A Royal Surprise

by Nichole Blithe

  “I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that Eleanor is hiding something from you. I asked Quinn to help me investigate.”

  Eleanor’s normally flawless face twists into a demonesque glare. “What? You had your little boyfriend get into my business.”

  “Quinn is being a good friend to me and my father. Thankfully we have him to count on. You’re a liar and what you’ve done to my father is despicable.” Thank goodness Quinn found solid evidence, and I have it in my pocket. If I hadn’t been so caught up in myself maybe I would have been able to keep my dad from the hurt I’m about to cause.

  “Whatever nonsense this girl has concocted is clearly out of jealously that we spend so much time together and are so happy.” She cozies up to my father running her hands on his chest, pressing against him and turns to me speaking as though I was a toddler not someone nearly the same age she is. “I understand how hard it must be to share your father with me, only having so little time with him yourself before our marriage but playing games like this won’t get you the attention you want. Why don’t you run along and play games with your little friend, Quinn?”

  “That’s enough Eleanor. There’s no need to speak to her in such a way.” She doesn’t normally take it so far in front of my dad, usually saving her nastiest behavior for Quinn. He shifts his eyes to me. “Do you have proof that she has done whatever has you so upset?”

  I nod rapidly, pulling the paper from my pocket and hand it to him and his eyes flit over it. “Quinn found this at their family house where she was living before she moved here. It’s a report from a doctor’s office confirming pregnancy from before your wedding, from before your engagement even. Look at the dates. Eleanor was already pregnant when she found out you were looking for a wife.”

  “Is this true?” He turns to her unblinking waiting for an answer.

  “Clearly she’s made a false document.” She plays with her earing staring at me. Does she really think she can still keep up this lie? I have proof and she knows it, this is over.

  “What would I gain from lying? Nothing. You gain so much and have everything to lose. I just can’t understand why.”

  “You stupid girl, you couldn’t just leave it alone.” She stands cocking her head to the side and meeting my father’s eyes. “I thought it would be perfect. You were in a hurry to get married and produce an heir. I put myself in a position to be courted. If I was found pregnant very quickly then you wouldn’t ask any questions, it’s what you were wanting.”

  “Don’t put this on my dad.” I step forward balling my hands into a fist, wanting so badly to slap her. She’s being so careless with his feelings and so nonchalant about the entire thing she would have destroyed lives. “You lied to him. You used his good heart and trusting nature to trick him.”

  “No, she’s right. I didn’t even question it.” Dad steps between me and her, quickly regaining his composure. “Who’s the father, do they know about the baby and what you’ve done? It doesn’t matter, I’ll find out soon enough. As for this, our marriage will be dissolved, and you will be stripped of your titles. I will liquidate all your assets, and have you set up in a home in whatever country you choose, but you’re no longer welcome here.”

  “This is my home. I was born here.” All traces of anger leave her face and her eyes grow wide when she realizes what he’s saying. She’s going to be left with nothing. She was a duchess she had an inheritance and home she and the baby would have been just fine.

  “You should have considered that before your choices. You committed unforgivable crimes against the crown and this country. A hundred years ago, they would have put you to death for this.”

  She staggers taking a step back from him before her eyes flick to me.

  Her nostrils flare a split second before she lunges at me. “This is all your fault.” My father catches her around the waist, careful to be gentle with her but hold her firmly in place.

  “Adella, please dial for security.” His voice calm and cool while he continues to hold Eleanor. She shrieks and yells obscenities at me that a lady of her position wouldn’t typically utter, but then goes limp in my fathers’ arms glaring at me while I walk across the room.

  Picking up the phone I hit the button that dials down to the main security office and let them know my father urgently needs their attention in his office. In moments, several guards fill the room escorting Eleanor out.

  “You’ll regret this. I had everything until you ruined it.”

  “You’re the only one who should have regrets.”

  Her eyes narrow at me and the guards take her from the room completely leaving me and Dad alone.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

  “I’m glad you told me and I’m proud of you for not giving up on something when your gut told you it was wrong. Even if it was difficult and could cause people pain. If you don’t mind just now, I need a little time alone.”

  My chest tightens at his defeated look. My poor father lost his second chance to have a wife and baby in a matter of moments, and I did that to him. He gives me a tight smile and sinks into his reading chair to look out the window.

  “So, you’re sure you just want to be friends?” Seneca turns toward me, tosses her bouncy curls over her shoulder and repositions herself on the picnic blanket.

  The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and my best friend is with me. I should be happy, but I feel like I’ve sucked the joy out of everything and everyone around me. My dad is miserable, my relationship with Quinn was over before it even began, and now I’m even alienating Seneca, even though she would never admit it.

  “Mmm hmm.” My “friendship round two” with Quinn has consisted of very few interactions. The first week we were so focused on Eleanor that any lingering feelings or attraction we had weren’t an issue. In the following weeks, I’ve shamelessly used Seneca as a buffer anytime he’s been around.

  “Even though he came to your rescue. Even though you care about him, and he obviously cares about you?”

