Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  Gerard and Geoffrey enter, handing us the speeches they prepared. I glance down at mine, checking for the changes I requested last night.

  “Are you ready, Your Highnesses?” Gerard asks.

  I nod, looking at Arlan. “We are.” As we walk into the waiting crowd of reporters, instead of feeling nervous, I remind myself that I was born for this. As they say in America, I’ve got this.

  Sitting next to Ophelia, I hold baby Grace, waiting to see Lathan come on the television screen.

  “Are you nervous?” Ophelia asks.

  “Very. I hope it goes well.”

  “It will. Lathan may be out of practice, but he’s lived his entire life in the public eye. He can handle it.”

  “Right. Okay. I need to remember that.”

  She nudges my arm. “There he is!”

  “Oh, he looks so handsome wearing that blue suit.”

  “He does indeed, as does his brother.”

  “The palace color, right?”

  “Right. That’s why we chose your ball gown in that color.”

  We fall silent as Lathan takes his place behind a podium, with Arlan to his left side in front of another microphone. No one speaks, but even from here, I can feel the prickly energy in the room.

  The camera zooms in on Lathan’s face. “Citizens of Havendon, my brother and I come to you today with news of our father, His Majesty, The King of Havendon.”

  I notice how confident he looks and sounds, as though he does this sort of thing all the time.

  “I wish the news were good, however, we must inform you that the King has suffered a series of heart attacks.” The reporters begin to chatter, but Lathan lifts his hand, silencing them. “At this time, he is stable and resting and receiving the best care.” He nods at Arlan who leans slightly toward the microphone.

  “Because of his health, the decision has been made that His Royal Highness, Prince Lathan will begin to take the necessary steps to assume the throne at a still undetermined time, aided in counsel by our father.”

  Arlan nods, as Lathan speaks. “His Royal Highness, Prince Arlan will be the foreign policy advisor for the palace, effective immediately. His recent travels provide valuable insight to this position, and the King thanks him for his service.”

  Arlan speaks again. “Please note, that there will be no changes to the Independence Day festivities.”

  Lathan takes his turn. “We will take questions now.”

  “Pay attention here,” Ophelia says. “You will learn how you will be treated by them.”

  A reporter stands. “Your Highness Prince Lathan, will you take the throne while the King is still alive?”

  Lathan narrows his eyes. “Despite the insensitivity of your question, my reply is that none of our established protocols have changed. Next.”

  Okay, that totally turned me on. Lathan is a bad ass.

  Ophelia giggles. “Get ‘em, cousin.”

  Another reporter stands. “Will you be staying in Havendon long term, Your Highnesses?”

  I can see Lathan’s eyes rolling from here, as Arlan steps forward. “Obviously with our official duties, we will need to be in Havendon to do them. Both my brother and I are extremely happy to be home, and are quite content to stay.”

  Another man stands, looking a bit nervous. “This question is for His Royal Highness Prince Lathan.” Lathan nods. “Based on previous situations,” he starts, his voice sounding very shaky. “Can you tell us if you are ready to settle down and put your reckless days behind you?”

  Lathan narrows his eyes again, and, as his lips fall into a flat line, I’m reminded of that moment he stomped out of cooking class. Arlan looks ready to intervene at any moment. A tense silence falls over the room, and I wonder what Lathan will say.

  “Oh dear,” Ophelia says. “I do hope he doesn’t lose his temper.”

  “Me too.”

  Lathan’s jaw clenches as he looks out at the crowd. “Who among you has never made a mistake? Who?” No one answers him. “Am I not a mortal man? My position does not make me immune to doing the same things countless others have done. This response is by no means my attempt to condone or downplay my behavior, but simply, my desire to open your eyes. I was young and made mistakes. I am no longer as young and have learned much. While I understand the motive behind your question, it is insulting. My father, your King, trusts me with Havendon, and therefore, so should you.”

  “Well played, cousin,” Ophelia murmurs. “That should shut them up.”

  “Hopefully.”

