“Thank you. I hope you feel the same. I’m always here if you need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. I know we have a long way to go, but I’d like to be a good friend to you, Addie; regardless of what happens.”
I smile at him, holding out my hand for him.
It’s time to face the music back at The Palace.
I pace in front of my bedroom windows. This room has become my hideaway. I’ve tried to keep out of the main palace as much as I can. It all still seems like too much. Even though some days, it feels like I’ve been here forever, I know this is just the beginning. I don’t know if I’m prepared to be stuck here forever.
I know the other reason I feel so anxious is because I have another stupid date tonight, and I’m already struggling with the concept of having to pick one of these guys. It still goes against every single thing I believe in, but I’ve been made fully aware that my belief system doesn’t line up with my new found status, and that being a Princess, I have surprisingly less rights to my own thoughts or beliefs than one would imagine.
“Are you ready for tonight?” Penelope asks. She’s quietly sat on my bed as I pace back and forth. Since our talk about Sophie, she’s warmed up to me. I think she’s come to realise I’m not like the other Fae here. I don’t look down on the people who work here, regardless of who they are or what they do. Everyone deserves a chance. Hell, most of the time I prefer the people who work here to those who live or visit here. I can’t stand self-important people, or those with so much arrogance, I immediately want to slap it out of them. Unfortunately, there are plenty of those who stop by here. Considering I have a special coming out ball, I’m not sure why Kellan and my mother have taken it upon themselves to host a gazillion introductory dinner parties. I can’t keep up – and I sure as hell can’t remember all of their names.
“Not really, I don’t want to do any of this. I’m only doing it to keep the peace; there’s already been too much fighting in my life. I’m learning to pick which battles to fight.”
“That’s sad. You should have a little more enthusiasm. One of these guys is going to be the man you spend the rest of your life with. You need to assess them; which will be most loyal? Which will put you first? Who could you potentially fall in love with? But more than that, Addie, you need to think who will be best for you. Who puts you most at ease? Who can you speak to easily? Who makes you feel safe? This isn’t a case of you win some or you lose some. I know you have to make a choice from a very limited pool, but don’t just pick who everyone else is rooting for.”
“Thank you, Penelope. I needed to hear that.”
“Anyway, Dante is just dreamy. If you don’t want him, he’s definitely going to have people lining up for him!”
I laugh at her. It’s the first time she’s really opened up and been relaxed enough to say stuff like that.
“You like Dante huh? I’ll keep that in mind,” I say.
“I didn’t say that. I just mean he’s not hard on the eyes.” She laughs with me, blushing.
“Well, unfortunately for you, and your eyes, it’s not Dante I’m seeing tonight. Apparently, Ambrose is taking me out to his favourite restaurant on this side of the world.”
“Ooh that means you’ll be going into town. I haven’t been there in forever. It’s so strange there. Humans and Fae work and live together. It’s like a whole different world from here.”
“I’ve been there before; it feels like eons ago now.” My mind flits to happier times prom dress shopping with Livvy, but I chase the thoughts away because they bring others with them. “I’m looking forward to it, even if not the company.”
“You don’t like Ambrose?” she asks me earnestly.
“Rose was right about him, he’s a bit of a jerk. I got really sick when we went out sailing that the first time, and rather than come back, he wanted to stay out, then had a tantrum when Michael demanded I come home. He sulked the entire trip back here. I can’t be dealing with a guy like that.”
“Well at least you know he’s checked off the list. Now you’ve just got the other three.”
“I know,” I sigh. “I’ve not even been out with Naoki. He seems very closed. I don’t think he likes me – we should be on our second ‘date’ by now.” I make marks in the air around the word ‘date’ – it still seems silly.
“It is the way of his family. They are known for playing their cards close to the chest. They don’t give anything away.”
“Plus, he’s a prince,” I say. “I know I’ve got no real authority here yet, but when the time should come, I don’t want him thinking he has more right to make decisions than me because of a birth right.”
