After pouring myself a cup of coffee, I pad into the living room, and sit on the couch, picking up the homemade card Fallyn fashioned out of notebook paper last night at my parent’s house. I trace my fingers over the heart on the front then open it reading her words once more.
To my bestie,
You’re gonna kill it in Havendon. You are so wicked awesome they won’t even know what hit them. Just don’t forget the little people when you become a princess. I can be your lady in waiting or whatever the fuck it’s called. Seriously though, I’m always here if you need me. Just say the word and I’ll fly across the world to help, just like I know you would do for me. I love you. I love Lathan for loving you. Knock ‘em dead, future princess. Fallyn.
My eyes tear up as I read it over again. I’ll miss her like crazy.
“Everything okay?” I twist around when I hear Lathan’s voice.
“Yeah. I’m awesome. I couldn’t sleep. I’m too excited I guess.”
“I hope it’s excitement and not fear.” He walks closer. “I won’t let you fail.”
“I’m not scared. A little nervous maybe. It’s a big change for a girl who stays in her square.”
“Your square is about to get a lot bigger.”
“Yeah.” Lathan sits next to me on the couch then takes my mug, taking a sip of my coffee. “This is the calm before the storm. This place, my apartment, this city, will always be our private haven. Whenever you need to breathe away from it all, we’ll come here.”
“Thank you.” I lean on his arm. “Are you nervous?”
“Yes, but not for the reasons you probably think.”
“Tell me your reasons.”
“I’ve asked you to sacrifice everything in your life for me. It’s a lot of responsibility, and I just want you to be happy. I want to be worth it for you.”
I look up at him, brushing my fingers across his cheek. “Lathan, you are everything in my life. I’m sacrificing nothing except my comfort zone. If I can be with you, then as far as I’m concerned, everything is good. You were worth it the very night I met you.”
“What do you say, we go back to bed for a couple of hours, make love once or twice, then begin our next adventure?”
“I say yes.”
“Do you have everything? The car is here.”
I look around one last time then close the door behind me and lock it. “Ready.”
Lathan nods, carrying my luggage to the elevator, while I carry my three tote bags. “I’ll probably have to pay baggage fees for all of this.”
Lathan grins at me. “I’ll take care of it.”
“I appreciate you booking everything for me.”
“My pleasure.”
We reach the ground level and walk outside where a limousine waits. I look up at Lathan as the driver grabs my bags and loads them in the trunk.
“This is not a taxi.”
“No, it’s not.” Lathan smiles. “Part of your transition.”
“I see.”
I wait until the driver opens the door for us and climb into the back seat. Lathan joins me on the other side, holding my hand as we start the drive to the airport. Here we go.
After a short drive with no traffic slowing us down, we pull into Logan Airport. As we drive past all the signs for the various airlines, I wonder where we’re going. When we pull into a different section of the airport, I peer out the window and then back at Lathan who sits calmly watching me. The car comes to a stop and my mouth drops open.
“Are you freaking kidding me?”
Lathan laughs. “I am not.”
The driver opens my door and I step out, staring at the plane in front of me. Lathan puts his hands on my shoulders.
“You have your own plane?”
“Of course.”
I nod. Of course.
The doors open and two women appear at the top of the stairs. Lathan takes my hand, leading me inside the plane. Once inside, I stop, just taking a moment to take it all in. It looks like an apartment, more spacious and definitely more luxurious than the one I had.
“This is the main cabin,” Lathan explains, guiding me further in. “In the back is a fully equipped bathroom and of course a bedroom.”
“On a plane?”
“Yes, on a plane.” I sit in a seat by the window and Lathan sits directly across from me. “There are numerous reasons why a private jet is preferable. Obviously, I can come and go as I wish without dealing with the challenges of commercial flying.”
“Right.”
“Also, I never have to worry about who’s on the plane with me, who’s sick, or crying babies.” He smiles. “I can sleep in comfort until I arrive.”
“It’s definitely nice.”
“It’s yours now too.”
I exhale slowly. “Incredible.”
“Fasten your seatbelt. We’ll take off in a few minutes.”
I nod. “Okay.”
A moment later, one of the women approaches us. “Excuse me, Your Highness. What may I get you to drink before takeoff?”
“It’s eight forty-two, Margaret.” I notice how his tone loses all its usual softness. “You may bring us coffee.”
“Yes, sir.” She turns to me. “Madam, may I bring you anything in addition to coffee?”
My eyes shift to Lathan. “Um, like what?”
Margaret’s eyebrow raises and I wonder why. “We have a full breakfast, snacks, pastries. Whatever you desire.”
I look back at Lathan unsure what to choose. “Can you just handle things please?”
“Of course.” He looks up at Margaret. “Bring breakfast.”
“Yes, sir.” She curtsies before walking off.
I sit back in my seat and rub my forehead. “I’m already screwing up.”
“What do you mean, my darling?”
“She looked at me like I was speaking Greek.”
“She probably just noticed your accent. You did nothing wrong at all.” He unbuckles his seatbelt. “I’ll be right back. I want to check in with the captain.”
