Highness (The Lonely Heart Series)

by Latrivia S. Nelson

  Michael shook his head and inhaled her fragrance. She was too much. Everything about her at the moment was driving him insane. “I couldn’t be more pleased.” Unless you were in my bed, he thought to himself. The dark twinkle in his eyes told on him.

  Seeing that his friend was happy and maybe a little more energized about tonight, Geoff opened the front door. “Are we ready, Your Highness?”

  Michael winked at Hope. “Not just yet. One more thing.” Walking over to the table nearest the stairs, he picked up a black velvet box. “While I was out, I found something for you.”

  Hope walked over and looked at the box with curious eyes. “For me?”

  Michael opened it slowly. “From Bvlgari,” he said, revealing a diamond necklace. The three-carat, flawless diamond sparkled across the room.

  Her eyes beamed with joy. “Michael, it’s beautiful.”

  He pulled the gold necklace from the box and stepped behind her. Placing the cold jewelry around her neck, he kissed her smooth skin. “Supposedly, it is inspired by the crown and the flower, two enduring symbols of glory and celebration since ancient times.” He paused at her ear and hissed the words. “But when I saw it, it only made me think of you.”

  Hope placed her hands on the necklace and turned to him. “Thank you,” she said sincerely. “I’ve never had anything so beautiful. It’s…too much.”

  Michael held her gentle hands. “It’s not nearly enough.” Kissing her hands, he nodded. “Now, we are ready,” he said with a confident smile.

  “Yes, sir,” Geoff said, cueing the men to file out of the house.

  As she walked beside him, she clutched his hand tightly. “I’m nervous,” Hope confessed. “What if they don’t like me,” she asked, looking toward the open door that led out to the motorcade waiting for them.

  Michael put one hand on her lower back to feel the curve that led to her well-formed backside. “You needn’t worry, my dear. They will love you.”

  She smiled at his poor attempt to hide his own nervousness. “Liar.”

  “I love you,” he said honestly. “And that’s all that matters.”

  Nodding in agreement, she pursed her ruby red lips together. “Right,” she exhaled. “Well, let’s do this.”

  Out into the sunlight, they both walked together. Hand-in-hand, they were escorted to the limo and placed carefully inside. It was going to be quite a little day trip. They were going back to Heathrow Airport to a private hanger to get on a small jet that would take them on an hour’s flight to Scotland and from their another motorcade would take them to Balmoral Castle. And there Michael would present her for the first time to his family.

  As the doors closed and they drove off, Michael pulled a bottle of champagne out of the side compartment and turned on the stereo. For the occasion, he picked John Coltrane’s Blue Train record.

  Slipping on her crimson shawl, Hope nestled down into the comfort of the leather seat. “What are we celebrating?” Hope asked, taking her eyes off the view outside of her window of Kensington Palace.

  Michael’s expression was calmly serene. “We are celebrating my decision to denounce the throne.” Popping the cork from the bottle of expensive champagne, he poured her a hefty helping in a crystal flute and passed it to her.

  Hope was suddenly confused. “Wait. What?” she said frowning. Did she hear him right? Was he kidding? Because if he was, it was a horrible joke.

  Michael poured himself a glass as well. With a growl, he kicked back in his seat and put his feet up. “Tonight, my family plans to admonish me. My brother, who thinks he is already King of England, plans to do his usual song and dance and then present me with a shitload of ridiculous and childish ultimatums. But I’m tired of it. I’m tired of all of it. So, after a very stuffy dinner and a few drinks, I’ll denounce my title as Prince of Wales, and we will leave and start our life together without any more people trying to ruin it.” His blue eyes flashed at her with pure sincerity.

  Lifting his flute in the air, he made a toast. “To freedom.”

  “Michael,” Hope said, reaching out for him. “You can’t do this.”

  “Why not?” he asked as he cocked his perfect chin up in a truly aristocratic fashion.

  Hope didn’t have an answer entirely. Shrugging, she ran her hands through her hair, “Because you…” She was lost for words. The music played in the background clouding out her thoughts. “Because you can’t.”

