The Inherited Series Book 2: The Claimant

by Lily Burlington

  Phillipa and I met in the blue room today. She and Rose were already there when I arrived. They both stood when I entered, bowing slightly.

  "No, please," I said waving them off, a blush warming my cheeks.

  "Wrong answer," Phillipa said. She ignored my complaint, completing her curtsy. "It may not be official yet, but you will be the head of a country, Catherine. You must expect the respect you deserve from everyone. It's a rule that has always been very important in my family. I'm sure you have noticed."

  "You do it all the time, though," I said with a frown as I sat down next to Rose.

  Phillipa smiled crookedly. "To you, only to you, and only because I knew that this would happen. You have always technically been on an equal level to me, if not a higher one. Our institution is built on traditions. All of our respect and power comes from these traditions. If you dismiss them, then you dismiss your status and everything it stands for."

  I nodded, sinking into the seat. I hated when that happened, when it seemed like I was doing something right, only to get told off for somehow doing it wrong. Phillipa had been calling me out on things all week. Apparently princess training had been one discipline, but everything I had learned was somehow altered now that I was going to be a queen. I had to stand on my own rather than behind Leopold.

  "Alright," Phillipa said, clapping her hands together, "today we need to discuss two events that are coming up in the next couple of weeks. First is the engagement announcement that will take place this weekend. Second is Leopold's graduation ceremony. I am just going to run through the general process for both events; feel free to ask questions.

  Rose and I nodded, both accustomed to these lectures.

  "Your announcement will be officially made on Monday next week," Phillipa began. "The media ban will be released the same day, so the announcement will be global. To say the least, the reaction to the announcement should be extraordinary."

  "The first step of the announcement is a statement that will be released by the castle on Monday, which simply states that Catherine is going to marry Leopold. However, there needs to be photos and video clips for the media to display alongside the announcement. These are prepared from an interview and photo shoot with a selected news crew at the castle. The raw footage is edited and approved by the castle before being sent out to news stations across the globe. Selected photos are released to magazines and newspapers."

  "So it's like the show I've been on with Leopold?" I asked.

  "Yes, just a bit more professional and formal," Phillipa said, giving us both a sheet of paper. "The news crews have been given these same papers. It is a list of questions that they are allowed to ask you. I have taken the liberty of filling in a few appropriate examples of answers for each of you."

  I examined the sheet quickly, my eyes growing large. "I have to know all of this?"

  "They are more of a guideline. Just read through them, you have done fine in all of the other interviews. Besides, I am sure you could say just about anything and they would still love you."

  "So, we show up, have the interview, and then pose for a while?" Rose asked, one of her perfectly sculpted eyebrows rising.

  "Exactly," affirmed Phillipa with a sharp nod.

  It seemed easy enough; I had done both interviews and a photo shoot before. I was more concerned about the global releases and the 'extraordinary' reaction Phillipa had promised. Surely it couldn't be that bad. Solis was a small country, and Leopold and I were just two people. I wasn't really even royalty yet.

  I shifted in my seat uneasily, and suddenly became aware of a faint beeping. I frowned, shifting again, and felt something hard press into the back of my thigh. My eyes grew wide as realization hit me, and I hastily reached into my pocket and pushed the 'end' button on my phone.

  "Sorry," I murmured apologetically, placing my phone on the coffee table. "I'm still not used to having it, and I forgot to lock it." Luckily, I hadn't managed to call anyone and only the dial tone had sounded. I would have to remember to put a password on it or something to stop it from doing that.

  Phillipa shrugged and continued, undisturbed. "So the second event is Leopold's graduation. Rose, this one does not directly affect you but it is highly likely you will have to attend something similar in the future, especially if Hector takes on a military career as he has been planning since his abdication."

  "Leopold will be awarded his silver wings, making him able to pilot a crew on a rescue mission. This is a significant award and will also mark his departure from his military service and ascent to his position as king. As such, it is important that you be there, Catherine, for the ceremony. This will be excellent publicity to follow the engagement announcement."

  "When is it? Do I have to do anything?" I asked. This was the first time I had heard about the ceremony. I knew he was graduating, but I hadn't been aware it was such an event.

  "His test will be next Wednesday, and the ceremony will follow on that Friday. The entire family will be in attendance. You will simply have to stand with us and then make an appearance on the grounds with Leopold briefly afterwards."

  The rest of the lessons continued on as normal. I went to see Mme DuBeche about the dress I would be wearing for the interview and photo shoot. Hector and I covered section D paragraph thirteen of the Solis Charter of Rights. M. Arsnault continued to try to get me to write in French now that I had a good portion of spoken dialogue mastered. I was relieved, as usual, when I finally turned down my hallway and into my room at the end of the day.

  I went directly to my desk where Angelique had dinner waiting for me. I picked up the plate and silverware and walked over to the library across the hall. I flopped down onto the couch, grabbed the remote, and began flipping through the channels.

  "Isn't the shrimp delicious?" said a deep voice from the doorway. I jumped and began choking on my food.

  "Sorry," said Governor Richard as he stepped into the room. "I didn't mean to startle you."

