Royal Blood and One Forever : Book Three

by Simone Nicholls

  “Your mother spends it to me.” Connor looked stunned, as if he had been caught out doing a crime.

  I looked back down at the picture which had clearly been taken on my birthday. Connor and I were dancing. His eyes were shining down at me with pure love. How had I not noticed that on the night.

  “I didn’t realise there were pictures taken.” I placed the picture frame back where it had been sitting and by the dust around it, it had been there for a while.

  Taking the sit next to him, I noticed out of the corner of my eye Connor studying me. Pretending that I hadn’t noticed I cleared my throat and reached out for a stack of papers.

  “So can I start on these?”

  “Um yeah. That would be um, great.” Connor twisted back in his seat, turning back to his work himself. “If you have any questions, just ask.”

  I smiled and nodded my head, studying the document in front of me. My arm brushed against his, and it sent a bubbling sensation through my stomach. I just hoped my focus would remain on the documents on hand, and I had a feeling it was going to be a struggle.

  A knock on the door brought our heads out of the paperwork in front of us. Clearly hours had passed, Connor and I were too swamped by documents to have noticed the passing time.

  Connor and I turned our heads, our eyes meeting for the first time since we sat down to work. Guiltily Connor smiled before announcing that the person could come in.

  “King Griffin, are you hungry, it is close to midnight?” A lady asked from the doorframe.

  “Midnight?” I repeated, shocked that the hours had gotten away so quickly. “I wonder where Cooper is.” I muttered more to myself, while getting to my feet.

  “He is asleep with a Chase?” The lady frowned, looking at me, as if struggling to remember the details. “I forgot to inform you, Chase or a Chance asked me too.”

  “Oh.” I sat back in the chair, if Cooper was with Chase he would be sleeping soundly I could guarantee that.

  “Are you going to bed Isabella or are you hungry?” Connor looked at me, “It is late, and you don’t have to stay up. You’ve done enough.”

  “No, I’ll stay and sure I will have whatever you are having.” I smiled him a flawless smile, before sitting back in the chair, “But perhaps include some caffeine in my order.”

  Connor’s lips twitched, assumed and happy, most likely from my decision not to leave him “Same as every night Charlotte, but perhaps add some coffees.”

  “Yes a bucket of it.” I chimed in. I wasn’t sure why I was so happy. Perhaps the paperwork was finally getting to me.

  Connor chuckled lightly, before standing up and stretching his arms. “Did you want to get some fresh air?” Connor opened a big glass door that led out to his baloney.

  The drift of the night air filtered through the room and I was quick to follow him out. The moonlight casted shadows across his strong jaw line and it was hard to not to let the feelings of lust that were flaring through me take control.

  Directing my eyes to the night sky, it was a clear night- every star was on show, sparkling. I had forgotten the beauty of a clear night after not seeing many in the city. But here no street lights or pollution was blocking the view.

  “Thanks for helping me tonight.”

  I glanced at Connor, who was standing next to me at the baloney rail. “Not a problem.” Slowly exhaling the nerves I was feeling being so close to him. After all this time, you would think that I would be used to it.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you today.” Connor frowned slightly, “But you know how it is, business before pleasure.”

  “I actually was thinking you were avoiding us.” I admitted, drumming my fingers on the rail. Why would Connor want to spend his time with a liar?

  “Cooper seems like a great kid.”

  “He is.” I stared out into the night air. I knew I couldn’t hold it in any longer, too many questions were reeling through my mind the biggest one being, was Connor going to accept Cooper?

  “You have brought him up well.”

  I gritted my teeth; I couldn’t take credit for something I hadn’t. I knew that it was thanks to Chase and Nick that Cooper was who he was.

  “What was he like, when he was little?”

  I slowly turned around to face Connor; he was smiling gently at me. I didn’t deserve his gentle smile, not after how I treated his son in the beginning. Memories that I had attempted to forget were flashing through my mind, taking me back to a time I didn’t want to remember.

