“Let’s talk about your upcoming trip to the city, shall we?” he asked. “I’m sure you are aware that your behavior as a student of the academy must be exemplary while you are there.”
“Of course, sir,” she replied quietly.
“Then, I won’t be disappointed in you?” he asked as he leaned over so that his face was even with hers.
“I have my itinerary planned out already, sir. You will not be disappointed.”
“Tell me, Miss Daly, will you be making a visit to the palace while you are there?” he asked.
“N-no, not this time. Henry is out of town at the moment. I do have permission from Professor Evelyn, however, to visit with friends when I am not working on my story if I wish to do so.”
“Yes, I am aware of that. And Julia, the student you will be traveling with. You will make every effort to get along with her?”
“Why wouldn’t I, sir? I don’t understand the question.”
“It’s just that in the past, we have had incidents where students have traveled together for their assignments and haven’t seen eye to eye.”
“I spoke with Julia already, and I don’t anticipate any sort of problems, sir.”
“All right. I will dismiss you so you can get packed and be ready to leave in the morning. I will see you on Monday. Have a pleasant and productive weekend, Miss Daly, and remember that you are there to work.”
“Yes, of course, sir,” she said as she gathered her things and all but ran from the room.
What the hell was that? At least, he didn’t punish me for anything, and I’ll be able to sit comfortably this weekend.”
She raced up to her room and started throwing things in the suitcase. She made sure she had cash and her credit card. The first order of business after she arrived and settled into the hotel was to shop for new clothes. She and Julia already knew which stores they were going to hit first.
Then, Julia would do her research while Karia visited the fashion district. They would meet up back at the hotel for dinner. Julia’s assignment was to interview up and coming business entrepreneurs in the city.
Colleen came in and threw her books on the bed. “I’ll miss you this weekend. I guess I’ll hang with Rhiannon and Calista while you’re gone.”
“What about your project for this year?”
“Sculpting. I go into the city to visit an art museum later in the term. Rhiannon is trying out for a dance production, and Calista is hoping to gain a singing spot in a talent show. But none of us get our passes until later, like I said.”
“Well, I’m just glad to get away from here for a few days.”
“I’ll bet you are. What is going on with Armstrong? He still giving you a hard time?”
Karia shrugged. “It is what it is. What can I say? Ready to go to dinner?”
“Let me freshen up a bit. I see you’re all packed.”
“Yes, I can come back here after dinner and relax.”
“Sounds like a plan if you want company. We can chat for a while. A real girls’ night.”
“Okay, now go get ready. The sooner we eat, the sooner we can come back up here.”
After meeting Rhiannon and Calista for dinner, the other two girls agreed to join them for girls’ night. Karia asked that they make it an early night, though, as she had to be ready to leave early in the morning. The others had class the next day anyway, so they all agreed to end the party at nine-thirty.
The four friends hurried through their evening meal and immediately went back up to Colleen and Karia’s room on the third floor. Once they were settled, all sitting cross-legged on the two beds, the fun began.
They giggled like high school girls as they talked about some of the other students. Then they began on the faculty, which brought even more laughter. But when Master Armstrong’s name was mentioned, Karia became quiet.
“What’s wrong, Karia? Have you been on the wrong side of the desk again?” Rhiannon asked when she noticed that her young friend was no longer joining in the fun.
“Oh, yes,” Karia finally replied as a blush crept up her cheeks, making them as scarlet as her bottom had been a week ago.
Colleen rolled her eyes. “What did you do now, look at him wrong?”
“I wasn’t paying attention in class, and he didn’t like that, apparently. We were discussing subjects I’m not interested in.”
“Uh oh,” Rhiannon said.
Calista spoke up next. “Am I missing something here?”
“Only that Karia got on Armstrong’s bad list last year and he hasn’t let up on her since. Personally, I think he likes her ass,” Colleen explained as Rhiannon started laughing again.
Karia ignored the remark and answered with an explanation of her own. “It seems that my father was Armstrong’s mentor, a few years ago. Because of that, the man thinks it’s his duty to look out for me, which includes inflicting punishment whenever he sees fit.”
“What does your boyfriend think about that? Aren’t you dating Prince Henry?” Calista asked.
“Oh, he knows. In fact, he was the cause of some of those punishments. He understands how the academy works, so he hasn’t said much. He actually had one of his guards spank me once. I guess royals aren’t into that unless they’re married.”
“Whoa, so you get it a lot. Had you ever been spanked before you came here?” the girl asked.
“Nope. My parents never laid a hand on me. Neither did my nanny or my maid. But they all sure thought I could benefit from four years here. I begged, pleaded, threw tantrums, threatened to run away, the whole bit, but nothing would deter them from sending me here.”
“And now?” Rhiannon asked. “It’s your second year. Do you think you’ll survive until you graduate?”
“I have no choice. I’ve always been meant to follow in my dad’s footsteps. If I want to do that, I need my degree.”
“What do you mean by ‘you’ve always been meant to’? Is it what you want, Karia?” Colleen asked.
