Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

“That’s a good idea.”

  I sit up to see the soaked sheets beneath me. “Wow.”

  Lathan grins. “I wish you could have seen when it happened. It was like a tiny waterfall flowing from you. It turned me on so much I couldn’t hold myself back.”

  “Amazing.” I look toward the door and chuckle. “And completely embarrassing.”

  Lathan laughs. “They won’t know what it is.”

  “Thank god.”

  We stand up, but as we start to walk into the bathroom, he pulls me into his arms, kissing me softly. “I am so looking forward to this time with you. A week alone, away from responsibilities and media and expectations. Just you and me and a private island. What could be better?”

  “A private island?”

  “Completely private. We don’t even have staff. Just you and me.”

  “Wow. So we’re kicking it old school?”

  Lathan tilts his head. “I have no idea what that means.”

  I laugh. “Boston style. Taking care of ourselves.”

  Lathan laughs too. “Ah, yes, old school then. The house will be stocked with plenty of food to get us by and everything else we need is, well, it’s just us.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  “It will be. As long as we’re together, life is perfect.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Six months later

  Pacing in front of the window, I stare outside at the mass of people gathered in front of the palace gates, while Fallyn and Ophelia plea with me to eat something.

  “I can’t, ladies. I’m already a nervous wreck. The last thing I need is to throw up in front of the entire country.”

  “How about some tea then?” Ophelia tries. “It will calm you.”

  I shake my head. “No.”

  “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling,” Fallyn says, rubbing my back. “It’s a big day.”

  “To say the least.”

  “It will be fine,” Ophelia says, sweetly. “Just like it’s been since your wedding day. The people love you. You are their darling. Now, you will be their queen.”

  I twist my hands listening to her words. “I don’t understand why I’m so nervous. Lathan told me not much changes, but I don’t know, I guess in my head, being the queen of a whole country is a big deal.”

  Fallyn nods. “I get that.”

  Ophelia steps forward. “Nothing changes except the public’s perception. You and Lathan have already made a name for yourselves as the next monarchy. He is the king already, is he not?”

  “He is.”

  “So what is different? Now they will say your majesty instead of your highness. That’s it.”

  I exhale slowly. “You’re right. You are. I’m making a big deal out of nothing.”

  “It’s sweet that you care so much and take it so seriously. Those qualities have made you an excellent princess, and will serve you well as queen. Now, pull yourself together before I lose my shit.”

  Fallyn and I burst into laughter. “Oh, Ophelia,” I say. “I’ll never get over you using American slang. It’s bloody brilliant.”

  “I knew I could make you laugh.”

  “You did.” Taking a deep breath, I turn and look in the full length mirror, nearly astonished at my own reflection. The floor length royal blue gown I wear is made of heavy velvet with embroidered gold along the skirt and lace bordering the hem. The bodice is beaded with crystals with a scoop neck revealing a great deal of cleavage. I’ve chosen to wear the necklace Caterina gave me for my wedding and later, the same crown she wore to her coronation. I figured it would be a nice tradition to follow. The gown is so heavy, it’s hard to walk in it, but it is absolutely stunning, and custom made just for me.

  I look toward the door when it opens and Olivia enters, curtsying before me.

  “Your Highness, His Majesty the King wishes to speak with you. May he enter?”

  “Of course.”

  When Lathan’s father walks in, I step back in surprise. I was expecting Lathan. I immediately curtsy.

  “Your Majesty.”

  He raises his hand. “May I speak with you alone?”

  Ophelia and Fallyn hurry from the room. The King walks toward me with a serious expression on his face, then slowly, a smile spreads across his lips.

  “Well, I never thought I’d see the day my son became king. That’s not usually how it works.”

  I laugh softly. “No, I suppose not, but he already is king.”

  “Yes, but a coronation is not something I should witness. I shouldn’t be able to attend, yet I am. God has been most gracious.”

  “We’re so happy you’re here.”

  He nods. “I have watched you these past months navigating this new life. I admit I was somewhat worried at first wondering if you would become overwhelmed or stumble publicly, but my fears were quickly relieved. You have done well.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “I am here because I wanted to share something with you.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tiny card. He looks at it for a moment before handing it to me.

  Glancing at it, I read the tiny script written in Havendonian. “What is it, sir?”

  “It is the pledge of Havendon. As the new queen, someone will inevitably invite you to recite it in a public place. This will help you learn it.”

  “Thank you so much.” I won’t tell him that I already know it, having been tutored for months by Ophelia. I bore Olivia with a recitation of it every morning. “It is such a pretty card.”

  He nods. “I mostly came to tell you though that I am proud of you and Lathan and the path you are creating. I never thought I would enjoy being replaced, but I must admit, it is a joy to watch Lathan grow into a fine man with a lovely wife and a thriving kingdom.”

  “It is a joy for us that you are here to participate in it.”

  “Is he happy, Delaney? Does he have any struggles he keeps from me?”

  “Yes, sir, he is happy, and he doesn’t struggle. He has excellent advisors, as you know, and Arlan is doing a fine job with foreign policy. All is well, Your Majesty.”

  He smiles again, nodding his head. “He would tell me if he was struggling?”

  “I believe so, sir. Every night when he comes to bed, we talk about the day for exactly one hour. That’s all then we talk about us.”

  “I am pleased he took my advice. It’s important to focus on his life as a man, not just that of a king.”

  “He’s a quick study.”

  “I see that.” He extends his arm. “He waits for you in the foyer. May I escort you?”

