Once Upon A New York Minute: Part 1

by Sherry Ficklin

  The Prime Minister hits his wooden gavel on the podium, calling the session to order. Focusing on him, I try to tune out the soft murmur echoing through the chamber.

  “As out first order of business today, I’m pleased to welcome the newest member of the Supreme Council and the representative from House MacGregor, Lady Haven Sully.”

  I stand, inclining my head toward him before resuming my seat.

  From there he opens the floor to new business. Genevieve stands.

  “The Council recognizes Lady St. Lauraunt from House St. Lauraunt. You have the floor.”

  My heart sinks, and it’s all I have to hide my instant panic.

  “Prime Minister,” she begins formally. “We have no new business at this time, but House St. Lauraunt wishes to offer a welcome to House MacGregor and Lady Sully. We are pleased to have you and look forward to working with you in the future.”

  She looks to me, nodding once. I’m too shocked to speak, so I simply return the gesture.

  She sits, and the other houses follow suit, each standing to welcome me formally. I exchange a nervous glance with Sarah, who speaks last.

  “I have had the opportunity to get to know Lady Sully quite well in the past weeks, and I am also glad to welcome her. I am confident she will be a wise addition to the Council—and to her new home of Onah-Napor.”

  As she sits, Tommy offers me an enthusiastic two thumbs up gesture with a wide grin. That over, Lord Darcey stands again.

  “At this time, I would like to formally propose a redistricting of the OlawPai cove area from agricultural use to commercial.” He continues, a slide show appearing on the screen behind the podium. It’s an architectural concept drawing depicting a boardwalk with three new hotels and over a dozen shops, galleries, and restaurants situated along the crescent cove. He spends some time outlining the plans, as well as showing off the projected revenues.

  Once he relinquishes the floor, Duke Lee stands, “The OlawPai Cove is designated a protected area under the ownership of the Crown. I, for one, see no reason to change that, given that any revenues of such a plan would surely not outweigh not only the costs of building, but would be dependent on the further growth of tourism on a part of the island that remains mostly rural and houses several important historical sites. The last thing we want is more wealthy tourists trampling our national historical areas.”

  They go back and forth for a while, a few of the other houses weighing in, before a vote is called. One by one, the representatives are called forward to vote. Being the newest house, I vote last. It is two vote in favor to three votes against, with House Blackburne not present and thus abstaining. Knowing I will either be the nail in its coffin or the vote that takes it to the King to break the tie, I stand.

  “It is true that I am new to Onah-Napor, but in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve had the privilege of seeing not only it’s metropolitan areas, but some of its historical areas as well. As I’ve listened to the arguments of both sides, I have come to my decision on the matter.” Swallowing hard, I can’t help but wonder if Sarah is going to regret giving me that land after all. “I believe that the economic growth of this nation is important—if not vital—to its future. But it must be done in a way that also respects it’s past and honors its heritage. For that reason, I believe that the commercial development of OlawPai would be a worthwhile endeavor. I would stipulate that a portion of its annual revenue be directed toward a fund used to preserve and upkeep the nearby historical sites that will become more visited with the influx of tourists. Onah-Napor has a rich history, and I find the idea of sharing it with the outside world to be an exciting prospect as well as an economic boon. For that reason, I vote in favor.”

  Taking my seat, I slide a gaze to Sarah who offers me a wry grin.

  “With the count three votes for and three against, His Majesty the King will be welcomed to court to offer his vote. Until that time, this matter is tabled.” He hits the gavel again. A young aide slides in the door, rushing up the aisle to whisper to the Prime Minister, who straightens.

  “Ladies and Lords, His Majesty King Aiden seeks an audience. Any opposed?” no voices sound, no hands raise. Nodding to the aide, the doors open and Aiden strides in. He’s in his formal regalia, minus the crown, his back straight, chin high as he approaches the podium. The members stand, applauding, then sit as he begins.

