Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  “Yeah, of course. Whenever.”

  “I’ll send her to you. I have to be at the palace by ten. Is my brother already off?”

  “He is. He said something about a budget meeting.”

  Arlan’s eyes open wide. “Shit. I’m supposed to be there too.” He looks back at Fallyn. “I must go, I’m afraid. My soon to be sister reminds me of an appointment.”

  Fallyn pops her bottom lip. “Poo.”

  “I’ll be back as soon as possible.” Motioning for me to enter, he walks back into the room and starts to throw his clothes back on, then leans across the bed, kissing Fallyn passionately and deeply. “Remember what we discussed.”

  “I will,” she says.

  “Good. See you soon, kitten.” Turning to me, he kisses my cheek then grins. “I think I’ll take the shortcut.” He disappears behind a secret door as we both laugh.

  I jump in bed beside Fallyn. “Guess it was a good night?”

  She falls back with a dreamy sigh. “The best.”

  “Yeah?”

  She grins, turning her head to look at me. “So awesome. We just sat up all night talking and laughing and just learning about each other.”

  “Talking and laughing?” I nudge her arm. “Is that all?”

  “Believe it or not, yeah. We didn’t do anything except make out.”

  I tilt my head. “Oh come on, Fallyn. I saw him and you’re not wearing any clothes.”

  “I know. We didn’t do it, I swear.” She smiles. “It was wicked awesome.”

  “So you took off your clothes and then talked?”

  “I said we made out. A lot. Like a ton.” She sits leaning forward. “He’s huge, Del. Like ginormous. Like a fucking beast. Huge. Oh, and you’re not the only woman with a pierced Prince. He has a Prince Albert.”

  “Wow. And you didn’t do anything about that?”

  “No.” She runs her fingers through her tangled hair. “I’m serious. We talked and decided we would wait until I was here one full month. Want to know why?”

  “Of course.”

  “Because Arlan said after one month of day and night togetherness, we’ll know if we’re gonna be a thing or not. If we’re gonna be a thing, then we need to take the next step and make it legit. If not, then we part as friends.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Yeah, but I already know we’re gonna be a thing. After last night, I just know. He’s like me in so many ways. Always the outsider, always clinging to someone else that was so perfect in every way. I get him and he gets me.”

  “Wait. What do you mean by that, clinging to someone else?”

  “Duh.”

  “Explain yourself.”

  She averts her eyes for a minute before looking up again. “I guess I never told you that I think of you that way. When I met you, in my head I thought, there’s no way this proper, wicked smart, super pretty girl would ever be friends with me, but then you were. I knew the kids in school wondered why you liked me. I was always the weird and wild girl. You were the opposite of that, and not even lying, I wanted to be like you. To this day, I wanted to be like you.” She smiles. “Until last night.”

  “What changed last night?”

  “After I told Arlan how I see you, he helped me see what you like about me. Why you chose me as a friend.”

  I take her hand in mine. “What did he say?”

  “That even though you were smart and proper and pretty, that you were probably attracted to my wildness. It sparked something in you, something exciting, that made you want to be like me.”

  “He’s absolutely right, Fallyn.”

  “Yeah, I get that now. I’ve tried so many times in my life to change things about myself, but then I realized, finally, that the two people who matter most to me, other than my mom, like me just the way I am.”

  “Yep. F bombs included.”

  Fallyn laughs. “Arlan swears just as much as I do. It’s awesome.”

  “I’m really happy for you. I thought you would think he was hot, but I wasn’t expecting it to be like a major thing.”

  “I hope I need princess lessons. I hope I marry him.” She smiles. “Not because he’s rich, or a prince, or lives in a palace, but because…” she pauses as her eyes become glossy and a tear slides down her cheek.

  “Aw, Fallyn.”

  She wipes her cheek. “Because he’s the first guy I’ve ever met that wanted to know who I am inside and not just what I can do in bed. I even tried to suck him off, and he said no way, because he would attack me after that.”

