Royal Rebel: A Royal Romance (The Haldonia Monarchy Book 1)

by Laramie Briscoe

  “Doesn’t make it any less real,” I argue.

  “Never said it didn’t, my King.”

  “Stop,” I give him a look.

  A grin is playing against the edges of his mouth. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that Parker and I will always have a great relationship.

  “I’m ready to go when you are,” he nods to the watch on his wrist.

  “Great, let’s go get Lia.”

  Amelia

  “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you,” I can hear the words softly whispered. In this state I’m unsure if I’m having a great dream, or if someone is singing to me. “Lia, wake up.”

  Slowly I open my eyes, turning toward the sound of the voice.

  “There you are. Happy birthday!”

  Someone was singing to me. “Thank you,” I wrap my arms around his neck. “I wasn’t even sure if you’d know.”

  “Everything about you is something I know now, Amelia.”

  I blush slightly. He knows every single inch of my body, and now he’s getting to know parts of my personality. It’s scary that I’ve given him this much power over me, but there’s no one else I’d rather give this power to.

  “I have a surprise for you, but you have to get up so we can celebrate.”

  “A surprise?” I’m always up for surprises. Even as a little kid, they were my favorite. I was all about the cake and the presents. Not just because they were presents and they were given to me, but because I loved opening them. I loved finding out what others thought I would enjoy. The one little act told me just how well other people knew me. At times I’ve been disappointed, and I hope Tris isn’t one whose going to disappoint me.

  “Yeah, why don’t you get up and get dressed. I’ll take you.”

  “Where are we going?” I sit up in the bed, pulling the covers tightly around my waist. “How should I dress?”

  “Like you’ll be riding on the back of my bike.”

  I can feel the smile spread across my face. “Your bike?”

  “My bike.”

  Now I’m trying to figure out exactly where we’re going. I’ve been on his bike before, and I have no idea how that would be part of my birthday gift. I want to ask another question, but he puts a finger over my lips.

  “No more questions. Go get dressed. This is my surprise for you. Like when you took me to the movies. Let me do this for you.”

  An hour later, we’re driving along the highway, but we’re going further north than I’ve ever been. I’m looking for something to tell me where we’re going, but I haven’t seen anything yet.

  Tristan reaches over, grabbing my thigh. “Are you excited?”

  “I’m curious,” I answer carefully, taking a drink of my coffee. “Gifts prove how well you know the person you’re giving the gift. I’m interested to see how well you’ve come to know me.”

  He whistles. “I have a feeling I know you better than you think I do.”

  I hope so, but I don’t voice the words. I don’t want to scare him. When feelings are involved, the weirdest things can set off fear.

  He slows down, like he’s preparing to turn, and that’s when I see it.

  It’s a race track, in the middle of nowhere. A car sits at the start/finish line.

  “Tristan, what is this?”

  “I know how much you love speed. I thought it would be awesome if you could have some of your own.”

  My heart races. “I’m gonna get to drive?”

  “You’re gonna get to drive.”

  I scream loudly, so loudly he he plugs his finger into his ear. “This is the best thing ever!”

  It feels like forever. Pulling into the parking lot, getting out of the Range Rover and walking to the track takes fifty years. A man is waiting for us.

  “Tristan,” he holds his hand out.

  “How’s it going Cecile,” he shakes the older man’s hand.

  “Not bad at all. We’re excited to be taking some laps around the track.”

  “Amelia,” I introduce myself, holding out my hand to him as well.

  “You’re the birthday girl.”

  “That’s me. What car do I get to drive?” I ask immediately.

  He points to a Porsche. I’ve never driven one of those before, and I’m ready to go. “You’ll be getting a few pointers and you’ll be driving with Tristan. He’s very experienced.”

  “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I grab his hand in mine.

  “I’m good at everything,” he winks at me.

  I roll my eyes. “Let’s go,” I pull him toward the car.

  He helps me get strapped in, and then goes over to the passenger side. “It’s as stick, do you know how to drive one?”

  “Yes,” I clap my hands. “It’s the one thing my Dad and brother made sure of. I can change a tire too. You know, just in case I didn’t get to fulfill my prophecy as a Queen.”

  “Sassy today, I like it.”

  “You love it,” I correct him.

  “That I do.”

  When the car is started, I rev the engine, loving the sound. The vibrations move through the seat.

  “Don’t go too fast,” Tristan cautions.

  But I want to go as fast as I can. I punch in the clutch, hit the gas and take off with tires squealing. It’s something I’ve never done before, and the excitement courses through my body. My hands shake as I grip the steering wheel.

  “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I yell at him.

  I’m not even sure why I’m yelling. It’s not like this is a stock car and it’s loud as we’re going around the track.

  “You should see yourself.”

  “I wish I could,” I admit. I’ve never felt so free in my life.

  “You can.”

  Stealing a glance over to where he’s sitting, I see that he’s gotten his cell phone out and is taking either video or a picture of me.

  I keep making laps around the track, until there’s almost no gas left in the tank.

  “Do you wanna refuel?” He asks.

  “No, I want you to drive.”

  “Are you sure? This is supposed to be completely about you.”