  His head tilted. “Will you love me any less?” he asked sincerely.

  “No,” she said quickly. She blinked fast. “I will love you no matter what you decide. I will love you no matter what title you do or don’t have.”

  And that was all that he needed to hear. “Then why should I worry about giving it up.” He chuckled. “I don’t want it.”

  Hope swallowed down sudden fear. “I don’t want to come between you and your country. I don’t want you to lose your family. Baby, you only get one – royal or not.”

  It was the look of concern on her face that moved him most. How she was always ready to put other people’s priorities before her own. That was his comfort. “My country will be fine. They have my brother, and trust me once you meet him, you’ll know exactly what I mean. He’s what this country needs. And he has two beautiful children. Heirs.” He smiled at her with all the cares now cast from his heart. “And I finally have you, and I won’t just go throwing that away.”

  Hope’s heart was heavy with despair. “I didn’t mean to drive you to this.”

  He poured another glass. “You didn’t, my love. I wanted this for so long. In fact, my desire to be alone is what tore me and Thalia apart. She was only with me for the crown so once I presented her with this outlandish idea of going to Africa to continue my work and denouncing the crown, she thought I was a complete waste.”

  Hope sat back in her chair and finally took a sip of her champagne. “So, you’ve wanted this long before me?”

  Michael shook his head as he tried to recall when the idea had first come to him many years ago. “I’ve wanted it since I was a boy, since I buried my father. I just wanted to live. I wanted to be free.”

  Hope could understand that, as anyone could. After all, what was a life, if you were never truly free to live it? Plus, she had seen how hard it was to exist under the continual microscope of an entire country. Still, somehow, she felt sad to see him turn away from it, and mildly responsible for his decision.

  “Don’t be too hasty to decide because of me,” she said, sitting up in her seat. “This isn’t the kind of decision you make over dinner.”

  Michael moved from his seat over to hers and put down his bottle. Wrapping his arm around her, he rubbed his nose over hers. “My sweet little woman, I haven’t been swift enough. I should have done this long ago.”

  She didn’t understand. “You’ve been kind, and loving and honest. And I’ve never known anyone as noble as you. Honestly, if you were king, this world would be better because of it. The world needs leaders like you, Michael.”

  Michael whispered in her ear. “It’s not that I don’t love my country. I do. In truth, seeing my mother’s standard flying high above the castle makes my heart swell, but my brother is the best king. And as long as he’s around, there is no need for me.”

  “What about your counsel?” Hope asked. “Everyone needs good counsel. You could still be a help to your brother and your country as his counsel without giving up your birthright.”

  He ran a finger down her arm. “The parliament is very capable. The Prime Minister is a good man, a wonderful leader. They won’t miss me,” he said, laying his head on her shoulder. “I just want to go somewhere where I can make a real difference, Hope. My place is in Africa. It makes me happy. And I want you there with me. You could teach them so much.”

  Hearing the pleading in his voice, she could no longer argue the merits of his current position. She loved him too much to destroy his dream.

  “Then, I’ll stand with you,” she said, holding his
hand. “Whatever you decide, I’ll be right there.”

  Michael pulled her chin up and looked into her eyes. “You are all that I’ll ever need in this world.”

  ***

  Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

  Balmoral Castle

  As the royal motorcade passed through the iron gates of Balmoral Castle with all its cars, motorcycles, pomp and circumstance, Hope sat erect in her seat utterly amazed at the sights around her. Hands planted on the leather interior of the door, she lit up like a Christmas tree as they entered the historic place where kings and queens had resided for over two centuries.

  The air was thick and rich with elegance and grace.

  Fresh open air. Lush green landscapes. Amazing gardens. High hanging trees and beautiful birds flying above. Even as they drove through the thickets of trees, blue skies and a triumphant sun peered down on them.

  She had never seen such natural beauty. Excitement erupted inside of her, though she did a good job of hiding it. Inside, she felt like a little girl at Disneyland. She was all dressed up in a fine gown with a prince on her arm being escorted to the Royal Family.