  “That’s right.” We can’t care about each other as more than friends. One day our friendship will become less strained and things will get easier.

  “I don’t know, Adella, you’re miserable. Now that the misunderstanding is over, why not try again?”

  “He didn’t talk to me, he assumed the worst that isnt the way to start a relationship. As friends we do okay.” As long as we keep our urges under control. There has been absolutely no physical contact.

  “Maybe if you two talk about it? Promise to communicate better.” I know she wants to help. It’s no fun to be with a mopey best friend.

  “I’m going to be queen one day. I have a lot to learn that I wasn’t focusing on. I have the ceremony in a couple days and my dad just found out he’s married to a wicked and selfish psychopath. I just can’t deal with that, too.” I refuse to teach the notorious playboy how to be in a relationship. I was never that good at it myself. Two short lived teenage relationships followed by one giant disaster in college and now this. Maybe some people are meant to be single.

  She holds her hands up in surrender. “You know me, full support in whatever you decide. I just want you to be sure.”

  “I am, completely. Tell me about things with Nico.” I’m done thinking about what was or what could have been with Quinn. Everything is different now.

  “Oh my god. He’s so hot, I can’t stand it. Things were never that serious with Marcus, but my time here is temporary, and I don’t want to get too attached. But oh boy is he nice to look at.”

  “Wow. You really like him. This is interesting.” Sen, holding back to keep from getting attached. I haven’t seen her act this way since after she dated Joey Valentino. They were hot and heavy in a short-lived teenage romance that really changed the way she approached relationships.

  “I just regular like him. Don’t get too excited.” She waves me off like it’s nothing, but her shoulders are tight. This isn’t the casual comfortable thing she’
s pretending it is.

  “Are you kidding this is huge!” I pop up on my knees to face her.

  “I’m only letting you keep this up because this is the first time you’ve looked happy since I came back to the island. Just remember, temporary.”

  “What if it didn’t have to be temporary? Why not stay? Or plan to come back when you graduate. You like it here, don’t you?” It’s not the fancy job in the museum in Philadelphia she always wanted but plans change. Curator for a castle could be a nice life, too.

  “I do like it here, but this is your country and you’ll be queen one day. I can’t just follow you around being bestie to the queen. I don’t think that job pays very well.” She picks at imaginary lint on her pants and smooths imaginary wrinkles. I might feel sorry for her if I hadn’t been on the other side of conversations like this with her so many times. At least I’m gentle, she’s relentless when she thinks she’s right.

  “I’m just trying to do for you what you would for me. Point out the reasons why you shouldn’t say no.”

  “And I love you for it but I’m fine with things the way they are.” I hope she isnt lying to herself I would hate to see her miss out on something great because of it.

  “Just don’t say no for the wrong reasons, okay? I know you’re about as trusting as I am when it comes to guys, but one day you will find one that you can trust with your whole heart.”

  “So will you. And I believe you already have, even if you don’t.”

  I wish I could believe it, too. I was starting to before everything fell apart.

  Preparations for my birthday and ceremony tomorrow won’t stop me from continuing the work on the youth center project. The kids need a safe and fun place, and I can’t ignore it just because I have big life changing things going on. They need life changing things too. Many of the teenagers are finding themselves in trouble down at the docks or even taking poorly paid and even more poorly monitored jobs on ships.

  The vacant building near the center of town is perfect for the youth center. There is a large secondary building that can be turned into a gymnasium and a large piece of land that I hope to build a dormitory on. Some of the boys are too old for the orphanage and have nowhere else to go. They can have a safe place to live, food to eat, and a chance to finish school.

  I’m waiting out front for Lord Bachran to meet me, so we can discuss the details. Samuel lingers by the car giving me space, but still close enough to leap into action if needed.

  “Your Highness.” I turn to the feminine voice, and Cordelia curtseys. Dressed quite casual compared to her typical dresses and heels in a pant suit and flats.

  “Where’s your father?”

  She clears her throat and looks down at her hands. “He isn’t coming. I asked my father if I could come work with you today. He thought it was a great idea and didn’t think you would mind.” She glances back up at me offering the faintest smile. “I’ve been selfish for too long and I’m trying to be kinder and more considerate. I’ve been working with my father at home. I never realized how many people in our country live on such meager incomes.”

  “We are very fortunate to have the lives we do. Most of the nobles don’t realize there is a portion of our country that is suffering. It’s small but it’s there.” I’m happy for the donations they do make but so much more could be done if they realized there is so much more outside their bubbles.

  “I see it now and I want to do what I can, like you and my father.” She wrings her fingers and draws in a deep breath. “I’m sorry I was so horrible to you.”

  “I forgive you.” And I do. Her behavior toward me was pretty awful, but if she wants to change, then I have to give her that chance.

  Her head hangs and her voice is hardly louder than a whisper. “I don’t deserve it. I’ve felt so bad after what happened and when I heard what Cristian did to you.”

  “I don’t blame you for what he did. His actions were his own and he is to blame. You coming here today and apologizing, shows me all I need to know. Just know that I don’t give second chances often and you won’t get a third.”

