Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  I smile. “There’s my sweet, romantic Lathan showing.”

  He gently pinches my chin. “He is always here, inspired by your beauty, heart and face. You are the most potent elixir, and I am eternally drunk on you.”

  Gazing into his eyes, I murmur, “I wish I could come up with something wicked awesome to say right now.”

  Lathan laughs. “That was awesome enough. Shall we go freshen up then join our family for lunch?”

  “Yeah, let’s do that.” I look down at my soiled dress. “I really don’t want to explain this one to Olivia.”

  He laughs. “I assure you she will not judge you.”

  “If you say so.”

  As we continue our walk down the long corridor, I glance up at my handsome prince. Someday I’ll be his wife. Now that, is wicked awesome.

  A week later, I pace in front of my office window. We’re just days away from the ball and my presentation of Delaney. I just hope everything I’ve planned goes as expected.

  As I finish some paperwork, my phone rings, and I smile when I see the number. “This is Lathan.”

  “Your Highness, I am able to deliver your package this afternoon. Is that acceptable?”

  “Quite. Please ask for me when you arrive, and I will come to inspect it personally.”

  “Yes, sir. Expect me about one.”

  “Excellent. Thank you.” I hang up and breathe a sigh of relief. That’s one thing off my list. I just have so much planned right now for Delaney. Announcing her, the biggest of all, but I’m not nervous. I’m tired of hiding. I want to take her places and show her the things I love.

  Mostly, I want to propose, but I must pace myself and handle one big event at a time. At least my father lives, his stubborn streak likely prolonging his time with us. It gives me time to get my bearings and help Delaney with her transition here.

  Smiling, I glance out the window and look up at the cloudless sky. Now, to take care of the last piece scheduled for tomorrow morning and all will be set for Saturday.

  As I sit in my room, reading a book by the window overlooking the garden, I realize it’s only days from the ball and my public introduction. I should be nervous, but for some reason, I’m not. Looking up when I hear the knock on the door, I smile as Olivia enters the room.

  “Madam, you have a package downstairs.”

  “Okay. Can you get it for me?”

  “It’s from America, and the delivery person requested you sign for it yourself.”

  “From America?” I pop up from my seat, smiling. “Oh, how exciting.”

  Olivia smiles. “Most exciting, madam. The delivery waits for you in the sitting room.”

  “Thank you.” I hurry down the massive staircase and into the sitting room, then stop in my tracks. “Oh my god.”

  “Hey, stranger.”

  “Fallyn!” I rush toward her, throwing my arms around her neck. She squeezes tightly as we both burst into happy tears. “I can’t believe it. How did you… when… oh my god.”

  Fallyn smiles, wiping her cheeks. “Lathan arranged everything. He called me about a week ago and asked if there was any way I could spend a few days here. How could I say no? So here I am.”

  “Lathan did this for me?”

  “He did.”

  I shake my head. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you so much.”

  “I’ve missed you too.” She looks around for a moment. “This is where you live?”

  “Yeah, and this is just the guest house. You should see the palace.”

  The front door opens and Lathan comes walking in. “I see my special gift has arrived from America.”

  I run into his arms, kissing his cheek rapidly several times. “Thank you so much.”

  “No, my love, thank you. You have already endured so much, this was the least I could do for you.”

  “I’m so happy.”

  “The words I live for.” He looks up at Fallyn. “I trust your flight was comfortable?”

  “Amazing, Lath… um, what do I call you?”

  He chuckles. “Call me Lathan as you did.”

  She nods. “Cool. Anyway, the flight was amazing. I’ve never been on a private plane before.”

  “Pretty impressive, right?” I ask.

  “Uh, yeah. I felt like a freaking rock star.”

  Lathan laughs. “It is my preferred method of travel.”

  “I can see why,” Fallyn adds.

  “Olivia has prepared a room for you here in the house,” Lathan explains winking at me. “Please make yourself at home.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’ll leave you two to chat and catch up. Can we have dinner together?”

  “Of course,” I say. “Thank you again. This is amazing.”

  “You are amazing and deserve it.” He kisses me softly and then whispers. “Shall I invite others?”

  “Yes, invite Tristan, Ophelia, and Arlan.”

  “I will make arrangements for a meal. We’ll eat outside on the veranda.”

  “Lovely.”

  He kisses me again. “See you soon, my love.” Then he walks to Fallyn, hugs her, and kisses her cheek. “Until later.”

  “Bye.”

  Lathan walks out then Fallyn practically shrieks. “Is it my imagination or is he even hotter here than he was in Boston?”

  “Not your imagination. He’s definitely hotter here.”

  She plops on the couch. “So, tell me everything. Don’t skip any details. I want the play by play.”

  Hours later, tipsy on Havendon wine that Olivia continuously supplied, we journey upstairs so Fallyn can shower and get ready for dinner.

  As Olivia opens the door to Fallyn’s room, situated right next to mine, her mouth drops open when she steps in. Looking back at me, she shakes her head.

  “You’re fucking kidding me, right?”

  I glance at Olivia whose face briefly registers surprise. I just laugh. That’s my girl.

