The Inherited Series Book 1: The Inherited

by Lily Burlington

  As our car rolled to a stop, I was vaguely aware of shouting outside. Leopold continued to look at me a moment longer, his eyes sad, then pulled back. He played with his cufflinks briefly and then the door opened and we stepped into the crowd.

  I followed Leopold up through the tunnel of Solisians, photographers and news crews, up to a podium set up in front of the main entrance of the hospital. There was a man and a woman behind the podium, both in suits. They smiled brightly at Leopold, as he shook hands with them. Camera flashes popped.

  Then, to my surprise, Leopold turned and held his hand in my direction. "Cat, these are M. Turcotte, the Solisian Minister of Health, and Dr. Fleurion, the Chief of Surgery. Monsieur, Doctor, this is my Catherine."

  I shook their hands dutifully.

  "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mlle. Sinclaire," smiled Dr. Fleurion warmly. The photographers went wild. "Would you like a tour?"

  The four of us, as well as a group of what appeared to be a few selected photographers, made our way into the foyer of the hospital. I had to stop myself from laughing at the life-size statue of Felip that was at the center of the atrium.

  "Welcome to the King Bellamy South Hospital!" said M. Turcotte enthusiastically. "I would like to show you around our state of the art operating rooms, the rehabilitation center, the pediatrics wing, as well as the oncology research facilities. I will, however, try to keep this brief, as I know our time with you is limited. Also, I would like to inform you that the hospital already has some long-term patients residing here, in case we bump into them or any of our staff during our tour. "

  I tuned M. Turcotte out, looking at the features of the room around me as I followed the little group towards an elevator. We went down a floor and came out into a bleak hallway.

  "This floor is the home of our operating suite. There are thirty operating rooms, ten of which have galleries that will be used by our medical students to observe the surgeries. The entire floor is climate controlled and air filtered, and each individual room has its own generator in case of a blackout. There are also washrooms, change rooms, rest rooms, and prep rooms for all of our personnel, as well as offices, recovery rooms, storage, cleaning and processing facilities."

  We ducked into one of the sterile operating rooms, noting all sorts of equipment lining the walls and an operating table in the center. My stomach flipped as I took in the room; I had never been very comfortable in hospitals. My hand itched desperately to reach out for Leopold to steady myself, but I refrained. We were in public, so etiquette was crucial.

  I relaxed slightly once we were back in the elevator, hopefully moving on to something slightly less ominous. I was pleased when we stepped out onto a level with brightly colored walls and floors. I could hear laughter somewhere.

  "This is our Pediatrics wing," explained Dr. Fleurion, "It is the biggest children's medical center in Solis. The wing is currently at a quarter capacity, having accepted some children with chronic conditions into our long-term care program last month. We are happy..."

  Her voice cut off as the group disappeared around a corner while I paused, waiting. The laughter came again. Curious, I followed the noise down the hall, in the opposite direction that my group had gone. I came to a room that was completely made of windows. As bright sunlight flooded the room from outside, I stood in the hallway and observed what was unfolding inside. There was a group of children, six or seven of them in total, all between five and ten years of age. Some were playing with toys, others sitting in front of a TV, but all of them were in hospital gowns.

  A small girl with golden curls, who was hooked up to an IV, turned and looked at me suddenly and smiled. As I smiled back, she waved for me to come inside. I looked back down the hallway in the direction my tour had gone, figuring I probably wasn't supposed to be here, then slipped inside the room anyway.

  "Hi!" said the little girl brightly, "I'm Ella." She thrust her hand out towards me.

  I bent down until I was at her level, taking her hand in mine, "Pleasure to meet you Ella, my name is Cat."

  Her eyes grew wide, mouth falling into a little 'o'. "I know who you are! My momma showed me pictures of you, you're the princess!"

  That seemed to catch the attention of some of the other children in the room and they started to move closer, making a circle around me.

  "Yes, I am," I told her softly.

  "What are you doing here?" asked a little boy with a curly mop of black hair.

  "The Prince and I came to see all of you and the new hospital," I told them.

