With each step down the staircase, she clenched her hand around the railing. At the bottom of the stairs, Addison nodded at her and pointed down the hallway. When she entered the kitchen, Lana stood with her back to her, looking out the window. When Paisley reached her, Lana smiled, then handed her a cup of tea and a bowl of some type of stew. A bowl of bread already sat on the table. Paisley sat at the table and motioned for Lana to join her. After a tentative bite, she deemed it acceptable, then took a sip of tea before she spoke. “What exactly is it that you do?” Paisley blew on her spoon before taking another bite.
“Thank goodness I was the second born, because I never wanted to be queen. My passion lies elsewhere. After you eat, I will take you on a tour of the estate. I love to garden. There are four separate orchards on my land. Two different types of apples and two different types of peaches. I also grow raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. People come from all over to buy produce from me, but most of my product is already taken by the royal estate and quite a few regulars.” Lana’s eyes lit up as she described the different varieties of fruits.
That wasn’t what Paisley had expected at all. “Wow. That’s amazing. I would love to see everything.”
“On top of that, I also help the royal historians archive our histories when I have free time. It’s fascinating.”
Now that was something she could get behind. She loved reading about history. “Will you take me to the library sometime?”
“Of course.” Lana fidgeted.
What now? “Yes?”
“I didn’t want to throw everything at you at once, but you should know that we will be having dinner with my parents and brother tonight.”
Paisley’s spoon clunked into the bowl. “I just arrived. I was hoping for a couple days of rest. At the least.” She adjusted her glasses and bit her lip. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“We always have choices, but when the king requests your presence—especially his daughter’s new bride—then no, you don’t have a choice.”
“I kind of figured that. I know we’re going to the castle, but is this a formal affair or causal?”
“If you consider what you have on casual, then you will definitely need to change into something more formal.”
“All right. I can do that.”
“Good. Are you finished eating?”
Paisley pushed her bowl away. “Yes, and it was delicious.”
“I am happy to hear that.”
Paisley picked up her cup and took another sip of tea. “What happens now?”
“I guess that depends on you, but our top priority will be to find you a teacher. I have someone in mind, but we will discuss that later.”
“I know your father is king, but what kind of government does Dangor have? Is it anything like what I know?”
“Similar. Dangor is the name of the country we are in. There are four countries that make up the continent, Belnor. Dangor is the largest, followed by Arbordor, Manchester, then Canon. For now, we are only going to discuss Dangor. Brinkenshire is one of the ten provinces that make up Dangor. Each province is made up of three districts. I won’t get into all the provinces, but for our sake I will say that Brinkenshire’s districts are Grayville, in which the royal estates are located including this house, Galena, and Lake County. Each province has a governor and each district has a mayor. Each mayor answers to the governor, who in turn answers to the king. Are you still with me?”
“Yes.”
“To be honest, I am not sure you will ever have a reason to visit Manchester, Arbordor, or Canon. I have never visited them. They can be a bit hostile toward my father and his views. And truthfully, they’re aggressive toward each other, but since Dangor is the largest of the four, we’ve never really had a problem with them.”
“I see. I don’t plan on being cooped up here for the rest of my life.”
Lana held her hands up. “I am not saying that at all. I love to travel. Trust me. There is plenty of country to see.”
Paisley stood and stretched. Jynx walked in from the living room, and Paisley scooped her up and into her arms. After one last kiss to her stomach, she put her back on the floor. “So, what can I expect from dinner with your family?” She turned toward the window and watched as the water rippled in the morning sun.
Lana stood up and stepped next to her. “They can be a bit much upon first meeting. Especially my mother. I know she means well, but sometimes she goes a bit overboard. Don’t worry. I’ll be there and I won’t let them do anything.”
“What do you mean, ‘do anything’? What can they do?” She was sure they could do plenty, but she wanted to hear it from Lana’s lips.
“They can do a lot. My mother tends to threaten and coerce when she is put into any new situation. And you are a new situation. They know what you mean to me, and I have already warned them.”
“What do I mean to you?” Paisley kept her gaze averted, afraid of what she would see in Lana’s eyes.
“Paisley, I know this isn’t the most ideal situation, but you are my wife and I don’t take that lightly. I know what it means to be bonded to someone. I will not disrespect this pairing. It is my destiny and I will fulfill it.” She reached for and caressed Paisley’s hand. “And I hope you will fulfill it with me.”
There were a million thoughts and images running through Paisley’s mind, but one kept taking precedence: Alexia smirking at her after the end of their meeting. It was a dream and she was so out of reach. She shook her head and had to remind herself again that even if something had happened between her and Alexia, Alexia wasn’t here and Lana was. She had promised Grams that she would live and thrive, and that’s exactly what she would strive to do. “I’ll try.”
****
Paisley breathed in the fresh air and smiled as the cool breeze rushed through her hair. Being near or on the open water always brought a calmness to Paisley, and that’s exactly where Addison found her an hour after Lana’s tour of the property had been completed. Paisley leaned back on her elbows on the grass and kicked her legs out in front of her. The brightness of her surroundings was like out of fairy tale, especially the wildflowers that grew in bunches all over the estate grounds.
