The Forbidden Princess

by Day Leclaire

  Even if you succeed, Ill return.

  With your wife? Tolken tilted his head to one side. Or without?

  There was no question. Without.

  In that case, Ive been authorized by Prince Brandt to offer you a deal.

  What deal? Merrick asked warily.

  Simple. Resign your position as commander of the Royal Security Force and return to Verdon. Stay there. Quietly. Live a long and peaceful life out of the public eye. If you do that, Prince Brandt is willing to pretend this incident never took place.

  Merrick gave a short laugh. What you mean is, if I dont tell on him, he wont tell on me. It wouldnt be to his advantage for any of this to be made public, would it? Not before the election. He stared moodily out the window of the van. What about Alyssa?

  What about her? Shell return to New York. Not that theres anything Prince Brandt could do if she elected to stay in Verdonia, despite his threats. Especially since the airport is on Celestian soil. He curled his lip. Just as well she goes, if you ask me. She wasnt suited to play the part of a princess.

  You know nothing about her. The retort burst from Merrick. It felt good to explode, better yet to siphon off some of the anger sloshing around inside him.

  Tolken grunted. I know one thing. Shes capable of betraying her husband. No doubt she hid that trait from you. Im sure youd never have married her, otherwise. A very devious woman, your wife.

  Just shut the hell up, Tolk, shes not like that. She believes in honor and duty as much as I do. She protects the people she loves. She risked everything to save her mother. Sacrificed everything.

  It took a second for him to hear his own words. The minute he did, he groaned. Oh, man. He was a first-class idiot. His head dropped toward his chest. Dammit, dammit, dammit. He did need to resign his position. No one this stupid should be allowed to live, let alone be in charge of a national security force.

  You could be right, Tolken was saying. Im not familiar with that aspect of her character. There is one thing I know for certain.

  Merrick lifted his head, finally, finally starting to put the pieces together. And whats that?

  Your wife is a rotten poker player, whereas Prince Brandt is a master.

  Merrick stared blankly. It took a full minute before the implication sank in. And then he said, Get me out of these handcuffs and give me your cell phone, Tolk. Hurry. I have a plane to stop.

  Tolken smiled. About damn time.

  They arrived at the airport and Prince Brandts guards escorted Alyssa and her mother through security. She delayed as long as she could, constantly checking over her shoulder for Merrick. But he never showed. Once through the checkpoint, they were ushered to a private lounge where she paced off the next two hours, minute by endless minute, step by dragging step.

  And still he didnt come.

  I dont understand it, she burst out. They werent that far behind us. They should be here by now.

  Maybe theyre holding him in the van until its time to board, her mother said, trying to soothe her. They probably dont want you having the opportunity to scream at each other ahead of time.

  Alyssa spun to face her guards. You must have cell phones. Cant you call Tolken and find out where they are?

  My apologies, Your Highness. Im not permitted to do that, was all one would say.

  Another hour passed and a knock sounded at the door. Alyssa flew across the room, waiting breathlessly for Merrick to join them. But instead of her husband, an airport official entered. You may board now, he informed them.

  Deaf to her protests, the guard escorted Alyssa and her mother from the lounge to the boarding gate and then down the gangway leading to the plane. Wait. Please. She had to try one more time. I need to speak to Merrick.

  You can do that when he boards, Your Highness.

  You dont understand. She fought to keep from weeping. Hes not coming. I know hes not. He thinks I betrayed him. And he needs to protect his sister. He wont leave Verdonia.

  I assure you, Your Highness, he wont have a choice.

  They were shown to their first-class seats in the front of the plane where Angela handed her daughter a third tissue to help mop up her tears. Listen, baby, as long as youre already crying, theres something I need to tell you. She glanced around, then lowered her voice, whispering, Its about your father.

  I already know, Alyssa replied, fighting to regain control of herself. Merrick told me that he was older than you.

  No. Thats not it. I mean, theres that. But theres something else that I should have told you long ago. I did marry Freddy because he was older and because he was safe. We only knew each other a week before we did a Las Vegas. She twisted her ruined hands together. But thats not what I have to explain to you.

  No doubt there was a point to her mothers confession, but Alyssa wasnt sure what it might be. Still, it was a relief to focus on her mother, to put her needs first. Anything to take her mind off Merrick. She dried the last of her tears and gave Angela her full attention. What is it, Mom? What do you have to tell me?

  Her mother bowed her head. Its about what happened when Freddy and I came here. By then it was too late to change anything. We were already married and I couldnt just leave him. I mean, how would that look after just a week?

  So, you didnt run?

  I couldnt. Mainly because I didnt have a plan in place at that point. Besides Her voice dropped to a mere whisper. Thatsthats when I met him.

  A coldness crept into the pit of Alyssas stomach. Met who?

  Freddys son, Erik. Angelas eyes slowly lifted and fixed on her daughter. Your father.

  Alyssa could only stare for a long minute in stunned disbelief. Youre saying She drew in a deep breath. Are you telling me that my brother is actually my father?

