A Royal Surprise

by Nichole Blithe

  “King? Of this country? That’s crazy.” The guards, the wealth, the secrecy, the giant royal crest in the foyer. Oh my God. “How could you two keep this from me? Why bother telling me now?”

  “I always thought I would have more children, they would grow up in this land, raised to be kings and queens. Sadly, that didn’t happen. My wife died recently, you’re my only heir.”

  “You want me to lead these people? In a country I didn’t know existed and haven’t stepped foot into until today. Half of them don’t speak the same language as me.”

  “Not anytime soon. It would take years of training to prepare you for that and first you would have to accept the role and attend the official ceremony committing yourself to your birthright. There is a lot to consider in such a short time. Nothing will be forced on you, but action had to be taken. I wanted to see you, meet you, and regardless what your mother and I agreed on, perhaps this should be your decision. Without an heir the crown reverts to another family line, our cousin Danilo. He’s never acted before, but he believes that officially there is no heir. When my wife died, he began reaching out to his supporters here in the country. Nothing much came from it so far, but there is some tension in people. Some are worried.

  “Should they be? Is there reason to think he could become dangerous.?”

  “I believe as soon as you are formally introduced to the country and the nobles, he will step back from his stirrings. I don’t expect anything from you. Spend the summer and let’s get to know one another. Whatever you decide after that is your choice. I won’t be upset any which way.”

  “What happens now?”

  “That’s a good question. I’ve taken a few days to be here at the manor. Will you stay? At least for the week, we can wait on the summer.”

  “I really don’t know. I didn’t expect meeting my father to be so complicated.” Everything in me is telling me to run far away from this mess, except for that one little part that wants to know my father. It’s screaming at me to stay, this could be my only chance to know him.

  As I numbly down the hall towards my room, Seneca’s door flings open. “So? How did it go? What was he like? Did you find out why all the secrecy?”

  I shove her back through the doorway and shut the door behind me resting my forehead against the cool wood.

  “Woah, what’s going on?” Her shoes shuffle on the carpet as she shifts around behind me.

  I turn around and meet her eyes. “I’m the princess of this country and have just over three months to decide if I will officially take on the title.”

  She laughs, bending over at the middle to brace herself. “Hilarious, Adella.”

  Tears spring to my eyes, blurring my vision. I try to blink them away, but they keep coming. The slight headache has grown spreading down my neck pushing tension along my shoulders and spine. I give up on trying to fight the tears and bury my face in my hands.

  Her laughter tapers off. “Oh my god, you’re serious.”

  Chapter Three

  We spent a few days at Seaside Manor, the giant mansion on the seaside cliff. I had time to get over the initial shock that my father is the king, but soon his time away was up and he needed to return to the castle. He asked us to travel with him and while Seneca is excited, I’m nervous for the change. It’s one thing to spend a few days getting to know my father there at the quiet home. Will he even have time for me here at the castle with all his king business to attend to?

  “I still can’t believe we’re staying in a castle,” Seneca squeals, flopping onto the huge canopy bed knocking pillows onto the floor. “And your father is the king! And you’re the princess!” She sighs loudly burrowing into the remaining pillows.

  I frown at her and rub my face. “I get that you’re excited, but for a minute could you think about how you would feel if it happened to you? I’m going to need you to bring it down a notch for me. At least no more squealing.”

  “I can’t help it. I feel like I’m going to a ball tonight.” She rolls over to face me. “It’s every little girl’s dream to find out she’s a princess.”

  “Maybe so, but they’re dreaming about castles and balls and pretty dresses. Not politics and diplomacy.” I flop sideways into the chair, resting my arms on the back. My father told me to not worry about that part, but really, it’s all I can think about.

  “That stuff can wait.” She sits up to look at me. “Tonight, is about castles and pretty dresses. This dinner tonight is in your honor. Enjoy it.”

  I stare at the dress hanging on the wardrobe that my lady’s maid left for me. The simple design in a pale peach silk and chiffon is elegant and classic. The nicest thing I’ve ever worn was my prom dress and this makes it look like rags. Could I ever adjust to this being my life?

  “I’m going to go take advantage of the huge tub in my bathroom and soak until I’m wrinkled. Do me a favor and at least try to enjoy yourself a little.” Seneca clearly has no problems adjusting to life in a castle.

  “I won’t make any promises, but I’ll try. Enjoy your bath.”

  Too restless to stay in the room, I wander out in the hallway. Being in the castle is like being in a museum. Priceless artifacts and artwork are everywhere I look. Wooden archways and wall panels have ornate carvings that are polished to shine. Gorgeous draperies hang against the floor to ceiling windows. Each of them shows a stunning view of the castle grounds.

  Movement at the end of the hall catches my eye. A maid seems to appear out of nowhere, she smiles at me and gives a curtsy then continues on down the hall. Walking down to the end to investigate, I find a small alcove leading to a flight of stone stairs. Following the spiral staircase down, I emerge on the first floor near the kitchen and staff area.