  “I would be honored.”

  We exit the room and walk through the palace, down the stairs, and into the foyer where Lathan and the others wait for me. My mouth falls open when I see him, dressed in a dapper royal blue tuxedo with the family seal on the lapel. He looks up at me as a smile spreads across his lips.

  “There she is—my stunning wife.”

  “And my handsome husband.” His father leads me to Lathan, who then takes my arm, and we all walk outside to the waiting crowd just beyond gates. It’s like my wedding day all over again. We travel by foot to a part of the estate I’ve never been to, the official coronation room. It hasn’t been used since Lathan’s father became king.

  “This room dates back thousands of years,” Lathan explains. “I like to imagine all the conversations, negotiations, and power plays that occurred within those walls.”

  “And how many more to come.”

  “We’ll never use this room again. This will be the only time in my life that I see it. It has never happened that a living king enters it after his coronation.”

  I take his hand in mind. “But darling, you and I are rebels. We’ll do whatever we like.”

  Lathan chuckles. “Ah, this is true, my princess.” Kissing the back of my hand, he smiles. “The last time I will call you that. Soon you will be Her Majesty, Queen Delaney.”

  “So weird.”

  “I suppose
it is, but you wear it well.”

  “I do my best.”

  We enter the stone room where palace advisors, members of the royal family, and invited guests wait. When they see us, they stand and watch us walk down the long aisle with a red runner beneath us. It is eerily silent as we pass, a sign of respect. When we reach the front, we are led to the two thrones that dominate the elevated platform. Thrones! I sit in the right one while Lathan takes the other.

  Two men stand in front of us wearing royal blue velvet robes resembling capes and recite several things to us in the native tongue. I know that it’s about the monarchy’s responsibilities and duties to rule, and I wait for the part where we are given our royal robes and crown. As I look around the room, I feel like I’m in a fairytale. In just a few minutes, I’ll be the queen of a small European country. I own untold riches, jewels, properties, and antiques. Yet, at the end of the day, Lathan is still the sweet, charming man I met in Boston. I wanted spectacular, and I’d say, I definitely got it.

  As the doors open, we step out to the balcony where so many people wait. I swear the entire country is here. I hear an announcer talking over a loud speaker.

  “Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you, your NEW King and Queen of Havendon, His Majesty King Lathan, and Her Majesty Queen Delaney.”

  The crowd goes wild with excitement as I wave with my white gloved hand. I am aware of the weight the jeweled golden crown makes on my head, the warmth provided by the long regal robe I wear, and the depth of my new responsibilities.

  Lathan, breaking protocol, takes my hand in his and leans over to kiss my cheek. Public displays of affection by the royal family? Scandalous! I laugh to myself as he winks at me.

  “What will we do the rest of the day?” I ask.

  “We’ll dine with our invited guests until the sun comes up. Then tomorrow we begin our official duties, which of course, have already been started.”

  “Of course. I have a list of ideas I want to talk to you about. Things I’d like to work on as queen.”

  He smiles. “I can’t wait to hear your thoughts.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Know what else I can’t wait for?”

  I grin, as I wave at the crowd. “I have an idea.”

  “Will you keep the crown on?”

  Holding back laughter, I ask, “Why?”

  “Because you look amazing in it. It will complement the rest of your jewelry. In fact, the more I think about your delicious pierced body, that necklace, and the crown, the more difficult I find it to stand here like a proper king.”

  “I’ll keep my crown on if you keep yours.”

  “That is a deal, my darling. Now, let’s give them something to write about tomorrow.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses me deeply as the crowd’s cheers rise to a nearly deafening level. Using my hand to keep my crown in place, I lean back, aware of the flashing cameras. This is my life now.

  And it’s wicked awesome.

  I have to start by thanking the girls of my beta group for this book who gave me so much encouragement. We also just had fun with it. To Megan, Gayle, Lily, Michele, Dianna, Heather, and Ashley—thank you so much for your support, feedback, and kind words as we worked through Lathan and Delaney's story. You ladies mean a ton to me.

  I have to thank my mate across the pond, Kate, for always being there to brainstorm and chat about the craziness in my head. You're a big part of my writing process, and I hope you always will be. Love you, girl.

  To my lobster, Jennifer Miller, for all the reasons you already know.

  To my awesome go to crew: Robin with Wicked by Design for my book cover, Sara with Mad Hatter Press for editing my words, and Elaine with Allusion Graphics for formatting it to be pretty. Thank you all so much for working with me and consistently providing excellent work. You're all a pleasure to work with.

  Thank you to Lady Amber's PR for supporting and pimping my work. You work your butt off, and it's much appreciated by me. Mad love.

  I always end by thanking the characters for choosing me to tell their story, so to Lathan and Delaney, thanks for letting me be the one to bring you to life. I loved every word.

  The Sunflower Trilogy

  ~Book One: Turn Towards the Sun

  ~Book Two: After the Rain

  ~Book Three: Forever in Bloom

  Have my Heart- A Novella

  Beautifully Twisted

  Chasing Desire

  Londyn Falls

  Exposed

  Break Me Down

  If I Told You

  At First Glance

  When I Found You

  Find me at these and other fine locations:

  facebook.com/authorjendomenico

  Twitter @jendomenico

  jendomenico@gmail.com

  pinterest.com/jendomenico

  Instagram: jendomenicowords

  For info on releases, sneak peaks, beta/ARC opportunities, and fun(!) Join my Reader Group at: facebook.com/groups/jendsbelladonnas/

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