by Karr, Kim
Truman lifts his head. “I did that so we could keep tabs on what he’s doing.”
“The fuck you did.”
“I did.”
I let go of him and start pacing. I have no idea if he’s telling the truth or lying.
He slides into the car, and I slide in after him. “Why didn’t you tell me he killed the King?”
After opening a small bottle of whiskey and downing it, Truman looks over at me. “I was young and afraid, Adrien. Even at his young age, Rutherford had people in his back pocket everywhere. I had no idea what that paper would turn into at the time and I couldn’t tell you about the murder because I knew you’d never let it lie.”
“No, I wouldn’t,” I hiss.
“And we’d be dead because he would have killed us long ago. Fuck, he tried to have us killed because he thought we knew his father didn’t want to legalize gambling in Eastwood, and with him trying to move forward, we were a liability. If he knew about this back then, he’d have killed us with his own dirty hands.”
I just stare at him.
“Now,” Truman goes on, “he won’t try to kill either of us, again. And when it comes to attempting to legalize gambling across all of the Vespa Isles, he won’t be able to make a move I don’t know about.”
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck.
He’s right.
And although I fucking hate it, I don’t have a choice but to trust him.
He’s never given me reason not to.
But if he’s lying…I'll put an end to this myself. My way.
VICTOR-IEN EMERGES
SOCIAL MEDIA
TWITTER
MAXIMUS MONTGOMERY @PrinceMax
She said she was just going on holiday…Congrats @PrincessVictoria and @AdrienLaurent
ALEXANDRIA PALACE @AlexandriaRoyalOfficial
The Prime Minister has announced the engagement of Princess Victoria to Prince Adrien Laurent.
EASTWOOD PALACE @EastwoodRoyalOfficial
King Rutherford wishes the newly engaged couple all the happiness and prosperity in the world.
JULIUS MONACO @PrinceJ
My best wishes to the happy couple…Congratulations @PrincessVictoria and @AdrienLaurent
ROYALGIRL @royalgirl.net
Oh, how excited I am. A new royal match made in heaven. I for one can’t wait for the royal wedding.
OFF THE MARKET
The Eastwood Examiner
Breaking News
IT’S OFFICIAL
By Dominick Wilfork
EASTWOOD—One of the world’s most eligible bachelors is officially off the market.
Eastwood’s Prince Adrien is engaged to Alexandria’s Princess Victoria, Royal officials announced Monday, and he has King Rutherford’s full backing.
After the announcement, Adrien confessed he knew she was the one the first time he laid eyes on her.
Seems our Prince isn’t as naughty as we thought.
RED OR BLACK?
The Eastwood Examiner
Breaking News
LEGALIZED GAMBLING IS PUT ON HOLD
By Dominick Wilfork
EASTWOOD—The Vespa Isles General Assembly met today and voted with a two-thirds majority to put King Rutherford’s plan for legalized gambling expansion on hold.
Too many questions over the specifics of this expansion that could not be answered left officials saying maybe next year.
For now, if you want to roll the dice, the only place in the Vespa Isles you can do so is Eastwood.
Legally, that is.
NO DICE HERE
The Alexandria Gossiper
Royal Watch News
Sir Isaac Brantley Looks Sad
By Ophelia Heart
Ophelia here, and today I have some rather good news to report. Well, good from some, but not all.
It looks like Sir Isaac Brantley’s dream to build a mega-casino on the shore of Alexandria has been squashed, for now.
Although he has yet to confirm the land he purchased from bankruptcy court last year when King Stephen took ill was for that purpose, a member of his staff leaked that very truth and the possibility it was a joint partnership with none other than King Rutherford of Eastwood, himself.
What’s ten million dollars to do when sitting on the shore empty and rundown?
Guess we’ll find out when Sir Isaac Brantley tells us.
Should we suggest a library or a museum perhaps?
I for one second that motion.
Tweet me your thoughts on what you’d like to see the old hotel become.
I can’t wait to hear.
RIP
The Alexandria Gossiper
Royal Watch Breaking News
Sir Isaac Brantley Dies
By Ophelia Heart
O here, and today I have a tragedy to report.
A head-on car crash killed Sir Isaac Brantley and injured two agents hired to protect Princess Victoria as the royal party headed to the Mediterranean shores for the weekend to celebrate their upcoming wedding just weeks away.
The accident did not involve the Royal motorcade, which passed through the area about an hour later.
The Princess has not released a statement yet, but we are all certain her uncle will be missed dearly.
Well, most of us are certain.
Or some of us, are, anyway.
ODE TO JOY
The Cartier Halo Scroll tiara belonged to my great-grandmother, Queen Isabella. The sparkling piece, with nearly 1,000 diamonds, was a gift to her from her mother.
A piece that speaks volumes as to my ancestry and whom I am.
It’s a week before Parliament convenes and my stomach is filled with all kinds of knots, but not necessarily tangled ones.
Princesses don’t get nervous.
