I shook my head. “No. This is my first time.”
“Talk about a momentous occasion.”
“I’ll say.”
“How about I show you around later? I’ll take you to all my favorite spots.”
I smiled wide. “I’d absolutely love that.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Rodrigo
I’d never been this nervous in my life. I exhaled sharply, adjusting the collar of my shirt and straightened my tie. Marina laced her fingers in mine, the cold metal of the ring I bought her chilling my skin. She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.
“How do I look?” I asked.
“Very handsome.”
I swallowed, dabbing at my brow. “Oh my God, your father’s going to kill me.”
Marina looked the slightest bit nervous, which unfortunately did nothing to settle the sick feeling in my stomach. “Maybe,” she mumbled. I frowned at her, which prompted her to laugh. “I’m only joking.”
“That’s not funny.”
We were standing in the hallway that led to the King’s private chambers. I’d never really ventured down this particular wing when I was a boy. It was always too cold and dark. In a way, ominous and terrifying. Even as a grown man, this place gave me the creeps. I didn’t want to imagine the look on the King’s face when I walked in with Marina by my side. I supposed if he really wanted me dead, the King could have found a million different ways to dispatch me already.
A big, strong bodyguard with a familiarly bald head stood before the King’s doors. Charles lifted his fingers to his earpiece, apparently listening to the voice on the other end of the frequency. He cleared his throat and said, “The King will see you now.”
I leaned over and whispered in Marina’s ear. “It’s not too late to leave, is it?”
She tugged on my hand and led me forward. “Come on. I’ll be right here. Everything’s going to be fine.”
The King’s chamber was a sight to behold. I was surrounded by gold and silver. From the beautiful embroidered curtains, to the ornate frames holding up priceless works of art on the walls, to the intricately carved furniture, I was surrounded by wealth. The King didn’t even need to say anything. Everything about the room screamed at me that I was poor and small and at the King’s mercy.
He was standing by one of the large windows that overlooked the palace’s courtyards. The King had his hands folded neatly behind his back, shoulders pulled back and chest puffed out. I didn’t even need to look at his face to know that he was pissed.
But he wasn’t the only person in the room. The Queen, radiant and proper as ever, was on one of the white leather ottomans sipping tea with her pinky sticking up. Her hair was pulled up into a lovely little bun, a string of large white pearls decorating her neck. Sitting across from her was Mother and Father, both of whom looked just as uncomfortable as I did.
“You,” started the King, voice so low I could feel it vibrate through my chest. “You’d better start talking.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but Marina beat me to it. “I’ve already made myself perfectly clear. Rodrigo and I are married now.”
The King turned, looking down his nose at me. I had to fight against the instinct to shrink away beneath his judgmental gaze. As hard as it was to stand my ground, I didn’t falter. For Marina’s sake, I’d be strong.
The King pointed at Mother and Father. “What’s the meaning of this?” he snapped. “Why did you have me release them in exchange for your return?”
Marina remained calm, poised. It amazed me just how much she looked like a Queen. This was just a demonstration of her skill, a chance to see her coming into her own. If she kept this up, I had no doubt that she’d make a fantastic ruler one day. This wasn’t a biased opinion either.
“We’re family now,” she said flatly. “We can’t have family imprisoned, can we?”
The King set his jaw and glared at me. “What have you done to my daughter?”
“Nothing, sir,” I answered, fighting to keep my voice level. “I’ve done nothing but love her.”
The King scoffed, “No. You’ve manipulated her somehow, I know it.”
“You think you know a lot of things,” my father huffed.
“What did you say?”
“Are you going deaf, man? Maybe you should get your ears checked the next time the royal physician comes around.”
Mother patted Father on the shoulder. “Now, now, dear. Let’s try to be civil.”
“That’s rich, coming from you,” sneered the Queen.
My mother glared at the woman sitting across from her. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
And just like that, they were at each other’s throats. I would have been relieved that the heat was no longer and me and the fact that I married Marina, but I couldn’t stand our parents fighting.
“You’ve got some nerve talking to me that way, Lorenzo,” hissed the King.
“And you need to let go of this mightier-than-thou attitude, George,” Father snapped back.
“You can’t talk to me like this, Nia. I am the Queen.”
“That’s really the only come back you have? I expected better, Victoria.”
“Stop!” exclaimed Marina. Her voice was sharp, louder than expected. I’d never seen Marina raise her voice in such a manner. She impressively managed to silence our parents with a single word. “This fighting has to stop,” she sighed. “We’re going to need to find a compromise. If you’re not willing to do that for me and Rodrigo, at least think of your grandson.”
It got so quiet that I could hear old Charles sneeze out in the hallway.
“My what?” all four of them said together in unison.
I smiled at Marina as I placed a gentle hand upon her belly. “It’s still a shock to me too,” I said. “We found out a couple days ago.”
“I wasn’t feeling very well,” she explained. “I hadn’t been for quite some time, actually. I thought it was because of everything that had happened. But then the cravings started, and then the headaches. And then I started to feel really sick in the mornings, so I decided to take a test.”
