Royal Pains

by CN Thornton

  I chuckled. "I honestly didn't think you knew how to laugh. I figured it would be against Linacrean custom or something."

  He stopped suddenly and brought me to a halt beside him. "Don't ever insult my country."

  Instinctively, I held my hands up in front of me. "I didn't mean it as an insult. I was only joking."

  His broad shoulders rose and fell as he took a deep breath. Running his long fingers across his lips, he glanced up and down the long corridor before placing his hand on the small of my back and continuing.

  "Very important," he began, and I could hear festive music and laughter growing louder with every step we took. "You must remember not to talk to anyone unless you are spoken to first. If it is a male you are responding to, other than myself, make sure to keep your response brief and do not laugh. It is considered flirtatious behavior to do otherwise."

  I nodded my head.

  "Remember, keep your gaze forward. Smile and don't worry about anything. I will be by your side the entire time. You will be fine." He ended his sentence in a low rush just as we came around a corner, and suddenly we were standing before the massive ballroom doors.

  Uniformed guards flanked either side, bowing deeply and opening the doors at our appearance.

  My eyes widened dramatically at the busy scene before us. Men and women all dressed to their best in beautiful suits and gowns walked around behind masquerade masks.

  I forced a smile as all eyes turned on us and everyone began to bow and curtsy in our direction.

  "Sheppard! It is nice to see you again, old friend," Theodore said when we joined the side of a man with gray eyes and chin-length black hair.

  The two quickly shook hands.

  "Emmaline, this is First Duke James Sheppard. My father's best friend." He flourished his hand to the light-skinned woman beside him and introduced her as Sheppard's wife, Katherine. "And this lovely lady is Christine, my brother Alexander's fiancée." Though I had never personally laid eyes upon Alexander and Theodore never brought him up in conversation, I knew he existed because of my studies.

  "It is a pleasure to meet you," I said, inclining my head to each of them in respect.

  "James, Katherine, this is my fiancée, Emmaline. I'm sure you remember the late King Charles Lefevre."

  "May King Charles rest in peace," the Sheppards spoke in unison.

  I felt my stomach drop unpleasantly at the mention of my father's name. Not that I felt any which way about him—I hardly knew him. But hearing his name just reminded me of all the lies that had made up my life.

  Theodore must've noticed something was off, because I felt him pull me closer to his side just a moment before he excused us and we continued on through the massive crowd.

  I was introduced to all the ancillary royals. First were the Christiansens, from the Southern courts—King Frederick, Queen Patricia, and their son and daughter, Madeline and Victor.

  "Madeline is engaged to marry Cedric Matheson from the West and Victor is engaged to marry Danielle Jepsen from the East," Theodore explained after we finished introductions with the Jepsens and Mathesons.

  He then explained that only royals can marry into royal blood, with the exception of dukes and duchesses who have been given his father's blessing. This gave me further insight regarding Alexander Fallmonte and Christine Sheppard's engagement.

  Finally, after being introduced to another fifteen families of the royal courts—most of them highly titled—Theodore and I moved to the center of the room to begin our dance.

  As I placed my hands on Theodore and he placed his on me, I was once again aware of the many pairs of eyes on us. I even managed to get a glimpse of King Edward and Queen Victoria in my peripheral vision.

  "I can't do this," I whispered to Theodore as the musicians prepared their instruments, all the while trying to keep the terrified expression off my face.

  "Just pretend no one is here. It's just you and me alone, practicing in the ballroom," he whispered in my ear and pulled me closer to himself.

  "That isn't helping," I said through a faux smile, remembering that the last time I'd practiced with him, it had ended with me in tears.

  With a sigh, Theodore gave a slight eyeroll before looking down at me. "In my arms, you needn't be afraid to stumble."

  And then the music began and I moved effortlessly in step with Theodore. We began our turns across the floor and then, two by two, the other royals walked out onto the floor and joined us.