  “We will take one more question,” Arlan says. Several questions are thrown out, but one in particular causes the brothers to look at each other before responding.

  Arlan steps to the microphone. “Our father, your King, lives and hears these questions you throw at us as though you forget your place. Do you represent the voice of the people? I do not think so. Would you ask us these things if the King stood in this room? If our mother the Queen did?”

  “I didn’t hear it,” I whisper.

  “Nor I.”

  “Stand,” Lathan commands, pointing to someone in the crowd. An older man that looks about fifty stands, bowing his balding head. “Look at me.”

  The man looks up. “Yes, Your Highness.”

  “You treat me so disrespectfully, but address me with your false reverence? Ask your question again with everyone listening.”

  “I do not have a question, sir.”

  “Ask it!”

  The man’s eyes dart around the room then he clears his throat. “I asked if you will make a better or worse king than your father.”

  I hear nothing but gasps, and that’s saying something considering all the questions have been rude. Ophelia grabs my hand as we watch.

  “Yes, you asked this,” Lathan says. “Now the question is what do you think of your current king?”

  “I am at his service, sir.”

  “And what of my service?”

  I can see the man gulp even on TV. “Also yours, Your Highness. I apologize for my poorly worded question. I meant to ask what kind of rule we can expect from you.”

  Lathan’s glare settles into a smile. “You are wise to correct your mistake, however, disingenuous your correction may be. To answer your question, you will find out one day, but not today, as my father lives.” His eyes shift up to the entire crowd. “Do not mourn him yet, Havendon. Celebrate him and what he has done for all of us. As for my brother and myself, we will cherish every day he breathes. No more questions.”

  Arlan steps forward. “The King and Queen wish you all excellent health and good fortune. Good day.”

  The screen goes black and I wonder what happens now.

  “That’s the official sign off that Arlan said,” Ophelia explains.

  “I see. So now is it just chaos over there?”

  “No. I’m sure Lathan and Arlan will just leave the room.”

  “I expected the journalists to be more respectful.”

  “That would be nice, but our history with the media is interesting. The palace used to control everything. Then many years ago, when I was still a child, the King changed it, allowing journalism to be independent. At first, things stayed the same while they tested the palace reaction. When there wasn’t one, they started to become more aggressive, and now we have this.”

  “Doesn’t seem like a good change. This is what it’s like in America.”

  “Yes, but that’s what’s good. It’s transparent and the people can decide how they feel about what they see.”

  “That makes sense. Did Lathan do well?”

  “Oh yes, he was so commanding, don’t you think?”

  “Well, yes, but how will people perceive his verbal smack down?”

  “Smack down,” she repeats, giggling. “I like that.”

  “Focus, Ophelia.”

  “Right. I believe the people will be talking about this for days. The older people will likely find him a bit brutish, but the younger people will think he’s mo
dern and brave. I think he will be an incredible king.”

  “Me too.”

  A bit later, Lathan and Arlan come through the front door and join us in the sitting room.

  Lathan grins at me. “What did you think of the show?”

  “I thought you were awesome, both of you, how you handled those rude questions. Scares the shit out of me, truth be told, how they’ll treat me when it’s time.”

  “Don’t be scared,” Lathan says, sitting next to me and taking the baby. He bounces her as she giggles. “You’ll be fine.”

  “God, I hope so.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot in the excitement,” Ophelia says. “I’ve been trying to get Grace to talk and so far she can say mama, papa, and juice, but this morning, I tried to get her to say Delaney, and well, I’ll see if she’ll do it again.”

  Ophelia takes the baby from Lathan and points at me. “Grace, can you say Delaney?”

  “That seems hard for such a young child,” I note.

  “She can do it. Just be patient. Gracie, can you say Delaney for mama?”

  Grace responds by giggling and kicking her legs, but she looks straight at me and points.

  “Yes, that’s right. That’s Delaney. De-lane-ee,” Ophelia repeats slowly.

  Grace smiles and then looks right at me and says, “Nee Nee.”