  The little boy wrinkled his nose, "I don't like him very much."

  Ella nodded her head in agreement. "He is scary," she said solemnly.

  That broke my heart a little.

  "He's not scary, I promise. He's just scared. He has a very important job to do and isn't sure if he can do it," I tried to explain.

  Ella frowned. "Like when you are trying to draw a picture but you can't get it to turn out right?"

  "Something like that," I smiled.

  "Is he going to come and see us too?" said the boy. "I hope he has his sword with him."

  I frowned and looked down the hall again. Chances were he would show up, at least I hoped so, because I had no idea where my tour had gone

  or how to get back out of the hospital. "I think so," I told my little group, "How about I tell you a story while we wait for him?"

  They all nodded and sat themselves down on the carpet in a circle. There was no way I could sit on the floor gracefully in this outfit, so I walked over to what appeared to be an arts and crafts table, grabbed one of the miniature chairs, and joined the circle of children.

  "Once upon a time, there was a great lion sleeping in the middle of the forest," I began, "When suddenly a tiny mouse showed up and climbed up his mane and started jumping on his head. Furious, the lion woke up and caught the mouse between his paws.

  'How dare you wake me up from my sleep!' roared the lion. 'I am king of the beasts! Anyone who angers me deserves to die! I will eat you right up!'

  'Please no!' cried the mouse. 'I did not mean to upset you, your highness. I was only playing. Please let me go and I will promise to be your friend. Who knows, maybe someday I will save your life.'

  The lion laughed, 'What an absurd idea! But you have entertained me and put me in a good mood so I will let you go.'

  He released the mouse from his claws.

  'Oh thank you, your highness," said the mouse, and quickly scurried away."

  Suddenly, I became aware of some flashes of light out of the corner of my eye. I looked over to see that my group had found me again. The photographers were avidly taking pictures of me and my little friends. M. Turcotte and Chief Fleurion were smiling brightly. My eyes finally landed on Leopold and my heart sank slightly; he looked angry. I was in trouble.

  The kids hadn't noticed their arrival so I cleared my throat and continued my story.

  "A few days later, the lion got caught in a hunter's net and, try as he might, he could not escape. He roared out in anger, shaking the whole forest.

  'Oh no,' said the mouse, 'that's my friend the lion. He must be in trouble. I have to go and help him.' The little mouse ran as fast as he could in the direction of the lion's roar until he found his friend caught up in the hunter's net.

  'Don't worry, your highness. I will have you out of there in a jiffy.'"

  I suddenly became aware of a hand on my back, resting softly between my shoulder blades. I looked up to see Leopold beside me, his expression softer now. I looked back at the children who were all looking up at him nervously.

  "Everyone, I would like you to meet Prince Charming," I told them brightly. Leopold cocked his eyebrow up at that but didn't say anything. "Would it be alright if he finished telling you the story?"

  They nodded somewhat hesitantly. I looked up at Leopold who pursed his lips but dutifully squatted down beside my chair in the circle, his hand moving to rest on my knee.

  "The mouse quickly chewed through t
he rope of the net, freeing the lion.

  'I did not think you could be of any use to me, little mouse,' said the lion, 'but today you proved me wrong and saved my life. I thank you for that.'

  'It was my turn to help you, your highness,' said the mouse, 'even the smallest creatures can be important.'" Leopold finished and glanced at me. I smiled in approval.

  "I think the Prince and I have to go now," I told the circle as I stood up from my miniature chair.

  "Back to your castle?" asked Ella.

  "Back to the castle," I nodded.

  She pouted and then ran towards Leopold, wrapping her arms around his legs in a hug. Leopold looked at me, wide eyed with panic. I had to hold in my laughter. He relaxed slightly after a moment, and gently patted Ella's hair.

  She looked up at him, "You and Princess Cat need to come and visit again, promise?"

  Leopold smiled warmly down at her. "Okay, I promise."

  We waved goodbye to them and then made our way back through the maze of hospital corridors and back outside to our hearse.

  "Sorry I worried you," I told Leopold as we pulled away. "They were just so sweet, I got distracted."