  I reach over, taking his hand in mine. “This is about us. Just like everything else. There’s no more you or me, Tristan. There’s an us. If I’m having fun, I want you to have fun.”

  “Twist my arm,” he teases.

  We switch seats and I get comfortable watching him. I love seeing him in his element. He grips the steering wheel with sure hands. In this position I do the same thing he did for me. I reach over, grabbing my cell phone, taking pictures of him. I hope my face was as animated as his is.

  When we come to a stop, I reach over, grabbing his hand. “Thank you, Tris, for the perfect birthday present.”

  “I know you, huh?”

  “You know me.”

  And that’s the best thing ever.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Amelia

  The wind beating against my body as we drive up the coastal highway feels better than I ever imagined it would. In my previous life, I never would have thought I’d enjoy this. I tighten my arms around his waist, holding on - not because I’m scared - just because I want to be closer to this man. My man, who makes my heart flutter. However, I’m beginning to realize I like doing most of what Tristan likes doing. It’s almost as if he knows me better than I seem to have known myself, my entire life. He gears the bike down, tilting his head back.

  “There’s a lookout point up ahead, we’ll stop for a few minutes, if that’s okay with you.”

  “Okay,” I agree, yelling over the sound of the engine.

  We’re going the opposite direction of the first time we went for a ride, and I kind of like this route a bit more. As we ride along the ridge line, I can see more of the ocean because of the higher elevation. The farther we get from the house, the water is slightly choppier. It looks like we may be in for a stormy afternoon, which isn’t unusual for this time of year. Getting to the looko
ut point he pulls us to the side and parks the bike. There’s only one other car there, so I feel safe enough to take the helmet off, as does he. It’s cold enough so that I can see my breath, but with the amount of clothing I wear to keep me safe, I’m plenty warm.

  “You want to take a look?” Tristan asks as he gets off, and then puts his hand out to help me.

  “Yeah, I’d love to.”

  We hang our helmets and he grabs my hand again. “There’s a little food hut down the path here, along with a picnic area. It will be cold, but we can take a break before we head back.”

  “Sounds great to me.” I hold his hand tightly as we take the rock steps, getting closer to the ocean. I can hear it louder as we descend. “I’ve never known these parts of our country before,” I admit as we get down to where the packed sand makes it easier for us to walk.

  “I have to admit, I like this being my own personal playground.” He grins as he puts his arm around my neck. “If the rest of our country knew about how beautiful this little spot on the map is, it wouldn’t be a safe place for us to come. There are hidden treasures in plain sight everywhere. It only depends on how closely we want to look.”

  The bright passion is right there in his eyes, and I wonder if he’s talking about this spot of land, or me. I don’t want to break the spell, so I search for something less serious to say.

  “Then let’s keep it just between us,” I joke, causing him to laugh.

  Walking up to the food hut, we peruse the menu posted on the side of the weathered building. I’m a woman who likes her food, and many of the dishes written on the side sound amazingly good. At the same time, I’m also aware that I have to wear a dress - two actually - very soon.

  “Mr. Tristan.” The young girl running the register smiles brightly at him. If I had to guess, I’d say she’s a teenager, and totally smitten with the man I’m about to marry. “What are you doing today?”

  “Hey, Cora.” He smiles back at her. “My bride-to-be and I are escaping from our duties today, and drove along the highway. We stopped here for some sustenance.”

  “Oh my gosh!” She looks up at me. “It’s Amelia…”

  “Hi.” I wave at her, a real smile spreading across my face. I’ve never met anyone who was so enchanted to meet me.

  “I loved your engagement dress, and the way the two of you kissed at your photo call?” She puts her hands under her chin. It’s the dreamy way all young girls get when they think about love. “I want that so much, a boy who will kiss me and look at me the way Mr. Tristan looks at you.”

  I’m laughing, not sure how to take the exuberance. “He does have a certain way he looks at me sometimes.” I cut my eyes over at him, allowing my gaze to eat up the man standing beside me.

  Today he looks dangerous. His dark good looks, coupled with his black jeans and leather jacket. It doesn’t look like he’s shaved so far today either, and his hair is mussed because he’s had his helmet on. Those dark eyes of his move up and down my body – heating me up on this cool day.

  “A woman as beautiful as she is?” He shakes his head as he leans into Cora. “I mean how can I not look at her?”

  Cora squeals, and I’m pretty sure if this girl knew what it meant, her panties would have just dropped. Mine almost do.

  “You’re my new favorite celebrity couple.” She claps, her face red with excitement and enthusiasm.

  “Cora, ask them if they want to order.” An older woman gently nudges her from the kitchen area.

  Tristan raises his hand in a wave. “Afternoon, Cass.”

  “Afternoon to you too, Sir. Thank you for stopping in.”

  I can tell by the way she says the words, she does appreciate him taking the time to stop into their shop. More than likely word gets around after he leaves and they become popular for a time amongst the locals.

  “Always do when I’m down here.”

  He turns his attention back to Cora. “Can I get a fish sandwich?”

  “And what about you, beautiful Amelia?” She smiles, showing dimples in her cheeks.

