They aren’t the only thoughts that kept me up, though. Another part of me stayed awake, wondering what it would be like to be with Tristan all the time. What going to bed with him at night, waking up to him in the morning will be like.
“I know.” I give her a smile, trying the expression out, hoping that the muscles allow me to make it. I can feel the corners twitching, but I relax, realizing I can in fact, smile today.
The cell phone the Royal family gave me vibrates at my side. How anyone has my number, I’m unsure. I don’t even have my number. Quickly I use my thumbprint to unlock it, which again I wonder how they were able to do that without me around, but I don’t question it. What’s waiting there is a text from Tristan.
T: I’m heading down your way in the next twenty minutes. If you need more time, let me know. We’ll meet the press and the people together. Can’t wait to see you again, Amelia.
My hands are back to shaking as I read what he’s sent me.
“How much longer do you think I’ll be?” I ask Shannon. “Tristan says he’s heading this way in the next twenty minutes. He doesn’t want me to have to walk alone.”
“We’ll have you done by then, I promise.” She claps her hands, much like she did the night before, and gets to work.
A: I’ll be ready and waiting. Thank you for thinking of me. I can’t wait to see you again either.
Placing my phone back down on the vanity, I take a minute to compose myself. It’s not every day a king texts you. These last few hours have been some of the craziest of my life.
“Shannon,” I tilt my head so I can see her, “When will Tristan be crowned?”
“Six months from yesterday, and then you’ll be expected to be married the following week,” she explains. “It’s the custom, but not many talk about it. No one wants to believe that arranged marriage is still a common practice in the second decade of a new century, but as you can see, it is. You have time to get to know him, I promise you that.”
Her words encourage me, give me hope that he and I will be able to make this work, that we’ll be comfortable with each other before we have to walk down the aisle together.
“What am I wearing today?” I square my shoulders and take the last drink of my coffee.
“Another dress. This one will be a turquoise color, with lace up and down the arms, and it’s long, so it will cover your legs. It’s very cold today. You’ll be able to wear a jacket, but we want you to keep it open so that your dress can be photographed.”
Of course, because now I’ll be center stage, where everyone will want to know who I’m wearing, what I’m wearing, and the name of my hairstyle. There are certain things I’m not prepared for, and this might be one of the biggest. I’ve never been the type of person who had to be the center of attention, and since Tristan is one of the most sought-after bachelors in the world, we’ll both be there now.
“Your hair and makeup are done.”
Finally able to get up, I move over to the window, allowing myself to look out for the first time. There’s a crowd gathered amongst the snowy roads. If someone were to ask me to describe it, I would say minus the people, it looks like the perfect winter postcard. Water flows slowly through the river that surrounds the Palace, plumes of chimney smoke can be seen for miles as it helps heat the homes of the people who’ve flocked to see us, tree branches hang low with the weight of snow on them. But then there are the people. As far as the eye can see in front of the gates. There’s no telling how long they’ve been there, how cold they are, or if they’ll even get a chance to catch a glimpse of us. There are signs held up, some that say Tristan & Amelia. I was warned my name would be found out quickly as soon as the King called for the press op.
In a matter of minutes, the chaos will ensue.
“Let’s get you dressed.” Shannon cuts into my musings and I allow her to lead me from the window, and then allow her to help me into my outfit for the day. My jewelry is on, and as I place my engagement ring on my finger, a feeling of calm washes over me. I balance as I put my shoes on, right as there’s a knock on my door.
“It’s probably Tristan, I’ll get it,” I tell the room.
The makeup artist is still there, along with the seamstress the designer sent over with the dress. Right now all I want is to be alone with him, but we’re destined to have an audience. Opening the door, I see him - all big-shouldered and tall in the doorway. He’s as large as he was last night.
His eyes are tender, a small smile spreads across his face. There seems to be a whole conversation between us as we look at one another. His words are simple, when he speaks them, but they warm me down to my heart.
“Are you ready, Amelia?” He holds his elbow out for me.
“I, I believe so.” I look back at Shannon.
“Your coat is downstairs,” she confirms, giving me a nod of encouragement.
“Then I’m ready.” I smile up at him, allowing him to turn me and escort me down the hallway.
“This will probably be the most nerve-wracking thing we ever do,” he tells me as he helps me navigate the stairs in my dress and heels. “After this, we won’t have another appearance until we know one another a bit more.”
“We’ll do fine.” I stiffen my jaw to keep it from trembling, holding his gaze with my own. I notice he’s not taken the time to shave completely, and the look gives him a rugged handsomeness I wasn’t prepared for. I lean up, kissing him softly on the cheek. “We’ve got this, Tristan.”
I’m not sure where my bravado comes from, and maybe I’m telling it to myself as I’m reassuring him, but I feel as if together, we can handle anything that comes our way. He lets me go, helps me into my coat, and together we face the door.
“Then let’s get on with it.”
The first stop we make is in the Royal Garden, dedicated by Tristan’s great-great-grandmother many years ago. Typically photo-calls are done inside, but one of the most famous pictures of Tristan is here with his mother. His only stipulation for the day, was to meet the press here.
