saying a lot that his parents and sister approved of her, a commoner, as a suitable girlfriend for the heir apparent. That didn’t happen often. She knew it was not the life her parents wished for her, but she also knew that if it was what she wanted, they would support her in any way they could. She just wasn’t convinced it was what she wanted in the long term. Dating Henry was fun, for now. She was going to enjoy it and see where it took her.
Karia and the Prince (Avalon Adventures Book 2) Page 7