  “I’ll have the seafood salad.”

  Cora gives us our total and bottles of water. I watch, with amusement as he pulls bills out of his wallet to pay for the meal. He takes out cash, and I have to needle him a little. “No card today?”

  “If I use a card, Parker can track it easily. I’m not ready to go back just yet.”

  “I’m not either.”

  We take a seat and for the first time, I notice Tristan is more pensive than normal. His gaze washes along the horizon, taking in the ocean. One of the things I’ve learned about him since we’ve been living together and engaged is that he seeks out the dangerous when he’s got tumultuous feelings, the same way he seeks out the ocean. He’s quieter than normal, and it unnerves me.

  “Are you okay?” I reach out, grabbing his hand. “You know you can talk to me about anything.”

  “I have a lot of hard decisions to make.” He licks his lips before taking a drink of his water. I sense he wants to say more, but he’s reluctant.

  It’s cold out today, not as cold as it has been, but I don’t feel the cold in the shelter of sitting next to his body. Right now though, I want to shelter him. “Can you talk about them?”

  Our food is delivered and we both dig in, but the conversation continues.

  “There’s chatter in some of the international communities of our allies that there will be an attack soon. Haldonia has one of the world’s most elite militaries.” He takes a bite of his sandwich, chewing thoughtfully. “If this happens, which all signs are pointing to yes, we’ll be asked to activate our forces.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Unfortunately, we’ve been notified within the past twenty-four hours. There’s a global response trying to stop it, but no one knows if we’ll be able to. If this attack happens, I’ll have to make the decision.”

  “You won’t have to go, will you?” I know he was a part of our military since it’s required in our country for the males – no matter who you are.

  “No.” He lets out a small laugh. “Being King prevents that, but if I were able, I would. I’d rejoin my unit and fight right along with them. They didn’t treat me like a king there, I was just one of the guys. It was important to me.”

  “What unit were you in?”

  I’m imagining him in a military uniform and I quite like it.

  “Haldonia Air Force. I flew fighter jets.” He blushes when I gasp.

  “Like Top Gun?”

  The laugh he lets forth with is one I’ve wanted to hear for days. “No, not like Top Gun.”

  “A girl has to ask.”

  He sobers up, taking the last drink of his water and eating the last bite of his sandwich. “I’m telling you these things because I trust you, and if I’m preoccupied in the next few days, I don’t want you to think it’s you. You’re the only thing that will keep me sane while we wait and see what happens.”

  He kisses my forehead before clearing his throat.

  “It feels wrong, sitting here.” I push my salad away, grabbing his hand in mine again.

  “It does, but that’s how it is. We wait.”

  “Tristan, Amelia, I think it’s times you come home.”

  We both stiffen as we hear Parker’s voice.

  “Busted.” Tristan grimaces. “Well, my Queen, are you ready to head back to our castle?”

  I wrinkle my nose. “Not like it appears we have a choice, but just so you know. Wherever you go, I’ll always follow.”

  As we trudge back up to where we left the bike, I know those words are the complete and honest truth.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Tristan

  The past twenty-four hours have been some of the most tense of my life. I’ve been on multiple conference calls, including a few with my father and the President of the United States, along with the Prime Minister of England and the leaders of Scotland and Ireland. As of this moment, we’ve been able to stop the threat made
, and while I want to feel relief in knowing we accomplished something, I know there will be another. In the political and world climate we live in, there will always be a threat. This was the first time I was included in the talks, and it brought forward the truth about the responsibility I’m going to have. This is one of the last times my father will take the lead. After I’m crowned, it will be me making these decisions. If that doesn’t scare a person, I don’t know what does.

  “Will you be accompanying Ms. Amelia tonight?” Parker asks as he enters my office. I don’t know how he doesn’t look as tired as I do. He’s been with me every step of the way. Parker is a goddamn machine and even if I aspired to be like him, I think I would fall short.

  I’m exhausted, haven’t showered or shaved since we left the beach, and truthfully all I want to do is go to sleep for about fifteen hours. However, being the King means I have to push all of that aside, even during this six-month period, and act as the responsible adult I am. Tradition says I can make her go on her own, while I continue to monitor the global situation, but the part of me that will be her husband knows I need to go with her. I should never expect her to do something on her own, especially this early in our relationship. I don’t want her to deal with the press on her own, or the questions she might get from others as to where I am.

  Running a hand over my face, I sigh. “I will. How much time do I have?”

  “Twenty-five minutes before you need to leave.”

  Rubbing the back of my neck, I send a message to my dad, telling him that I’ll be attending the charity function. I’m not precisely asking for his permission, but letting him know I won’t be readily available if a response from me is needed.

  It’s a good idea for you and Amelia to attend. If word gets out about what’s happened, the world being enthralled with the two of you will help. I’ll take care of anything that happens while you’re there, and we’ll debrief if need be when you get back.

  While I appreciate what he’s saying, part of me wanted him to say both Amelia and I needed to stay here. That we shouldn’t be out in public with the threat that’s been made. It’s not that I’m scared, I’m concerned. Even if we seem to have stopped what may happen, who’s to say they won’t try and hurt the future Queen?