The Inherited Series Book 1: The Inherited

by Lily Burlington

  My hands shook as my bodyguard led me towards the ballroom. I felt sick to my stomach. I had never considered that I may actually own copious amounts of land and buildings and things because of all of this process. The very thought was unsettling.

  I felt like the walls of the castle were closing in on me. I was going to die here, squished between a gold statue and a diamond chandelier. I needed a change of pace, some sense of normalcy or escape. I could understand why Leopold tried to escape from this world whenever he could, why he was constantly on edge; the never ending formalities were stifling.

  There was a tug deep inside me as I thought of Leopold. For some reason, this whole process was much more difficult without him. I hadn't realized how much he had been there to protect and help me.

  "Cat," Phillipa's voice rang, "You are late."

  I opened my eyes, and found her on the other side of the room, across the expanse of the marble floor, frescoed ceiling covered in cherubs, and gilded gold fixtures. It was more grand then the Nicolas Hall of the Winter Castle.

  "Sorry," I murmured, as I made my way to Rose. I joined her on the floor in the center of the room and pulled on the pair of high heels that were waiting there for me. My dancing partner, M. Arsnault, pulled me to my feet.

  "You ladies have done very well learning the Waltz so today we move on to the Foxtrot. This dance is performed in long and flowing movements across the floor, very similar to the waltz but done in a 4/4 time rather than 3/4. We will begin in the basic ballroom position."

  She Phillipa took a hold of Rose. To be honest, it always looked slightly comical because Phillipa was supposed to be the man and yet she was about a foot shorter then Rose. Somehow though, they managed to still look more graceful than me every time.

  M. Arsnault placed his right hand on my shoulder blade. My right arm sat on top of his, my hand resting on his shoulder. We clasped our other hands together at the level of my eye. The muscles in my arms ached in protest from being forced into this position for an hour and a half every day for the past two weeks.

  "The basic steps for women consist of two steps back, one to the side, two forward and then one to the side. Very simple," she said, leading Rose flawlessly around the room. "Slow. Slow. Quick, Quick. Slow. Slow. Quick, Quick. Excellent."

  I nodded at M. Arsnault, signaling him to start. I took a breath and then stepped forward with my right foot, my knee crashing into M. Arsnault's calf. He winced.

  "Sorry," I said, stepping back into the starting position. "Back first..."

  We started again, better this time, and he managed to awkwardly spin me around the floor a few times. It was nowhere near the gracefulness that Rose and Phillipa had perfected, however.

  "Cat, your posture is horrible. Straighten up," called Phillipa, her eyes evaluating me.

  I tried to roll back my shoulders but it just threw off my count, making me step on M. Arsnault's foot.

  Phillipa clicked her tongue, and crossed the marble tiles over to us. M. Arsnault stepped back, moving aside so she could take his place. Her tiny, delicate hands took hold of mine, her touch as light as a feather. She held me in a way that forced me into the proper position. To be honest, it was slightly painful. "Like this," she said, arching a perfectly plucked brow.

  I nodded. Despite my supposed genetics, I had to say, most of these so called Royal practices did not come naturally to me. I was horrible at both riding and dancing. I could only hope some kind of ancient built-in muscle memory was going to kick in at some point, otherwise, I could foresee a very embarrassing future.

  I tripped and stumbled for another hour before I was released from my cell and made my way towards another. At least this next cell was large and happy, I tried to reason. After all, it was held in the courtroom and taught by Hector. I hadn't really understood why I was being taught by Hector about politics and how to run a country until I remembered that he was the one who had been trained how. Leopold was in lessons just like me.

  "Bonjour, ma belle rebel," Hector smiled from where he was seated in one of the three thrones at the front of the courthouse. His face fell though as he took me in. "Are you feeling alright, Catherine? You do not look well."

  "I will be okay, just tired," I told him softly.

  He patted the throne beside him. I climbed up the few steps and sat down in one of the remaining gilded gold chairs, the one Beatrice usually sat in. He was looking straight out at the courtroom past all the empty seats where the other lords and dukes sat.