The King stared at us, his hard exterior cracking slightly as a glimmer shone through his weary eyes. “I’m… I’m going to be a grandfather?” He turned to look at Father. “We’re–”
Father rose, looking equally amazed. There was an awkward tension in the air as Father adjusted the line of his jacket, cleared his throat. “Well, um…”
“This is… This is all very sudden.”
Marina took a deep breath before continuing. “I know things have been rough between our families for a long time. But I’d really love it if we could start again. Even if you don’t approve, I’m staying with Rodrigo. We’re going to raise this baby with or without you. But I’d very much like it if we could all get along for the child’s sake. I don’t expect it to happen overnight, but I’d be so grateful if we just tried.”
“We all used to be very close once,” I added. “Can’t we just forget about the politics for a second and see each other as old friends?”
Everyone looked to the King, who’d grown unnervingly quiet. He watched my father carefully, like a startled antelope waiting to see its predator would strike. After what felt like an eternity, he finally breathed.
Marina sighed in relief as the King burst into a laugh. “I’m going to be a grandfather!” He stuck his hand out to shake with me. “I’m, uh… I’m sorry I had you detained.”
I shook his hand, relief washing through me. “That’s okay, sir.”
“Are you going to apologize to me too?” Father asked. It sounded like he was joking, but I really couldn’t tell. He never made jokes, so I had nothing to draw comparisons to.
The King rolled his eyes. “Don’t push your luck, Sabatino. You stabbed me.” He hadn’t quite warmed up to Father, but I had a feeling it was only a matter of time.
The Queen and Mother came over to hug Marina, fawning over her like they used to
when we were children.
“When are you due?” asked the Queen.
“Have you thought of names yet?” asked Mother.
“We’ll have to get you on a special diet. You’re eating for two now.”
“Maybe we should organize a baby shower.”
“Isn’t that rushing things? We have to announce their marriage to the kingdom first, don’t we?”
Marina giggled as the room erupted into joyous conversation and laughter. Things were still a bit rough, but everything seemed to be working out. My initial worry quickly faded, replaced with adoration for my beautiful wife. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pressed my lips to her temple, my heart so incredibly full and excited for the future.
EPILOGUE
Marina
Two Christmases later
The holidays really didn’t begin until the Crown’s annual Midnight Magic Ball, which was always hosted two weeks prior to Christmas Eve. The palace was done up in the most spectacular of fashions. Colorful string lights hung from every ledge, streamers and beautiful ribbons decked the halls. The whole palace smelled of gingerbread cookies, roast turkey, peppermint sticks and sweet sugar cookies.
Mr. Sabatino was standing next to the refreshments table with Father, the latter of whom was pouring him a little cup of eggnog to celebrate the launch of Brooklandia’s latest welfare program policy. They’d been working on a new social welfare safety net for the kingdom’s most vulnerable and finally gained enough votes in Parliament to have the policy pass. They didn’t always agree on everything or see things eye to eye, but they were at least able to keep things civil.
Mr. Sabatino, unfortunately, could not return to his role as a senator after his failed coup, but he’d been making himself useful as a private consultant to the King. Father was even allowing me to join in on several meetings, giving me more responsibilities as the future Queen of Brooklandia. Since I had extensive experience with charity work, Father often looked to me for advice on how to better assist our people.
Fixes to the economy and helping the poor didn’t happen overnight, but we were at least seeing improvements. Our border issues with Allendes was still an issue, but Father promised that he would look at alternative methods of negotiation. Resorting to more violent, aggressive strategies was not only not popular with our people, but an awful waste of resources and time. Instead, the army which had been gathered on our northern border was tasked with assisting in rural building projects, yet another suggestion set out by Mr. Sabatino.
Mother and Mrs. Sabatino were by the massive Christmas tree handing out presents to the staff. They passed gifts to one another, calling for people to step forward for their holiday presents. Standing next to one another in matching knitted sweaters, one could have mistaken them as sisters. I thought it was poetic, really. Sisters squabbled from time to time, but ultimately came together when it counted.
Brandon was over by the dessert table, officially having been promoted to pâtissier. The little treats he’d concocted were amazing, as always. The whole table was full of colorful macaroons, fruit tarts, slices of lemon cake, plain gingerbread cookies for the children to decorate themselves and more. Oliver was naturally invited, holding onto his godchild as he snuck Brandon a kiss on the cheek.
I skipped on over and smiled at my son, who instinctively reached for me. His big blue eyes were even brighter and brilliant than his father’s, though his nearly platinum blond hair definitely came from me. He was dressed in a custom-made outfit that Oliver designed. It was a set of cute little jean overalls, a pair of slip-on white sneakers, adorable little socks, and a white polo beneath it all. Oliver actually had an entire line of baby clothes designed in honor of his godson. From what I’d heard, it was selling like crazy. Everybody in Brooklandia wanted to dress their children like Prince Thomas.
“There’s Mama,” said Oliver.
Tommy clapped and jumped up, cheering, “Mama!” as I took him in my arms, though he said nothing comprehensible.
I giggled. “Are you being good for Uncle Oliver, little man?”
Tommy grinned, his little gums causing him to drool.
