Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  “My parents will expect such, but I have no doubt we will marry one day.”

  “I would love that.” My voice cracks with emotion. “One day.”

  “So I will ask your father tonight for your hand, then he will know, and you will know, that I am eternally committed to you.”

  I smile with tear stained eyes. “That’s awesome.”

  Lathan laughs softly. “It is awesome. We’ll be required to wait at least one year from our formal announcement. It will take that long for preparations.”

  “It can take that long in America too.”

  “You’ll find this amusing. There’s an ongoing bet in my country that I won’t be married before I’m forty.”

  “That’s still six years from now.”

  “Yes, someone will lose.”

  I laugh. “It’s funny we’re ten years apart. It doesn’t show.”

  “Because you are mature beyond your years, and I am immature to mine.”

  “You’re not immature at all.”

  “Perhaps not anymore. I’ve sowed all my wild oats, and now I only wish to serve my country and my princess.”

  I run my hands down his lapel. “You look dapper and princely.”

  “Worthy of you, I hope?”

  “Definitely.”

  He runs his fingers over my exposed cleavage. “This is a lovely dress. It will be perfect in Havendon.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it shows your figure, your desirability, and your considerable assets, without being overly provocative. Every man that views you will immediately understand my obsession.”

  “I guess I’ll bring it with me then.”

  Lathan laughs. “Yes, do.”

  I take a deep breath. “Ready to go? They’re waiting for us.”

  “I’m ready.”

  “Good.” We walk outside and wait a moment for the cab I called. Once in the back, I wrap my hand around Lathan’s. “My parents are just regular people. My mom’s a homemaker, my dad’s an accountant. He’s stoic, not very talkative. My mom is chatty. She’ll ask a ton of questions. He’ll look at you like he wants you dead.”

  “Good to know.”

  “It’s just his demeanor. He’s very kind actually.”

  “Okay.”

  “You’ll do fine. It’s not like they’re the king and queen of Boston.”

  Lathan laughs. “They might as well be.”

  “They’ll be so impressed with you. How you carry yourself, the way you speak, the way you love me. It’ll be fine.”

  He exhales slowly. “Okay.”

  Moments later, we pull up in front of my parent’s house and I squeeze his hand. “Show time.”

  Exiting the cab, we stand in front of her parent’s large suburban home. I’ve never been to the outskirts of Boston before, so I look around the tree lined street for a moment. It’s very nice here.

  “Where are we?”

  “Cambridge. I grew up here right in this house.” She points to a blue house three doors down. “That’s where Fallyn lived. Her mother still does.”

  “And her father?”

  “He died of a heart attack a few years ago.”

  “Oh, that’s terrible.”

  “Yeah, it is. I’m glad they still lived here when it happened though. She had the whole community to support her. It’s a nice place to live.

  I smile. “I love it here. Right away.”

  “Me too. Ready to go in?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, I invited Fallyn too. She’s like my sister, and I have to tell her.”

  “Of course.”

  We walk up to the door, and she opens it leading me inside.

  “Mom? Dad?” she calls.

  Fallyn appears in the hallway first, rushing toward us and throwing her arms around first Delaney and then me. I chuckle, hugging her back. I love how open Americans are with their affection. I look up when a couple appears behind Fallyn. Just as she described them, Delaney’s father practically glares at me while her mother smiles warmly.

  Delaney takes my wrist pulling me to them.

  “Mom, Dad, this is Lathan.” She smiles, looking up at me. “Lathan, my parents, Robert and Julia Somers.”

  Her father extends his hand so I shake it before kissing her mother’s hand. She smiles, nodding her head.

  “Welcome,” she says.

  “Nice to meet you,” her father says.

  “Please come into the dining room,” her mother suggests.

  We follow them as Fallyn grabs Delaney’s arm and they whisper and giggle. I enjoy seeing this side of her, just being who she is without me. I hope she can find friends in Havendon.