  "Scary, isn't it?" he said after a moment. "Lonely. Exhausting. Being trained like this I mean. Do not get me wrong, it is amazing all of the knowledge and specialty we gain from it, but it can be so stiff, formal and isolating. You learn tricks though to get release." He turned and looked at me, his expression as bright as ever, "Just get through today alright. You have been doing amazing cooped up in here with the lot of us. I will pull some strings and get you fixed up soon. We cannot have you looking like death in front of all the 'family friends.' Now, pay attention, I will try to keep this short today so you can get some rest, but today we have to tackle taxes, and if either of us screws this up, we could end up like good old Uncle Louis and Aunt Marie-Ann."

  Chapter Ten

  "Honestly, Catherine, it is the Foxtrot. It is so similar to the Waltz. I do not understand how you can do one and not the other," said Phillipa the next day.

  "I have never been very co-ordinated," I replied softly as I frowned, focusing on my feet. "Maybe I should just not dance," I tried hopefully.

  Phillipa shook her head. "These are necessary skills. You will be expected to dance, especially at events such as the ones that we are all hoping will take place in the next few months. If this all works out with you and Leopold, you will be dancing at your wedding and coronations."

  My eyes grew wide and I tripped over my own feet. Phillipa pinched her nose.

  "Cat just needs the right partner," came a smooth voice from the far end of the ballroom. I froze, my stomach knotting. Slowly I turned around and my heart stopped dead. It was Leopold standing before me in dress pants and a button down, glowing gold under the light of the crystal chandeliers. I curtsied, my eyes never leaving him.

  Leopold stopped a few feet in front of me and held out his hand. "Will you dance with me, Catherine?"

  I nodded and placed my hand in his. He pulled me close, my skin tingling wherever it brushed up against his. Then we began to spin, twirling effortlessly across the floor.

  "How do you feel about spending the day with me, Mademoiselle SinClaire?" Leopold asked gently, as he dipped me low.

  "I would love to," I smiled slightly breathlessly and then yelled in surprise as he righted me quickly, and spun me outwards until we were side by side, holding hands.

  "I think she dances wonderfully," he said to Phillipa who was standing near the balcony, open mouthed. "Now, I hope you do not mind but I am going to steal my betrothed for the rest of the day. The rest of her lessons are canceled."

  He turned sharply for the doors of the ballroom, pulling me behind him.

  "You can't do that, Leopold," Phillipa called. "She is going to have to dance with people other than you!"

  He ignored her calls as he pulled me up the stairs and out into the hallway, shutting the heavy carved doors of the ballroom behind us. The second they closed, Leopold pinned me against the wall with his body and kissed me roughly. I responded eagerly, tracing my tongue across his bottom lip, winding my fingers through his hair. I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my ears. It was overwhelming, dizzying having him so close.

  He pulled back after a moment, resting his forehead against mine. "J'ai te manque tellement," he murmured softly.

  I smiled and ran my fingertips across his jaw, "I missed you too."

  "Come," he said, releasing everything but my hand. We began walking back to our wing of the castle, his arm around my waist, fingers fiddling with the hem of my blouse.

  "What are you doing back so soon," I asked Leopol
d as I reached around behind him and hung my finger through the belt loop right above his ass.

  "I was called in," he said cryptically, "We have some appearances to make this weekend. Et come j'ai dit, j'ai te manque."

  He released me as soon as we were in my room and made his way for my bed, stretching across it languidly. I went to my closet and pulled off the retched heels that I had been wearing for dancing, placing them on a shelf amongst its numerous and equally tormenting companions.

  "How is the base?" I asked, as I returned. Leopold watched me as I made my way to the bed, his eyes dark.

  "Good," he replied as I lay down beside him, curling on my side to face him, "It was very nice to be back and to see everyone again. I hear you are doing well with your lessons."

  Leopold ran his fingers down my arm, wrapping his hand around mine. I shivered.

  I shrugged, "I have been learning a lot."