  Yes, to the father part. No, to the brother. Angelas brow crinkled. Although since he was technically my stepson at the time, maybe he would be both your brother and your father. I get a headache just thinking about it.

  Mom

  Her face crumpled. Im sorry. Im not doing this very well.

  Is this somehow connected to why youre here in Verdonia?

  Uh-huh. Her lashes flickered as she glanced at Alyssa, and then away again. She cleared her throat. After I left Jim, I decided to fly out to Verdonia. Id heard that Freddy died a few years back and I thought maybemaybe Erik and I She bowed her head, trailing off miserably. I wanted to see him again.

  And did you?

  Yeah. Yeah, I saw him, all right.

  Good grief, Mom. What did he say? What did he do when you showed up?

  Oh, he abdicated.

  Alyssa struggled to breathe. You went to visit Prince Erik, duke of Celestia and he up and abdicated? Just like that?

  Sort of. He said something about finding these important documents and needing to fix things, or some such. He said if he abdicated, you could rule Celestia and that when he returned he and I could marry. Only Her eyes overflowed. Only Erik disappeared and Prince Brandt arrived and invited me to stay with him. With Erik gone, I didnt know what to do. So, I went with Prince Brandt. As soon as he learned that Erik had abdicated and that you would rule Celestia in his place, thats when everything went to hell in a handbasket. He came up with that crazy scheme to marry you.

  It was Alyssas turn to supply the tissues. You can still find Prince Erik. You can be with him now.

  No, its too late.

  Only if you let it be too late.

  Angela shook her head. Ive made a mess of my life. I allowed my past to ruin my future. I let it dictate my choices. She faced her daughter, the river of mascara and tears slowing. That doesnt have to happen to you. Youre so much stronger than I am, just like your father. You can take a chance. Have the future you always dreamed of having.

  No, I

  Listen to me, Ally. She used a tone Alyssa had never heard before, that of a determined mother. I want you to leave. Now.

  What are you talking about?

  I want you to get off this plane and live your dreams. She s
wiped the dampness from her cheeks. Dont think about it. Do it. Get up and walk away.

  I cant leave you behind, Alyssa protested. You need me.

  Not anymore. Ive held you back for too long. Weve gotten our roles all mixed up. Im supposed to be the parent. Youre supposed to be the child. And yet Ive always let you take care of me.

  I wanted to, Mom. It was my choice. She gripped her mothers poor, broken hands, lifted them to her mouth and kissed them. I love you.

  Ever since I was a child I wanted someone to take care of me. To love me unconditionally. You always did that. Angela broke down for a brief moment again before gathering herself back up. But it wasnt fair of me to let you. It was wrong and I wont allow it to go on any longer.

  Theres no point in getting off the plane. Merrick thinks I betrayed him.

  Then youll have to set him straight. She released Alyssas hands. Take off your wedding rings.

  I dont understand.

  Take them off. Therell be an inscription inside of them.

  How do you know? Alyssa asked, even as she found herself tugging off the rings.

  Its a Verdonian tradition, a rather sweet one, actually. A private message between husband and wife. Read what yours says. If its something pitiful, like, Youre my hoochy momma or Itll be fun while it lasts then you know it wasnt meant to be and well hit New York City and buy shoes or something. She leaned forward. But if its special, really special, then you have to promise me youll get off the plane. Do we have a deal?

  Okay, yes. Its a deal.

  Alyssa held Fairytale to the light, turning the ring until she could make out the flowing script inside and started to cry.

  Oh God. It says hoochy momma, doesnt it?

  Alyssa shook her head. No, no it doesnt. Ive got to get off, Mom. I have to go now. She half rose in her seat before realization dawned. The guards. Theyre not going to let me off the plane.

  Of course they will.

  No, theyll stop me.

  Think, Alyssa, think. If theres one thing Im good at, its getting out of a tight spot. And this one isnt even all that tight. Her mother smiled slyly. You just have to tell them who you are.

  Tell them Of course. Alyssa didnt hesitate. She gave her mother a fierce hug. Come with me. Do it, Mom. You can have the dream, too. We can find out what happened to Prince Erik. And maybe you can have your happily-ever-after ending, as well.

  She didnt wait for her mothers decision. It was hers to make. Alyssa had her own life to live, her own future to fight for. She swept to the doorway. The guards were still posted there. They immediately moved to block the exit.

  She drew herself up to her full height. I am Princess Alyssa, duchess of Celestia, she announced in her most ringing, royally-ticked-off tone of voice. And you will move out of my way.

  Shed rattled them, she could tell. They glanced helplessly at each other, uncertain how to respond. Before they could decide, a man in uniform appeared from the front of the plane, either the captain or co-captain, she wasnt sure which.

  Did you say youre Princess Alyssa?

  I am.

  Weve been denied clearance until youre removed from the plane. Annoyed disbelief touched the mans face. Weve been accused of abducting Celestias princess. So, if you wouldnt mind disembarking

  Id be happy to.