  It would likely take weeks, if not months to see every room in the castle. I turn left going back toward the main foyer. If my lady’s maid, Clara, catches me down here I’m certain she won’t leave me alone for the rest of the day. I can hear her now Oh no, principessa . You must let me do that for you.

  Directly across the main foyer is the old throne room now they call it the great hall. I’ve gathered a few little bits of history in the two days we’ve been at the castle. Mrs. Branford says is now used for balls and other gatherings to feel closer to the people. My grandfather did away with the elaborate traditional meetings, choosing instead smaller meetings in his office and apparently my father has kept up with that custom.

  The room is huge and two levels high. The two largest chandeliers I’ve ever seen in my life hang from the ceiling. Against the far wall, the throne chairs still sit with blue and gold tapestries draped behind them. My footsteps echo as I cross to get a closer look. To the left of the chairs are intricately carved French doors. I’m dying to know where they lead.

  I swing both doors open to find a long hall. It looks just how I would imagine the castle did hundreds of years ago. Stone walls and floors. Huge embellished windows made up of small diamond shaped pains let in plenty of sunshine. A long royal blue carpet flows through the center, disappearing around the corner at the end. The walls are lined with sconces holding unlit torches that must be here for sentimental or decorative purposed because small electric chandeliers hang from the ceiling.

  The deep rumbling laughter of several men echoes through the hall. As I get closer, I can pick out my father’s voice amongst the others. I don’t want it to look like I’m eavesdropping but before I can leave, they spill into the hallway a few feet ahead.

  My father grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners, clearly pleased to see me. “Adella! Gentlemen, this is my daughter.”

  The two men smile and greet me, “Your Highness,” with slight bows.

  “Ah, yes. The daughter from America. Molto bello, no?

  “Yes, beautiful. We’re pleased you’re here. I would love for you to meet my son. He is a fine young man”

  “Oh no you don’t. She should meet my son.” He steps in front of the other man blocking him from me. “He’s a much better
choice for you, sweet Princess.” My eyes grow wide at their eagerness to toss their sons at me.

  “Gentlemen, I’m sure my daughter would love to meet both of your sons. Perhaps we can discuss this another time?”

  “It’s very nice to meet you.” Is it though? I feel like a prized cow going for auction. They know nothing about me and want to offer their sons to me. All because I’m the princess?

  “We had some business to take care of. There will be time for proper introductions at dinner.” With my father’s dismissal, the men hurry down the hall Their lively chatter in Italian filters back to me. I’ve been told all the nobles speak English. Are they talking about me? “Were you looking for me?”

  He motions me inside his office. It’s similar to the one at Seaside Manor perhaps larger; desk, conference table, sofa and chairs around a coffee table. There’s a thick, luxurious rug in the middle of the room that I’m afraid to step on so I avoid it and make my way to the sofa.

  “No. I was exploring a little and didn’t realize I had invaded your space.” We sit on the sofa made from the softest brown leather I’ve ever felt.

  “Nonsense.” He bats at the air as if my concerns are in his way. “My space is your space. You’re welcome anywhere you wish to go. I might steer clear of the dining room just now though. Mrs. Brighton can be little flustered on busy days.”

  “I’ll be sure to stay out of the way. You’re so busy with your guests and the dinner. I won’t bother you anymore.” I stand and take a few steps toward the door.

  “I always have time for you” He stands and walks over to stand near me. “How about a little tour of the south wing?”

  “If you’re sure you can manage it.” I would love to spend time with him. I hate that my father is a stranger to me.

  He stands. “As you can guess, this is my office. It was my father’s as well. He had it converted when I was a boy. This whole area was once barracks, over time, the rooms have become various things. Down at the end here is my apartment, I wanted to be closer to the office and not stay in the room I shared with my wife anymore."

  I can understand that. I understand it was an arranged marriage, but when he talks about her you can tell he grew to love her.

  The hall splits, one end leading to large wooden doors and the other perhaps back to the foyer? We turn to the left passing several doorways until he stops abruptly.

  “I think you will love this.” He pushes a sconce upward, revealing a hole in the wall and a lever, when he pulls the lever a part of the wall gives way. Pulling the sconce back into place he pushes on the wall, and it swings inward like a door.

  The entire time I stand with my mouth open. Kings. Castles. Hidden passages. Nothing should surprise me after all of this.

  “Hundreds of years ago, when additions were made, several passages were hidden across the house. Some were created to get the servants around the castle quicker but others, like this one, were made for escape or for the soldiers to get out beyond the gates if the entrances were surrounded.”

  “I think I may have found one this morning, it wasn’t super hidden, but if a maid hadn’t come through it, I may not have noticed it.”

  “Yes, each guest hall has an access point to the kitchen for staff access.” He reaches in inside the passage opening and after a moment pulls back his hand holding a flashlight.

  “I’m not going in the creepy wall passages.” I shake my head, taking large steps away from him and the entrance.

  “It’s perfectly safe,” he assures me. “They are inspected regularly for maintenance.”