  We all start to laugh and clap as the baby kicks and giggles. “Nee Nee,” she repeats several times, clearly enjoying the reaction she gets from adults.

  “That’s incredible,” I say. “I can’t believe I’m part of her vocabulary.”

  “You should be. She sees you every day.”

  I take Grace in my arms and cuddle her close. Looking up at me, she pats her tiny hand softly on my cheek. “Nee Nee.”

  “That’s right, Gracie. I’m Nee Nee.”

  Lathan leans close and kisses my cheek. “She’s a dream, isn’t she?”

  “She is.”

  “I can’t wait to have our own. When we’re ready.”

  “Right.” I look up at Arlan sitting across from us. I can’t read his expression as he studies all of us. “How are you doing, Arlan?”

  He smiles. “Wonderful. I was just wondering what it would be like to hold a baby. May I try?”

  “Of course,” Ophelia says, taking her from me and placing her on her cousin’s lap.

  Arlan looks uncomfortable, but as Grace does her thing, kicking her chubby legs and giggling, he relaxes, and bounces her on his knee.

  “Can you say Arlan?” Ophelia asks standing nearby. “Arlan.”

  “Lan,” Grace says with a determined face.

  “Good, girl! Now say Lathan.”

  Grace turns to look at her other cousin, smiling. “Lan,” she repeats and we laugh.

  “I guess to a baby Arlan and Lathan sound exactly the same,” Ophelia observes.

  “So,” Lathan says, “We are Nee Nee and Lan Lan.” We all laugh as Lathan puts his arm around my waist.

  “My princess, can I speak with you alone?”

  “Of course. Do you want to go outside?”

  “Yes, let’s take a stroll.” We walk past the others and step out through the French doors. Lathan takes my hand in his. “What did you really think of my press conference?”

  “Honestly? I thought you seemed really confident, sexy, and when you told those journalists that basically they could suck it, I thought it was hot.”

  Lathan chuckles. “Hot?”

  “Hell yeah. You’re always in a happy mood, always so poised and cool headed, but then today I saw the part of you that you must have in order to rule a country. It was hot.”

  “So, you’re turned on?”

  “I am. What should we do about that, Your Highness?”

  “I think you should run.”

  “Why would I run from you?”

  “Because it would be quite a scandal for me to make love to you in the middle of the palace courtyard.” He grabs me by the waist tickling me until I giggle, then squirming away from him, I run away, and he chases me through the gardens.

  I duck behind some shrubbery, but he quickly finds me, so I laugh and run off again. We continue chasing each other through the garden, until I run straight into the Queen on her walk, surprised to find the King in his wheelchair right behind being pushed by an aide.

  I quickly curtsy and try to compose myself while Lathan catches up.

  “What is this?” the Queen asks, smiling. “A game of cat and mouse?”

  I nod. “Yes, ma’am. Just having a bit of fun.”

  “As you should, child.”

  Lathan smiles at his parents. “All is well?”

  “Yes,” the King says. “I just wanted to feel the sun on my face. It’s a lovely day.”

  “It always is,” Lathan says.

  “Well, continue on,” the Queen says. “It delights my heart to see you so happy, my son.”

  He kisses her cheek. “Thank you, mother.”

  Taking my hand, we walk past them and back inside the palace. Pulling my wrist, Lathan leads me through one of the secret openings then presses me against the wall, kissing me hard.

  “My darling, I’m dying to touch you,” he whispers on my lips. “I’m suffering without my sweet poison.” His hand moves up my thigh, under my dress, and inside my panties, causing me to gasp. “I am starved, my love. May I dine?”

  I nod as I throw my head back with pleasure. Lathan sinks to his knees in front of me, yanking my panties down forcefully. Using my hips, he twists me around so that my face is pressed against the cold, stone wall, then he buries his face between my legs. As his tongue invades my body, I tug on my dress until my breasts are exposed, and claw them between my fingers.

  Lathan pulls at my waist until I’m bent completely forward, nearly touching my own toes. I grab my ankles for support as the pressure begins to build between my legs.