  "Adorable," he agreed and kissed my hand, his eyes burning into mine. At least he didn't seem angry anymore.

  "So, do I get a hint about where we are off to now?" I asked.

  "No," Leopold said. "But you will need to put these on," he said as he handed me a pair of aviators.

  I watched as he pulled off his suit jacket, folding it on the seat between us, then rolled the sleeves of his shirt up to his elbows.

  "Everything is going according to schedule, Sir," said M. Lefevre from the front seat. "The package has arrived and the second vehicle is waiting at location C for your direction."

  "Very good, Demetrius," replied Leopold. I frowned, both because I was trying to decipher their conversation, and because I hadn't realized M. Lefevre had a first name. It made me wonder what M. Arsnault's first name is.

  My anticipation grew as we turned onto an off-ramp. I looked out the window and saw a sign with an airplane on it.

  "We are going to the airport?" I turned to Leopold. He was slightly pale, his lips tight, leg bouncing up and down.

  He nodded once, "We are picking someone up."

  My mind reeled, flipping through all the Governors and royalty we could be meeting in a few minutes. My stomach turned into a knot. It must be really important or bad if Leopold is nervous. Maybe this wasn't a good surprise.

  We pulled up in front of the arrivals section, stopping beside another hearse which looked identical to ours. A team of airport security and men in black suits were surrounding the car. M. Arsnault rolled down his window and held out the gold card he used to get me through the airport. The barricade of security guards made room for our car to pass through them and we quickly pulled up in front of the other hearse before they encircled both of the cars.

  M. Lefevre snapped a command into his intercom device and then he and M. Arsnault got out of our car and joined the fleet of security. If they were going for discreet, this was not the way to do it.

  "Stay close to me," Leopold told me, then put his aviators on and stepped out of the car. I followed dutifully, squirming uncomfortably under the many curious eyes of the people around us who were watching our little shindig.

  M. Lefevre and M. Arsnault, along with two other guards, traveled with us through the airport to the baggage claim, where we all came to a stop. I searched the crowd around us, looking for a group of security guards or a face I might recognize from one of my lessons with Phillipa. My heart came to a stop as my eyes traveled across a group of four people. Two of them were middle aged, the other two teenagers. The woman was tall and slim with short dark hair and a big smile. The man was bald, and in good shape for his age. The younger woman had long curly sand colored hair and big blue eyes, her male counterpart well over six feet tall with long, dark hair pulled back into a pony tail. It was my mom, John, Tess and Alex.

  "Cat!" my mom cried when she caught sight of me. My guards tensed slightly as she and Tess came sprinting towards me, leaving the boys behind to find the luggage. I was instantly wrapped into a bone-crushing hug.

  "Oh, it's so good to see you, honey," crooned my mother, kissing my cheek.

  "God, Cat, you look fantastic," said Tess, evaluating me once she had detached herself from me.

  I blushed, "Ah, thanks."

  "Hi, Cats," chirped Alexander, smiling goofily as he and John joined us. I hugged them both briefly.

  "I can't believe it! What are all of you doing here?" I asked, as I my eyes watered up. It was just so nice to see them. I hadn't realized how much I had truly missed everyone.

  "Leopold, here, called us up a few days ago," explained John, "And asked if we could come down for a bit."

  "Oh, that reminds me," I said, my newly acquired manners kicking in, "Everyone, this is Leopold. Leopold, these are Grace, John, Tess and Alex."

  "It is very nice to meet you," he said, as he shook their hands.

  My mother leaned in close to me suddenly, "Honey, maybe we should go to the car. We seem to be attracting a crowd."

  I looked around the atrium of the airport, and, sure enough, groups of travelers had formed around us, watching to see what was going on, some taking pictures.

  "I think you are right," I smiled, then nodded at Leopold.

  The security team instantly enveloped the additions to our group and we made our way back to the cars. My mom, John and Alex climbed into one of the hearses, and Tess, Leopold and I took the other. The guards dispersed and our fleet took off back towards the castle.