  After a while I was no longer tense, growing confident in my steps as I moved in sync with Theodore. Then the waltz stopped and a quicker-paced song began. Theodore walked us to the edge of the dance floor, where we came to stand before his parents.

  "Your Majesty," I greeted formally, curtsying slightly.

  "Father." Theodore inclined his head.

  The two held eye contact longer than necessary before the king's eyes moved to me. I wanted to shrink back and hide, but I didn't move a muscle.

  I felt Theodore's arm tighten slightly around my waist. I wasn't sure what to think of it until his father walked a circle around us, his eyes scanning up and down my body.

  "Her skin is still too dark for my liking."

  "Yes, Father. Her ladies are very much on top of it, I made sure of it. With over two decades of sun damage to get rid of, there just wasn't enough time, but it should be fixed by the wedding and coronation."

  The king stopped right in front of me, his fierce eyes looking down his nose at me. "There would have been enough time if she hadn't pulled that little stunt that set us back three months. I hope you punished her properly, at least."

  Theodore's grip tightened and I was sure I felt him move me back a fraction.

  "Absolutely, Father. As you say, we cannot have the crown tainted by insubordinate behavior. You can trust that she will never step out of line again. Now, how about we continue our celebration? I'd hate for all this planning and hard work to go to waste."

  With a nod of his head, the king took the queen's hand and led her onto the dance floor once more.

  Everyone danced until the butlers brought out dinner. The buffet tables were adorned with massive birds cooked to a deep golden brown, ornate gravy bowls filled to their brims, salads with vibrant-green leaves and drinks of all colors, some of which left a burning sensation in my throat and warmth in my body.

  There was even seafood, to my own surprise, ranging from caviar to massive lobsters. It felt completely out of place for the dinner, so it only made sense that Theodore had kept his promise. He'd had this seafood brought specifically for me.

  We made our way to our table and took our seats, and the butlers came over to us carrying covered plates. One by one, they sat the dishes on the table in front of us and removed the covers.

  Mine, of course, was seafood.

  "Only the best for you," Theodore said to me, then shook out a linen napkin and placed it on my lap.

  After dinner came a brilliant dessert. Panna cotta, chocolate mousse, crème caramel, custard and crème brulée were just a few of the various sweets I sampled. They were all so rich in their flavors, it was hard to decide on a favorite.

  As the end of the celebration neared, the king and queen called attention to the room and brought both Theodore and myself up to stand beside them.

  Though we were apparently well known already, they introduced us to everyone in the room before diving into a long speech of how, in a few months' time, they would be abdicating the throne, and that before then, the prince and I would be married and take their places as the leading monarchs.

  I wanted the ball to end at that point, and luckily it did half an hour later. Once we said proper goodbyes to our guests, Theodore and I left.

  On the way back to my apartment, Theodore took an unexpected detour to the balcony that led to the gardens. He slipped his fingers through mine just as we passed the spot where we had once dined.

  Half of me liked the feeling of his fingers through mine, but the other half didn't. T
he other half of me wanted to rip my hand out of his grip and slap him across the face, but I couldn't find it in myself.

  The feeling of his fingers laced through mine. The memory of his hand on my waist as we'd danced tonight. The way he'd whispered into my ear. I wanted more of that. More of what he'd made me feel.

  Don't be stupid, Emmaline. Any man can make a woman feel something; it doesn't mean anything special.

  I let out a sigh that caused Theodore to look at me. "Everything okay, Princess?" he asked when we stopped in front of a beautifully lit fountain.

  I took a seat on the edge of the fountain and Theodore joined me.

  "I'm fine. Just—confused." I frowned, then dipped my hand into the water and began moving it back and forth, creating a gentle disturbance.

  "May I ask about what?" His forehead creased with concern.

  I turned to look at him. His beautiful brown eyes shone in the light of the full moon.

  "You." I quickly rose to my feet and stormed off in the direction of the stairs to the balcony.

