All I could do was nod and follow the others who looked just as shocked as me. We explored the other parts of the island.
We were still exploring the island when a bell rang.
“They’re here. Come on, guys. No worries, they don’t bite,” Andie said.
We went to one of the cottage gazebos where two people were waiting for us. They were casually dressed. If I didn’t know, I would have assumed they were just an ordinary couple. They looked young, maybe in their forties. They appeared really in love because they were still holding hands and were sitting very close to each other. They were Drew’s parents, the king and queen. Well, they looked much younger than I initially thought.
Meeting your boyfriend’s parents would be nerve-racking, but meeting your boyfriend’s parents who just so happens to be the monarchs of a country was a whole different level. I was wondering if this was what Kate Middleton and Megan Markle were feeling when they were presented to the royal family.
King George was a tall man, almost as tall as Drew and standing at about 6’3. He wasn’t the normal king you would have in your head. I imagined an old fat king who almost had no hair from wearing a crown too much. No, he looked exactly like Drew, except he had brown eyes while Drew had blue. He was wearing a white polo, jeans, and blue loafers. Even though he was wearing casual clothes, he still exuded power and authority. To say he looked intimidating was an understatement.
Queen Diana, on the other hand, was very regal. She was about 5’6 in height, has blonde hair and blue eyes. If Drew looked a lot like his father, Andie clearly looked like their mother. She looked like a compassionate queen who balances out the intimidating look of her husband. She was wearing a blue Burberry T-shirt, Hermes belt, jeans, and Tory Burch bag and shoes. Don’t judge me if I identified the queen’s clothes better than the king’s. I’m still a girl, you know. She was smiling at me, unlike her husband, who had a passive expression.
“Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend Lizzie, her cousin Jam, and her best friend Rissa, Chad’s girlfriend,” Drew said.
“Good afternoon, Your Majesty,” I said, curtseying.
“You know you can just shake their hands, right?” Drew whispered.
“How am I supposed to know that? All I know is what I’ve seen in the movies,” I said in a whisper. Drew laughed at me. The nerve of this guy. He didn’t even tell me the proper protocol for this, and now he was laughing at me. Great, I just made an utter fool of myself.
“Oh, my baby finally has a girlfriend. It’s so nice to meet you. Andie has been telling me everything Andrew has told her. I feel like I already know you,” Queen Diana said, hugging me.
Drew was smiling at me, but he changed his attitude when he looked at his father. He looked serious all of a sudden, and I couldn’t help but feel that King George didn’t like me for his son. They then excused themselves and left us to bond.
I wanted to know what it was about, but Queen Diana shot me a lot of questions about how and where Drew and I first met, how did he make his first move, and the like. She also insisted I call here Diana when we’re not in public.
As we all talked, I realized Andie and Queen Diana were so alike. They would talk endlessly about Andie, Mel, Chad, and Drew’s childhood days. Apparently, they were quite the troublemakers. They would piss off each other but would beat up bullies who dare bully any of them. Drew was the one who really stood up for them. No one would dare challenge the crown prince.
It was quite an afternoon.
Drew and King George returned as we were enjoying our afternoon tea. They looked serious, and I started to worry. What if he didn’t like me to be his son’s girlfriend? What if he’d come between us? What if Drew would break up with me because of his father’s wishes?
I had so many questions, I almost fainted. I knew problems would come my way when I entered a relationship with Drew. I just didn’t think it would happen this soon.
However, for some reason, a surge of confidence ran through my veins. Drew was not his father. He waited for three years to meet me, and that had to count for something. He was the faithful type even with his position in life. I knew we would fight for each other, no matter what.
Drew walked to Chad and said something to him. After that, he sat beside me. He wrapped his arm around me as he looked intently at his father, which really made me uncomfortable.
“So, is there anything you’d want to say, Father?” Drew asked.
“You know my stand on this, Phillipe, but it seems I can’t do anything about this. The least you can do is give her lessons before coming out to lessen the blow on the poor girl,” King George said.
Drew looked at him a bit longer. He then stood up and grabbed my hand.
“Excuse us. We’ll see you guys later. I just have to show something to Lizzie,” Drew said.
He then led me inside the house, filled with expensive antique-looking furniture. We took the stairs and turned left, where he opened a set of double doors. Upon seeing what was inside, I immediately knew that it was my personal heaven.