  “That’s awesome.”

  She nods. “It was.”

  “So, he stayed here all night and you were naked?”

  “We both were. He put his boxers on when you knocked.”

  “And no sex?”

  “Nope.”

  “That’s impressive.”

  “It was hard. Literally and figuratively.”

  We both laugh. “I imagine it was.”

  “All night I could see the bulge under the sheets. Then he gave me a little peek so I let him see my tiny twins.”

  I shake my head laughing. “They are not tiny.”

  In true Fallyn style, she drops the sheet and cups her boobs. “Tiny.”

  “Pretty. Just like the rest of you.”

  She rolls her eyes, but smiles. “Thanks. He said he loved them, and couldn’t wait to watch them bounce when he drilled me.”

  My eyes open wide. “In those words?”

  “Hell, yeah. He’s got a filthy mouth with a mind to match.”

  “That rivals yours?”

  “Oh yeah. He didn’t come out and say it, but I think the Prince leans toward a little domination and submission action.”

  “He’s dominant?”

  She grins. “He’s the submissive.”

  “Nuh uh?”

  “Swear it. He said he couldn’t wait to serve me.”

  “Oh, Lathan says shit like that all the time, but he doesn’t mean it literally.”

  “Arlan does. He said his favorite thing is a strong, forceful woman who will take what she wants and punish a man if he falls short.”

  I nod. “Hmm, yeah, Lathan doesn’t say that.”

  “So I asked him if he likes dominant women in the bedroom and instead of replying, he rubbed his bulge and said he more than likes it, he requires it.”

  “Ooh, I think you’re right. What do you think of that?”

  “It excites me. I’ve never been in a situation like that, but if he coaches me, and if he wants it, I’ll try it. Why not, right?”

  “Why not. I can’t wait to find out how it goes.”

  “Me too.” We laugh some more then she continues. “I asked him if he likes anal and he said yes.”

  “Lots of guys do.”

  “Yeah, but…” she shakes her head and her cheeks actually blush a little.

  “What?”

  “He said…he likes to give and to receive.”

  I tilt my head, creasing my brow. “Explain.”

  “Yeah, so he said, he likes a woman to use her fingers, or um, a toy on him.”

  “Holy shit.”

  “Right? Is it wrong that I totally think it would be hot to fuck him with a strap on?”

  Throwing my head back in laughter, I nearly fall off the bed. I can’t stop laughing while Fallyn just grins.

  “I asked him if he’s ever banged a dude. We were drinking wine and he nearly spit it out everywhere. He assured me that he has not and will not, because he’s not even remotely open to the concept. He said that enjoying anal play has nothing to do with being attracted to another man.”

  “Was he mad?”

  “No, I don’t think so. He just wanted me to understand.”

  “A fair point.”

  “Yeah. He said he’s only about women, but he does like to push boundaries, but he wants to push mine.”

  “What did you say to that?”

  “Bring it on, Your Highness.”

  I laugh a
gain. “Hilarious.”

  “Yeah, I am.”

  “I don’t know how you managed to keep it together with all the sexy talk and no clothes and making out.”

  “I got myself off.”

  “When?”

  She grins. “He watched me, and I watched him. It was the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

  “Wow.”

  “I know.”

  “So what did he want the extra hour for if you guys aren’t having sex yet?”

  “He said he was gonna feed me breakfast.”

  “That’s sexy.”

  “Does Lathan feed you?”

  “No, but I kind of want him to now.”

  “Right?”

  “Well, again, I’m totally happy for you.”

  “Thanks. What are we doing today?”

  “I thought I’d see if you want to go into town with me, maybe do a little shopping for our trip.”

  She crinkles her brow. “Trip?”

  “Arlan didn’t tell you?”

  “Nope. Where we going?”

  “Italy, tomorrow night.”

  “No shit? Why?”

  “New Year’s Eve. Lathan arranged everything for just the four of us.”