“I’m sure he won’t be like that, but I guess you need to find that out for yourself. I’m going to head downstairs now to wait for Ambrose, he should be here any minute,” she tells me as she jumps up from the bed. I groan purposely loud enough for her to hear my complaint.
“I’ll be down in a few minutes,” I say. This night could be horrific.
We pull up in front of a small, dimly lit restaurant in the main square of the town. On the drive here, all Ambrose has done is talk about himself, and the girl he had to give up back home. I rub my fingers on my temples, fighting the headache that is already pulsing behind my eyes. I hope to goodness this night goes quickly.
“Well, come on then,” he says, “Let’s get this show on the road. Time for smiles, Princess.”
He opens the door, and climbs out first. I’m thinking he’s going to come around the car and open my door for me like a gentleman, but I’m left hanging. I can’t open my own door due to the security system, so I end up shuffling across the seat and pulling myself out of the car. Of course, he doesn’t offer any help. I am so glad I didn’t wear a dress for this. I smile tightly at him as I follow a few steps behind him into the restaurant. He stands by the desk, huffing loudly as he waits for someone to seat us.
“Do you need to be so rude?” I ask quietly, trying not to draw any more attention to him.
“I need to be seated, and if that means being rude, then yes. This place has gone downhill since I was here last,” he says loudly. I want the floor to swallow me.
“Well, maybe if you stopped acting like an ass, someone would take the time to seat you. We’ve been here less than a minute and you’re already in a huff. I know you don’t want to be in this situation, but guess what, neither do I. In fact, I can think of a dozen places I would rather be!” I say, throwing my hands up into the air.
“Well, if that’s the case, why are we even bothering!”
“I never asked you to bother, Ambrose. I’ve not asked one thing of you. I didn’t ask you to leave behind your girl back home, and I didn’t ask you to come out tonight. Remember all of that before you lose your temper with me.”
“This is a bloody joke. I’m not putting up with this; you can make your own way back to the palace,” he says before turning and storming out of the restaurant.
“Are you kidding me?” I say to myself incredulously. What a nightmare, and now I’m stuck here.
“I’m sorry, Miss, I didn’t mean to take so long to get to you. Will your friend be coming back?” An older woman asks. I look her over, she’s not old, but she has lines around her eyes. She’s definitely human. I look around the restaurant and see a mix of Fae, humans and Vampyrs, but I don’t recognise a single person.
“That idiot is not my friend.” I sigh. “But no, he won’t be coming back. That being said, I’m hungry so I’d love a table if there’s still one available?”
“Of course, please follow me.” She leads me to a small corner table by the window.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” she asks.
“Something sweet please, also, do you have a way to contact the Palace?” I ask her quietly. Her eyes go wide with delayed recognition. I guess she’s not used to the idea of royals rocking up to places in their jeans.
“I’m sure we could arrange something for you. Who do you need to cont
act?”
“I need a ride home, but please, don’t make a big deal about it.” I look at her sincerely, hoping she understands my wish not to make a big fuss. “I’d love to just enjoy a meal out before I head home.”
“Oh my, you’re her, aren’t you?!” she asks in a hushed voice. “Of course, anything you need. I’ll speak to the owner, your highness.”
I wince a smile. “Thank you so much – and if you wouldn’t mind refraining from all that ‘your highness’ stuff, I’d be ever so grateful.” I say conspiratorially. She hurries into the back and I start to think that maybe this won’t be such a terrible night after all. The woman brings me out what she calls sweet tea, and tells me the owner will be right with me before I place my order with her.
Sitting and watching the people around me, I get a taste of what my life could have been if I were normal. If I’d finished at the Academy and joined the guard. I’m sure Livvy and I would have got an apartment together; somewhere close to the Academy so she could teach, but close enough to here so we could enjoy life, too. There’s such a mix of people in here. Couples, friends, families with small children. It’s so nice just sitting here and being one of them. I wish I had Sophie with me, she would love it here.