  “Lords and Ladies of the Council, thank you for your attention. In accordance with the laws and traditions of Onah-Napor, I come before you as your ruling monarch and declare my intentions to wed Lady Haven Sully of House MacGregor. A formal proposition of engagement will be sent for your signatures in the next twenty-four hours. Also, I would like to take the opportunity to personally thank each of you for your continued loyalty, dedication, and hard work in the governing of this wonderful nation we share. I would also like to formally welcome Lady Sully and House MacGregor to the Supreme Council.” His gaze shifts to me, his expression beaming with pride. “May you exercise the wisdom, temperance, and fairness of mind that befits your station. Thank you.”

  With that, he sweeps from the chamber, the doors closing behind him.

  A loud murmur ripples through the chamber. A slight flush rushes to my cheeks. Even though I knew it was coming, hearing him say it out loud—officially—makes my heart pound heavier in my chest. Again I wait, edgy and wired, my gaze sliding toward Genevieve. I expect some show of emotion, some backhanded comment or something—anything—to take away from this moment, but she just sits with her hands clasped together on the table. If anything, her expression is one of a cat waiting to pounce. Smug and patient.

  A few more items are discussed, a new bridge proposed, a tax increase to fund renovations to the hospital. Finally, just before lunch, we are released for the day.

  “We will reconvene tomorrow morning at eight am for the signing of the engagement proposal.”

  Another gavel strike. Lord Darcey approaches me immediately, “I appreciate your support, Lady Haven. I know that such matters are delicate, possibly more so for someone so new to all this.”

  He waves a hand around.

  “It was a good proposal,” I offer honestly. “And because I’m new and not holding onto old ideas, perhaps you will find me more forward thinking than some others. But, progress at the expense of the history and culture of this island is something I will not abide.” My tone is firm, my expression commanding.

  He bows from the neck, “I quite understand. And I look forward to working with you.”

  Tommy leans against my desk. “Already making friends, I see.”

  I shrug. “As long as he can provide a way to protect the historical sites, what’s the problem with a few more hotels? It’s a good location and the impact to the local farmers will be minimal there.”

  Shaking his head, Tommy grins. “I knew you’d be good at this.”

  “I’m glad someone did,” I say honestly. “Because I’m still not sure. But this way, the ultimate decision resides with Aiden. And since the crown technically owns the land, it really should be his decision anyway.”

  “That’s fair,” Sarah says, sidling up beside Tommy. “But, enough politics for today. Shall we have lunch?”

  “I’d like to change first, how about we meet up somewhere?” I offer.

  Tommy suggests a place nearby the palace and I head to my room to change. Liam is waiting for me when I arrive.

  “Hey,” I say, hugging him tightly. “Where’s Liz?”

  “She’s off snorkeling with Neil. They’ll be back later tonight. How was your first day?”

  I shrug, opening my door and waving him in. “It was kind of thrilling actually. Made my first vote. Aiden came in and announced the engagement. Genevieve even welcomed me to the Council.”

  He frowns.

  “I know,” I say, setting my bag aside and heading for the closet. “She’s got something up her sleeve, I can feel it. But, I guess all I can do is wait and see. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe she’s r
eally resigned herself to my being queen.”

  Liam snorts, “And maybe hell froze over, but I’ll believe it when I see it.”

  I change quickly into jeans and a casual top before exiting the walk-in closet and slipping on my boots. “I’m heading to lunch with Tommy and Sarah, wanna come?”

  “I thought you’d never ask,” he says, offering me an arm. “Lady Haven.”

  The sun is bright and the air warm so we opt to walk to the restaurant. It’s only a few blocks away, and he spends the walk telling me about Neil getting bit by a sand crab and Liz offering to pee on it.

  “Isn’t that for jellyfish stings?” I ask, laughing.

  He makes a disgusted face, “Even if it was, that’s so gross.”

  I shrug, “That’s true love, Liam. Being willing to pee on someone to take their pain away.”

  He shudders, “If that’s true love, then I’ll take a hard pass.”