  “I think you should talk to Chase about that.” I gulped, my voice lowered, and I glared at my feet. Not being able to look at him. Not with this guilt inside me. “There is a lot you should know.”

  “Why would I want to hear it from Chase?” Connor lifted my head up, forcing me to look him in the eye. “When you are right here?”

  “Because I wasn’t a part of his life in the beginning, so I can’t answer your questions.”

  “Why?” Why weren’t you?”

  “Because.”

  “Because?”

  “Because I just wasn’t, ok?” I pushed his hand away from my face, and exhaled heavily. I could blame him for this. I could blame Connor for my lack of relationship with Cooper in the beginning, but to be honest, it was my choice to do what I did. So I will wear my actions. “I think our dinner is here.”

  Connor glanced through the glass doors, seeing the young lady placing our food on his desk. His narrowed eyes met mine for a moment, before I looked in the opposite direction.

  “I’m sorry Isabella.”

  “There is nothing to be sorry for.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure of that.” Connor muttered beside me. I couldn’t look at him, afraid I would burst into tears. I felt his fingers link in with mine, and automatically my eyes drifted to his. Compassion and affection were shown across his features. “I’ll talk to Chase if it makes it easier on you.”

  “You have a right to know.”

  “Just as long as you know, it won’t change anything.”

  “You don’t know that.” I whispered, with a heart full of despair. Connor was a man now, surely he could see the weak woman I was. I was a failure and I knew it, how could I not?

  “After everything we have been through Isabella, I think I do.” Connor touched the side of my face with the back of his hand lightly and his touch blanketed all my fears. “I’ve miss you.”

  “I’ve missed you too.” I reached out and placed a hand on the back of his neck, bringing his head down to mine; our foreheads touching. “Do you accept Cooper?”

  “He’s my son.” Connor placed his free hand on my lower back, drawing me closer into him. “I’m not letting you go this time.”

  “Who said I was leaving?”

  Lightly I brought my lips up to his, and our moist lips moved together. I wasn’t letting go this time. Nothing could pull me away from him, because I knew without him I was empty and right now under his touch and our lips moving together. I had never felt more alive.

  Sometimes you have to fall, to know how much it hurts, to appreciate the feeling of flying. So once again I was diving into love and trust with Connor, and I prayed that this time we could fly instead of falling.

  “Serenity, I don’t feel comfortable with that.” I chewed my bottom lip, while Ryan and Serenity watched my reaction closely.

  “Is, it is only for a few days and really I think it’s needed.” Serenity’s voice was gentle as she continued to explain her reasoning.

  “But I have barely seen him.” I pointed out, pacing the room slowly.

  “Is, Cooper wants to get his things and it will give you and Connor some time.” Serenity patted Ryan’s knee, “We both want to do this.”

  “Well I don’t know.” I frowned, the thought of Cooper being away from me for a week wasn’t appealing. “He isn’t taking this easy and I haven’t even decided if we are staying yet.”

  “Isabella it is only a few short weeks. Let Cooper g
o back to an environment he knows, and this gives you time to talk to Connor and decide what you plan to do.”

  “I’ll have to check with Connor.” I finally stopped pacing. “If he feels ok with it, then you can take Cooper for the few short weeks.”

  “Well I can’t ask for anymore.” Serenity bounced to her feet and embraced me in a quick hug. “Have you seen Connor lately?”

  “Yes, I saw him the other night.” I pulled away from my sister, “He is really busy with his duties.”

  “Well, maybe you can help him with that to while we are gone.”

  “Why are you pushing leaving so bad?” I arched an eyebrow and took a step away from her. “Has something happened I am not aware of?”

  “Yes.” Serenity’s smirked “You have to get to know Connor again and I don’t think us all being here is helping the situation.”

  I glanced behind Serenity, noticing Ryan’s crossed arms and tightly sealed lips. Clearly he wasn’t happy. I had somewhat forgotten the old Ryan. The one that hated the royals with such disgust, but it was clear that his hate for anything to do with the thrones was getting to him.