  Michael conversely became more and more physically ill as they approached the castle. His fingers clammed up and his heart raced. Opting not to have more champagne, he sat beside her quiet and stoic, going over what he was to say to his brother when the time came.

  “Do I still look pretty?” Hope asked, checking her lipstick in her mirror.

  “You look amazing,” Michael said, pulling himself from his dismal thoughts. Sitting up, he wiped his tired eyes, ready to get this over with.

  As the motorcade stopped at the front entrance of the castle, the doors to the Bentley state limousine were quickly opened. Michael and Hope stepped out and a crisp wind blew through the air. Hope looked up at the stone building in awe. Taking her hand, Michael led her toward the doorway, which was immediately opened by the head butler, Albert. Beside him stood a long line of staffers, waiting to assist the royal party.

  “We are most honored to have you back in our presence, Your Highness,” the butler said in his normal fashion. He bowed despite his curved fragile back. “Madam Daniels, welcome to Balmoral,” he said to Hope. “We hope your stay is a truly pleasant one. Please let me know if I can be of assistance to you.”

  Michael stopped instead of proceeding into the foyer. “Albert, this is my girlfriend Hope,” he said, looking at the other staff who stood stupefied by his introduction. “Hope this is our family’s eldest and most trusted butler, Albert. He’s like a great, great grandfather to me.”

  “Hello Albert,” Hope said, offering her hand.

  “My lady,” Albert said, shaking as he took her hand in his own. “It’s a true honor.”

  Michael smiled at Albert. “When I was six, he swatted me on my bottom for trying to sneak my pony into the house.”

  Albert smiled. “As I recall it did not stop you from trying, Your Highness.”

  “Nothing ever stops me,” Michael said, guiding Hope inside.

  While Balmoral’s beauty was lost on Michael, Hope was completely transfixed. Every step she took echoed throughout the great halls. There were paintings and gold-gilded entryways, wooden doors, paintings of kings, and every imaginable beautiful thing.

  William, Geoff’s brother, emerged from the library in a somber dark suit and tired eyes. “Good afternoon, Your Highness,” he said, offering his hand to Michael.

  “William! What are you doing here?” Michael said, shaking William’s hand.

  “Just assisting for tonight, sir,” William said, bowing toward Hope. “It’s very nice to meet you, ma’am.”

  “This is William. Geoff’s brother,” Michael said, turning to Hope. He thought a more informal introduction was due. It was how he wanted the rest of the night to be. Simple and informal.

  Hope’s face lit up when Michael told her who William was. It was as if she was being introduced to Prince Richard. “Your brother is a charming man,” she said, looking around for Geoff, who had suddenly disappeared from their side.

  “We can’t be talking about the same man,” William joked. “Dinner has been prepared in the main eating hall for you both. Your brother and his family will join you shortly.”

  “How shortly,” Michael asked, looking at his watch.

  “Thirty minutes, sir,” William answered quickly.

  “Good, that gives me just enough time to show Hope the Castle Ballroom. She’s going to love it.” Removing her shawl from her arm, he placed it across his and took her hand. “Shall we?”

  Hope nodded.

  “Come and find me when it’s time,” Michael said, as he walked off with Hope. “I don’t want to just sit around waiting on the old bugger.”

  ***

  The tour that Michael gave was absolutely breathtaking. There were so many gorgeous rooms, so much history. She tried to take it all in, but it was just overwhelming for a first visit. The paintings stuck out the most. So exquisite, so detailed. It lit her on fire with the desire to go back to Kensington Palace and begin immediately on her own work.

  Michael gave his tour with true pleasure. He told her of the stories of old queens and kings, showed her private passages, allowed her to touch artifacts and opened up glass casings so that she could touch the fabric of historic garments. He took a picture of her inside of the electric car built in 1920 and took her to look at the beautiful breathtaking view from the veranda.

  He was about to take her to the royal garden to get a little more intimate with her when William appeared again.

