Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  I laugh. “Must be a good question to make you speechless.”

  “May I ask anything?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you enjoy, er… ” her cheeks turn bright red. “Anal.”

  My eyes open wide before I burst into laughter. The baby stares at me as I laugh, and her mother bites her lip looking embarrassed.

  “I haven’t done it before, Ophelia, so I don’t know.”

  “Oh. I was just curious because I read about it and… ” she smiles. “I was thinking of suggesting it to Harris.”

  “Well then you’ll have to let me know how you like it. I’ve never been asked.”

  “If he asked you, would you do it?”

  “I would. I think it’s important to try and do the things that please your partner.”

  “I think so too, and also, that you try to find new ways to keep the spice alive.”

  “Absolutely. Is Harris your one and only?” I ask.

  “Oh yes. I met him when I was still just a girl. He was my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first everything.”

  “That’s really cool.”

  “I adore him. He is so smart and funny and kind. He’s a brilliant father. Grace literally beams when she sees him.”

  “What does he do for work?”

  “He’s the head engineer for the palace. He manages all the various projects in the country.”

  “Impressive.”

  “Yes, he’s an amazing man. I am so blessed.”

  “How did you meet?”

  “Our parents thought it would be a good match so they introduced us when I was thirteen and he was sixteen. From our first date, we decided we would marry one day and we did.”

  “That is an adorable story.”

  “Thank you. I’ll tell you a secret. I’ve never told a soul.”

  “Okay.”

  “I asked Harris to have sex with other girls before we married.”

  I crinkle my forehead. “Why would you do that?”

  “Because we were both virgins, and I thought one of us needed to know what we were doing. Plus, I don’t know, I had it in my mind that if he sowed his oats with others, when he married me he would be content with one woman.”

  “Interesting theory. How did it go?”

  She smiles, brushing her fingers across her daughter’s cheek. “He didn’t do it. He tried, but he said he was too in love with me. So he watched dirty movies in order to learn how to please a woman. My honeymoon was amazing. I didn’t even know it was possible to feel such pleasure. Well, once the initial difficult part was over.”

  I grin. “That’s awesome.”

  “Before that, we just did stuff to see what worked, but after he watched the movies, everything was so much better. I like to tease him and say that everything we know we learned from porn.”

  I laugh. “Hilarious.”

  “Well on that naughty note, shall we refocus and talk about tea service?”

  “Yeah, let’s do that.”

  Hours later, after a full day of learning princess etiquette, listening to funny stories about growing up with Lathan, and playing with baby Grace, I plop down on my bed, completely exhausted. I can’t keep my eyes open and quickly drift off to sleep.

  I’m not sure how much time passes, but I get the sense that someone is watching me, so I open my eyes. What I see causes me to scream at the top of my lungs.

  “Who are you?” the man hovering above me demands.

  I scoot back on the bed. “Who are you?”

  “I asked you first. Why are you in this room?”

  “How did you get in here?” I look around panicked.

  “I am asking you for the last time to answer me, or I will call security.”

  “I’m allowed to be here. I’m Lathan’s guest.”

  He narrows his eyes at me. “Lathan? You refer to His Royal Highness by first name? Are you mad?”

  The door to my room swings open and Olivia along with the two men who escorted me to the palace burst into my room.

  “Madam!” Olivia exclaims and then pauses and curtsies. “Your Highness.”

  I look back at the man. Your Highness? “Oh my god, are you Arlan?”

  He turns back to me. “I am. Who are you that thinks you can use my first name? Have you no respect?”

  My eyes shift to Olivia and then the secret door opens and Lathan rushes in. When he sees what’s happening, he smiles.

  “Ah, brother, I see you have met the fair Delaney.”

  Arlan looks back at me, still sitting in the middle of the bed. “The fair Delaney?”

  “She is my girlfriend.”

  Arlan’s shoulders drop. “Girlfriend. I see.” He extends his hand. “I apologize for frightening you.”

  I take his hand as he helps me to stand. “I apologize for my informal greeting, Your Highness.”

  He shakes his head. “Now that I know who you are, such formalities are not required.”

  “What happened here?” Lathan asks. “Olivia called me and said you screamed, so I rushed over.”

  “I startled her while she slept,” Arlan explains. “Here I was taking a nostalgic tour of Havendon House, and I come in this room to find a sleeping beauty. You can imagine my surprise.”

  Lathan laughs. “I can imagine.”

  “I thought we had a squatter, albeit a very beautiful one.”

  “A very beautiful woman, but an invited guest,” Lathan replies.

  “Why is she here, brother, and not in the palace?”

  “Father does not know of her yet.”

  “Mother does?”

  “Yes, Delaney is invited with her blessing.”

  Olivia and the two men excuse themselves while Lathan comes closer, putting his arm around my waist.

  “Delaney is from America.”

  “Ah, that is the source of the interesting accent. How do you like Havendon so far?”

  “I’ve only been here a few days, but so far, I love it.”

  “What do you do all day in this tiny palace?”

  “Tiny palace?” I laugh. “You should see where I used to live. The bathroom in this room is bigger.”