The air smells of roses and lilies and rings with voices and footfalls. I breathe in the scent and smile at myself in the mirror.
At my beautiful gown. The one Ava arranged on such short notice be made for me. Plain white silk that just barely shows the caps of my shoulders. A bit risky but still appropriate for the cathedral. As usual, it walks the close to the line but not over, as she always seems to do. I so want her to stay here but she isn’t ready to leave New York. She said tele-advising is a must, and I laughed at that, thinking of hearing poor William on the phone with Queen Genevieve before we left as she began the remodel of the dining room. Poor chap.
“Are you going to get Twitter handles as King and Queen?” Ava asks.
Once the hairdresser finishes spritzing on some spray, I shake my head. “No, I think that might be going a little too far.”
Handing the makeup artist a lipstick, she shrugs. “I think the people of Alexandria might find it rather cool.”
“Well, I guess I should consider it,” I tell her, looking down at my sparkling shoes. Not entirely glass but as close as Ava could get.
I guess I do have a fairy Godmother somewhere out there because I did find my Prince Charming and the shoes do fit.
As you might have guessed, I’m getting married today, and my life couldn’t be more right side up.
The news of my Uncle passing shortly after my return to Alexandria was a shock. Why he was headed to the harbor with two men is still anyone’s guess. He and I hadn’t even spoken since my return, so other than planning me harm, it made no sense. The man had aspirations to abolish the monarchy and rule Alexandria as President, and I think he thought if he could get me out the way, he would be able to do so.
Adrien and I are uncertain if his demise was the makings of King Rutherford or purely accident, and to be honest, I’d prefer not to know.
He was an evil man and if I had to, I was going to prove it. Now, the truth will never be truly known, which for the sake of Alexandria, is probably for the best.
I’m still nervous about taking the Monarchy. Sure, I was raised my entire life for that role, however, that doesn’t mean stepping into my father’s shoes is going to be easy. B
ut with Adrien by side, I feel like I can do anything.
I glance out the window at all I have to be thankful for and when I do, I watch as the light streams into my room in lovely beams and shafts. And like magic, it glitters all around me when I get to my feet.
The hairdresser piles her tools away while the makeup artist wields her paints and pots in my direction even as I move. A dab here and there and then I think they are finally finished.
“Am I ready?” I ask, my gaze on Ava who has her hands over her mouth and tears in her eyes.
“You look positively stunning,” she exclaims.
“Ladies!” Rachel wheels in a cart of champagne. “The Royal car is on its way. And Princess Victoria, your hair looks absolutely gorgeous. Positively regal.”
Touching my long blonde waves and smiling, I stare at the cart in wonder. Who is this woman? And where has my secretary gone?
She pours a flute, offers it to me. I take it. Still staring, my mouth is now agape. Rachel doesn’t wheel carts or willingly drink champagne.
“I really don’t think she should drink that,” Ava suggests. “She barely ate anything earlier and—”
“He can assume the title of King!” Rachel blurts out as if holding it in any longer might cause her to explode.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, my stomach during cartwheels at the very notion.
Rachel shoves a piece of paper in my direction. It’s printed but has my father’s handwritten signature at the bottom. “King Stephen had planned on appealing Alexandria’s Royal Marriages Act and was in the process of enacting a revision to our law with a new Succession to the Crown Act just before he died. However, your uncle never presented it to Parliament for final approval. I found it among his things and promptly emailed it to each member. And they all signed off on it. I got the last signature just moments ago.”
I rub my fingers right above my heart and hold back my tears.
Princesses do not cry.
But then I let the tears flow. Adrien and I will jointly rule Alexandria as King and Queen, and together we will watch over the Vespa Isles and make sure King Rutherford doesn’t do them harm.
“I have to tell him,” I declare.
Rachel smiles at me. “I’ve already summoned him. He’s on his way.”
“But she can’t see the groom before the wedding,” Ava scoffs.
“She can do anything she wants,” Rachel says with a smile.
And yes, Rachel is right.
Princess or ordinary girl, I can do anything I want.
BEST OF WISHES
SOCIAL MEDIA
TWITTER
ALEXANDRIA GOSSIPER @ALEXANDRIAgossiper
Alexandria’s #RoyalWedding #PrincessVictoria & #AdrienLaurent wed in a religious ceremony in Alexandria. Happily Ever After does exist for some of us.
AVA SMART INTERN @ AvaF_Smart
#Alexandria #PrincessVictoria Marries #AdrienLaurent in Custom @Armani #Armani
ALEXANDRIA PALACE @AlexandriaRoyalOfficial
All hail the soon-to-be his and her majesty King Adrien and Queen Victoria
COUNTESS @CountessLaurent
Congratulations to my son, the soon-to-be King Adrien and his beautiful bride @PrincessVictoria
When Victoria Met Adrien: A Royal Weddingcast @royalweddingpod
A podcast hosted by @OpheliaHeart
AVA SMART INTERN @ AvaF_Smart
Oh, @AdrienLaurent and @PrincessVictoria. I will always want to see you holding hands.