  The restaurant is humming with conversation as we walk in, Sarah sees us come in and waves us to a table on the back balcony. Tommy is already knee deep in the largest mimosa I’ve ever seen while Sarah sips on a black coffee. I eye the giant wine glass.

  “It’s pineapple, try it,” he orders, sliding it across the table to me.

  I take a sip and pucker at the bitter champagne. “That is…strong,” I decide. “I’ll take two.”

  He laughs, gesturing to the waiter, and takes the glass back.

  “I’ll just have the juice,” Liam adds.

  “What, you don’t want to get drunk and make fun of the nobles?” Tommy asks, his expression overdramatic surprise. “It’s like I don’t even know you.”

  “Haha, I still have to drive up the coast and pick up Liz and Neil in a few hours. I left them at the Sea Turtle Preserve. They’re snorkeling.”

  “Oh, we should join them,” I say. “After lunch. I’ve always wanted to swim with sea turtles.”

  Liam’s mouth twitches. “Whatever you want, Lady Haven.”

  I smack his shoulder playfully. “Don’t you get all formal on me, Liam.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  His cell chimes, then mine and Sarah’s vibrate in unison. My brow furrows as I slide it from my pocket. It’s a text from Lord Darcey, with a video attached.

  “An unnamed source has informed channel six news that Onah-Napor’s newest Duchess has a bit of a sorted past.” The screen goes to a photo I know all too well. My mug shot. “Lady Haven Sully was arrested in New York city under charges of fraud and conspiracy. Her representatives could not be reached for comment.”

  My breath freezes in my lungs as I look up into the startled faces of my friends.

  “This is low, even for Genevieve. Making up some stupid story,” Liam begins. When my eyes meet his, his expression softens. “It is made up, isn’t it haven? Please tell me it isn’t true.”

  I swallow, closing my eyes.

  “You were arrested?” Sarah demands, her voice high and strained. “For fraud?”

  I hold up a hand. “I can explain,” I say.

  “You’d better hope so,” she challenges, throwing a wad of cash on the table and standing. “Come on.”

  “Where are we going?” I ask.

  “To my house to regroup and get ahead of this thing.”

  “We’ve got some serious damage control to do,” Tommy adds, his expression sympathetic.

  Media storm

  All eyes are on me as we leave, people’s expressions ranging from curiosity to outright rage.

  “You go, I should go see Aiden,” Liam says.

  “Wait,” I grab his arm. “I need to see him. To explain…”

  Liam pats my hand. “You probably shouldn’t be seen with him right now. I’ll go talk to him, see how we can smooth this over.”

  Frowning, I release him. “Alright. But, please, tell him I’m sorry. Tell him I’ll explain everything.”

  Nodding he turns to leave and Sarah stuffs me into the back seat of her sedan just as a photographer rushes toward us.

  “Lady Haven, do you have anything to say about the allegations of your criminal history?”

  “No comment at this time,” Sarah says smoothly, sliding in beside me and closing the door just as a flash goes off in her face.

  Once we’re driving, she looks back, making sure no one is following, before turning in her seat to face me. “Alright, I assume the photo is real?”

  “It is,” I admit.

  She sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her finger and thumb.

  “This is all Genevieve’s doing,” I realize as the shock begins to wear off. “She dug up dirt on me so she could have an excuse to keep me from marrying Aiden.”

  “Well, perhaps if we’d known there was dirt to begin with, we could have avoided this entirely,” Sarah says, her tone sharp. “What were you thinking keeping this a secret?”

  “I was thinking it was a long time ago and it was no one’s business.”

  “That you are a felon?”

  “I was never charged,” I clarify, my blood beginning to boil in my veins. “And those records were supposed to be sealed.”

  “Alright. I’m going to need the whole story. But first, Tommy, call the kitchen staff and have them put out some lunch. And whiskey. It’s going to be a long day.”

  He nods, grabbing his cell.

  “I’m going to call a contact of mine at the paper and see what story they plan to run tomorrow. If there’s time, maybe we can give them an official statement.”