  The guards werent given an option at that point and they reluctantly moved aside. A few minutes later, Alyssa stepped back onto Verdonian soil. To her absolute delight, her mother joined her. She reentered the airport only to be greeted by a wave of people. Clearly, someone had revealed her identity. The minute they saw her, they began to cheer. And when she paused in front of them, every last man, woman and child swept into deep bows and curtsies.

  It took her two tries to get the words out. Thank you, she finally said. You have no idea how much this means to me.

  Will you be staying, Princess? one of the women asked shyly.

  Alyssa smiled. Where else would I go? Its my home. And that was the simple truth, she realized.

  And your husband? a husky voice sounded in her ear. What about him?

  She spun around. Merrick stood behind her. For a long moment they didnt move, each greedily drinking in the other. There were so many questions she wanted to ask, so much she wanted to say. Apologies to make. Explanations to give. Wounds to heal. But none of it mattered. Not right then. Not when she looked into those beloved golden eyes and saw the fierce glow of undisguised love.

  She took one step toward him. Then another. And then she raced into his waiting arms. He practically inhaled her, kissing her mouth, her eyes, her jaw before finding her mouth again. They were hard, fierce kisses. Urgent kisses. Greedy and needy. Telling her without words how desperately he wanted her. And then the tenor changed.

  He kissed her gently, a river of passion flowing deeply beneath. A balm. A benediction. A husband gifting his wife. I didnt tell him, she said, breathless and dazed. I swear to you, I didnt.

  I figured that out. It took a while, but I got there.

  I couldnt leave Verdonia. Couldnt leave you.

  I figured that out, too. He cupped her face with his magicians hands. You still havent answered my question. You have a husband, Princess. What are you going to do about him?

  Her chin wobbled. My home is within your heart. At least, according to this Fairytale I read not long ago. Unless your ring has a better suggestion.

  Just one.

  Which is?

  A hint of color darkened his cheekbones. Its trite.

  She grinned through her tears. I cant wait to hear this. Come on, warrior man. What does it say?

  He snatched his wife into his arms, lifting her high against his chest. More cheers broke out around them. It says, Two souls destined to live as one.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his shoulder until shed recovered sufficiently to speak. Lets go home, Merrick.

  Is this your home, Princess? Have you finally found your roots?

  A home. Roots. Heck, Ive even found a father. She laughed at his stunned expression. Ill explain that part later.

  To her delight, Merricks brother was waiting for them outside the airport. One look was all it took to see the resemblance, both in autocratic manner and old-world graciousness. She looked forward to getting to know her brother-in-law a little better, to form an opinion about the man who would be king. There was hint of a warrior about him, a trait that must run in the family, though the rough edges were a bit more polished than with Merrick.

  To her surprise, it didnt take long for Lander to put her at ease, and he had her mother charmed within minutes. He also drove them back to Glynith, and though it rained almost the entire way, Alyssa neither noticed nor cared. There were too many other matters of far greater importance to address.

  How did you figure out I hadnt betrayed you? she asked Merrick at one point.

  Tolken helped with that. He flicked her nose with the tip of his finger. Surprises you, doesnt it? Once I calmed down enough to think straight I realized you would never have given up Miri, not even for my freedom. Certainly not for your own.

  Not even for my mothers, she confirmed. Id have given him almost anything else, but not that. It was too high a price to pay.

  Theres the palace, Angela broke in. Wistfulness underscored her comment. A whisper of bittersweet memories.

  Merrick peered out the window, squinting as the sun broke through the rain clouds. He wrapped his arm around his wife. We cant take up residence there until after church and state have made your position official. But that shouldnt be too long a wait.

  And you? What will you do?

  Ive decided to keep my current job. After my dealings with von Folke, I think Verdonia needs a tough watchdog. He inclined his head toward the palace. Ill just relocate my base of operations.

  Alyssa stared at her new home. This was it. Permanent. No more running. A hint of apprehension rippled through her. Staying involved so much responsibility. How would she man
age to handle it all? If it hadnt been for Merricks presence, she would have been tempted to order Lander to turn the car around and return them to the airport.

  And then she saw it. Watched as it formed right before her eyes. From its roots, deep in Celestian soil, a rainbow arched across the sky, a brilliant sweep of color, so dazzling it hurt the eyes. And from where she sat it seemed to burst apart right on top of the palace. Merrick saw it, too. He turned to her, a crooked grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, clearly understanding the significance.

  Alyssa caught her mothers hand and directed her attention out the window. Look, Mom. You were right. Our rainbow was out there. After all these years we finally found it.

  And then she met her husbands steady gaze, one that glittered like the sun. Shed discovered what was at the end of her rainbow and it was infinitely more precious than mere gold. She curled deeper into Merricks embrace. Take me home, she whispered.

  On one condition.

  Which is?

  That you promise to live happily ever after.

  She pretended to consider. Theres only one way thatll work. Her expression softened. And thats with you at my side.

  He lowered his head and kissed her. Welcome home, my love. Welcome home.

  ISBN: 978-1-55254-863-9

  THE FORBIDDEN PRINCESS

  Copyright © 2007 by Day Totten Smith

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Silhouette Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

  All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.

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