  I pull her chair out as we sit at the table. Fallyn is first, then Delaney, then I on her other side. Her father sits at the head and her mother across from Delaney. The food is already on the table.

  “We can start with grace,” her father says, “then we’ll eat and talk.” I nod. “Lathan, will you say grace for us?”

  “Dad,” Delaney interrupts. “That’s not nice to put him on the spot. I’ll say grace.”

  I pat her hand. “It’s alright. It may be different than your customs, but I’m happy to share mine.” Her father nods while I struggle to remember my mother’s words. I’ve never delivered the meal blessing in my life. Everyone folds their hands and bows their heads.

  “Father in heaven,” I pause. That's not it. Clearing my throat, I start again. “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

  “Amen,” everyone says, then looks up.

  “So, you're a Catholic?” her father asks.

  “Yes.”

  “So are we.” I breathe a sigh of relief as Delaney winks at me. “I didn't catch your surname,” he continues.

  “Oh, uh, Havendon.” Delaney gazes at me with a questioning look. I just smile. How do I tell her parents I don't have a proper last name?

  Her father nods as a platter of some sort of meat is passed around. “How long have you been dating my daughter?”

  “Since January.”

  “You have a lovely accent,” her mother chimes in. “Where's it from?”

  “Havendon.”

  “Your last name is the same as your country name?” her father questions.

  Fallyn and Delaney exchange glances. I scoop some of the meat on my plate, then set the platter down.

  “Perhaps it would be better if I backed up a little.”

  “I'll handle it.” Delaney squeezes my hand. “Mom, Dad, I haven't told you everything about Lathan yet.” They both stare at her expectantly. “Lathan is a prince.”

  “A prince?” her mother repeats. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, he's the son of the King.” She smiles. “He is His Royal Highness, Prince Lathan of Havendon.”

  A deadly silence fills the room while her parents absorb this new information.

  “Are you shitting me?” her father finally asks, breaking the silence.

  Fallyn laughs while Delaney shushes her.

  “No, sir, that is my official title.”

  “You're a prince? And you're dating my daughter?”

  “Correct, sir. That's why I have no formal last name. It isn't needed when you're the King's son.”

  “Interesting,” he says. “What brought you to Boston?”

  “A desire to spend time in America.”

  He nods. “Alright then.” He turns to Delaney. “Do you call him Prince Lathan?”

  She laughs. “No, Dad. It's not required in private settings.”

  “Well, I can honestly say I've never had royalty sitting in my dining room before.”

  I smile, taking a bite of the meat and chewing slowly. “What is this dish called?”

  “Meatloaf,” her mother says. “Do you like it?”

  “Yes, it's most interesting. I've never tasted anything like it.”

  “If I had known a prince was coming, I would've made
something fancier.”

  “Then I am glad you did not know because this is wonderful.”

  She smiles. “Thank you. I could teach Delaney to make it.”

  Delaney rolls her eyes. “Lathan's had the misfortunate of witnessing my cooking skills.”

  I laugh softly. “Yes, we met in a cooking class.” I glance at Fallyn. “Thanks to you.”

  Fallyn grins, scooping up a bite of mashed potatoes with her fork. “I take full credit.”

  “As you should.”

  “So,” her father begins, “We've never met a man our daughter was dating. I assume that makes you special.”

  “I hope so, sir.”

  Delaney puts her fork down. “Um, we have something specific to talk to you about.”

  “Okay.”

  Glancing at her, I swallow hard, then take a sip of water. Here we go.

  “Your daughter is very important to me. So important in fact that I find myself unable to be without her.” Her parents stare at me, no longer eating. Delaney holds my hand underneath the table. “My duty to my country requires me to return home, and so…” I pause before dropping the news on them. “I've asked Delaney to join me.”

  Her mom gasps, dropping her fork, while Fallyn covers her mouth, and her father's eyes narrow. He puts his utensils down, staring at his plate. I wait patiently for someone to speak as several minutes pass.