  Arlan nods. “I can imagine. I’ve been sleeping in a tent for two months in a desert.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, in Egypt. That is why my presence was delayed.”

  “Oh. Well I’m very glad to meet you finally. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  His eyes shift to Lathan’s. “I am happy to make your acquaintance. It seems my brother’s excellent taste in women has continued in my absence. I’m only sorry I didn’t meet you first.”

  I don’t know how to respond. It feels like he’s flirting a little, but he wouldn’t do that in front of his own brother, would he?

  Lathan’s grip around my waist tightens. “To be clear, dear brother, I have long term plans with Delaney. She is spending time with Ophelia to learn the inner workings of royal life.”

  Arlan’s eyebrows raise. “Well, now this is interesting. Shall I call you sister?”

  I chuckle uncomfortably and glance up at Lathan for direction.

  “For now,” he says, “you shall call her Delaney, but I pray the day comes when you will indeed call her your sister.”

  Arlan drops to one knee at my feet while Lathan just rolls his eyes. “I am even more honored to meet the only woman on the planet capable of getting my big brother to talk of marriage. You must be very special.”

  “Would you get up?” Lathan says. “This is unbecoming behavior for a prince.”

  “All my behavior is. Why change now?”

  Sensing the tension between the brothers, I opt for silence, allowing Lathan to lead the interaction.

  “But Delaney does not know you. Wouldn’t you rather her have a good impression?”

  Arlan stands, grinning. “I’d rather her have an accurate one. Do not fear me, future princess, I am all bark and no bite. Although I’d like to steal you away, I would never even attempt to do s
o.” He leans close to me. “But do you have a sister that shares your beauty?”

  Flustered, I step back. “No.”

  “A true shame. Perhaps I should go to America to find my bride.”

  “I see that time away has not tempered your personality at all,” Lathan says, dryly.

  “Has it tempered yours?”

  “No, only Delaney has been capable of that.”

  “Well then she is more than beautiful. She is a magician.”

  I honestly can’t tell from this interaction if they are mad at each or just kidding around. Lathan’s expression is neutral, as is Arlan’s.

  “Yes, she is my magician, and I will not take lightly to any transgressions, joking or otherwise. Are we clear, brother?”

  Arlan grins, and bows his head slightly. “Very clear, brother. I most certainly take your commitment to this stunning beauty seriously. I am unable to prevent myself from commenting, but I will respect boundaries. Even I can do that. I would never tempt your mistress.”

  I crinkle my brow, about to comment, but Lathan jumps in.

  “You cannot tempt her, for her eyes and heart are mine alone. I have no insecurity in this area, however, I don’t want her to ever feel uncomfortable for any reason. On this, I am serious.”

  “You have my word.” He bows toward me. “As do you. I am harmless although starved for the attention of a female. Three solid months since my last.”

  “I am surprised you can still breathe,” Lathan says, playfully punching his brother’s arm.

  “Barely.” He smiles. “I will go and let you continue your evening. Again, fair Delaney, my apologies for frightening you. I mean no harm.”

  “No problem.”

  “Welcome to Havendon. I hope you will stay a very long time as it’s obvious you have stolen my brother’s heart.”

  “Thank you. I plan to stay.”

  Arlan nods and exits the room as Lathan pulls me close and kisses the top of my head. “So sorry about that intrusion. Olivia said your scream shook the house.”

  “I had fallen asleep, and when I opened my eyes, there’s a man I’ve never seen hovering over me. I lost my shit.”

  He laughs. “Rightfully so.”

  “Were you guys mad at each other?”

  “No, not at all. Did we seem mad?”

  “Kind of. It seemed like he was flirting with me and you were threatening him.”

  “Oh, yes, that is accurate.”

  “He flirted with your girlfriend right in front of you?”

  “He did. He always does. He was testing my commitment to you. Depending on my reaction, he knows if you will be available soon or not.”

  “You’re kidding?”

  “No. Most of the women I dated, he dated secondly. One of those sore subjects we had growing up. All the girls flocked to me, but would go out with him if I declined or when I no longer wanted to be with them.”

  “So he got all your sloppy seconds?”

  Lathan’s eyebrows raise as he chuckles. “An expression I have not heard, but one I understand. Yes, and since I often had the best to choose from, he happily filled the vacancy left behind.”

  “So, if you were like yeah she’s cool, he would’ve just waited for me to be free and moved in?”

  “Yes.”

  “Weird. In America, that is so not cool.”

  “I imagine among normal people it is also frowned upon, but our situation is unique.”

  “True. Why did he call me your mistress?”

  Lathan tilts his head. “Why not?”

  “Maybe it means something different here than it does where I’m from.”

  “Explain your meaning.”

  “A mistress is the woman a married man has on the side.”

  “Oh. Very different meaning. It means you own my heart, and I am humbly subservient to your desires.”

  I grin. “That’s a way better meaning.”

  “Yes, a compliment.”

  “So, Arlan’s home.”

  “He is. Surprised us this morning. He says he was on an archeological dig in Egypt and his phone was out of range. Based on his appearance this morning, I believe him. He was truly distraught, covered in dirt and had a beard.”

  “No way. He was all princely now.”

  “A good scrub down and a shave brought him to it.”