  “Seriously? That’s so awesome.”

  “It is. We need warmer clothing though. It’s cold in Rome.”

  “Right. Shopping sounds cool.”

  I pat her leg. “Get dressed then come down to my room. I want to show you something.”

  “Okay.”

  I leave Fallyn, laughing to myself. It’s cute the way she and Arlan are maneuvering their relationship. Little does he know how major it is for Fallyn not to immediately sleep with a guy. Or maybe he does know. I hope he does. Then he’ll know how special he is to her.

  About an hour later, Olivia opens my door and announces Fallyn, who comes in wearing jeans and a sweater. I notice how Olivia’s eyes take in her appearance, and so does Fallyn. After she leaves, Fallyn nods her head toward the door.

  “What’s up with her staring me down?”

  “I think it’s because you’re wearing jeans.”

  “And?”

  “And she doesn’t see women wearing jeans very often. I have to wear dresses in public.”

  “All the time?”

  “All the time.”

  “That’s lame. Just you or everyone?”

  “Members of the royal family, and since I’m soon to be one, it’s expected of me.”

  “Hmm. Well, that bites. Dresses aren’t my favorite.”

  “Nor mine, but I’m getting used to it.” As we sit, a thought hits me. “Hold on a sec.” I grab my phone and shoot off a text to Lathan.

  How about a bit of controversy this fine day?

  “Whatcha doing?” Fallyn asks.

  “Testing the waters.”

  Lathan responds. I like controversy. What do you have in mind?

  I want to wear jeans today when I go shopping. Too much?

  My phone rings. “Hello?”

  “Hello, my darling. Jeans, you say? What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know. Fallyn’s wearing jeans, and it just reminded me of home. I thought it might be fun, the two Americans out shopping, looking like, well, Americans. If you think it’s too much, I’ll behave.”

  Lathan laughs. “I prefer when you don’t behave.”

  “Privately. This will be all over the news.”

  “Do it. It’s been a while since we’ve flexed our rebellion muscles.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Absolutely. It will remind me of the times we spent together in Boston. Besides, your ass looks delicious in a pair of jeans.”

  “Delicious, huh?”

  “Indeed. In fact, I’m feeling like I’m in need of a bite.”

  I giggle. “Whenever you wish.”

  “Have a wonderful day. In the meantime, I’ll be taking a break around lunch time to watch a very special film.”

  “About what?”

  “A beautiful girl from Boston and her prince. It’s a special edition, produced by me.”

  “Oh my god, you’re gonna watch that?”

  “I watch it all the time. It’s fantastic in those moments when the real thing is out of reach. Perhaps we should watch it together.”

  My eyes shift up to Fallyn. “I don’t know if I can do that,” I reply, softly.

  “Yes, you can. You can do anything, and once you see how amazing you look, you’ll want to watch it again.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “Tonight then? A private showing?”

  “Tonight.”

  “Good. Again, have a lovely day. Tom and Nick will escort you.”

  “Sounds good. I love you.”

  “Not as much as I love you. Because?”

  “Because that would be impossible.”

  “Right. See you soon, my love.”

  “See you soon.” I hang up and sigh softly. “That man is something else.”

  “Still? Nothing’s changed?”

  “It’s better, believe it or not. We’re busier here, or he is, I should say, so when I see him at the end of the day, it’s amazing. He always acts like we’ve been apart for days. He brings me sweet little gifts all the time. Nothing fancy. Sometimes it’s a square of chocolate, or a single flower, but he always brings something.”

  “That’s really sweet.”

  “He is. Sweet and dirty. A perfect combination, really.”

  Fallyn laughs. “Exactly. So, you got permission to wear jeans?”

  “I did. I had to ask because it’ll be a thing and anything that affects the palace, I want Lathan to know about.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Oh yeah. I’ll change and while I do, look at this.” I walk over to my desk and pick up the large, leather bound album, then set it down in front of Fallyn.