  Sitting back, I listen as they make call after call. There’s only one call my fingers itch to make.

  Aiden. What will he think of me? How could he possibly want to marry me now? My eyes well up, but the tears refuse to fall. I’m too angry for that. I suppose it was too much to hope that I’d ever be able to close the door on that part of my life. But now, all the shame and rage I felt back then in fresh all over again. Part of me wants to hide in a corner forever. The other part wants to drag Genevieve out of her house and rip the hair from her head one at a time. How had she even gotten ahold of those records? Did she have any clue what she’d done?

  Once we are at Norwood manor, Tommy walks me to the sitting room where lunch has been laid out. Despite my hunger, my stomach rolls at the thought of food, my head beginning to ache.

  “Can I get some aspirin?” I ask the maid who eyes me for a moment before dipping into a curtsey and rushing off.

  “Did you see that? Even the maids know and hate me. I’m public enemy number one.”

  “It gets worse,” he says, flipping on the television where Duke Rathborne is giving a press conference outside the palace.

  “Unfortunately, this places the council in a precarious position. Only today King Aiden proposed an engagement between himself and Lady Haven. In light of these disturbing facts, I can’t imagine we could allow such a union to proceed, for the good of the nation.”

  I crumple onto the chair, my breath catching in my lungs painfully. “That weasel,” Tommy says. “No one outside the council would even know about the engagement if he hadn’t said anything.”

  “This is why Genevieve pushed for the law change. Now she can say I’m unfit to be queen and refuse to sign off on the engagement.”

  Tommy sucks in a deep breath, but says nothing. Sarah returns, an old book in hand.

  “You’re right,” she says. “And that is my fault. If I hadn’t proposed the change in the first place,” she trails off.

  “Genevieve still would have found some way to disqualify me,” I say flatly. “I should have told you about all this, but honestly, I thought it was behind me. The records were supposed to be sealed.”

  “Why? Were you a minor?”

  “No,” I say. “It’s a long story, but they sealed them as part of a deal I made with the district attorney.”

  “Alright. I’m going to need it all, from the beginning, leaving out no details,” she says, picking up a notepad.

  “It doesn’t matter,”
I say, motioning to the television. “We can’t out maneuver this. There’s only one way to clear my name.”

  She eyes me curiously.

  “I have to go public, to the press and the council. I have to tell everyone the truth, about this, about everything. Will you help me?” I glance from Sarah to Tommy and back again. They both nod.

  “What can we do?” Tommy asks.

  “Well, first I need a computer. Then, I need to know, are the press allowed into the council when it’s in session?”

  “Almost never,” Sarah says, “But it has happened. Let me look up the precedents.”

  “Thanks,” I say. “And Tommy, I need you to do one other thing. I need to talk to Aiden, face to face, but without anyone seeing or knowing. Can you arrange something?”

  A sly smile spreads across his lips, “I think I can do that.”

  “And can you have Liz and Neil taken to a hotel for the night? I don’t want them swarmed by press at the palace. I’ll text her and let her know what’s going on.”

  “No problem.”

  I shoot Liz a text to call me when she’s out of the water. About an hour later my phone rings.

  “What is happening?” she demands in a frantic tone.

  I fill her in on the broad strokes.

  “Oh, sweetie,” she says. “I’m so sorry. I know how hard it is for you to dredge all this up. What are you going to do?”

  Sitting back, I sigh and stare at the computer screen in front of me. “I mean what can I do? If I tuck tail and run, I’m giving up the life I’ve always wanted. If I stay and say nothing, my reputation is trashed and Aiden never speaks to me again. My only shot is to tell the truth. Publicly. To the whole world.” The thought makes me queasy.

  “Are you sure?” she says in a soft voice. “I know you’ve been trying to fly under the radar. If you go public…”

  “I know,” I say, closing my eyes. “But some things are more important than keeping my secrets. Some things aren’t worth losing for it.”