  “Dad?” Delaney says, breaking the silence. “Say something.”

  He looks up, directing his gaze at me. “Home for you is this country I've never heard of?”

  “Yes, sir. It's a small country north of Greece. She'll have everything she needs and wants. Mostly, she'll have my undying love and affection.”

  “You want to go?” he asks his daughter.

  She nods. “I do. I love him, Dad.”

  “You love her?” he asks.

  “Deeply. My father is ill which means I'll have to take the throne soon, and-”

  “Wait.” Her father lifts his hand. “Take the throne? You'll be king?”

  “Yes. I've discussed with my mother my choice in Delaney and have her full support. I arrived yesterday to ask your daughter to come back with me. Tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow!” her mother exclaims, almost knocking over her water glass as her arms fly up.

  “I know it's a shock, Dad, Mom.” Delaney smiles at her friend. “Fallyn. I can visit as often as I want, and you guys can come visit me too. His cousin is going to help me adjust and learn everything I need to know. Lathan will take care of me.”

  “What about your job and your apartment, and…” her mother stops, shaking her head.

  “I called my boss and told her I had to take an emergency leave of absence. I gave a month's notice at my apartment this morning, and we'll arrange to have my things sent to me.”

  Her father watches me while her mother watches him. I decide now would be a good time to request a private meeting.

  “If I may, sir, I'd like to meet with you alone to help you understand my long term intentions with your daughter.”

  Her father looks at Delaney, then back at me. Nodding, he replies. “Okay. Let's go in my study.”

  I squeeze her hand before standing. I pray this goes well.

  I watch Lathan walk out then turn to face my mother and best friend.

  “He asked you to move with him?” Fallyn asks.

  “He did. He showed up yesterday after work. I didn’t have time to call you. I’ve just been trying to understand what this means for me.”

  “But you want to go?” she asks.

  “You know how I feel about him.”

  Fallyn nods.

  “Why don’t I?” my mom asks. “Why don’t I know that you’re in love with a prince?”

  “Honestly, Mom, it’s all happened really fast. I just found out about the prince part. He doesn’t tell people that right away.” I shrug. “We met and just clicked, but then his dad had a heart attack, and he had to go suddenly. I really thought he wasn’t coming back, so there wasn’t anything to tell until now.”

  “So, you’re just going to give up your life here for him?” she asks.

  I nod. “Yeah. That’s the only choice if we want to be together. He doesn’t have the flexibility, but I do.”

  “It’s so brave,” Fallyn says. “For both of you. He’s taking a big risk too.”

  “He is. No one in their history has ever been with someone foreign.” I smile. “Mom, he loves me so much he’s going against tradition.”

  My mom’s eyes tear up. “Is he going to marry you?”

  I nod. “He’s asking Dad right now for my hand.”

  Fallyn bursts into tears. “Oh my god. This is wicked awesome.”

  “It is. I have a lot to learn about everything, but his cousin will mentor me, and when it’s time, I’ll be presented publicly as his girlfriend. A proposal will come later.”

  “But he said he would propose?” Fallyn asks.

  “Yeah.”

  “Are you scared?” Mom asks.

  “No. Nervous, of course. I want his mom and dad to like me. I want everyone to like me, but mostly, I just want to be with Lathan. He’s amazing, Mom.”

  “He must be.” She looks down at her hands for a moment. “We can visit?”

  “Any time, he said.”

  “I can too?” Fallyn asks.

  “Absolutely.”

  “I can’t believe my daughter is going to marry a prince.”

  “Not only that, but eventually I’ll be the queen. The freaking queen.” All three of us laugh. “He said they’ll call me Her Royal Highness Princess Delaney, and they’ll bow and curtsy when they see me. No one is allowed to directly address me unless I speak to them first. Isn’t that insane?”

  “Totally,” Fallyn says.