  “I won’t need one, I swear to you.” She steps forward, shaking her head. I may not like the way she was before, but I can give her a fresh start. Sometimes people deserve it.

  “All right then. Has your father told you about the project?” I hope he has. I want to get moving on this project and not waste the day explaining everything. I’m going to need to talk to Lord Bachran about this, I wouldn’t have been against it if he had discussed the idea with me.

  “Yes. Today you are doing a walk through for planning and ordering?”

  I nod and motion for her to follow me inside. “Your father usually takes notes as we go. Can you handle that?”

  “Yes ma’am.” She digs in her bag, retrieving a notepad and pen.

  “Let’s get started.”

  Cordelia stays focused and dutiful throughout our tour of the facility taking notes and even offering opinions at times. The insight and thoughtfulness she has for this project are wonderful, considering I thought her only interests were gossiping and spending her father’s money. Once we’ve finished, she invites me to lunch and I genuinely want to go.

  In the café the people of the town greet us warmly. We’re asked about our project and take the time to discuss some concerns the people have. Once everyone is heard the owner ushers us to a more private table in the corner, so that we can enjoy our meal.

  “I never knew being a princess was so much work.” Cordelia sips her drink while we wait on our order.

  “Some days are demanding, but I’m happy to do it. Whatever it takes to make the lives of our people better. Getting to the end and seeing the difference you make is worth it.”

  The waiter brings us our meals and we lapse into silence to eat. After a few minutes, Cordelia begins to fidget in her seat. Whenever I make eye contact, she darts back to her plate, where she is scooting food around a lot more than she is putting it in her mouth. Whatever she wants to say can’t be good.

  “I’m sure this isnt my place at all, but I’m sorry about Quinn. Having felt the hurt he can inflict I understand your situation.” The words tumble out of her mouth and she takes a large breath.

  “I’m fine. We’re friends now. Thank you for your concern.” She closes her eyes and I sigh. I don’t mean to be so short with her and I appreciate the concern, but I still don’t talk about Quinn in a romantic way, not even with Sen.

  Her eyes open and she gives me a tight smile. “I don’t mean to upset you. I just thought as someone who has been there, I could offer understanding at least.”

  “Do you still have feelings for him?” What a strange lunch conversation we’ve found ourselves having.

  “I’m not sure I have in a long time. More like I convinced myself that’s how it was supposed to be. We arent the same kids we were years ago.”

  “Are you seeing someone else?” Her snicker reminds me of my own when Seneca asks if I’m ready to date.

  “No. I’m not concentrating on those things right now. I need to be happy with myself first and I’m not there yet. I’m getting closer though.” She sets her fork down and rests her hands in her lap.

  “I completely understand that.” I want to be the best me for everyone around me. My choices and actions affect a lot of people. She nods and takes her first real bite of food since our conversation veered into the uncomfortable, and I do as well. Now that all that is out of the way, maybe we can be friends or at least friendly.

  “I’m sorry about your father, too. What Eleanor did to him.”

  “Luckily, all that is behind us now.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  I don’t have time to register the sound that wakes me, it’s dark but could be eleven at night or three in the morning. Lying quietly, I strain to hear anything else. When I don’t, I roll over to fall back asleep. Punching my pillow and huffing out a breath, I roll back the other way again. A light shuffling sounds comes from the fo
ot of the bed. I listen harder and strain to see through the dark when a clammy hand fastens over my mouth and an arm wraps around my waist, yanking me from my bed. His arm holds me tight to his body keeping his face out of sight.

  The raspy voice near my ear is familiar but unrecognizable and virtually inaudible over the pounding of my pulse in my in my ears. “If you scream, I’ll cut that pretty little neck, and kill anyone else who comes in here.”

  I nod my head swallowing the bile. Sen is sleeping just across the hall. I might risk it if he hadn’t threatened my friends and family. I won’t let him hurt the people I love.

  He nudges me forward, and I stumble over my feet, his arm grips around my waist tighter.

  “Quiet.” He cracks open the door leaning around me to peer into the hallway, and then I see his face. Ludo, one of the lower ranking guards. He nudges me again out into the hallway and steers me to a stairway that leads up to a very seldom used part of the castle. He leads me down the hall of the vacant area to a far back stairway and down again to the first floor. The stairs come out near the side garden and far away from most patrols.

  The air has a chill now that fall is on the way, my thin nightgown does nothing to protect me from the cool air and twigs that snag at my legs when I get too close to bushes. The dewy grass dampens my feet and causes me to shiver as he shoves me along the darkened garden and out the side gate. The guard who was on duty at the gate, is slumped unmoving on the ground. I hope he isn’t dead. I strain to watch him for his chest to move, any indication he’s only unconscious.

  We stand on the edge of the path and a car silently creeps forward. Ludo opens the back door and shoves my head down, roughly pushing me inside the back. I sit up from my sprawled position and sit only to find myself face to face with someone I never thought I would see again.

  “Sorry to wake you, Princess,” Eleanor chirps from the passenger seat.