  “If we end up vampire food, it will be all your fault.” His boisterous laugh makes me smile. He steps inside, and I hurry after him to stay close. I will sacrifice him to the vampires and run if I have to.

  Once we’ve taken a few steps in, he pulls a second lever and the door closes behind us. “I used to explore these passages when I was a boy, and when I was older, I used them to sneak into town. Mrs. Brighton always knew of course, she would come collect me from whatever mischiefs I had gotten myself into.”

  “You talk about her a lot, she’s always been here?”

  “Mrs. Brighton cared for me since I was a boy. My father was a great king but not always a great father. Not that he didn’t try, he just felt he had a lot to make up for when he took the throne after my grandfather.” He shines the light along the wall counting archways, turning into the third one. “My grandfather, King Charles, was a cruel man. He made many enemies. It was his death that brought much-needed peace to the country. My grandfather shouldn’t have been king — he was second born. His older brother, Frances, abdicated the throne, moved to Spain, and married the love of his life. Danilo is Charles great-grandson.”

  “How can he claim a right to rule without the official ceremony that I have to do at twenty-one?”

  “Any potential future heir has their own ceremony and documents to sign pledging that they are willing to be king or queen if it comes to them. If it occurs, they have a different ceremony at the time they take the throne instating the new lineage.”

  “Do you think he would be a bad leader? If he were to become king?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know. In a different life, with different outcomes, he would be king right now. I’m afraid he wants the throne for the wrong reasons. His actions as of late are worrisome.” Is my father just being sensitive to Danilo’s actions? He just wants what he feels is his. Perhaps he would be a good king.

  We turn another corner and at the end of the tunnel stone stairs lead up. To what, I don’t know. I meet his eyes and he laughs leading me up the steps and opening a door.

  “Welcome to the best kept secret in Messalinia.”

  We emerge in a pantry. He pushes open the second door, revealing the inside of a cozy little house. A small kitchen and living room are decorated with beautifully colored handmade rugs. A bedroom is off to the right of the living room and a small staircase leads up. Outside the window, people are walking along the sidewalks, street merchants sell their goods, and children are playing in a nearby park.

  We’re outside the walls. I step closer to the window, looking out as the people bustle around. Two women stop right in front of the window, and I step back.

  “They can’t see in; the windows are heavily tinted. To the outside world this is just a little home off the main square. If you ever need to, for any reason, you can come here and get back to the castle safely. The keypad entry is your birthday.”

  Was it always or did he do that recently? I don’t want to offend him by asking.

  I sit on the couch, sinking into the well-worn cushions.

  “My apartment is about this size. Small but I love it, because its mine. Mom hated that I didn’t want to live with her anymore. That I wanted to live on my own.” I close my eyes, pressing my lips together, realizing how that must sound. I glance at my father. “It’s not that I don’t like staying with you—”

  “It’s okay, Adella. I understand. You had a life — I interrupted it.”

  “Things are just different now.” Not that I had much life for interrupting anyway.

  “If you ever want to go home just say so. I don’t want you to feel hostage here.” He stands near the window looking out.

  “I really didn’t mean—”

  “Not to worry.” He turns back to me holding a hand up. “We should head back, you need to prepare for the dinner. If I remember correctly, a lady prefers plenty of time to make her appearance.”

  “Shouldn’t take long with my babysitter smothering me.” I never have time to myself. She’s always hovering, always around.

  “Babysitter?” He cocks his head, forehead wrinkling.

  I can’t seem to say anything right today. Pulling one of the throw pillows into my lap hugging it to me, I focus all my attention on the pillow. Why can’t anything about this be easy. “My lady’s maid.”

  “You don’t like Clara? You can choose someone else instead.”

  “No
, she’s fine. It’s just another thing I’m not used to.” Having someone set out clothes for me, fix my hair, picking up after me. It makes me feel like a child.

  “It’s customary for someone to attend to the small things for you. We have much bigger concerns. Frankly, right now you need it.” He eyes my capris and tank top. “Clara is well versed in how you should dress. You’re a lady of royal blood, the people have a certain expectation of how you should look.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He clasps his hands behind his back standing tall and steps closer to me, his authority permeating every move. “I’m not angry. I’m telling you this for your benefit. I’ve arranged for Clara and Mrs. Brighton to give you lessons in being a royal, so that during your time here you will feel comfortable and like you belong. I want you to be happy here.”

  “I’m not unhappy. It’s just a big adjustment.” Shifting so I can stand I toss the pillow to the side. I spend a lot of time feeling conflicted and confused, but I want to belong. I want to fit in my father’s life.

  “I’m here for you. Anytime you need.” He places a hand on my shoulder and smiles. “If there is anything you want, let me know. This is your home too, for however long you choose.”

  “Actually, there is one thing. The maids looked at me crazy this morning when I asked if there was any peanut butter for my toast.”

  As I numbly down the hall towards my room, Seneca’s door flings open. “So? How did it go? What was he like? Did you find out why all the secrecy?”