  "I hope you do not mind that I have stolen you away for the weekend then," he murmured and brought my hand to his lips, kissing each of my fingertips.

  "Not at all."

  He looked down at me, his long golden lashes casting shadows against his sharp cheekbones. "Will you go out with me tonight, Catherine?"

  I nodded, speechless. I had forgotten how breathtakingly beautiful he was and how much effect he had on my body and mind.

  He leaned forward and pressed his lips gently to mine before rolling off the bed. "We leave in an hour."

  The door clicked shut behind him and I flipped onto my back enjoying the blood rush that was coursing through my veins. I felt alive again for the first time in weeks.

  Fifty minutes later I was staring at myself in the mirror slightly concerned. When Leopold had asked me out, I had been expecting just the two of us, going off on his motorcycle, to have dinner at a small cafe or something. Now I was leaning towards going to one of the special appearances he had mentioned.

  I was dressed in a strapless, floor length, blood red, silk gown with white silk gloves pulled up to my elbows. My dark hair had been braided at the sides and then pulled into a beautiful chignon. Angelique had done my make up in shimmering golds and natural hues. I had a shimmering diamond cuff on my wrist, red pumps and a white silk clutch that had absolutely nothing in it. The effect was quite stunning but made my stomach knot in anticipation. I took a deep breath hoping I would remember all the training I had had while I was out tonight. I had a feeling it would come in handy.

  There was a knock on my bedroom door that Angelique hastily answered. Leopold was on the other side in a tuxedo. My mouth went dry as I took him in. His eyes ran down my body before he smiled crookedly and offered me his arm.

  "Tu est magnifique," he whispered, his breath hot on my ear.

  We made our way down to the limo in silence. M. Arnault helped me tuck all of my dress into the car and then we were off, pulling out of the gates and onto the cobble stone streets. My heart skipped a beat. I was finally free from the grounds for the first time in weeks.

  "Where are we going?" I asked Leopold excitedly.

  He wrapped his hand around mine, rubbing his thumb in soothing circles. It felt strange through our gloves, their fabric sliding over each other like water. "It is a surprise. Be patient, ma belle."

  "Tell me more about what you do at the base," I said, trying to quell my anticipation.

  "Originally, I was trained with the army, just as all my ancestors. It is mandatory, especially as the second son who, by ancient law, is in charge of all the country's defense forces. Like many things today, that has become more of a title than a true position for someone of royal blood to hold. I was to be deployed with my squadron to do a term in Iraq as a Forward Air Controller just before Hector made his announcement. As soon as that happened, I was considered too much of a high value target and was not allowed to leave. As part of my terms for taking the title of crowned prince, I told them I wished to continue my service. They accepted so long as I was placed within a search and rescue unit of the Royal Air Force," he explained. I could tell he was both disappointed and proud of this. "It is not what I had originally planned on doing, but I save people’s lives, which I enjoy immensely."

  "Sounds amazing," I told him honestly. "I would love to see the base sometime if that is possible."

  Leopold nodded, his eyes bright, "Of course."

  The car slowed to a stop outside of a fancy, white stoned building, with large windows, and a gold awning. It was a restaurant. I could see men in suites and ladies in stunning cocktail dresses eating on the other side of the windows. I took one last deep breath and followed Leopold out of the car.

  A bubbly blond hostess in a black dress approached us as we entered.

  "Do you have a reservation?" she asked, smiling brightly up at Leopold.

  "DuMont," he replied smoothly.

  "Of course," she replied, blush spreading across her cheeks as she bowed slightly. "Right this was your Highnesses."

  Leopold pursed his lips but he followed her through the restaurant to a pair of cozy tables near the back. I couldn't help but giggle as M. Arnault and M. Lefevre sat down across from each other, sitting between our table and the door. Leopold pulled out my chair for me and then sat, eyeing the blond hostess who was still at our side.

  "Can I offer you anything to drink?" she asked, staring at him.

  "Cat?" he offered.

  "Coke, please."

  "Make that two," said Leopold shortly.

  The blond nodded and then swiftly made her way over to our security guards.