  “Not kidding. This is your room.”

  “Wow.” She steps in and walks around the room in a daze. “Del, this is like twice the size of my apartment.”

  “I know. My room is even bigger than this.”

  “Un-freaking-believable.”

  “May I do anything else for you right now, madam?”

  “No, Olivia, that will be all, unless Fallyn would like an exfoliating treatment?”

  Fallyn’s eyes open wide. “Um, no, maybe some other time.”

  Olivia nods and leaves, and we both burst into laughter. “You’re a brat,” Fallyn says, playfully shoving my arm.

  “Oh come on, you don’t want to be scrubbed down by a grown woman?”

  “Not on my list of things to do.” I laugh and plop down on her bed as she joins me. “This is some seriously nice shit.”

  “I know, and it’s not even the best.”

  “Lucky.”

  “Thanks.” I roll over onto my side and kiss her cheek. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

  “I’m happy to be here, and I hope I love it so I can move.”

  “Move?” I tilt my head. “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah, I am. Remember on New Year’s Eve when we talked about what we wanted our lives to look like by the next holiday?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “I said I had to get out of my comfort zone and I thought that meant something totally different than it did.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I thought maybe I should find a new job or learn a new skill and that would be exciting, but that’s not what I need. I like my comfort zone.”

  “I’m not sure I understand.”

  She takes my hand in hers. “You’re my comfort zone. I want to be where you are.” She smiles. “This is the one time where staying with my comfort zone is exactly the right thing to do. Already, I’m in a foreign country. Who knows what other adventure waits for me.”

  I nod. “I get it. I’d be really happy if you came here. Everyone’s been really nice, but no one ca
n replace you.”

  “Thanks. I love you, girl.”

  “I love you too.” We hug, and I end up rolling on top of her, laughing. Fallyn sits up suddenly. “This is getting weird.”

  I laugh too. “Yeah. Go shower. I’ll be in my room waiting for you.”

  “Sounds good.”

  A couple of hours later, Fallyn knocks on my bedroom door just as I’m finishing getting dressed. She’s wearing a flowy summer dress I’ve never seen, so I whistle.

  “Look at you.”

  She grins. “I researched the weather and thought it would be nice to wear something I would never wear at home. I also thought I should have normal hair color for a change so I went back to my natural color.”

  “You look incredible.”

  “Thank you.” Fallyn’s long black hair is down and curled, something she rarely does, and she’s actually wearing makeup and heels. Her petite, but curvy figure looks fantastic in the dress. It’s obvious she’s not wearing a bra, but she doesn’t need one. “This is okay, right? I couldn’t wear a bra with it.”

  “We’re just staying on palace grounds tonight, so I think it’s fabulous, but I can ask Ophelia what’s the stance with that.”

  “Cool.”

  “I wish I could get away without wearing a bra.”

  Fallyn laughs. “No you don’t. Enjoy your big old tatas.”

  I laugh too. “You’re hilarious.”

  “I know.” She grins. “Oh, I almost forgot my big announcement.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Well, I didn’t exactly nail my no F bombs resolution, but…” she pauses for drama. “I stopped smoking.”

  My eyes open wide. “No freaking way! Fallon, that’s incredible. Congrats!”

  “Thanks. I just woke up one morning disgusted so I stopped cold turkey.”

  “How do you feel?”

  “Fantastic. It was time.”

  “I’m happy for you.” Sliding my feet in sandals, I glance out the window and notice a table being set for us on the back patio overlooking the grounds. “Ready?”

  “I am. Let’s go.”

  We head downstairs and walk outside where Olivia and others fuss around our table settings. Sitting in two chairs, we enjoy the evening sun for a few minutes before everyone arrives. Olivia looks up.

  “Madam, His Highnesses, Prince Lathan and Prince Arlan approach.”

  Fallyn and I stand up, and as the men walk through the patio doors to meet us, I notice how Arlan’s eyes fix onto my friend. When I turn to look at Fallyn, her mouth is slightly agape. My eyes shift to Lathan, who also notices the interaction.

  “Brother, this is Delaney’s best friend, Fallyn. Fallyn, my brother, Arlan.”

  Despite me teaching her to curtsy, she just stares at Arlan, seemingly frozen. I nudge her arm and whisper her name. She blinks several times.

  “Hello,” Arlan says.

  “Um, hello.” I bump her again, and she finally curtsies. “I mean, um, pleased to meet you, Your Highness.”

  Arlan steps closer, taking her hand and kissing it. “Please, call me Arlan, and it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  Fallyn nods, smiling. I do believe we might have ourselves a love connection.

  “Well,” Lathan says, “Would everyone like a glass of wine before dinner?”

  “I would,” I answer, then laugh softly as Arlan and Fallyn still stare at each other. Lathan moves next to me, putting his arm around my waist. “Should we leave them

  alone?”

  I laugh softly. “Maybe we should. Is it love at first sight?”

  “It’s definitely something at first sight.”

  I clear my throat. “Fallyn, would you like some wine?”

  She looks at me as though she just realized I exist. “Um, yeah. Yes, please.”