It was a two-story library filled with first editions enclosed in glass chambers. The normal books were open for reading. For every shelf of books, there was a window so you could appreciate the view and have natural lighting while reading.
The first floor was filled with different kinds of books: fiction, classic, etc. There were about ten shelves from top to bottom which went around the room. There was also a staircase to the second floor tucked in the corner of the room, though this floor was filled with history books about different kingdoms and its royals.
“Wow! Did I die and went to heaven?” I murmured.
Drew laughed and shook his head. “I thought you might like this room. It’s my favorite escape place. All of the first editions we have is here because it’s safer. Not many people know about this island, so these prized possessions are safe from harm. They have more sentimental value than the actual price.”
He then grabbed a first edition of Persuasion and handed it to me.
“Wow, Persuasion. Besides Pride and Prejudice, this is my all-time favorite Jane Austen story. It’s about not giving up on love and second chances,” I whispered while looking at the book on my hands.
“Remember when I gave you the Pride and Prejudice book? Well, this is the second one for your collection. I want you to have it.”
I couldn’t talk. I wouldn’t be able to say just how much this meant to me. My first edition of Pride and Prejudice was my most prized possession, and this was a close second. The way he gave this book meant more to me.
“Consider it as a reward for meeting my parents and not running away. Well, it’s not like you can run away from me right now. You’re stuck here on the island with no way out.” We both laughed when he said that.
“I just want you to know that no one can ever persuade me to change my mind about us—not my family, not the press, not anyone. Just don’t be like Anne Elliot and listen to Lady Russell, alright?” he joked. I laughed and shook my head from side to side.
“No one could ever tell me to stay away from you, Drew,” I said, looking into his eyes.
The next thing I knew, he was close to me. I could practically feel his breath near my lips. His gaze was switching from my eyes to my lips, like he was asking permission. I nodded my head slightly, enough to tell him it was ok.
This was it. I was ready to take it to the next step. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect moment to have my first kiss. He finally closed the gap, and I was kissing him. I was kissing Drew, my Mr. Darcy. I could almost hear the fireworks. His lips were soft and gentle against mine. Through this one kiss, I could feel all his love even if we hadn’t said that to each other yet. It was there, nonetheless. We didn’t stop until we were out of breath. He simply placed his forehead against mine as I closed my eyes, feeling the heat of his stare.
“You have no idea how happy you just made me, Lizzie. There wouldn’t be any other for me. I loved you from the moment I first saw yo
u, and I would sacrifice anything just to be with you. I finally have you, and I wouldn’t ever let you go. I’ll always fight for you. I love you,” he said.
I suddenly didn’t want to speak, afraid that I would ruin the moment.
I just knew that his father didn’t approve of me. I was a commoner, after all. He was extremely rich, and I didn’t know why I was having a hard time accepting that.
But despite all of that, I knew that it was about time I start accepting the fate I agreed to when I said yes to Drew. I loved him, and he loved me. Together, we were going to survive this life. I was going to prove to King George that being a commoner was not always a bad thing. I was going to make him see that I should be beside Drew and that we were going to survive whatever things come our way.
As I looked into his eyes, I knew I couldn’t hold it in any longer too.
“I love you, Drew. Don’t worry. There wouldn’t be any other for me too.”
It was at that moment, when his face transformed into one of pure joy, that I knew I made the best decision of my life. There was no other one for me; he was it. It might have been too fast, and there might be obstacles along the way, but I won’t have it any other way.
Chapter 14
Not so Perfect Prince Charming
We were enjoying our time on the island, swimming, playing frisbee, and whatnot. I had a blast. Needless to say, we were having the time of our lives. We were treasuring these moments, moments we knew could never last forever.
The king and queen had to go home early because of their duties. They only stayed for a day which they mostly spent on their wing, leaving us alone. There was a part of me saying they did this to avoid further conflict with Drew. Every time I tried to open the subject, he would change it, so I stopped asking and started enjoying myself.
We were currently on the beach, splashing water at each other. Drew had one arm around my waist as we tried to splash water on Jam. Rissa and Chad were by the sand, sunbathing while holding hands. Every once in a while, they would snap pictures of us, but not after taking at least a hundred of theirs first.