“Miss, I understand you are looking for a way to get home?” An older, slightly balding human male asks.
“You are the owner here?”
“I am, Miss. I can assist you, not a problem at all. I will send my son to your home with word you are here. It is not a trouble.”
“Thank you, Sir. But actually, on reflection, I think I might walk home. It’s not too far.”
“Are you sure? These are dangerous times.” His worry is obvious and I don’t blame him. He doesn’t want to be responsible for me being hurt.
“Maybe if you could send your son to my home and tell him to ask for Michael?
“Yes, Miss?”
“Have him explain to Michael that my company for the evening had to leave, and that I will be walking home. I’m sure they’ll send someone to accompany me.”
“If you are sure? In the meantime, I will make sure Cindy takes good care of you.”
“Please, don’t go to any trouble for me. I’m more than happy as I am.”
“Of course, Miss. If you need anything just ask.”
I nod and he strides away, through a door into what I assume is the kitchen.
My dinner is brought out to me not long after, I’m trying something I’ve never had before. It’s a chicken breast, stuffed with spinach and cheese wrapped in ham, with dauphinoise potatoes and asparagus. Each and every single bite melted in my mouth and I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a meal so much.
“Well fancy seeing you here.”
I look up to see Dante looking down at me. He looks so causal in jeans and a t-shirt.
“Fancy that indeed. What are you doing here?”
“I’m out with some friends,” he nods towards a table of three other guys who are laughing and talking whilst watching Dante and me. “Figured we’d eat at the best restaurant in town after a day out.”
“Well, if what I ate is any indication, you’re in for a good time.”
“Oh, I know. I love it here. It’s so… normal. Why are you on your own anyway? Escaped the clutches of your guard again?” he laughs.
“If only,” I sigh. “I was abandoned here earlier after Ambrose had a bitch fit and stormed out. It was delightful,” I explain, rolling my eyes.
“Are you kidding?” he asks. I can see his anger building
“Oh, I wish I was, but really it was for the best. I’ve had a much better night on my own. It’s really no big deal,” I tell him, placing my hand instinctively on his forearm.
“Well, as long as you’re okay?”
“I promise.”
“Well then, I suppose I should leave you to enjoy your evening.”
“I’m actually about to head home,” I say, whilst signalling for Cindy.
“Is Michael coming to pick you up?”
“I imagine he will when he hears, but I’m going to continue enjoying my evening and take a nice walk home.”
“Addie, you can’t be out there on your own.”
“The hell I can’t. Everyone, your parents included, think I’m capable of destroying the world. I’m more than capable of getting myself home safely.”
“That’s not what I meant. Well not entirely,” he looks sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bite your head off, I’m just tired of being treated like a helpless little damsel. It drives me a little nuts.”
“I bet,” he laughs. “Well, how about I let you accompany me home? We don’t want any of those big bads out there chewing me up and spitting me out, do we?”
“What about your friends?”
“Oh, don’t bother with that ugly bunch. They won’t mind. Give me a minute and I’ll just tell them I’m leaving.”
“If you’re sure.”
He walks over to his friends and I pay Cindy, thanking her for such a wonderful evening. I’ve never seen someone beam quite like she does in that moment. I shrug my jacket back on and wait by the door for Dante. It sounds like he’s being ribbed by his friends for taking me home. I can’t help but laugh at the kissy noises coming from the table. He says something to them before striding over to me, leaving his friends laughing hysterically in their booth.
“Ready to go?” he asks.
“Sure am.”
He turns and waves to his friends who yell goodbye to us both as we duck out of the restaurant. The night is cold, and I’m really glad I brought a jacket with me. We walk in silence for a while and I can’t help but stare up at the stars as we walk.
“You’re just like them, you know,” Dante says, and I have no idea what he means.
“Huh?”
“The stars. You remind me that there is light in the darkness. You can’t always see them, but you know they’ll be there again.”
