A Royal Surprise

by Nichole Blithe

  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.”

  Seneca tosses me one of her “sexy tops”. I miss catching it, so it hits me in the face. “Sorry. Are you sure you want to go out on your own like this? You’re normally so b…. bashful.”

  “Go on, say it. I’m boring. I’ll be fine, don’t worry. I just need to get out of here.”

  “I didn’t mean boring. You just live a quiet life. Offer still stands to go with you, if you want me to.”

  “No, I’d rather do this alone.”

  I haven’t had much time to myself since we came to the castle and today was the worst, being poked and prodded by ladies getting me ready for dinner. Surrounded by people the entire night. Putting up with constant hovering. I’m suffocating. As much as I love Sen, I need a break from her too. “I won’t be gone long. Just an hour or two.”

  I turn back to the mirror to go heavy on the eyeliner and lipstick, wanting to look like anything but a princess. I’ve put curls in my hair, letting it hang long and pinned part of it away from my face.

  “We could still go back home you know. We can be packed and on a plane in an hour.”

  “I want to stay, at least for now. I want to know my father. It’s just a lot. I need some space. A little bit of normalcy.”

  “Well, then have fun.” She looks up from her magazine when I grab my purse and jacket off the edge of the bed. “Do everything I would.” She winks, and I roll my eyes.

  I creep down the hall toward the back stairway. I’ve lived as an adult for almost three years now, able to come and go as I please. Now, here I am sneaking down the dark hallway like a thief.

  “I wondered how much like your father you would be and here you are sneaking out the same way he did, when he was a teenager.”

  I cover my mouth to keep the scream from coming out. Mrs. Brighton stands in a doorway in her nightgown and slippers. Long gray hair braided and hanging over one shoulder. “Mrs. Brighton. You scared me.”

  “Oh dear, I’m sorry. Where are you off to in the middle of the night?

  I clear my throat. “Nowhere. Just going down to the kitchen for a little snack.”

  “Dressed like that?” She raises her eyebrows.

  “I just need some time to myself, away from all this.” I wave my hands around. It isn’t just the castle or finding out my father’s a king. I would run away from myself right now if I could. My mind has been in overdrive for days now, and after, today I just need a break.

  “I can’t say I know what you are going through, but I understand needing a minute to yourself. This can’t have been easy for you.”

  “No, it hasn’t. Meeting all those people tonight was overwhelming.” My shoulders slump as the night replays through my mind. “They all look at me like I’m the ruin of their country.”

  “Oh caro, that isn’t what they think. I promise you. The people are just as shocked as you. Not many knew about you. There were rumors, of course, but it wasn’t until now that your father confirmed them. To many, you are a relief.”

  “I know disappointment when I see it.” I’ve seen it from my mother enough times to know. “I’m going to go back to my room and get ready for bed.” I turn to head back to my room, but she stops me with a gentle hand.

  “I’ll keep your secret. Don’t stay our too late, I don’t want to have to send the guards for you.” She smiles and returns to her room closing the door.

  Stepping out of the little house into the fresh air, I don’t really know where to go. It really doesn’t matter, and I almost decide that hiding in the little house is enough until a group of girls around my age walk by. Going the direction they walked, I turn on the street to my left, following the chatter of people. The street is full of people and many are walking into a building. The King’s Lounge hangs on a sign above the door. I doubt I’ll run into any of the stuffy nobles from tonight. I don’t really drink often since I’m not of age back home, but here it’s perfectly legal. One drink won’t hurt. A little music and people watching could be just what I need to take my mind off everything.

  Inside is dimly lit and lively. A wall of wine racks separates the room into two parts, and music plays but not so loudly that the people can’t have a conversation. I scoot up to an open space at the bar, and a spritely old man pops in front of me with a big, toothy smile.

  “Good evening, lovely lady (Italian).”

  “Good evening.” I can’t help but smile back at his infectious attitude. “I’ll have—”

  He puts a hand up to silence me. “Oh no, miss. It’s my special ability to know what a customer likes.”

  “Oh, is it?” Well more power to him. I don’t even know what I like.

  “It is.”

  “Quit fooling, Michael. Just give the girl one of those fruity drinks and be done with it.” A velvety voice says just over my shoulder.

  “Boy don’t be giving away my secrets. Basta cosi.” He winks at me and spins around, grabbing some bottles and pouring them in a shaker.

  “It’s not a secret when we all know your tricks.”

  Turning toward the voice, I lose mine. Dark green eyes stare down at me. Vibrant and vivid, inspecting me. His brown hair is longer on top and perfectly styled, unlike his face speckled with stubble. It doesn’t take away from his put together look. It adds to it; giving him a manlier, sexier appearance. Making it harder to guess his age, however, he must be near mine. He grins, leaning his arm against the bar. His skin, a glowing bronze like he spent the day at the beach.

  “Here you are, lovely.” Michael pushes a martini glass filled with bright pink liquid toward me.

  “Put it on my tab, and another for me when you get a minute.”

  “Sure thing, Quinn.”

  My voice returns, even if it is smaller and breathier than normal. “That really isn’t necessary. Thank you.”