  Tess talked animatedly with me the entire ride back as Leopold looked on quietly, a faint smile playing on his lips. He kept his sunglasses on but I didn't press the subject. I figured he was probably a little skittish with so many new people around.

  I couldn't believe that he had planned all of this, let alone that my family was here. It was surreal, so much better than the African prince or Spanish diplomat I had been expecting. I was somewhat tentative at the same time. I wasn't sure how my family was going to do in my new lifestyle as it was so different than what they were used to. I shrugged it off quickly though. They were here, I should just enjoy it.

  "Oh my God" said Tess suddenly, "Holy cow!"

  I looked out the window to see that we were pulling through the front gates of the castle, heading towards the white marble steps of the front entrance of DuMont Castle.

  "Beautiful, isn't it?" I asked her softly.

  "No kidding. You have been holding out on me," she cried excitedly. She jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped and stood, staring up at the

  palace. I giggled.

  "I have a meeting I need to go to. Will you be okay?" asked Leopold softly.

  I nodded.

  "I will come and find you later," he said, then walked up the front steps and disappeared into the castle, M. Lefevre at his heels.

  I looked over to find that Alex and my mom had joined Tess, in her observance of my new home. John was a few meters away, examining one of the horse statues which stood on either side of the entrance.

  "You parents will be staying in the Aphrodite Suite, M. Black in the Hermes Suite, and Mlle. Stanley in the Athena Suite. Would you like me to escort them there?" asked M. Arsnault from beside me.

  "I'll do it, I don't mind. It would be great if you could look after the luggage though," I told him.

  My guard bowed dutifully. "Of course, Mlle. And I am to inform you that you will be having supper with your family in the casual dining hall tonight. Their Majesties give their apologies for not being able to join you, but they have been detained."

  "Mmmm okay, thank you so much," I told him.

  "Alright guys," I called, trying to get their attention. "Let's go inside. I am going to show you to your rooms." They all clustered around me and followed me up into the foyer of the castle.

  My mother spun around in the center of the
mosaic floor, gawking up at the ceiling, "Look at that fresco, it's stunning!"

  "You should see the busts," countered Alex, as he examined one of Leopold's great, great, great uncle.

  John had been distracted by the massive crystal chandelier.

  "What does this represent?" asked Tess, pointing at a tapestry of the DuMont Family Crest.

  I rolled my eyes. This was going to be like herding sheep.

  "Come on guys, I need to show you where your rooms are before dinner. I promise I will give you a tour later," I told them.

  I lead them up the giant curving staircase.

  "That way," I said, pointing to the right, "Is where the Royal living quarters are located, in the North Wing of the castle. That's where my room is and where we will be having dinner tonight. Your rooms are in the South wing, in the guest suites."

  I lead them left, down a corridor lined with an elaborate Persian runner and paintings. They 'ohhhed' and 'ahhhed' over every one.

  "Here we are," I said, as I pushed through the carved wood doors and into their group of suites. It consisted of a combined living room and dining room, with a master suite off one side, and two other bedrooms on the other. "These used to be the rooms of Prince Christian, Duke of L' Ambrie, sometime in the sixteenth century, but they are now used for guests. The rooms are all named after mythological characters, as he was fascinated with them. They also look onto the orchard and each room has its own bathroom, as he had gastrointestinal problems."

  Alex winced at that comment, "Eww."

  Later that night, Tess and I were sitting on my bed, decked out in sweats with plates of ice cream in hand. My parents and Alex had already gone to bed, and I hadn't seen Leopold, or anyone from the royal family or their help since this afternoon. I think they were trying to give us space. Dinner and the tour had gone well, everyone chatting wondrously about Solis and the castle, and asking me about everything that had been going on.

  "I can't believe you're living it up in a palace, while I'm flipping burgers back in Canada," exclaimed Tess, falling back into my mound of pillows.

  I shrugged, "It gets old kind of fast. You are always busy with conferences, being followed by photographers and almost never have any privacy because of all the people surrounding you. I have it relatively easy because I'm not important; you should see some of the attention the rest of the family gets." I frowned, "It's getting worse now with the end of the media ban here though."