  They needed a break, and I knew Chase was feeling the strain of being here. After all, it was hard for him to not consider the Griffins enemies, especially after our history with them.

  “Fine.” I gave in, sighing softly and flicking my blonde hair from my face. “You can take him.”

  Serenity quickly engulfed me with a tight hug, squeezing the air from my lungs. “Serenity.” I huffed, “Not so tight!”

  “So sorry Is.” She let go with a beaming smile. “Thank you, you have no idea how much we want to get out of here.”

  “Wow thanks.” I rolled my eyes “Really feeling the sisterly love Serenity.” I teased, “So when are you planning on leaving?”

  “As soon as possible.” Ryan piped up, getting to his feet. “I need to get some fresh air away from the royal scent stink.”

  “Ryan!” Serenity frowned at him.

  “Cooper is close to his change.” I bit my bottom lip, “You guys have to keep a very close eye on him.”

  “Do we ever not?” Ryan arched an eyebrow with a small smirk on his face. Cooper had a very special spot with Ryan in some ways Ryan thought of him as a son and treated him like one.

  “Point proven. Just let me see my son before you whisk him away.” I laughed, feeling calm with the decision. I guess this gave me and Connor time to sort a few things out. Though being left by myself in a castle I wasn’t familiar with, with only Connor to talk to- did have me swallowing nerves.

  “Connor?” I cracked open his study door, popping my head in. Everyone had just left, and my eyes were still slightly red from saying goodbye to Cooper. Though Cooper didn’t care about leaving me behind, he just wanted to get back to his ‘stuff’, that’s what he called it. Clearly he had missed his games and swing set.

  Which reminded me, I would have to make sure we got one for the castle if we stay here. I closed the door behind me, and quietly walked into the room. Connor’s head was resting on the desk, he was sound asleep.

  I wondered about what was keeping him locked in here, instead of out with me. For years he had looked for me, missed me and now I was here he was more focused on duties?

  I had helped him with the normal tasks the other time. There shouldn’t have been much more for him to do. So why was he still in here? Working till he was asleep at his desk?

  I walked around to his side of the desk, very quietly. Softly, I took the piece of paper that was lying next to his head. It was a territory agreement; the Blackmore crest was in the corner. My father had created this.

  I gritted my teeth while taking in the territory agreement. The Griffins had nothing. How had Connor let this happen? The only land that still was claimed as Griffins was the castle’s island. Everything else was Blackmores.

  It looked like my father got his wish after all. The Blackmore throne was now the most powerfulness. Was this my fault? Connor said he wouldn’t declare war on the Blackmore throne because he thought it would upset me. My father had taken this to his advantage, stealing the land- while Connor was weakened because of me.

  This was my fault.

  The Griffins had fought us for years, centuries keeping their land and now it was gone- because of Connor's love to me.

  How could I have been so selfish? How could I have walked away from my throne, from my commitment to Connor? I was hurt, and because of my pain Connor had paid the ultimate price and it was time Connor was given back what was his.

  I walked out of the study, the piece of paper firm in my hand. Life would have been easier without the throne- being Queen was no gift. But it was my responsibility, I am meant to lead, not be led and it was time I reclaimed what was mine.

  My blood.

  I hope my father was ready for war- because I was not in the mood to be denied. My father hadn’t just stolen from Connor, he had stolen from Cooper- and the generations that would follow. It was time my father realized he wasn’t in charge anymore.

  I pulled a coat tighter around me, stepping onto the tarmac. The familiar scents filled my nose, all reminding me I was home- yet its fault like I couldn’t be further from it. My blonde hair was tied up under a hood; I was trying my best to get my identity under wrap until I reached the palace.

  “Where are you heading?” A man asked, leaning against a flash car. The Blackmore royal crest on his clothes. He must work at the palace.