Addison sat down beside her. “Settling in?”
“Trying. It’s all so surreal. I mean, come on, this is so far-fetched that if I wasn’t living it myself I would have whoever spoke such nonsense committed. What a ride.”
“You’re just getting started.”
“Thank you. So…” She sat up and pulled her knees into her chest. “What can I expect tonight?”
Addison was quiet for several minutes. “The king is a man of supreme power and he isn’t afraid to show it, if warranted. Don’t patronize him and don’t ask him a direct question. But he is a man of his word. Lana’s brother is a sweetheart and will make an excellent king. Feel free to talk to him and ask questions. He and Lana have a great relationship.”
“Okay. That leaves the queen.”
Addison sighed and ran her hands through her hair. “Yes.” She nodded. “The queen. You could probably get away with asking the king maybe one or two questions since you’re new, but do not under any circumstances ask the queen one. She is ruthless. Some say she wields more power than the king. She is not easy to impress, and she holds a grudge. Every time I am in her presence I avoid looking at her altogether just to be on the safe side.”
Paisley looked at her to see if she was joking, but one look at her face told her all she needed to know. “So I shouldn’t try and impress her?”
“You won’t, so don’t even try. She is a hard woman to please. She is just a hard woman, period. Beautiful, but hard. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t see her ever doing anything that would jeopardize the country, but she wouldn’t hesitate to take out a few to save the many. And she loves her husband and her kids fiercely.”
“Thanks, Addison. After our talk, I feel loads better about tonight.” She rolled her eyes. What in the hell
had she gotten herself into? She stood up and offered Addison her hand, who readily took it. “I best be getting back.”
“You’ll be fine. Don’t worry so much.”
Paisley cut her eyes at her, and Addison laughed and patted her shoulder. “I’ll try and remember that.”
The walk back to the house was quiet and short. Lana was waiting for her when she got back, and Addison took up position outside the front door. “What should I wear?”
“One of those dresses with the hood will be appropriate. I like the black and white one.” She shrugged and bit her lip.
Paisley leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on Lana’s cheek, and smiled when Lana flushed. She would, for the moment, at least try to be cordial to Lana. “How long before we have to leave?”
Lana coughed. “You should probably be getting ready. It takes around an hour in the carriage.”
“What are you going to wear?”
“The first outfit you saw me in.”
Paisley winked. “Good choice.” Once in her bedroom, she opened the trunk that housed her more formal dresses and pulled out the one Lana was talking about. It was warm today, but the fabric was a thinner material and she didn’t anticipate wearing it would be uncomfortable. After slipping the dress on, she adjusted the sleeves and walked to the mirror that sat in the corner of the room. She smoothed her hands down the white bodice and inhaled as she took all of it in. The cut was perfect and she felt amazing.
Deciding to put her hair up, she picked up a barrette from the vanity that sat next to the mirror, gathered her hair up, and clipped it in place. Heels wouldn’t do, so she grabbed a pair of flats from inside the trunk and slipped them on. After touching up her makeup she petted Jynx, who lay on the bed, and headed out the bedroom door. Lana was waiting in the living room for her and stood up when she walked in.
Lana smiled. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you. So do you. Red is a good color for you.” She ignored the blush racing up Lana’s neck and cheeks. “So, are we ready?”
Lana bowed. “After you, my Lady.”
Paisley winked at Addison, who held the door open for her. “Wish me luck.” Addison grinned and winked back. Outside a carriage was waiting for them. She thanked the soldier who held the door open for her, and relaxed back into the seat when Lana climbed in next to her. Lana knocked on the carriage door twice to set it into motion.
“You have nothing to worry about, Paisley. My family only wants the best for me.” She picked up Paisley’s hand and placed a kiss in her palm. “And you are what’s best for me.”
Paisley didn’t pull her hand back when Lana clasped it with hers and laid it in her lap. She would try, for the sake of this situation, but she still couldn’t help the doubt that surfaced every time she was alone with Lana. Her nerves pulsated, but there was an underlying current that left her feeling off-balance. But before she could figure out what that meant, first she had to get through tonight.
****
Even though neither one spoke, the ride to the royal estate was pleasant and comfortable. Lana had been right; it took under an hour for the carriage to stop in front of the castle. And what a castle it was. As soon as her feet were on solid ground, Paisley assessed the structure in front of her. At least ten stories of brick rose high into the sky. Surprisingly, there wasn’t any type of fence surrounding the castle, but she was sure there were plenty of guards stationed around it. Before she could take in the grounds, Lana touched her arm and pointed to the open door in front of them. Paisley took her arm and ascended the two steps, nodded at the butler who held the door open, and walked inside. She wasn’t sure what she had expected, but the reality wasn’t at all what she could have imagined. They entered a large room. A large plain room. In front of them were four separate doors, spaced fifteen feet apart.
Lana pointed to the farthest door. “Each door leads to a different part of the castle. We’ll go through the one on the far left. It leads to our private residence. We won’t worry about the other ones right now.” She squeezed Paisley’s hand, nodded at the guard by the door, and smiled when he held it open for them.