I watch him walk behind the curtains then turn my attention outside the window. We haven’t even left Boston yet, and I already feel like an outsider.
Once out of sight from Delaney, I cross my arms, glaring at Margaret. Noticing my presence, she puts the package she holds on the counter and curtsies.
“How may I assist you, Your Highness?”
“Elizabeth?” I address the other air hostess. “I’d like your attention as well.”
Both women face me with nervous expressions. “That woman in there is very special to me. You will treat her as an extension of me. Is that clear?” The women nod, glancing at each other. “That means no matter what she wants, what she says, or how she behaves, she will receive nothing but your absolute respect and non-judgment. Do you have any questions?”
“No, sir,” both women reply.
“Because if I detect anything less than that, neither of you will see the inside of this plane again.”
The women bow their heads as I pass them to enter the cockpit. The pilot and co-pilot both stand when I walk in, but I motion for them to sit.
“Please continue your duties. I just came to say hello.”
“All is well, Your Highness,” the pilot says. “We’ll be leaving in a few minutes.”
“Wonderful. See you in Havendon.”
“Yes, sir.”
Passing the two women on the way back to my seat, I shoot them a glance to make sure they understand I’m serious. I won’t have anyone making Delaney feel like she’s less than.
Taking my seat again, I buckle my seat belt, and smile at the beauty across from me. All her confident bravado is absent right now. She’s nervous and completely out of her element. I smile, realizing how much she loves me to go through this.
“I was thinking,” I start, “after breakfast, perhaps you’d like to pass the time in the bedroom.”
She shakes her head. “No way. I don’t want those women thinking I’m some kind
of whore.”
My eyes open wide. “I assure you they will not.” Leaning forward, I reach out for her hand, and she gives it to me. “You have to understand something. I can do, say, and demand anything I want. I can even insist how people think.”
“You may think so, Your Highness, but everyone is entitled to think what they want when you aren’t around.”
“True, except it doesn’t matter because if they were ever foolish enough to verbalize it, there would be consequences. Margaret and Elizabeth can think whatever they like, but they will treat you like the princess you will be one day.” I smile. “I will spend the trip however I wish, and I wish to spend it making love to you.”
“That sounds nice, but–”
“No, but, my love. What did you say before? All that matters is that I chose you, and you chose me. Everyone else can suck it.”
She smiles. “Okay, you win. I’ll do as you please.”
“And I will do as you please. Until you scream my name, my darling.”
She looks up when Margaret returns with coffee, setting down mugs for each of us.
Turning toward Delaney, Margaret bows her head slightly. “Breakfast will be out shortly, madam. In the meantime, may I get you anything else?”
“No, thank you.”
Margaret turns to me. “Your Highness.”
After she walks in back, I smile at Delaney. “Get used to being called madam, ma’am, and any other proper term.”
“It’s weird.” She sips her coffee. “But cool. I’m too young for people to address me like that in the States.” She looks back at the closed curtain. “Won’t they tell people I’m in town?”
“Absolutely not. There is a strict confidentiality agreement for the palace staff. It’s the best job in Havendon and no one would risk it. Many years ago, in the seventies, there was a breach and it was awful, according to my mother. Every person was interrogated until the perpetrator came forward after being pressured by coworkers. All salaries were cut off, privileges removed, and every single person was under suspicion. Finally, the culprit admitted he told a girlfriend some palace secrets. Both of them were shipped to a private island for one year.”
“A private island doesn’t sound so bad.”
“Ah, but it is. It’s essentially a prison. There are no amenities, no phones, no computers, and no staff. They lived in a tiny apartment with only bread, water, and beans to eat. It is not a nice existence.”
“Wow.”
“Their families were shunned from polite society and not allowed an audience with any member of the royal family.” I lower my voice before continuing. “It’s not a practice we do any longer, but no one knows that. We keep it as a threat, and it is effective.”
“Why did it stop?”
“The day before his exile was over, the gentleman that was sent there, committed suicide right after he killed his girlfriend. He left a note stating that he brought shame on his family, and he didn’t want to face them or the residents of Havendon. As a young prince, my father was devastated realizing the damage power can have. His father, my grandfather, made a statement that they died of a rare fever, and honored them in a state funeral, restoring their family names.”
“That was kind.”
“Yes, it was the right thing to do. What the man did was not worth the loss of two lives, and I am told, that it haunted my father deeply. I believe that is why he was lenient with me. He could have shipped me off somewhere and held me captive, but he just let me be. Even though he didn’t speak to me.”
“How is it now between you?”
I smile. “He’s forgiven me, Delaney. Full absolution.” Her eyes open wide. “I realized that my antics were a way of distancing myself from his image. He’s a great, deeply respected king, and I never thought I could live up to it, so I tried to lessen everyone’s expectations, albeit, subconsciously.”
“You told him that?”
“I did, and he forgave me saying all he ever wanted was for me to understand the motives behind my actions. He told me…” I pause as my throat clogs with emotion.
“What?”
“He told me he loved me, and I think it was the first time in my life I’d ever heard it.”