  “No, but it is customary for a gentleman to buy a lady a drink if he wants to find out her name.”

  I sip the pink drink, letting the sweetness coat my mouth. “Or you could just ask.”

  “What’s your name?” He flashes me a lopsided smile.

  “Why would I make it easy on you after the way you treated poor Michael?”

  “He knows I’m only fooling with him. He’s my favorite barista in the city.” Michael sets a fresh drink in front of Quinn and gives me a wink before darting off to help customers at the other end of the bar. He clears his throat and sticks a hand out. “My name’s Quinn. It’s lovely to meet you. And you are?’

  “Adella.” I put my hand in his, and he brushes his lips along the back of my hand. His light touch sets off every nerve, crackling up my arm.

  “Beautiful and unique.” He keeps my hand in his stepping closer. “When you walked through the door, I knew you were special. I just had to come talk to you.”

  “Well, that’s cheesy.” I’m sure he tries this on all the tourists. A beautiful island with perfect weather most of the year, that only a handful of people know about is a paradise. It’s the perfect hunting grounds for a sexy local.

  “Oh, come on let me try again?” He presses his hands together and the slightest hint of a sexy pout appears on his lips.

  He’s so cute I can’t help myself. “Okay but make it a good one this time.”
<
br />   “Roses are red, bananas are yellow. Come have a drink with a nice looking fellow?”

  Thankfully I don’t have a mouthful of drink, I can’t stop the giggle that bursts out. “I’ve never heard that one before.”

  “Come sit with me and i miei amici).” He points to a table in the corner where several people out age are gathered around.

  “I suppose you’ve earned it.” I pick up my purse off the bar and he guides me over to the table. Almost every group we pass along the way call out a greeting to him.

  “Everyone, this is Adella.” Various replies and welcomes are called out and most people quickly return to the conversations they were having when Quinn interrupted.

  I sit in the chair Quinn pulls out for me and a hand appears in front of my face. “I’m Nico.” An attractive guy with dark curly hair leans across the table. He has kind eyes and a nice smile but he’s not as attractive as Quinn.

  “Sit down.” Quinn smacks his arm. “She doesn’t want you fawning all over her.”

  “You’re just afraid she'll see something better and leave you.” He winks at me and turns back the conversation to his left.

  “Sorry he tends to be a little forward,” Quinn says, sitting next to me.

  I angle myself toward him. “He seems friendly enough.”

  “Oh, he is. Just has a very big head when it comes to the ladies. Rightfully so, they do love him.” Quinn glances at Nico and then back at me.

  “He’s not my type. I’m sure he’ll recover quickly.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, his shoulders relax, and he settles back in his chair.

  “So, what brings you to our little country? We don’t tend to get a lot of American tourists.” Now it’s my turn to tense. I don’t want people knowing who I am, that’s the whole point of this. It’s an innocent enough question, it’s only my answer that makes it complicated. Better to answer truthfully but vaguely.

  “I’m visiting my father.” Perfect not a lie and not full of ‘I’m your princess no one knew of’ craziness.

  “Ah, so your half Messalinian then, not really a tourist.”

  “You could say that.” It never occurred to be until Quinn said it. I have roots here, whether I know them or not. This place is part of me. To walk away means to walk away from a part of myself I haven’t even discovered. “It’s my first time visiting though.”

  “I would love to show you some of our greatest sites. Maybe even a tour of the castle.”

  I breathe in my mouthful of drink I was about to swallow and cough like an idiot. “I would love that really,” I croak, but my father has a lot of things planned for us, and I’ve already seen the castle.”

  Once the uncomfortable topic of my reason for being here and his brush with castle talk passes, we fall into easy conversation. Quinn’s friends are entertaining, injecting themselves in our conversation occasionally to give him a hard time and tell me funny stories about him, but as the night goes on, I find myself only talking to him. He’s funny and smart, and I would be a liar if I said I didn’t enjoy looking at him. I could look at him forever.

  “See you next time, Quinn.” Nico slaps him on the shoulder as he passes. “Goodnight beautiful, Adella.”

  “Goodnight, Nico. Meeting you was … interesting” He laughs and heads out the door with his chosen conquest for the night vying for his affection to return to her.

  “Looks like it’s only us.”

  “I guess so.” We’ve been talking all night, but now that we’re alone, I’m super aware of him and my brain has gone to mush.

  He leans in close. That lopsided grin has his eyes twinkling, lifting his hand he plays with a piece of my hair that has come loose from the pin and is hanging over my shoulder. Moving impossibly closer, he invades my senses until he is all there is. His cologne, fresh and masculine, like new leather, surrounds me. His hand brushes against mine before traveling up my arm to the back of my neck leaving tingling trails behind. The warmth of his breath tickles my nose. The sweetness of soda and whiskey lingering in the air. If I move only an inch, I could kiss him. Do I want to? I don’t have time to decide. His lips brush mine, soft and demanding. I forget how to breathe. A kiss shouldn’t be earth shattering, but this one is.

  “Hey, lovebirds I’m going to take the garbage out back, but then it’s time to lock up and go.”