  “No one can touch me either. Ever, unless I offer my hand.”

  “Wow.”

  “In private, with family and friends, it’s just normal.”

  “I can’t wait to visit you,” Fallyn says. “I’ll miss you so much.”

  “I’ll miss you too.” My eyes start to tear up. “I’ll miss everything about home. My life will be really different, but I know I’m making the right decision.”

  My mom stands and comes to my side of the table, offering a hug. I stand and throw my arms around her waist then Fallyn joins us as we all stand hugging and crying.

  “How do you think it’s going with Dad?”

  Mom shrugs. “We’ll know soon enough.”

  I sit across from her father waiting for him to start speaking. His jaw is set while he studies me. I have no idea if he’s going to throw me out or give me his blessing. Finally, he speaks.

  “What did you want to discuss with me?”

  “I’m sure it’s a shock, sir.”

  “To say the least.”

  “I admit, our relationship progressed quickly. I had no intention of going home any time soon, but my father’s heart attack changed my timeline.” Her father nods as I continue. “To be honest, it’s never been done before, a prince dating a woman from another country. I wasn’t sure how it would be received, but the longer I was away from Delaney, the more I knew I had to try. She carries my heart, sir, in her precious hands. I am not free to choose to stay in this country, so my only option is to beg her to come with me.”

  “I see.”

  “I want you to know that financially she will have more than she could ever imagine, but more importantly, she has me, and I love her deeply. After the appropriate amount of time, I will ask her to marry me, and therefore, I humbly request your blessing to do so.”

  Her father stares back at me with a blank expression, then shockingly, his eyes tear up. “You want to marry my daughter?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You promise you’ll take care of and protect her? She’s all I have.”

  I nod. “You have my word.”

  He nods. “Delaney is sweet, and kind, and so beautiful, but she’s also smart and very
level-headed. She doesn’t do anything reckless, so if she wants to go with you, if she wants to marry you, if she loves you, then you must be an alright guy.” He smiles, reaching for my hand and squeezing it. “You have my blessing. Please take care of my little girl.”

  “Thank you, sir. I know I’ve asked so much of her because of my circumstances. I don’t take it lightly. Anything she needs or wants, she will have. I will spoil her with every resource available.”

  “All she needs is for you to be the man she believes you are.”

  “I will be that for her.”

  He stands and shakes my hand. “Welcome to our family, Your Highness.”

  I smile. “I am happy to be a part of it, sir. Delaney is a gift I will treasure until I die.”

  He pats my back. “A father couldn’t ask for more. Should we go back out there?”

  “Yes.”

  We walk back to the dining room where all three women are laughing and talking and wiping tears. Delaney looks up when we walk into the room. Her father puts his arm around my shoulder.

  “We had a good talk,” he says. “Lathan assures me that my daughter is in good hands with him. Come here, Delaney.”

  She stands and walks over to us. Her father puts his other arm around her shoulder. “We love you, Delaney, and all we’ve ever wanted is your happiness. If that’s with Lathan in Havendon, then we support you, and we look forward to visiting when we can.”

  Delaney nods then throws her arms around her father. Her mother joins and the four of us embrace. I try to imagine for a moment my father embracing me like this. How I wish he would. A few minutes later, we separate, as Delaney’s mother wipes away her daughter’s tears.

  “Well, we should celebrate,” her mother says. “I made cake.”

  Looking at Delaney, I pull her into my arms. “How fortunate. I happen to love cake.”

  Delaney smiles. “Me too.”

  In the morning, I sit up in bed, having been kept awake from nervous energy most of the night. Lathan is still asleep, so I shuffle into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. As I wait, I look around the apartment I’ll be leaving in a few hours. I’ve packed all my important things, but it’s gonna be so weird not being here anymore. Not in this apartment, not in Boston. In a place I’ve never even heard of before a few months ago. I just have to hope I can win over the people I meet there. There is so much at stake.