“Oh, erm, thank you?” I feel so awkward. He says such nice things sometimes, and words have never really been my thing.
“My father tells me all the time that the darkness lives inside all of us. The pain and the fear, but light can’t exist without the dark. Love and happiness wouldn’t be as sweet without pain and loss.”
“Your father sounds like a smart man.”
“He is – just don’t tell him I said that.”
“Ha, I swear.”
He smiles at me and taking my hand, we walk the rest of the way back to The Palace in a comfortable silence. We’re met at the gate by three frantic guards, who look like they were gearing up to come and hunt me down.
“Addie!” Michael is yelling as he runs; it’s not a natural movement for him – bless him. “Thank god, you’re okay. I’m going to wring that little scrote’s neck!”
“I’m fine. I was lucky Dante happened to be at the same restaurant. He insisted I see him to safety.” I wink at him and he hides his smile in his hand.
“Well good. When I got the message, you were walking home alone I didn’t know who would tear me a new one worse, you if I came looking for you, or the King if I didn’t. Thank god you’re here now.” He says before sending one of the guard off to tell Kellan that I’m back in one piece.
“Thank you for getting her home,” he says to Dante, tucking me under his arm and walking me away to my room. I wave goodbye to Dante as I’m lead away.
“You didn’t have to rush me off you know.”
“Oh, I know, baby girl, but that one is all sorts of dopey eyes for you already. I figured I’d best get you to bed before he declared his undying love for you there by the gate.”
“Don’t be silly. He’s just nice; easy to talk to.”
“Uh-huh, if you say so, sweetie. Anyway, let’s get you tucked up in bed. You’ve got another big day tomorrow, and the Proposal Ball is getting closer and closer. Do you have any idea what you’re going to do?” he asks as we come to my bedroom
.
“Oh, I wish! I have no freaking clue what I’m going to do. Do you think they’d suspect something if I came down with some terrible sickness bug?”
“Considering you’ve never been ill a day in your life, yes I’m going to say that would be fairly transparent.”
“Damn, it was worth a go,” I giggle. “But no, I really don’t know what to do. I still don’t want to do anything – so I guess I’ll just wing it.”
“’Just wing it,’ she says, ladies and gentlemen. Our prince will be picked on a whim. Someone save us all.”
“Hey!” I jab him in the side and he laughs, putting his hands up.
“I give,” he laughs. “At least you smiled. I’m enjoying seeing that. Anyway, you have a guest in here,” he says, opening my door.
“Addieeeeeee!”
I kneel down as Sophie runs towards me squealing.
“Hello, sweetheart, what a nice surprise finding you in here!” I squeeze her in my arms. She smells like vanilla and oranges – and like home.
“Michael said we could have a slumber party!”
“Oh, did he now?”
“Yuh-huh and we have popcorn, and chocolate, and crisps, and…”
“Breathe, sweetie,” I laugh. “That all sounds amazing. How about I get some pyjamas on and then I braid your hair while you tell me about your day. Does that sound good?”
She nods frantically before running over to my bed and jumping on it.
“Come on, Addie. Hurry!” she says excitedly and I can’t help but laugh at her. She brings such joy; it’s impossible not to be happy around her. I turn to Michael who is grinning like crazy by the door.
“Are you joining us?”
“Not tonight,” he says.
Sophie moans from the bed.
“I promise we’ll have a night soon though, okay?”
“Yayyyyyy!”
“Night, Addie. I’ll be out on guard tonight if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Michael.”
I have a slumber party to prepare for.
The next morning, I take Sophie for a walk in the grounds. She needs to enjoy it here even more than I do. I don’t think she’s had much chance to just enjoy being a kid. We had such a fun night last night, watching silly films, eating junk and doing each other’s hair. She really is a breath of fresh air, but right now, she just seems a little deflated.
Soar (The Immortal Chronicles Book 3) Page 14