  I had barely made it ten steps when he grabbed me and pulled me back to him. I half expected him to throw me over his knee as punishment for being rude, but he didn't.

  "Talk to me, Emmaline," he said in a soft voice.

  I bit my lip. "Please, don't. Just leave me alone."

  He released me and took a step back. "You're afraid, aren't you?"

  I nodded my head.

  "Why? I promised I wouldn't punish you anymore, if I could help it. Emmaline, why are you afraid of me?"

  I shook my head, unwilling to divulge my problems to him.

  "Emmaline, please… If someone is making you feel unsafe—please, I can help you!"

  I looked at him and laughed sardonically. "Really? You, help me?" I mocked. "You are the problem, Theodore!" I raised my voice. "YOU!"

  He looked bewildered. "Me?" He threw his hands up. "Why me?"

  "Because I've been having these feelings and I'm afraid if I act on them…" My voice trailed off.

  "If you act on them, what?"

  "If I let myself feel anything for you, I'll become some vile creature like the woman who birthed me. I'm not that person and I never will be!" I screamed, then turned my back on him.

  He brought me back into his arms and forced me to look at him by tilting my head upwards. "You do not need to worry about becoming like your mother. The differences between you are prodigious. You couldn't become her if you hired a billion staff to teach you."

  "Well, thanks," I murmured.

  "You are an amazing woman, Emmaline. Iron-willed, vigorous, tender, perceptive, ravishing even. I wouldn't change that for anything. I like you just the way you are."

  "Then why are you constantly trying to change me?" I asked.

  "The same reason I force myself to keep private who I truly am. Self-preservation. You and I are in this together. We both have a weight bearing down on us, set by the same person."

  I pursed my lips. "Your father."

  "My father." He paused to graze a thumb over my bottom lip. That small act caused shivers to run through my body. "But it's okay. I will protect you."

  "Why?" I breathed. "What are you getting out of this?"

  He shook his head. "Nothing."

  A light wind began to blow, and I started to shiver. Theodore removed his black tailcoat and placed it over my shoulders, then pulled me into his arms.

  "Thanks," I muttered.

  His hand grazed my face and I nuzzled against its warmth. When his touch receded, I opened my eyes to look up at him. For a moment, we just looked into each other's eyes. Then, as if in slow motion, his lips came down to meet mine.

  Very slowly, with the most gentle pressure, his lips waited for my response. I didn't want to respond, but I did. I didn't want to, but I did.

  I kissed him back as if some part of me had been hijacked, hungrily, full of wanting. The part of me taking over had been craving personal contact. Comfort even. It had wanted Theodore and me together.

  But I couldn't let that happen. Not when there was so much at stake. I pushed him away with all my strength and stumbled backwards.

  "I can't!" I breathed, shaking my head. "I can't do this… not with you."

  Turning, I ran as fast as I could, not bothering to look back. With every step I took I expected Theodore to catch up to me, but he didn't. I didn't stop running until I had reached the safety of my apartment.

  The second I closed the door behind me, my ladies were at my side, wanting to help me out of my dress and into the bath.

  They asked me several times about my evening and how I had come to have Theodore's jacket, but every time I just shook my head, unwilling to divulge the events of the night.

  When I was finally ready for bed, I curled up and wrapped my blankets around me. While waiting for sleep to overtake me, I thought about my old life and my friends.

  I wonder what they're up to.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  "How many monarchs make up the entire country of Linacre?" Madam Paisley snapped as she entered the lesson room, clothes crisp and hair in the tightest bun I had seen so far.

  "Five, Madam. The Christiansens—Frederick, Patricia, Madeline and Victor." I paused to take a breath. "The Jepsens—Michael, Angeline, Mitchell, Danielle and Gretchen; the Mathesons—Reed, Margeaux, Clove, Cedric and Carl…" I fell silent just as I started to say the next name.

  "You need to know all of them!" Madam Paisley said. "A queen must know these things."