  Clearly I had obtained some attention, as not many people flew in on a private plane.

  “The Palace, would you be able to take me?” I stood with confidence in front of him.

  “Funny I wasn’t aware we were expecting any visits. Especially from the outside.” The man glanced at the Griffins crest on the plane and then looked back at me with disgust.

  “It wasn’t my fault you weren’t informed. Are you willing to take me?”

  “Seeing as it is my job I have to.” The man turned his back to me, climbing into the driver’s seat.

  I quietly opened the backseat door and slid into the vehicle.

  “So are you here to see the King?” The man glanced in the reversion mirror at me, “He doesn’t usually chat to your kind.”

  “My kind?” I arched an eyebrow.

  “Griffin’s.” he spat the word out with venom

  “You hate them with pure passion, don’t you?”

  “Why wouldn’t I? You stole our Princess.” He clenched the steering wheel tighter, “Princess Isabella was the most beautiful woman, she didn’t deserve what happened.”

  My interest spiked quickly, “What happened to her?” What had my father told the people? Serenity had never mentioned it to me, thought Ryan’s mother had followed the Griffin’s throne it was understandable we didn’t know what was happening at the Blackmore throne.

  “You should know.” He glared at me through the revision mirror.

  “I don’t.” I looked back into his hurting eyes, clearly he had a deep love for me. His passion and concern for me was showed by the hatred he was showing me.

  “She was kidnapped. Stolen from us, our future Queen robbed of her rightly place.” His tone leaked the under deniable hurt he was feeling from speaking this. “We searched for years until the King declared the search was over.”

  “Why did he do that?”

  “Clearly he knew she was dead. The royal family hasn’t been the same since.”

  “Prince Liam, how did he cope?”

  “You ask a lot of questions for an outsider?” he narrowed his eyes with suspicion. We pulled up to the gates of the court yard and the car pulled to a stop.

  “Perhaps I’m not an outsider.” I answered before sliding out of the car and closing the door behind me. The familiar surroundings and the palace pulled at the heart strings. An overwhelming feeling of homesickness washed through me.

  Nick’s birthday party came to mind as I walked through the courtyard. Though that night did have a coating of
pain through it. However now as I look back, I didn’t feel it. The trees weren’t decorated and if anything the courtyard looked dead. It was as if everything had stopped growing. The court yard was dead, no flower and no green leaves.

  How had mother let this happen? The courtyard was her pride and join, and now it was dead.

  I pushed with great strength at the over large marble door into the palace. The smell of dust and spider webs suffocated the air.

  Did the palace no longer get cleaned? Again I wondered what had happened to my mother’s input. The palace was always spotless and filled with light. I walked up the darkly lit corridor, even though it was late in the afternoon. It might as well be the middle of the night. Every curtain was drawn. No light making it through.

  Where was everyone? Why were there no servants walking the halls? Where were the people?

  I turned the corner and my over sensitive ears picked up a pair of dull footsteps. I quickly picked up my pace and followed the noise.

  Turning another corner, I saw a woman at the end of the corridor. Quickly, I picked up my pace. “Excuse me?” I called out to her, but she didn’t stop. “Excuse me?”

  “The palace is closed!” she shouted over her shoulder, “No visitors!”

  The palace is closed? A palace can’t close- that is impossible!

  “The palace can’t close!” I shouted at her, before I broke into a quick run, chasing after her.

  She paused at a door, and shot me a dirty look, when I caught up to her. “Leave before you get caught.” She opened the door and quickly went in, closing it in my face.

  Well, she was rude. Frowning, I looked at the corridor, now only recognizing it as the one my parents room was located in. I took in the door in front of me, this was my parents' room.

  Very low voices flowed under the door and quietly I leant my ear against it trying to work out who was speaking.

  But I couldn’t the voices were too low for me to pick up, which was a first. Something must be happening for the palace to be ‘closed’ as the lady put it and for the very low speech- who ever was having the conversation did not want it to be over heard.