  “What is this?”

  “Open it.”

  She flips open the cover then gasps softly as she takes in the numerous articles and photos of me and Lathan. The headlines range from talking about my appearance to how in love we look to speculation of a wedding.

  “You’re famous,” Fallyn says flipping through the pages.

  “Sort of, yeah. They follow me everywhere, taking pictures of everything I do. So far, it’s all been very kind and they’ve kept a respectful distance, but I’m aware of their presence. Security follows me just in case.”

  “Wow.” She looks up at me with wide eyes. “Wow.”

  “I know. It’s definitely been the hardest part of the transition here. So today, not only will it be news that you’re back, but I’ll be breaking protocol and wearing jeans. Minds will be blown.”

  She laughs. “Funny how such a normal thing in the states is newsworthy here.”

  “Right. Other women wear jeans and pants all the time. It’s just royals that don’t. It’ll be a precedent, and if it’s like other things I’ve done, it’ll definitely get attention. The American Princess breaks tradition, or something like that I imagine.”

  “Is that what they call you?”

  “Yep, even though we’re not married yet.” I pat her hand, knowing what I’m about to tell her next will cause a reaction. “I have more news for you, but it’s a massive secret. Like massive.”

  “You already know I won’t tell. Besides, you’re my only friend here other than Arlan.”

  “I know, but this is so massive I had to ask permission from Lathan to share with you.”

  She rubs her hands together. “Do tell.”

  “So, uh, last week, after we announced our wedding date, the King called us over for a private meeting.”

  “Uh huh.”

  I open a drawer and pull out a pair of jeans, ignoring her ‘are you serious’ look for delaying my comments.

  “He wanted to step down,” I continue, “so he made a new policy that allowed a living king to step down and be replaced by the next in line.”

  “And?”

 
“And he did.” As I slide into my jeans, I look up and grin. “Prince Lathan is now His Majesty, King Lathan.”

  Fallyn’s mouth falls open. “You’re fucking kidding me! You’re a queen?”

  “No. I’m the fiancée of the King. When we marry, we’ll do the coronation, and then officially, yes, I’ll be the queen then, but not yet. It’s a secret because the public doesn’t know yet. In fact, you are only the ninth person to know. Not even the palace staff knows.”

  “Why?”

  “No one wanted to overshadow the wedding, so we’ve decided to wait for six months after to announce the King is stepping down, even though in reality, he already has. He’s off traveling with the queen and enjoying life.”

  “So, he’s not dying anymore?”

  I shrug. “The doctors are optimistically cautious that the pacemaker is doing its job. He’s even taken a few monitored walks and did fine. So far, so good.”

  “That’s fantastic news. Is he still nice to you?”

  “I don’t see him much, honestly. The Queen is very nice to me and visits with us sometimes. Before he left, I saw the King usually once a week or so to bring him chowder. He really loves it. We’ve taught the palace cook how to make it now.”

  Fallyn laughs. “That’s really funny.”

  “I know. Something so normal and pedestrian at home is exotic here.”

  “We’re special.”

  “We are. So, shopping?”

  “Let’s do it.”

  Just as we’re about to leave, the doors swing open and a very pissed off looking Lathan storms in, followed by an equally upset Arlan.

  “Thank god you haven’t left yet,” Lathan says, pulling me into his arms. “I’m afraid it won’t be possible for you to leave the grounds.”

  “Why? What’s going?” I ask.

  Lathan looks back at his brother who creases his brow, but both remain silent.

  “I asked a question, Lathan. What’s happening? Is there trouble?”

  “Yes. I just want you to know upfront that none of it is true. None of it.”

  “What are you talking about?” I pull out of his arms. “Stop being cryptic.”

  “Please sit.”

  “No.” I cross my arms. “If this affects me I want to know right now.”

  Lathan sighs. “It affects you. It affects us all.” He paces in front of me, wringing his hands, before looking back at me.” Gemma has decided to speak to the media.”