“Have a pleasant evening, your Highness.”
“You do the same.”
As soon as the door shut behind them, they walked farther into the castle, then rounded the corner. Paisley breathed a sigh of relief. The room they stopped in was large, but unlike the previous room, this one looked lived in. A large fireplace was positioned on the far wall and two large couches sat in front of it. Chairs were scattered throughout the room along with several plush rugs. Dozens of paintings hung on the walls, and one wall was made up entirely of shelves that were packed with books. The room, unlike the castle, put her completely at ease. She adjusted her glasses and took several deep breaths. Now was not the time to let her guard down. She didn’t know these people, and time would tell if she would ever be able to trust them.
“This way.” After a short walk down yet another hallway that was lined with more pictures, they entered a room similar to the one they just left behind. The only difference between this room and the last were the three people seated on the couches.
The knots in Paisley’s stomach twisted and she held back a grimace when an older gentleman, dressed in black pants and a white long-sleeved tunic and black vest, stood up. The gray at his temples set off his good looks. Paisley bit her lip. Lana had his eyes.
“Lana, my dear.” He walked up to her with arms wide open and she fell into them and kissed him on the cheek.
“Father, I want you to meet someone.” She motioned Paisley over and grabbed her hand. “Paisley, this is my father, King Perry. Dad, this is my wife, Paisley.”
Paisley wished Lana would have told her what the protocol was in these situations, but decided to go with the standard greeting. She offered him her hand and he laughed, pushed her hand aside, and pulled her into a hug. “Paisley, it is so nice to meet you.”
His smile was discerning, but she would give him the benefit of the doubt. “You as well, Sir.”
“Sir?” a feminine voice sneered. Paisley looked past him when an elegant woman stood up from the couch and approached them. Her blue and gold sleeveless dress hugged her body and fit her slim frame to perfection. Lana’s eyes were the same as her father’s, but the rest of her features came from her mom. They both had the same black hair and chiseled jawline. She remembered what Addison had said and kept her mouth shut, waiting for the queen to speak again. “Sir will never do, young lady. He is a king and as such you will address him that way. Your Highness, my King, or your Majesty will do. You may address me as my Queen.”
Paisley bit her jaw to keep her temper in check. She may have been a nobody to these people, but she was Lana’s wife. With the force of a hurricane it became quite apparent that this night and her future would be anything but pleasant if the woman standing in front of her had anything to say about it. She would have to make sure that she didn’t give her that kind of power. “Of course, my Queen.” She smiled and took in the last occupant in the room. He was taller than Lana, but there would be no denying that they were siblings.
“Well,” he said. “I don’t stand on such formality. You may call me J.J.”
“J.J.?”
“John Michael Roberts the second. I figured it was the same as John Jr.”
“J.J. it is, then.” He laughed and led Paisley to one of the couches, motioning for her to join him. The king and queen sat down on the couch opposite them, and Lana sat down to her right and took her hand.
“So, Paisley,” J.J. said. “How are you settling in?”
“It’s been an adjustment, and to be fair it’s only been one day. Overwhelming doesn’t quite cover what I’ve been feeling, but with time I’ll adjust and make the most of my situation.”
“Oh, yes,” he said and leaned closer to her. “I do have to say, being married to my sister is quite the situation. She can be a handful. Make sure you have plenty of maple syrup and pecans on hand. Tr
ust me.” He winked. “She is a sucker for those two, especially if the pecans are dipped in the syrup. You’ll have her eating out of your hand in no time.”
“I’ll remember that.” They both laughed before a cough opposite them shut them both up.
The king sipped from the glass in his hand. “We will do our best to help you adjust. Lana will make sure you have everything you need. Don’t hesitate to ask her for anything. If it is within our power, we will get it for you.”
“I will. Thank you.” She allowed her body to slip closer to Lana’s and didn’t miss the glare that the queen threw her way. Paisley tensed when she opened her mouth to speak, but at that moment a servant walked in and informed them that dinner was ready. The king stood up and instructed everyone to follow him into the dining room.
The dining room must have only been for family, because the table only seated six. The queen sat on one end, the king the other, and Lana and J.J. sat opposite each other in the middle of the table. Paisley sat down beside Lana and closer to the king, so she wouldn’t have to feel the queen’s gaze on her at all times. To her surprise, there were five different courses that were all delicious, and no one spoke during the meal. Once the last plates had been cleared, the queen stood up and walked around the table to sit beside her husband.
“Paisley,” the queen said. “What did your parents think of your decision?”
“What decision would that be?”
She cocked her head. “The decision to come here, of course?”
Paisley held her tongue for a few seconds, to get her thoughts in order. In the end, she decided to go with the truth. “It wasn’t my decision.”
“Really? You didn’t have a choice? I find that hard to believe.”
“No. I didn’t have a choice. Lana never asked me before she put the cuff on my wrist, and I didn’t have a choice but to come with her. Lana and my family decided that for me.” She picked up her glass and took a sip of the apple cider she had requested.
The DragonWitch Tales - An Unexpected Beginning Page 11