  I reached for my glass of water and swallowed thickly.

  "N-no, it's okay," I managed to stutter, suddenly becoming uneasy. I sat up straight amongst the cushions and put my plate down.

  "I've been looking for you," Richard said, stepping closer. He reached into his pocket.

  "Really?" I asked, carefully watching his hand. My mouth went dry.

  "I think I have something that belongs to you," he said, as he then pulled my cell phone out of his pocket.

  I let out a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding and accepted the phone. This was ridiculous – Leopold and Felip's theories were getting to me. Governor Richard was just trying to be nice.

  "Thank you," I told him. "I must have left it in the blue room during lessons today."

  "It was no problem," Richard assured me. "I may even call it fortunate. I have been hoping to speak to you for a while, Princess. May I?" he asked and indicated the chair diagonal to the couch.

  I shrugged. Richard sat.

  "I wanted to discuss with you the recent events, Catherine," he began. I squirmed, becoming slightly uncomfortable again.

  "As your representative, the representative of Arcadis and the French liaison, I consider it my duty to assure your well-being, along with the well-being of Arcadis, two things which are closely linked." He gestured a lot when he spoke, drawing attention to his words. It was the opposite of Felip and Leopold whose calm facades made their words stand out and seem impenetrable.

  "Alright," I told him. I didn't know if Leopold was right or not, but I knew that the only way to find out would be to let Richard speak, hoping he would let something slip. I may not get an opportunity like this again.

  "I want you to know that there are options other than the one you have decided to pursue," he began. He held his hand out to me, beseechingly, trying to get me to understand.

  "You will be the queen of a country very soon, princess, and all of your actions will directly affect that country and its people."

  I was quite aware of tha
t whole situation, extremely aware. It didn't make sense that Governor Richard felt he needed to tell me that. Wasn't the whole reason I came here about learning how to help rule a country? Isn't that what Richard wanted me to do? Maybe his motives were not as black and white, just as Leopold thought.

  Then again, maybe they were.

  "Marriage," he continued, "is one of the options."

  My stomach twisted. "What are you saying?"

  "Nothing, princess, I just do not want you to feel pressured into marrying Leopold. Whether it is wealth you are concerned about, protection, or the treaty, I would like to assure you that Leopold does not have to be the answer. There are other ways, princess, other men."

  My teeth clenched together as I tried to hold my tongue from lashing out at him the way I wanted to. I pursed my lips, choosing my words carefully. "I will be sure to take this into consideration. I had no idea there were alternatives."

  "I may recommend someone who shares my blood," he said with a smile. “Our blood. My nephew, for example. He is the heir of a very elite and well-off family. A future with him would be very advantageous indeed. It would truly be the beginning of a new era for both countries."

  He thought I was in this for materialistic reasons; he thought I would sell myself to the highest bidder. He was hopeful of it, as long as they were Arcadian. I felt the bile rise into my mouth.

  I raised an eyebrow. "I must say, you have me intrigued."

  Richard shrugged. "The decision is yours to make, princess. You can make it hard or easy on yourself. Just know that your time is running out."

  "I won't make the wrong decision," I assured him.

  Richard stood, turning to leave, but he stopped at the door. "And Catherine, next time I give you a gift I would suggest you keep it quiet. Not everyone here wants the same things we do."

  Chapter Two

  We were waiting in the antechamber to the gold room. Two royal guards stood at attention before us and M. Arsnault and Lefevre stood behind us, silently as always. We were waiting for our cue to enter the gold room where the news crew had set up for our interview. I ran a hand down my dress anxiously.

  Long fingers laced through mine suddenly, making me look up. Leopold was beside me, stunning in his navy suit and charcoal tie. He had arrived late last night, stumbling into his room and collapsing onto the bed beside me well after midnight. He must be exhausted. Mike and Angelique had woken us up at six and we’d been separated ever since to prep us for the day.

  I smiled gently as he stifled a yawn and raised our linked hands to his lips, placing a single kiss on the back of my hand. My skin warmed at his touch. I couldn't help my desire for this to be over; I wanted to have him all to myself again.

  A clock chimed eight somewhere in the castle and the royal guards pulled the doors to the gold room open. I took a deep breath, before walking into the room hand in hand with Leopold.

  I plastered a smile on my face as the news crew bowed. My cheeks warmed and I tried not to stumble as we made our way toward the fireplace and chairs at the center of the room.

  "Hello," Leopold said as he stepped forward to shake the hand of a small man who had broad shoulders and salt and pepper hair. "It is a pleasure to meet you M. LaFlamme."

  "The honor is ours, Your Highness. Thank you very much for having us here today," said LaFlamme.

  I recognized the name. He was the one who would be interviewing us. I offered him my hand next, smiling softly. "Thank you for coming M. LaFlamme."

  He smiled broadly at me. "It is my pleasure, Mademoiselle. I could not believe my ears when I heard that I had the magnificent honor of conducting the first interview announcing your engagement."

  "How about we get started," Leopold said, and he guided me over to the chairs. I was surprised at how cordial he was being. He seemed much more content and comfortable here than he had at any of our other appearances.