The flashes are almost blinding, and I do the only thing I can; I reach down, gripping my other hand around Tristan’s as we make our way toward the crowd that’s gathered. There’s a decided chill to the air, but his fingers and palm are the warmest I’ve ever held.
“Thank you for coming,” he tells the crowd. “I know it’s a bit cold this morning, and you all probably would have liked to be inside.”
“Then you wouldn’t be able to turn away from us and take your leave,” one of the photographer’s teases as the rest of them laugh.
“You know I hadn’t thought about, Richard.” Tristan gives him a smile. “But thank you for giving me a good idea for later.”
“Perhaps some coffee next time?” he continues.
“Would you also like me to provide cream and sugar? Maybe some flavored syrup?” Tristan plays along with him.
I’ve seen interviews of Tristan and he is so at ease with everyone. I want to be more like him, but at this moment, I’m frozen. Not sure how to act, and all I can do is keep my fingers wrapped up in his and a smile spread across my face.
“Flavored syrup would be divine.”
“I’ll make a list for next time, Richard. Promise.”
One of the other photographer’s cuts Richard off. “Tristan, is this your fiancée?”
“Yes.” he smiles over at me, and the look he gives me is one that’s so loving I have to remind myself that this right here? Isn’t real. Not yet. “This is my beautiful fiancée, Amelia.”
“Where did you all meet?” someone else asks.
“At a birthday party.” I give Tristan a little wink as we share an inside joke.
They eat it up, the flashes going insane as we stand there, staring at one another.
“Two things.” Another voice cuts into the crowd. “We want a kiss and the ring, Tris. Don’t hold back from us.”
“The ring,” he brings are entwined hands together, showing them the ruby, “was my mother�
�s. I presented it to Amelia last night, and she said yes.”
“And the kiss?”
He turns to me, widens his stance slightly, cups my face with his hands, and leans forward, giving me the softest kiss I’ve ever had. It’s nothing like the rollercoaster ride into passion we had last night. This one is measured, soft, delicate, and everything a young girl dreams of when she imagines this moment. When he pulls back, our eyes meet, and I’m pretty sure everyone from here to the United States can feel the chemistry between us. He leans in for another, before I can stop him, tilting my head opposite of his. This one, heats up more than it should, and it isn’t until we hear a few whistles from the crowd that he physically sets me away from him.
Tristan clears his throat, and I reach up, wiping the lipstick off his lips. He gives me a smile, as he turns those lips into my palm.
Little do we know at that moment, that picture will be the one that makes it all the way around the world.
Chapter Four
Tristan
“I think we did well.” Amelia still holds my hand as we make our way back into the Palace, preparing to go up to the balcony so that we may greet the people.
“I think so too.” I lick my lips, helping her up the first set of stairs. At the landing, we’re by ourselves, and I push her into the shadows under the next set of stairs.
“Did I do something wrong?” she asks when she realizes we’re relatively alone. It’s something that won’t happen much in this place. There’s always someone around. We need to take advantage while we can.
“No.” I can’t help but to reach up, brush a curl out of her face. “On the next landing, you’ll meet my father. More than likely, he’ll treat you kindly, but almost as if you’re not even there. Just warning you. It’s not you; he’s been like this since my mother passed. Don’t take it personally, he’ll grow to be fond of you in his own way.”
“Thank you for warning me.” Her dark eyes are wide, showing a bit of the fear I imagine is mirrored in mine. It’s not easy to become part of another family, especially one as dysfunctional as mine.
“Are you ready?”
She nods. “As long as you’re near, as long as you’re there to hold my hand and be my support, I’m ready to do anything.”
The trust she gives me is enough to put a warmth in parts of my chest where warmth hasn’t been in a long time. I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed it until this moment, when I’m reminded again of what it feels like. I’ve not gotten to this age, though, without knowing that some women have as much of a silver tongue as men do. My walls aren’t completely down just yet, and I’m not sure when they ever fully will be, but I’ll be nice to her. What I’ve seen so far, I genuinely like. She deserves it, and I’ll at least allow her to be my friend. If it moves beyond that - damn if her kisses aren’t the best I’ve had in ages, I’ll deal with the consequences then.
The side of my mouth tilts in a smirk as I put my finger under her chin, lifting so that I can look fully at her. “What is you told me? We got this?”
She smiles brightly. “We do. Together we do.”
“Then let’s get the introductions out of the way. The quicker we do that, the quicker we can leave here, and go to my home in the country.”
“The country?” she asks.
Ahhh, so no one must have told her about the other residence I keep. I tend to not mention it in the press, although everyone knows about it, I’m mostly left alone when I’m there. “I have a home at King’s Pass,” I mention a sea town on the coast. “It’s where I’ve primarily lived for the past five years. We’ll stay there for a couple of months, getting to know each other, preparing to take on our roles.”
“You love that place.” She inclines her head to the side, searching my face with her gaze. She can see through me, and that makes her one of the most dangerous people I’ve met.