  I gritted my teeth. "I do know them," I said through a clenched jaw. I took a deep breath and continued, "The Lefevres—Charles, Eleanore, Emmaline and Daniel."

  Madam Paisley nodded her head for me to continue.

  "And the Fallmontes—Edward, Victoria, Alexander and Theodore." I gave Madam Paisley a smug look that turned her satisfied expression sour.

  "Attitude!" she snapped at me again.

  Right! My attitude. I did have an attitude, but I thought I'd earned the right to have it. Emmaline do this, Emmaline do that, Emmaline don't be like that, Emmaline be like this. I was sick and tired of the constant nagging.

  For nine weeks, I had been doing everything I could to behave and act the way that was expected of me. I had even finished all my Linacrean studies three weeks early and was halfway through my monarch studies. Yet, nothing I ever did seemed good enough. It was like living under the scrutiny of my mother all over again.

  By the time I had finished with the day's lesson, I was close to a meltdown. It just seemed as if the closer we got to the wedding, the more uptight Madam Paisley grew. It was impossible to please her these days.

  Even Theodore was growing restless. I had seen less and less of him after that night in the garden, and it felt like he was trying to avoid me—not that I was complaining, but it didn't make things any better.

  . . .

  "Princess! Hurry, we are going to be late!" Moana said when I entered my apartment.

  I raised my eyebrow at her, confused. My schedule this morning was empty except for my lessons. I had nowhere to be.

  "Late for what?" I managed to get out before they whisked me into my dressing room.

  Justine and Layla glanced at one another before giggling, but no one answered my question. By the time I was dressed for whatever was to come, I had asked them at least twelve times.

  "We were sworn into secrecy," Peyton said.

  "By who?" I asked as they redirected me into my sitting room.

  "By me." Theodore stood in the center of the room, looking eager.

  Warmth spread through my face and I burst into the biggest grin I'd felt in days.

  "Theo—er, Your Royal Highness," I greeted as I sank into a respectable curtsy.

  For the time being, I was considered beneath him. Though we were both of royal blood, he was from the original monarchy, which meant I had to address him formally until I became Queen.

  He grinned, causing me to blush. "Theodore is perfectly fine as long as we are i
n private."

  "So," I began, trying to divert my mind. "What is the big secret on my agenda?"

  Theodore moved to my side, placing his hand on the small of my back. I tensed at his touch.

  "I have talked my father into allowing us to get out of the castle for a while."

  "How?" I breathed, a bit of excitement building.

  "I explained to him that lessons can only get you so far—that in order for you to truly know your country, you must see it." He smirked.

  "Oh." I frowned. This was just another lesson. Joy.

  The carriage ride out of the royal courts felt the same as leaving my mother's house for the first time. I didn't look back.

  The plantation-styled houses were twice as beautiful up close, with their cream-colored shutters and stained-glass doors.

  "Those are the homes of the soldiers. They live directly outside the royal courts, as protection," Theodore explained as we rode down the cobbled street.

  It was nearly an hour's ride before we reached the outlying homes. Now that I could see them up close, I noticed farms and orchards. Each little cottage had about an acre of land planted with various fruits and vegetables.

  "Each sector has a job. The people here grow food and prepare it to sell. They keep seventy-five percent of their crop and the other twenty-five goes to the courts. Normally, fifteen percent of their keep is sold for money or traded for other items they need, like fabric or medicine."

  "The palace has its own gardens. Why are we taking their food?" I asked.

  "Taxes. Instead of asking for money, which many out here don't have, we simply ask for twenty-five percent of whatever they grow. That twenty-five percent is what feeds our staff and their families.

  "The next sector over deals with livestock, and the next with textiles. The wives of the soldiers make medicines."

  We came around a curve and made our way onto the dirt road that split one farm from another. As I glanced out the small window of the carriage, I saw a young woman covered in filth harvesting apples from a high branch of a tree.

  Then my attention was pulled away as I heard several voices yelling. "IT'S THE ROYAL CARRIAGE!" they shouted simultaneously.