  The three of us took our positions in front of the cameras. A little light on top of the largest camera was flashing red, but after a crew member with a headset counted down, the light turned green.

  "First," began LaFlamme, "I would like to congratulate you on your engagement."

  "Yes, we are both very excited," replied Leopold.

  "If it's alright with you, I think I would just like to start at the beginning. I know that this will be the first time that many people will have heard about your unique situation. Maybe you could clarify things for them," said LaFlamme. Speaking directly to me, he continued, "You are from the United States?"

  "Yes," I said, "From Scottsdale, California.”

  "That's a long way away," LaFlamme smiled. "How did you end up here?"

  "It's kind of funny, actually," I told him. I looked over to Leopold who gave me a short nod. "Two big body guards showed up at my house and told me I was the last heir of the lost Arcadian royals and that they were there to take me to Solis to fulfill the terms of the accord our families had made."

  "And what is this accord?" he said, his brows knitting together, feigning ignorance.

  I stayed quiet, figuring it was better to let Leopold field this one.

  Leopold ran a hand through his hair, shifting in his seat. "Solis and Arcadis have been allied for centuries. The Sinclairs and DuMonts were always very close, so our ancient relatives signed a contract to assure their continued relationship. It declared that if the heirs of either kingdom were not married by the time they had to ascend the throne at the age of eighteen, they would marry each other. And six hundred years later, here we are."

  "And now you're going to be married," smiled LaFlamme. "It’s just like a fairytale."

  "That's right," conceded Leopold.

  "So is it love?" asked LaFlamme. "Or are you just fulfilling the terms of the contract?"

  "For me," Leopold started, "it is love, without any question."

  "And you, Mademoiselle?"

  "Love," I told him without hesitation. "It has always been my choice whether or not to stay. The contract had nothing to do with my decision, but it was the reason we were introduced."

  "And how did he propose?" LaFlamme asked me.

  This was where things were going to get more difficult. We had to bend the truth a little so that certain details remained private, at least for a little longer. I was glad I had read over Phillipa's cheat sheet.

  "It was here in the castle. I am sure you have heard about the meetings between France and Arcadis regarding Arcadis's independence and everything else. Well, Leopold was home from the base for the weekend when the liaison officer between France and Arcadis arrived. He was pulled into some secretive meeting at an incredibly late time of the night. I was awakened a couple of hours later and pulled into the meeting as well. The liaison told us that France had agreed to give me a title," I explained. This was the truth so far. It was easy enough to leave out the bits about sleeping in Leopold's bed, and the situation against the fridge, before he had been pulled into his meeting.

  "And this is something you had been waiting for?" LaFlamme clarified.

  Leopold nodded. "Catherine needed to be given the title in order to marry me."

  "So what happened next?" the reporter pressed.

  I smiled. "Well, Leopold was being very gentlemanly and was walking me back to my room after the meeting. Both of us were in pajamas because we had been woken up and pulled straight to the meeting. We made it halfway back, when all of a sudden he pulled me to a stop and dropped to his knee."

  "So clearly you didn't have it planned out?" LaFlamme said to Leopold, laughing gently.

  "I had actually!" laughed Leopold as he tried to defend himself. "We did not know for sure if France was going to come through or not, so it was not a sure thing that I would be able to marry Cat. I was really hoping that I would be able to propose, though, so I had been carrying the ring around with me for weeks, trying to plan everything out and figure out the best spot and time and so forth. But as soon as I heard the announcement, I could not wait any longer. My plans
just went straight into the bin."

  It seemed Leopold had been instructed to embellish his end of the story a bit too. The fundamentals were there though. I had needed the title so that he could propose to me; we just hadn't been expecting that I would gain an entire country along with it. Leopold had had the ring for quite a while and was waiting for the opportunity to use it whenever the time was right; he just hadn't expected it to be in the middle of a fight. The timing of our engagement was forced out of necessity, not our eagerness.

  "So were you expecting it?" LaFlamme asked.

  I shook my head. "Not right then. I figured it would happen within the next few months, but not in the first ten minutes after we had been given the go ahead."

  The rest of the interview passed without much incident. It was all basic questions regarding ourselves, the engagement, and the wedding. It was much like the previous interviews we had done, only more formal.

  We moved into the white room next, where the photographer was already waiting for us. We shook hands briefly and then followed his directions and stood in front of the fireplace. Leopold stood behind me, his arms wrapped around me, my hands on his, as the photographer snapped away around us.

  "What do you think about running away with me after this?" Leopold whispered, his lips at my ear. Click.

  "Absolutely. Where are we going?" I asked as I smiled. Click.

  "I am not sure yet. Maybe you should help me decide. Choose a mode of transportation," he said. I could hear the contained excitement in his voice and could picture the mischievous glint in his eye.

  I looked toward the doors to the white room, where M. Arsnault and Lefevre stood. "Are they coming?"

  "No," Leopold scoffed, as if it was ridiculous for me to ask.

  The photographer instructed us to turn so that we were facing each other. Leopold's arms stayed wrapped around me; mine folded against his chest. Click.

  "Motorcycle," I said automatically.

  "Good choice. Clothes?" was his next question.