  “And you, brother?” Lathan asks. “Wine for you?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Lathan and I walk over to the chilling wine to fill our glasses, noticing how Arlan and Fallyn step closer to each other. Arlan’s lips are moving and Fallyn is smiling.

  “I wonder what he’s saying to her.”

  Lathan grins. “I imagine he is telling her how beautiful she is. Havendonian men get right to the point.”

  I laugh. “I learned that.”

  “What do you say we suggest they take a walk? Arlan can show her the grounds and perhaps by the time they get back, they’ll be prepared to have conversations with others.”

  I grin. “Good call.”

  We walk back to the couple and Lathan offers his suggestion. Arlan’s eyes light up, as he offers his arm to Fallyn.

  “Would you care to tour the grounds with me?”

  Fallyn nods, looping her arm through his. “I would, thank you.”

  We watch them walk off, already comfortable in each other’s presence.

  “Honestly, I thought she might think Arlan was hot, but I wasn’t expecting spontaneous combustion.”

  “Nor was I. Quite amazing to watch. I wonder if it was like that for other people when we met.”

  “I wonder too.”

  A few minutes later, Tristan and his wife, and Ophelia and her husband come out to where we are. Lathan explains to everyone where Arlan and Fallyn are, commenting on the chemistry we witnessed.

  After Lathan fills everyone’s glasses with wine and we chat a bit, Arlan and Fallyn approach, but there’s a change. No longer staring lovingly into each other’s eyes, they walk with distance between them, and quickly. I immediately look up at Lathan who shrugs. When they reach us, they separate, Fallyn next to me, and Arlan on the other side of his brother.

  “Everything okay?” I whisper to Fallyn.

  “Can you show me where the bathroom is?”

  “Of course.”

  I lead her inside and down a long hall to the powder room. After closing the door, she sits on the toilet with a creased brow.

  “What happened? It seemed like you were both instantly smitten, now you look like you never want to see him again.”

  She sighs. “We were walking and talking and he was telling me all kinds of cute childhood stories about him and Lathan, and then, boom, we just suddenly started kissing.”

  I gasp. “You’re kidding?”

  “No, we just looked at each other and that was it. We fell to the ground behind some bushes and we were just going at it.”

  “Oh my god, Fallyn. Did you have sex with Arlan?”

  “No.” She shakes her head. “That’s when it all went to shit. He jumped up and brushed his slacks off and said…” She looks down at the floor.

  “Did he insult you?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What did he say?”

  “He said, that as your friend and Lathan’s guest, he respected me too much to take advantage of me in the garden.”

  I tilt my head. “Um okay. What else did he say?”

  “That’s it. He helped me up, and then said he would rather get to know me first.”

  I stare at her for a minute. “I don’t think I get why you’re insulted.”

  “Duh. He just said that because he wasn’t turned on. He was letting me down easy.”

  “That’s kind of a big leap. He might’ve meant it. Lathan said the same thing to me at first.”

  “Yah, but he jumped you anyway.”

  “After three weeks, Fallyn. You just met Arlan literally minutes ago. I have to agree with him on this.”

  “No. I was there, you weren’t. It was like super, major, impending hot monkey sex attraction and then he just shut down. He doesn’t like me.”

  “I don’t know. I can’t speak for him, but maybe he just feels some pressure because you’re my bestie. Maybe, Fallyn, he really does respect you. Do you even know what that feels like?”

  She looks up with tears in her eyes. “I guess not.”

  “Yeah, well, it looks like not banging in the family garden ten minutes after you meet. I bet he was totally into you, and then thought it th
rough, and decided to go a little slower.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Give him a chance. Ready to go back out there?”

  “I guess.”

  “Good. Just see how it goes.”

  “I will.”

  We walk back out and Arlan is standing, waiting by the door, with a bunch of wildflowers in his hand. When he sees Fallyn, he smiles, and offers them to her.

  “Can we start over?” he asks. “Perhaps, after dinner, you’d like to take another walk with me. This time, I’ll be the gentleman that you deserve.”

  Fallyn takes the flowers and smiles, glancing at me. “Sure, why not?”

  “Thank you.”

  I step away, giving them some privacy, while they whisper to each other. I notice how Fallyn’s shoulders relax the longer they chat.

  Lathan kisses my cheek. “Is she alright?”

  “She is. Is Arlan?”

  “Not at all. I am all too familiar with what ails him.” I look up, as Lathan smiles. “It seems, my dear brother, has fallen instantly in love with her, or so he thinks. He’s a jumbled mess over what to do next.”

  “In love?” I repeat, watching them chat, then Arlan leans forward kissing her cheek. “That’s so sweet.”

  “It is. I hope it works out for them.”

  “So do I. Do you know what happened in the garden?”

  “I do.”

  “She thinks he’s not attracted to her.”

  “Quite the opposite. Can you keep a secret?”

  “Always.”

  “He has a terrible track record with women. He has no idea what to do.”

  “Well, then you help him. Show him how to treat a woman, how to love her. You are a master at it.”

  He kisses me softly. “I will do my best.”