Delaney covers her mouth as tears fill her eyes. “That’s amazing.”
I nod. “He’s a dying man, and death has a way of making people share things they previously withheld.”
“Yes. So things are good with you and him?”
“For now. I’ll decide when to drop the news on him that I’ve found my princess.”
“Good call.”
We look up as Elizabeth and Margaret return.
“Your Highness,” Elizabeth starts. “We’re ready for takeoff and your meal will be ready soon. We’ve prepared a cheese quiche with fresh fruit, biscuits, and bacon.”
“Sounds delightful. Thank you, Elizabeth.”
She nods. “May I address you directly, Madam?”
Delaney’s eyes shift to mine and I nod. “Yes,” she answers.
“Your comfort is of utmost importance to us. Please do not hesitate to alert us to your needs and desires.”
“Thank you.”
She bows her head slightly. “See you soon.”
Delaney’s eyes follow the women until they disappear behind the curtain. Once they’re gone, she turns back to me.
“May I address you directly, Madam,” she repeats in a surprisingly accurate accent. “The fuck outta here.”
I laugh. “What? The fuck out of here? What does that mean?”
She shakes her head, laughing. “It’s like are you fucking kidding me.” She drags her fingers through her pretty hair. “I know I have to stop swearing. I just gotta shake the Boston off a little.”
“Only in public, my darling. In private, I demand that you let your Boston show.”
“Whatever you want, my prince.”
“I cannot wait to get my hands on you again.”
She tilts her head. “What will you do?”
I lean closer, motioning with my finger for her to also lean, so she can hear me over the sound of the jets. “I will fuck you so hard you will need a break for several days.”
She licks her lips, grinning at me. “Bring it, Your Highness.”
After a very delicious breakfast, I follow Lathan to the bedroom. My mouth falls open when I see it. It’s so nice I can’t believe we’re on a plane. The bed must be king size and the bedding is so inviting I just want to dive in. There isn’t much else in the space, but it doesn’t need anything.
Lathan shuts the door and locks it. “We’ll be woken up approximately one hour before landing. Standing instructions when I retire in here.”
“Women must be very impressed when you bring them in here.”
Lathan tilts his head at me. “Oh, my darling, you are the first.” He smiles. “The only and the last.” He walks toward me, slowly then pulls on the hem of my shirt. “Take this off.”
“Take it off for me.” I grin. “Or am I no longer allowed to command you to do anything?”
Lathan grins, pulling my shirt up. “In the bedroom, you are free to treat me as you wish as long as I am allowed to freely worship between your legs.”
“You want to worship me?”
“Daily. I will sit at the foot of this pedestal I’ve put you on.” His hand grips my breasts through my bra. “I will bow before you, allowing my tongue to demonstrate my reverence.” Pulling at my bra, he frees my breasts, rolling my nipple between his fingers. I will spend every moment I can buried in your sweetness. My tongue, my fingers, my cock, all designed to please you.” He cups my face. “I live for another taste of you.”
I smile, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Come, my romantic prince. Worship at your altar.”
The next time I open my eyes, I look around the bedroom for Lathan, but don’t see him. I sit up and stretch, moving my neck back and forth. It felt good to sleep after being awake half the night. I climb out of bed and walk inside
the bathroom where I see a naked Lathan with his head bowed speaking on the phone. It’s not English he’s speaking, so I listen quietly to the beautiful language tumbling from his lips. His voice is soft, very sweet, and I really wish I knew who he was talking to. I lean against the doorframe watching him.
“We’ll be there very soon,” he says, switching to English. “My plan is to get her established and then I’ll be by to see you again. Yes, she’s very excited, but not nearly as much as I.” He dips into his other language again for a moment, then chuckles softly. “Yes, of course. See you soon.” He hangs up and turns around, startled when he sees me. “Hello, darling.”
“Hi. Hope you don’t mind that I was listening. I just liked the sound of your language. It’s like a little bit French, a little bit Italian, and something else.”
“Greek, and of course I don’t mind. I was speaking to my mother letting her know we’ll be arriving soon. It pleases her when I speak our native language.” He smiles. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yeah, it was great actually. I guess you wore me out as promised.”
He smiles, walking toward me and pulling me into his arms. “I’m glad you slept. Here are our plans. It will be early evening when we arrive. I’ll have dinner with you and make sure you have everything you need, introducing you to your assistant. She can take care of anything that comes up.”
“Okay.”
“Tomorrow you’ll meet Ophelia.”
“When will I meet your mother?”
“When the queen is ready.”
“Ah. Got it.” Reaching up, I run my fingers through his hair. “Will you sleep with me tonight?”
“I want to. As long as I am not needed for anything else, you can count on it.”
I nod. “Can I call or text you whenever I want to?”
“Of course.”
“Cool. I mean, wonderful.”
Lathan grins. “You can still be you.”
“Privately, yes. Publicly, I need to work on this. I’m always getting on Fallyn for swearing too much, so I need to practice what I preach.”
“You’ll get there.” He runs his hands down my waist. “We should get dressed. I bought you an outfit to wear.”
Unexpectedly Royal Page 24