  “Lock up? Oh no. I need to go, I promised I wouldn’t be out late.” I jump to my feet and gather my purse and jacket.

  “Let me make sure you get home.”

  “No, it’s okay. It isn’t far.” Quinn walks with me to the door, opening it for me. Out on the sidewalk, the little city has gone quiet. The breezy night air causes me to shiver. Goosebumps raising along my arms.

  “Let me walk you.” He takes my jacket from my hands when I struggle to get it on, holding it out and helping me into it. “What kind of person would I be if I let a beautiful young lady wander around in the dark?”

  “Not a very nice on I suppose. It’s just up here to the right.”

  His fingers lace with mine as we make our way around the corner. His thumb rubs along the side of my hand as we walk. Too soon we are at the little house’s front door and for a moment I wish I was someone else. A regular girl who could date the regular boy and kiss on the front steps in the moonlight.

  Well, I can still kiss on the front steps in the moonlight. I grab his shirt and pull him close. His lips find mine and his hands twist in my hair. His stubble scratches me as his mouth works against mine.

  “Invite me in,” he whispers against my lips.

  “Goodnight, Quinn.” I open my eyes, and he smiles at me.

  “Come see me tomorrow.” He presses his body closer to mine. “Come to the lounge. I’ll wait all night if I have to.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Tomorrow I’m coming into the city with my father. Everyone will know who I am after that, including Quinn. Tonight, was my one night to be treated normal, to feel normal. It’s so hard to tell him no, because really, I wish I could.

  “What do I have to do to convince you?” He raises my chin, forcing my gaze back to his eyes.

  “You could kiss me again,” I whisper.

  “I could, but then what would you have to look forward to tomorrow?” He presses a chaste kiss to my lips. He winks then walks back the direction we just came from, whistling as I watch him walk away.

  Thanks for making my night out memorable, Quinn.

  Chapter Four

  Good morning, Princess” Clara curtseys before she hurries to my wardrobe to pull out an outfit for the day.

  “Good morning Clara.”

  “You have the Parliament meeting with your father today.” She brings over a dress with matching jacket for me to wear. “Let’s get you dressed and ready to show those men that you can do this.”

  “Thanks Clara.”

  The minute Clara leaves my room, Seneca bursts through the door.

  “When did you get in?”

  “Late, really late. Like, close to one am.” She raises her eyebrows. “I know. I lost track of time.” I brace against the bed canopy post to slip my shoes on. I hate having to wear heels all the time, I miss my flip flops. I check myself one last time in the mirror and turn back to Seneca.

  “Doing what?” She bumps my shoulder with hers.

  “Come on. You know I’m not like that.” It took me dating my college boyfriend for a year before I slept with him and there wasn’t anyone before or since. He toyed with my emotions and I don’t want that to happen again. I may have become overly cautious when it comes to my heart, but really can I be too cautious when it comes to love?

  “Are you okay today? That’s what really matters.” She loops her arm with mine and we head downstairs for breakfast.

  “You know what? I think I am.” I lean my head against her shoulder as we walk.

  “Where did you go?” She whispers, when we pass some maids on our way to the breakfast room.

  “I found this little place called
The King’s Lounge. There was so many people walking in, it just seemed inviting.”

  “You went to a bar? That’s so not like you.”

  “Everything about last night was so unlike me. Actually, I met this guy. He was funny and kind and gorgeous.” A guy who looks like Quinn doesn’t usually show interest in someone like me. Since I looked and acted out of character, it’s safe to say be probably wouldn’t like the real me anyway.

  The real me. I don’t even know who or what that is anymore. Not since arriving in Messalinia.

  “Oh my god you’re blushing. Please tell me everything. Don’t leave out a single detail.” She slides into the seat across from me, bouncing like a kid on Christmas morning.

  I wait until the maids and walk to the other side of the room. Picking at the fruit on my plate, I watch as Seneca wriggles in the chair like she might burst.

  “He was practically perfect. We spent the whole night talking. We kissed, and I swear I’ve never felt anything like it before. He asked me to come back and see him tonight.”

  Seneca stares with wide eyes, pastry suspended in midair on the way to her mouth. It falls to the plate with a clatter and she clasps her hands. “You have to see him again.”

  “You know that’s impossible.” I set my fork down and focus on my coffee. I need the caffeine zap to get through this conversation and the rest of my day.

  “Is it really? You just sneak out again and—”

  “And what?” I lower my voice when the maids look over. I smile at them, and they turn back to arranging the coffee cart. “And what, keep pretending I’m some regular girl who can go out to bars whenever she wants and kiss boys like nothing matters. How long would that last?”

  “Hey, I just want you to be happy.” She stabs a strawberry with her fork, the bright red berry bobs on the end of the prongs as her hands move. “This guy makes you smile. You haven’t even been interested in a guy since Xavier. And now this bar guy, well, you like him.”

  I take a large bite of my cornetto, chewing slowly. I really don’t want to talk about either one of them. “Maybe I do, but it doesn’t matter. Now I’m a princess who doesn’t have time for boys.”