Oliver chuckled. “I haven’t seen Rodrigo. Where is he? I thought he would have been here by now.”
I smiled fondly. “Rodrigo might not make it to the party. He had some interviews that he simply couldn’t reschedule, I’m afraid.” Rodrigo was in the process of finishing his law degree and was interviewing for intern positions with prestigious law firms all about Brooklandia.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Brandon.
“Don’t be. He’ll be here for Christmas, at the very least.”
Little Tommy giggled happily, kicking his little feet as he smiled at Brandon.
Brandon shook his head, brows knotted slightly in concern. “What does he want?”
I laughed at Brandon’s odd response. “I think he wants you to hold him.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He scoured, shaking his head.
Oliver gave him a devilish grin. “Oh, come on. Are you scared? He’s just a little one.”
“Yeah, I don’t do well with…” Brandon gestured to Tommy like he was an object. “Children.”
I placed Tommy in Brandon’s arms and spoke directly to my sweet boy in a loving voice. “Mommy has to go potty, my sweet prince. Bran-bran will keep an eye on you.”
Tommy cooed, and shock was evident on Brandon’s mortified face. “You wouldn’t, Princess.”
I shrugged. “I do have to go to the bathroom,” I lied. “I won’t be long now.”
“I– No, wait,” Brandon whined, reluctantly taking my son. Tommy immediately grabbed at Brandon’s pristine chef’s jacket and refused to let go. “Princess, please come back.” He turned to Oliver. “Babe? A little help?”
“No, no. I think you’ve got things under control.”
“What if he starts crying?”
“Oh, come on. He’s a happy little fellow, Brandon. It’s not that bad. How are you going to handle having our own kids?”
“That’d be totally different,” replied Brandon. “I’m not allowed to spank the Prince.”
Oliver let out a dramatic gasp. “You’d spank our children?”
“What? No. I mean, only if they were particularly bad.”
“Like when I’m bad?” teased Oliver.
Brandon groaned. “Why are you like this?”
“Because you love me, and I know I can get away with it.”
Brandon grimaced and looked to me for assistance, but I left the grand hall just as Oliver and Tommy laughed together at Brandon’s misfortune.
It was nice to get away from the party, even for a little bit. As much fun as it was, the tiniest feeling of loneliness managed to creep in as I wandered down the dark hall. I listened to the click of my heels against the cold, polished floors, admiring the silver moonlight that shined in through the big open windows overlooking the royal gardens.
A feeling of nostalgia washed over me. So much had happened in the course of three years. I’d fallen in love with a stranger who wasn’t a stranger. I’d had my heart broken only to be fixed and made whole once again. Despite all the ups and downs, despite the tumultuous journey it took to get here, I wouldn’t have changed a single thing. Well, maybe I’d change the fact that Rodrigo wasn’t back yet. He’d returned to Brooklandia three years ago and swept me off my feet, and while we were madly in love and had a family of our own now, he still had law school to finish. Only a few more months before he’d graduate, and we’d be together again. We hadn’t missed a holiday one since being reunited three years ago, and although he wasn’t here yet, I knew sooner or later, he’d show up. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Tommy, Rodrigo, and I would spend Christmas together. I just needed to be patient.
I was about to turn back to return to the party when something red in the corner of my eye happened to capture my attention. I squinted in the dark and tried to get my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting.
Cautiously, I approached the tiny thing. As I drew closer, I realized that it was a single red rose petal.
My heart jumped, a sudden excitement shooting through me. A little way further was another red rose petal, followed by another, and then another. I grinned to myself, amused. As it turned out, there was an entire trail of rose petals, which eventually turned into individual roses. My journey led me outside into the gardens, just beneath the veranda where Rodrigo and I kissed for the very first time all those months ago.
The garden lights weren’t on, so I was confused to find the royal garden’s center fountain surrounded by a soft golden glow. Somebody had strung a bunch of fairy lights about the space, hanging off of the edges of the fountain, laced between trimmed bush hedges. The ground was covered in a pile of rich red roses like something out of a dream. I stepped forward slowly, looking around to see if anyone was nearby.
That was when I caught a glimpse of the mistletoe hanging from one of the wooden banisters. Standing beneath it was a familiar, very handsome young man. Rodrigo broke out into a smile that was more brilliant than the full moon above our heads. My heart swelled when I saw him. One would have thought I hadn’t seen him in years instead of weeks. That was just how much I’d missed him.
I giggled as I joined him beneath the mistletoe, staring dreamily into his eyes. “Well, hello there. When did you get in?”
“About an hour ago,” he said. “It gave me the time to set this up.”
He tilted his head down and pressed his lips to mine. I savored the taste of his mouth and breathed in the scent of his cologne.
“I’ve missed you,” I said.
“I missed you too.”
“Did your interviews go well?”
Rodrigo grinned. “Aced them. I’ve already got several offers to work at law firms based in Allendes.”
“Do you think you’ll go?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “It’d mean being away from you and Tommy, so probably not. But we’ll cross that bridge in the spring, after graduation. In the meantime, I want to spend the holidays with my family.
Royal Holiday Page 17