  "Tell me what you have been learning," Leopold said as he hooked his ankle around mine under the table. He winked at me as I jumped.

  "Lots of history and etiquette mostly," I told him and smiled up at the waitress who delivered our drinks before continuing. "Lots about my ancestry and how to behave at different events."

  "Your French has improved tremendously," Leopold complimented.

  I blushed, "Phillipa won't let anyone talk to me in English unless it's to explain something I don't understand."

  "It is working."

  "Are you ready to order?" said the perky blond, reappearing at our side suddenly.

  "Umm," I said, looking down at the menu which I hadn't yet glanced at.

  "Would you like help?" Leopold asked softly in English, making the hostess frown.

  "Yes, please."

  "She will have the Lemon Halibut en Papillotes with Leek Rice Pilaf and I will take the Timbales of Sole and Scallop Mousseline with Chive Beurre Blanc," Leopold told her before snapping his menu shut and handing it to her.

  She curtsied and then disappeared again.

  "I found out I have a castle," I continued.

  Leopold nodded, "La Palais de Glace. It is beautiful. Governor Richard and I are planning a trip to take you there. We have to speak to the French officials soon, so we thought that may be an appropriate time."

  "I'd like that," I smiled.

  "So, will you tell me anything about what we are doing this weekend?" I smiled hopefully at him, tracing the toe of my shoe further up his leg in what I hoped was a convincing manner.

  Leopold raised an eyebrow. "One of the official events we are going to is the opening of a hospital in the New Town, another is the next portion of tonight."

  "And unofficially?" I tempted him hopefully.

  Leopold exhaled, his sweet breath fanning across my face and shook his head defiantly.

  Our food arrived then, steaming and beautiful. I looked at my plate and my stomach growled in anticipation. I hadn't realized how hungry I was. Eager, I took a bite.

  "Mmm," I moaned as the flavors rippled across my tongue.

  "Good?" Leopold asked, watching me.

  I nodded.

  "Solis is famous for its fish dishes," he explained, taking a bite of his own.

  That made sense considering Solis was an island.

  Leopold grew tense suddenly, a muscle jumping in his jaw. I frowned, wondering what had caused the sudden shift
in behavior. I looked around to see if our enthusiastic blond friend was getting up close again and was startled when I looked up. Most of the other people in the restaurant had their eyes on us and were whispering to each other. We had been spotted.

  "Are you alright?" Leopold asked me tentatively as he patted his breast pocket. I mused briefly, wondering if he was contemplating putting his aviators on, despite the fact that we were in a building and it was almost dark outside.

  "I am fine," I assured him, although if I was being honest, I was a little shaky.

  To my surprise, he placed his hand over the top of mine where it was resting on the table and laced his gloved fingers through my own.

  I noticed a woman pointing at us though the corner of my eye.

  M. Arsnault came over to our table as soon as our plates had been cleared. "We must leave now in order to make it to the next location on time," he said. "M. Lefevre has gone to pull the car around. It seems there are some photographers out the front of the restaurant."

  "You will stay by, Cat," said Leopold, rising from the table. I followed him to the door, M. Arsnault close behind me. The photographers, there were three of them, starting calling to us as soon as we stepped out into the crisp night air. The flashes were startling and blinding. They parted as we made our way towards the car.

  I was thankful when we made it to the safety of the familiar leather interior.

  "There will be more at our next stop," warned Leopold.

  "May as well get used to it. It just means Angelique will be handing me an article about myself tomorrow morning to practice my reading." I was trying to remain calm and realistic. I knew if I revealed how nervous the photographers actually made me, Leopold would get upset.

  We drove in silence until a large domed building came into view. It was lit up magnificently, white floodlights reflecting off the glistening white marble and blue and green glass that the building was made up of. There were marble statues surrounding it and carved into the sides of the building. I recognized them as muses from one of the old articles I had read in a history lesson. There were people dressed like Leopold and I getting out of cars and making their way down the red carpet which led to the main doors of the building. They were laughing and conversing with each other, some posing for photos or speaking with interviewers.