  Clearing his throat, he stood in the doorway. His voice echoed throughout the veranda. “Prince Richard is ready to begin now, sir,” he said, interrupting Michael giving Hope a kiss.

  Michael pulled from her lips hesitantly. Looking over at William, he pursed his lips. “We’ll be there momentarily.”

  Hope let out a sigh. “This is it,” she said as the light from the windows shined down on her.

  “This is it,” Michael repeated. Taking her hand, he led her back to the main dining hall. Their walk was intentionally slow. Both of them wanting to take in the moment before the storm began. With no audible words shared between them, they still managed to say a lot through their emotion.

  When they arrived at the main hall, the doors were opened for them by the royal staff and they were escorted inside where everyone was sitting.

  The room was unlike any that Hope had ever seen. Tall ceilings with beautiful crown molding, walls painted in white and green, tall white Corinthian pillars, historic paintings of kings, cherry oak furniture, beautiful green and pink drapes, white sheers, regal chairs, crystal tableware, what seemed to be hundreds of candelabras lit with white tall candles, a table setting for a king, wine, food, drink and a table full of strangers.

  The only person that Hope recognized with Prince Richard, who sat at the head of the table in a sensible black suit was his wife, Princess Madeline, who sat beside him to his left in a soft muted tan suit, black hair pulled back in a bun, diamond earrings sparkling in her ears.

  Michael walked inside with Hope on his arm, looked around the room and cringed. He recognized everyone there. His brother, his sister-in-law, Richard’s closest counselors, his mother’s closest counselors and worse of all Thalia and her father.

  “We’re leaving,” Michael said, turning to Hope. “We need to go now. This is an ambush.”

  Hope was confused. “What?”

  Richard stood from his seat. All eyes on the two as they stared each other down, Richard, pressed his fingers against the table. “Sit down, Michael. We have much to discuss.”

  Chapter 22

  It was as if someone had just stuck a red poker into Michael’s eye when he saw Thalia sitting there among his family, friends and his rivals, with her chin up and her eyes blazing through him as though she had some major role in any of this. How dare she, he thought to himself. Sticking his chest out, he held Hope closer to him and gave a curt smile. �
��I’m sorry, brother, but we won’t be staying,” he said, eyes narrowing on Richard.

  It was Hope to spoke reason to him, although she didn’t understand fully what she had walked into. “Don’t run from them,” she whispered. “You’re bigger than that.”

  He turned to Hope and looked down into her eyes. “I have you.”

  She nodded. “Yes, baby. You have me. But you need to handle this. I can deal with it, if you can,” she said, pulling him gently forward.

  “You don’t know them. You can’t handle them,” he warned. He had seen them in action before, and they were nothing to trifle with.

  “Listen to her,” Richard said, walking over to the couple. “Have a seat. Talk with us.”

  Taller than his brother by a few inches, Richard stood over Hope and smiled gently. He bowed a little then offered his hand. “Very happy to have you in our presence. Michael has kept you all to himself. We haven’t had the pleasure.”

  “Thank you,” Hope said, shaking his hand. This wasn’t so bad.

  Richard turned and introduced everyone starting with his wife. When he got to Thalia, he looked over at Michael. “This is Duchess of Matsworth.”

  Hope recognized her face from the millions of photos and tabloids that she had read back at Kensington Palace. While beautiful, something about her face seemed sour. Hope raised a brow at the woman and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you all,” Hope said, following Michael to the seat at the end of the table.

  Michael took his rightful place at the other end of the table and Hope sat across from him. Holding her hand, he tried to assure her that he’d be right here with her no matter what. Plus, seeing her in the same room as Hope made him realize how much he had settled before her. Thalia looked as bitter as ever and surely here for some great master plan.

  “What vicious strategy have you been devising?” Michael asked as a servant with white gloves quickly came from the corner and poured him a glass of red wine.

  “To the top,” he told the servant.

  “We are in discussion of the royal family,” Richard said, taking his seat. He looked down at his brother and his beautiful girlfriend and felt ill. Never in a million years did he see himself having to do such a heinous thing, but here he was carrying out the wishes of his mother and his country.