  “Fallyn would die if she saw him.”

  “Why?”

  “Cuz he’s hot.” My eyes open wide. “I mean, not like you, of course, but good looks run in your family.”

  Lathan laughs. “I agree with you. I admit to being slightly insecure of my brother’s looks when we were teens. He had a better build, more muscular, and I thought his eyes, being blue, were better than mine.”

  “They aren’t. There are no eyes in this world sexier than yours.”

  He kisses me softly. “Thank you. I quickly learned that I had my own gifts to offer and that my mere position as first born trumped any physical or personality flaws I might possess. So it does not surprise me to hear that you find him attractive.”

  “Yeah, but, I’m not just saying this because I’m in love with you, but there’s a difference that stands out right away. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I imagine if I saw him on the street, I would think cute, but, I wouldn’t want to meet him, if that makes sense.”

  “It does.”

  “Oh. I know what it is. You carry yourself as very assured, confident but not cocky. He comes across as though he knows he’s attractive, but he isn’t sure anyone else knows it. There’s an insecurity there just beneath the surface.”

  Lathan smiles. “That makes sense seeing as how he’s always been second to me in every aspect of his life, including romance.”

  “That’s too bad. I think Fallyn would fall all over herself to get near him.”

  “Perhaps when she visits we can facilitate an introduction. Fallyn is also hot.”

  I laugh. “Yeah, she’s gorgeous.”

  “She is pretty, but I adore your mix of elegance and seduction. It’s a heady combination. One that I am continually entranced by.”

  “Guess we picked the right people.”

  “We did indeed.”

  “That would be pretty funny if you both had American girlfriends.”

  Lathan laughs. “Beyond hilarious.” He pulls me close. “Since I’m here, would you be interested in retiring early?”

  I smile. “I most certainly would, Your Highness.”

  After tumbling into bed, I giggle as Lathan covers my face and neck in kisses. He moves down my body, shoving my dress up and using his teeth to graze my skin. He moves over my stomach, my thighs, my panties. I sigh, dragging my fingers through his luxurious hair.

  He sits up on his knees, unbuckling his belt with a grin on his lips.

  “Your Highness, you look like a wolf about to devour the sheep.”

  “Am I a wolf?”

  I nod, smiling. “What big teeth you have.”

  “The better to eat you with, my love.”

  As he unleashes his incredible dick, I sit up enough to stroke him. “Oh my, what a big cock you have.”

  Lathan grips my chin. “The better to fuck you with.”

  “Mmm, yes, please.”

  “Open your legs for me.”

  Once I shimmy out of my panties, I spread my legs as far apart as I can, then tug gently on my piercing, knowing how it makes him crazy. He strokes his erection, his eyes glazed with lust, as he gazes down at me.

  “You are something to behold, my darling.”

  “I am yours to behold, my prince.”

  Smiling, he slides in deep, causing my breath to catch as he stretches my insides. I close my eyes, once again, lost in the pleasure only this man can provide.

  A couple of weeks later, I roll over, squeezing my eyes shut as the sunlight floods my room. I always hate morning when Lathan’s gone. I hope that the day comes soon when he doesn’t have to leave anymore. As times passes, I’m settling into a
routine, but it’s not home yet. Not until he’s always here.

  Sitting up, I run my fingers through my hair, then look at the door when I hear a knock. It opens and Ophelia comes bouncing in.

  “Morning,” she says, practically singing.

  I shake my head. “Morning.”

  “Are you wondering why I’m in your bedroom?”

  “A little, yeah.”

  “Because I have an idea, and it starts in here.”

  “What kind of idea?”

  “Well,” she says, as she sort of sashays around my room. “I think you’re doing a fantastic job with your lessons.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I want to talk to Lathan about you. I think you’re ready.”

  My eyes open wide. “Do you?”

  “I do.” She sits on the edge of the bed, taking my hand in hers. “I know you’re ready, not only for a public introduction, but to get on with your life. The weeks you’ve been holed up in here must be difficult.”

  “Not as bad as I thought, but I miss Fallyn, and I’d like to see more of Havendon.”

  “Of course. Are you up for it?”

  “Sure.”

  “Great. We’ll do your last lesson, and then I’ll go to the prince.”

  “Awesome. I’ll get dressed.” As I climb out of bed, I notice how her eyes linger on my nude form so I turn toward her. “You wanted to see my piercing.”

  She smiles as her cheeks blush. “Forgive my stare. I am just so terribly curious about it.”

  “It’s okay.” I step a little closer. “It doesn’t bother me.”

  “Did it hurt?”

  “Yes, but only briefly.”

  “I wonder if Harris would like it if I had one.”

  “Maybe.” I grab my robe on the end of the bed. “I want to get my nipples done for Lathan someday.”

  “Perhaps we’ll make a day of it. That would be a true bonding experience.”

  I laugh. “Indeed it would.”

  “Right then. Freshen up and we’ll get started.”

  “Okay.”

  “And thank you for letting me see it.”

  “No problem, Ophelia.”

  I look up at the sound of the knock on my door. Ophelia enters, with a huge smile on her face.

  “Cousin, may I have a few moments of your time?”