  “Ooh, Lathan,” I moan, “so good.”

  “If you come for me, I’ll reward you with my cock.” He slides a finger deep inside my pussy. “Do you want my cock?”

  “God, yes!”

  “Then be a good princess and shower me with your essence.”

  “Ooooh,” I moan long and slow as my orgasm overtakes me, grinding on his mouth as his tongue and fingers continue to work on me. Without warning, he pushes his thick cock deep within me, hard and fast, causing me to cry out. The sound of my voice and our heavy breathing echoes through the halls, as Lathan tugs at my hair and surprisingly, slaps his hand down on my ass so hard it stings a bit. I suck in my breath at the sensation.

  “Yes or no?” Lathan grunts as he plows into me.

  “Yes,” I answer, breathlessly.

  His fingers dig into my flesh and then his hand comes down on me again. The smacking sound of his palm on my ass actually drives me wild. I pull away, twisting around, and dropping to my knees, sucking him into my mouth. He looks down at me as I drag my tongue up and down his piercing.

  “You are so fucking sexy,” he murmurs. “So free. I love watching you. I love being inside of you.”

  Grinning, I swirl my tongue over the tip of his cock. “Do you want to fuck me, Your Highness?”

  With a smirk on his lips, he pulls my arm until I’m standing again and presses me against the wall. “I do indeed.”

  Reaching under me, he lifts me off the floor and I wrap my legs around his waist as he enters me again. Our mouths come together while Lathan pushes deep inside. A moment later, he grips my neck, gazing into my eyes.

  “You are so perfect, everything about you. I love you so much.”

  I nod, barely able to breathe. “I love you.”

  “I know. If you never said the words, I would still know.” He kisses me again, then tenses, his body flinching as he releases into me. We slide down to the marble floor as Lathan pulls me into his arms, kissing the top of my head.

  “Amazing,” Lathan whispers. “Every single time.”

  “Yes.” I look up and smile. “Every time.” My eye
s notice something in the corner and I sit up slightly. “Is that a security camera? Oh my god, are we being watched?”

  Lathan chuckles. “No, my love. They’ve been disabled for years.”

  I relax. “Oh. Okay. I thought we were gonna make headlines.”

  “We will, but not those kind.” He shifts, helping me to stand as I start to put myself back together. “Apparently, I was not able to make it all the way to the bedroom.”

  “I’m not complaining. It was so hot.”

  “Yes it was. I just needed you so badly, I couldn’t be bothered by location.”

  “I am yours whenever you wish.”

  “For that, I am a fortunate man.” He smiles. “While at the press conference this morning, I thought about you watching me, and all I wanted was for you to be proud.”

  “I’m extremely proud of you.” We begin walking to Havendon House, holding hands as we do. “Do you know what your father told me when I was in his hospital room?”

  “Tell me.”

  “He told me that you would need me more than ever when you become king. He said you’ll need the kind of best friend that only a wife can be.”

  He nods. “Yes, I won’t be able to talk to anyone about anything happening outside of the palace advisors and you. Not even Tristan.”

  We stop walking and I rise up on my toes, pressing my lips softly against his. “I just want you to know that I’m one hundred percent committed to you and Havendon, and our life. Whatever happens, you can count on me.”

  He smiles. “I already know that, my darling. You are proof to me, and soon to many others, that two people can be from different countries, different backgrounds, different everything, and still be completely destined for each. There can be age difference, an upbringing difference, and yet, when two people are designed to love each other, every difference becomes the very glue that binds them together. I said before that I could not have created a woman more suited for me than you, but I didn’t even know then how true that was until seeing you in this environment.” He cups my face. “Havendon runs through my blood. It is what I am, but you, my darling, you are the reason my heart beats. Without you, I would not be so unafraid of the future. When I look in your eyes, I feel strength and love radiating from them to me. I am invincible as long as I lie in your arms. You are the source of my power, and I know, because of you, I will be the king I should be. Because of you, anything is possible.”