#PrinceAdrien #PrincessVictoria #PDAForever
PRINCESSVICTORIA @PrincessVictoria
@AdrienLaurent you are my #princecharming
ADRIENLAURENT @AdrienLaurent
@PrincessVictoria you are my #forever
ROYALGIRL @royalgirl.net
Gushing. Is it too early to start a royal baby watch?
SYMBOLS
The Coronation ceremony goes splendidly well. Adrien and I are walking outdoors down the royal-blue carpet and past more than two thousand people toward the awaiting car when the drums beat and the trumpets sound and the people of Alexandria start to cry out:
Long live Queen Victoria
Long live King Adrien
The crowns are proudly atop of our heads and while I hold the sceptre, he holds the orb. When we approach the very last step, we each hand off the symbols of authority clutched in our fingers to the Archbishop and then join our hands in unity.
The Alexandria State limousine is waiting for us, and when we reach it, I drop my hold on my husband and turn toward the people to wave to them.
This is my country. I shall rule it with all the commitment I have and he shall rule it with all the authority he commands and together we will keep it safe from harm.
When I turn away from the people, I see Adrien leaning against the car, arms crossed, smiling at me, admiring me, actually.
Such a royal rebel.
Then again, royals do what royals want. He unfolds himself and when he bows before me, he murmurs, “Ready?”
The sound of his husky voice makes my heart begin to pound. This man is a King. I am his Queen. And yet, looking at him now I can’t even remember my own name.
Biting back a smile, he reaches out to touch a bit of my loose hair beneath the jewel-encrusted crown. I can’t wait to get him alone. I want him to touch more of me. I want to touch all of him.
The door is opened for us, and my husband, King Adrien, offers his hand. With those butterflies dancing in my belly, I fold my fingers into his. He grips my hand lightly as I slip into the seat, our touch lingering long after he slides in beside me.
His fresh scent envelops me and my lungs start to ache with every breath I take. I want more of his air. More of his scent. More of him.
Although we’re enclosed in a confined space, we aren’t alone. The windows come down and the people start cheering again.
Long live Queen Victoria
Long live King Adrien
They have fallen in love with him.
With us.
But him, especially. Calling him the hottie royal, he’s no longer ever referred to as washed up.
I wave to those at my right, he waves to those at his left. Kisses are blown at him but not me. And I’m more than okay with that but I know I’m the one who gets to be alone with him.
First though, we have streets to drive up and down and people to greet with a wave before finally running off on our honeymoon.
Adrien wanted to take one of his sailboats but since the Royal Guard must accompany us, I did something I have never done—I bought a yacht.
All by myself.
Selfish reasons, really. I wanted Adrien’s hands free on our holiday to be on me and not the sails, and this boat has everything we could ever want. A secluded pool, outdoor dining, and even room for a small dingy so we can sail during the days. And I named her, Hope.
Hope.
Because for the first time in my life I have hope.
Hope for the future.
For us.
Our family.
And for this country.
When we finally reach the end of the road and complete the procession and the windows go up, Adrien closes the partition between us and the driver to give us privacy. “Finally, after almost a week, I get you all to myself,” he muses.
Alone on a secluded road, now we belong only to each other. Batting my lashes, I slide along the luxurious leather seat, inching closer to him. His eyes flash like streaks of blue lightning as soon as our hips meet. Shifting sideways, I lift my pale blue gown, baring my thighs so I can swing my leg over his and then I crawl onto his lap to straddle him. “Yes, you do, and what are you going to do with me?”
His fingers possessively clutch my bum, pulling me closer to all his masculine ruggedness, and anticipation flames like wildfire through my veins. “We have an hour until we get to the harbor, so I have plenty of time to show you exactly what I’m going to do with you and to you.”
My hands sha
ke from the heat of his gaze. A gaze that promises endless pleasure. A gaze that makes me feel wanted, owned, and utterly wanton. Reaching up, I remove my crown and set it on the ledge behind him and my hands don’t stop shaking when I do the same to him.
God, he is so incredibly sexy and mine.
All mine—for the next few days, anyway.
That hair of his is a mess and I run my fingers through his silky softness, wondering if I’ll feel like I’ve touched him enough. “There,” I say. “Now, it really is just you and me.”
His laughter fills the space between us and his eyes go impossibly dark, as dark as his voice. “Kiss me, my Queen.”
“Your wish is my command, my King.”
And as this Queen melds her lips to her King’s, and he slides his tongue into the hot cavern of her mouth, she knows this fairytale only ends one way—with the happiest of ever afters.
P.S.
The letter is simply a formal mode of communication.
Dear Parliament:
I am writing to inform you I am with child and therefore will be producing a Royal heir. This should help ease your mind where the monarchy is concerned.
Sincerely,
Queen Victoria
My addressees have once again adjourned for the summer, so I don’t expect a quick response. However, within minutes practically all three hundred members reply.