Karia thought about that for a few moments. Then, taking a deep breath, she finally replied, “It’s all I’ve ever known. Ever since I was a little girl, my dad took me in to work with him. He always told me it would someday be mine. I never thought about doing anything else. I had the luxury of living a privileged childhood, and my teen years were busy, but I always knew that once I’d finished college, I would work for Dad’s publication.”
“And this is why your dad is so against you dating the prince?”
“Yes, he knows that if we were to marry someday, my days as a journalist would be over. And I think he has enlisted Oliver’s help in trying to convince me it’s not a good idea for me to be with Henry, for that reason.”
“Oliver?” Calista asked.
“That’s Master Armstrong’s name. Like I said, he’s close to my dad.”
“Hmm, the plot thickens. Now, I really think dear Oliver may have designs on you. And he has Daddy’s blessing,” Colleen said.
Karia shook her head. “He is my professor. There is no way he would jeopardize his career like that.”
“But you won’t always be a student here,” Rhiannon reasoned. “She may have a point.”
“Whether he ‘has designs’ on me or not, I am with Henry. We are officially dating right now. Until that changes, if it ever does, I am not available to Oliver or anyone else, for that matter.”
“Lucky girl, dating royalty. I don’t blame you for staying true to that hunk,” Colleen said.
“All I’m saying is if Karia has two very hot guys interested, she shouldn’t make any snap decisions anytime soon. Sure, date Henry. Have a blast with the parties and all, but keep your options open.” Rhiannon was serious, Karia could tell.
“Well, I’m not going to be making any kind of life altering decisions until after I graduate, so you guys don’t have to worry.”
Colleen spoke up. “How about some popcorn before we call it a night. I have sodas too.”
“Someone’s been shopping at the academy st
ore, I see,” Rhiannon said with a grin. “I’ll help you get the snacks.”
Both girls jumped up and went into the kitchenette, leaving Calista and Karia still sitting on Karia’s bed.
“You’re a very lucky girl, you know.”
Karia smiled. “You think so? Sometimes, I don’t. Master Armstrong always wants to criticize me, and I hardly ever see Henry now that he’s not at the academy.”
“Still, a lot of girls would give their eye teeth to be in your position. I’m quite content with the guy I’ve got my eye on, but I’m just saying, there are many who would try to take the prince away from you if they could.”
“I’m sure there are. There was one last year, in fact. An acting student, but she’s graduated now.”
Rhiannon and Colleen returned with their snacks, and the rest of their time together was spent discussing the weekend. At nine-thirty on the dot, Rhiannon and Calista said goodnight and returned to their own room.
Karia was just settling in for the night when she received a text from Henry. Hi, beautiful. I’ve cleared it with Dad to provide you with a guard while you’re in the city this weekend.
She looked at it twice to make sure she had read it correctly before she replied. Why on earth? I thought that was behind us.
He explained the reasoning behind the decision next. Ordinarily, royal bodyguards are only dispatched to members of the royal family. I had to convince Dad and his staff that because of the paparazzi, you should be guarded. This is a privilege not afforded to many not yet a member of the family, Karia.
She didn’t want to seem ungrateful, so she answered him. It’s not that I’m not grateful for this offer, but do you really think they will bother me if you aren’t around? A security guy from the school will be with us.
He patiently tried to explain the ways of the tabloids to her. Honey, I know your dad’s publication is not like the trashy tabloids, but believe me, if you are spotted, they will be following you. The guy from the school can’t look after both of you. Didn’t you tell me another student would be accompanying you? How can he be two places at once? This way, he can take care of her, and our man will watch out for you.
He had a point, she guessed. Okay, am I to assume he will be at the hotel when we arrive?
Henry replied. Yes, he will be. His name is Andrew. I will send a photo of him when we are finished talking. Now tell me about your week.
They texted for several more minutes and then he sent the photo as promised. She thanked him, told him goodnight, to have a good flight, and to text or call when he could.
“What was that all about?” Colleen asked sleepily. “I could hear your exasperated sighs.”
“Oh, Henry decided I need a bodyguard this weekend, so he pulled strings with the king and his staff to provide one. It’s really a privilege since I’m not a member of the family, but I was so hoping I was done with all that.”
“You should be glad the royal family is so fond of you. Just accept it for what it is. It goes with the territory, you know.”
“I know, but it’s a pain all the same. Henry is afraid the paparazzi will spot me in the city.”
“They’ll be relentless if they do, so it’s probably a good idea that a guard will be with you.”
“I guess so.”
“Come on, girl. It only proves that Henry is looking out for you.”
“Yes, it does. And don’t get me wrong; I am very grateful.”
“Let’s get some sleep now. Don’t fret about it.”
“I’ll try not to. Goodnight.”
But Karia didn’t fall asleep immediately after she turned out her bedside light. She lay awake wondering if this was her life now. Would she have a bodyguard following her every time she went to the city? She really didn’t think she was in any kind of danger, other than the tabloid photographers snapping a few photos and printing them. Maybe they didn’t even care about her anymore now that Henry was traveling around performing his royal duties. That was much more newsworthy than a second-year journalism student, wasn’t it?