“I do,” I admit, which is more than I’ve ever done to anyone else. “It’s where my soul is, it’s where I feel the most comfortable.” I grip her hand in mine. “And I hope that you love it, I hope it’s something we can share together.”
She breathes deeper. “I hope it’s something we can share together, too.”
I hear my father, asking where we are, and know I’ve got to get us moving. “Come on, Amelia. Let’s get this done and head out to the country.”
The look on her face tells me she’s happy about the unexpected change in plans for her. “I’m excited, and I can’t wait to see the place that has your heart.”
Holding my elbow out for her, I escort her up the next set of stairs. He’s there, looking solid as a stone. He’s a statue of the man he used to be.
“Hello, Father,” I greet our King as I pull Amelia to my side.
“Tristan, are you going to introduce me to your fiancée?”
“Amelia, this is my father. Most people know him as King, but to those of us inside these walls he’s Phillip.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She curtsies to him, holding out her hand to him.
He takes it with the practiced grace he can affect in his sleep. “Pleased to meet you, Amelia. I look forward to what you bring to the family. I understand you’ll be departing with Tristan after the introduction to the people, but we will all be back and forth throughout the next few months.”
“I look forward to it as well.”
Parker enters the room like the head of security he is. “We’re ready for you all on the balcony if you’re ready to make your appearance.”
“We’re only going to wave and smile, right?” Amelia asks, her hand beginning to get cold in mine. I don’t remember a time when the people scared me. They’ve just always been there, holding me up in the saddest of times, pressuring me when I didn’t pressure myself enough, and smiling when I do something to make them proud. The people have never intimidated me. What’s intimidated me is what’s inside this building.
My father. The responsibility. The memories I’ll never be able to forget.
“Correct, just smile, wave, and look beautiful. I have no doubt you’ll have any problem doing either of those three things.”
She blushes and it looks so good on her cheeks that I vow to myself to make her do it more often.
All too soon the doors are opened and we’re escorted out onto the balcony. As a trio we wave, smile, and acknowledge the crowd. There are people as far as the eye can see, signs proclaiming their support of my engagement. Signs proclaiming to support Amelia. The noise of the crowd is almost enough to knock me backwards, so I hold onto Amelia’s hand tighter. She’s smaller than me, and she’s not used to this at all. She closes her hand more fully around mine, probably hoping my flesh can make hers warmer.
“Should we kiss again?” I turn to her, speaking loud enough so that she can hear me over the roar of the crowd.
She nods, leading me to lean into her. Like before, I take the moment to cup her cheeks, but this time I look into her eyes. I look for something to tell me she’s not what she seems to be, but I see nothing there. There’s no sabotage in her eyes, and I do my best to take her at face value. Amelia stands on tiptoe, meeting me more than halfway, causing the crowd to scream and whistle their approval.
As we break apart, we turn, waving to them one more time before we take our leave of the balcony.
Just like that, our official duties are done, and I feel as if I can finally breathe again.
Parker comes in behind us. “Are we heading to King’s Pass?” he questions, looking at me.
“We are. Amelia will need to pack her things, and then we’ll head out. There are a few things I need to get, a few plans I need to make, but I’d like to leave within the hour.”
“Will Shannon come with me?” she asks quietly.
“She will. We’ll do most of your training there, so she will need to be present. We’ll have each other, but I know you’ll need a female friend there with you as well. Even though we’ll be getting to know one another, you’ll need someone else to
talk to.”
“I’ll make sure they’re ready,” Parker assures me.
An hour later, a couple of cars packed with the belongings of the women, the security team that travels with me, and the few things I’m taking back, we leave the Palace and head toward King’s Pass.
Amelia sits in the front seat of my Range Rover, Parker in the back with Shannon. There are two more Range Rovers with us. One in the front and one behind us. Even though I’d love to drive as fast as I’m allowed, I know it’s not safe, so I stay in our caravan. The farther we get away from the Palace, from the city, the more I relax, and the more Amelia seems to relax as well. She reaches over, grabbing at my hand. I look over at her, smiling slightly. She takes my lead, smiling back.
“Is there anything you can tell me about it?” Amelia asks as we drive along the sea-side highway.
“No.” I shake my head. “There’s no way I can do it justice. I’d prefer for you to see it, not hear about it. I think you’ll love it just as much as I do. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.”
I notice the only time she’s taken her eyes off the passing sea as we’ve been driving is to look at me, and I just know the next few months are going to surprise me. Things I never thought I would never have again will be mine. Just maybe I will have someone to love and love me back. A feeling I haven’t felt since my mom died, even if it’s a different kind of love.
For the first time, I have hope that I’ll feel that emotion again.
Fuck, I’ve missed it.
Chapter Five
Amelia
“I’m excited to see what you think,” Tristan says as he turns into what appears to be a very long driveway. “There aren’t gates here. For the most part, the people who live here give me my privacy.” He shrugs. “And I’ve never wanted to put anything up that would impede my view. You’ll see what I mean.”
“How long is this driveway?” I’m craning my neck, trying to see the house, but I can’t see it yet.
Royal Rebel: A Royal Romance (The Haldonia Monarchy Book 1) Page 3