She was up, dressed, and ready to go down to breakfast with Colleen at the appointed time the next morning.
“Did you get any sleep at all?” Colleen asked as they stepped on the elevator.
“Some. I’m excited about starting on my article.”
“Still worrying about the bodyguard?”
“I’m going to have to tell the security man from the school and Julia about him.”
“Yes, they definitely need to know. Hon, I know it’s a nuisance, but I think you’ll be glad he’s there once you get to the city and start roaming around.”
“There isn’t anything I can do about it, so let’s eat so I can go back up to get my bags and meet Julia in the lobby.”
They went into the dining room, filled their plates, then found a table. They were early, so most of the other students hadn’t come down yet. Breakfast wasn’t as formal as dinner, so they didn’t have to wait for their table to be called. They could go to the buffet and get their food before they sat down.
By the time they were ready to head back up to their room, Colleen, to get her books and Karia, her bags, Rhiannon and Calista were just coming in. They wished Karia a good weekend as they entered the door the other two were going out.
Karia grabbed her things in the room, hugged her roommate and went down to the lobby to meet Julia and wait for their ride. It was going to be an interesting few days.
Chapter 4
Karia organized her things before she and Julia went down for dinner. They had a busy schedule, but tonight, they would relax. Tomorrow morning, they each had meetings, and in the afternoon, they planned to work on their notes. All too soon, Sunday would arrive and they would be on their way back to the academy on the mountain. The shopping trip had been successful, with both girls finding what they needed.
The guard, Andrew, sat at a table nearby while the girls enjoyed their meal.
Julia commented, “How do you stand this? Does he go everywhere with you?”
Karia let out a sigh then said, “Only if I’m in the city for now. It’s not like last year when the prince was at the academy and I was working on my story about him. The royal family normally doesn’t provide guards for those outside the family, but because of the negative press last year and all that happened, the king thought it would be wise to provide some protection for me. He and my father are friends.”
“Of course, you know that everyone thinks you and the prince are involved.”
“We are good friends. His sister and I are also friendly,” Karia said, hedging the comment as best she could. “The guards are all actually very nice,” she added. “Through the years, the paparazzi has had a habit of harassing and following all who are friendly with the family. I imagine that’s the reason the current king has relaxed the rule somewhat to protect others who might be a victim. Last year, a story was leaked to the tabloids, and it was made to look like I sold the story to them. That was the furthest thing from the truth that could be. I am striving to become an investigative reporter, a reputable writer, and I would never stoop to something that low.”
“Wow, I guess hobnobbing with society has its drawbacks. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
“I was assigned to do a story on Prince Henry, and as a result, we became friends. I visited the palace often to work on my article, and that’s when I met Princess Emma. Of course, my father and the king already knew each other because of my father’s work.”
“But would you like to be more than friends? I mean, he is the most eligible bachelor around since his older brother’s unfortunate accident.”
Karia laughed. “I get asked that question often. No one knows what the future holds. For now, we enjoy each other’s company. But I’m sure the paparazzi will put a different spin on it.”
“Just be careful,” Julia said. “Now, let’s change the subject. Are you excited about meeting with some of the UK’s most famous names in fashion tomorrow?�
�
“I can’t tell you how absolutely thrilled I am. Being at the academy hasn’t allowed me to wear the latest clothes on the market, but before that, I loved to buy new outfits. This will be a fun assignment for me.”
“Maybe you can score some new designs to wear when you’re not at the school,” Julia said.
“That would be awesome! Whenever I’ve gone to visit at the palace, I’ve had to borrow clothes from the princess. It would be nice to have something of my own to take with me. Of course, at home, I have things, but I couldn’t bring them to school with me, as you well know.”
Julia rolled her eyes. “Isn’t that the most archaic thing ever? The things they make us wear?”
“I agree. Whoever made those rules needs to get with the times.”
“I guess we should go up and get some rest. We both have to be up at the crack of dawn,” Julia suggested when they’d finished dessert.
“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Karia said as she signaled to Andrew that they were ready to go.
When the guard checked their room, then told them they could go in, he reminded them that he was in the adjoining room should they need anything.
“Thank you, Andrew. We’ll need to go down for breakfast at seven.”
“Yes, Ms. Daly, I’ll be ready.”
Karia plopped down on the bed as soon as she had locked the door. “You can have the bathroom first if you want,” she told Julia.
“I won’t be long,” the other girl said as she grabbed her pajamas and toiletry bag.
When both girls were settled in bed later, they talked for a while before falling asleep. They had set an alarm for five am, neither of them anxious to get up that early on a Saturday.
Just before Karia closed her eyes, a text came through from the prince.
H: Andrew says you’re settled in for the night, so I thought I’d try to catch you before you fall asleep.
K: Yes, we just turned out the lights. Five am will come very early, I’m afraid.
Karia and the Prince (Avalon Adventures Book 2) Page 4