Jam was losing the splashing contest and was protesting, saying it wasn’t fair that Drew and I were a team while she didn’t have anyone else. We were having too much fun, and we didn’t hear other people approaching.
“So, how come I wasn’t invited to this whole shebang? And when were you going to tell me you have finally made a move on Lizzie?” Mel said while hugging Drew. “I’m so happy for you, Drew,” she whispered into his ears
Mel came with two other people: her boyfriend, Luke, and her brother, Ryan.
The brother-sister tandem couldn’t be any more different. Mel was happy for Drew while Ryan was sneering at us. That really made me uncomfortable. I mean, why the hell was he mad at us? If looks could kill, he would have killed Drew, but when Drew looked at him, he immediately faked a smile.
Something was going on here, and I was going to find it out.
“Glad you made it. The parents have left so we have the whole island to ourselves,” Drew said and signaled some employees to assist the three. They went inside and Drew hugged me again.
“I’m sorry Ryan is here. Mel can’t leave anywhere without him lately. He really needs moral support,” Drew said.
“Why? What’s wrong?” I asked.
He was about to answer when Jam came back.
“So, who were those people? And, where the hell is Andie? I need her here. There’s no way I’m gonna win when you two tag-team against me,” Jam whined.
We laughed and called Andie to join our splashing contest.
It was fun, and we all enjoyed our time on the water. The only down side was that Andie and Jam won the splashing contest, and Drew and I vowed to beat them next time. At the end of the day, we were really tired and couldn’t wait for dinner. So, we went back to our rooms and changed.
***
We were all gathered for dinner. We were having Caesar salad, steak, and tiramisu. I felt like a royalty, being served by servants and all.
Drew was talking to Luke about the latest news in Sarconia. Luke apparently was part of the House of Lords. He was known as the Duke of Marchest and was really working hard to be considered as the next Prime Minister or something. I had to research more about this small country.
Ryan, on the other hand, was a few chairs away from me. He was talking to Andie while looking at me. Andie didn’t notice, but I did. I was having one of those weird feelings you get when someone’s staring at you. Honestly, he’s getting on my nerves. I already told him I was dating Drew, yet he was still acting like this. He needed to move on.
Jam was talking animatedly with Mel, partaking in their shared the passion for books. They were really having a blast. Chad and Rissa were there on one side, exchanging sweet nothings.
We were all enjoying our coffee when Mel mentioned in passing that Lady Catherine was staying over for a few weeks.
“What exactly do you mean, Mel?” Drew asked in a voice I haven’t heard before. It sounded like someone just declared war and he was on the defense.
“Oh, the thing is she asked if she could come and visit for a few weeks as we haven’t seen each other for a few years. I immediately agreed, forgetting that you and Lizzie are here. I’m really sorry, Drew,” Mel said, a little scared of Drew’s reaction.
Drew excused himself and walked out, leaving everyone shocked that he got so pissed.
“I’m really sorry, Lizzie. It’s just that Cath has been my friend since we were kids. I forgot she thinks she’d be the next queen after the whole arranged marriage thing the king announced. Please don’t hate me,” Mel said. She’s almost crying at this point.
“No harm done… yet,” I said, saying the last part in a really quiet voice.
“Cath’s great, though,” Ryan said. “You’d like her, especially when she’s around dangling her arms on your boyfriend. He’d like it. I mean, they did way back. The king absolutely loves—”
Jam interrupted him.
“Would you shut up, annoying man. We all know you’re just bitter that Lizzie’s with Drew and not you. Grow a pair and move on,” Jam said, glaring at him.
The whole table became quiet, but Ryan still had that annoying smirk he had when he was up to something. I stood up, excused myself, and followed Drew, thinking he probably had enough space to blow off steam.
I was near the slightly open door when I heard him screaming.
“Cath, whatever you’re planning, I want no part on it! I don’t care about that. Why can’t you just move on? I have a girlfriend I love, and may I remind you, you lied to me before. I don’t give second chances. I have found the one I’m marrying, so just stay in Sarconia and don’t bother me,” Drew shouted at his phone.
The phone was not on speaker, but because the volume was set on maximum, I could still hear the voice clearly.
“What about the nights we shared, Drew? Does that mean nothing to you? I gave everything to you, so you’re not discarding me that easily. Remember, I have the king’s support, not that commoner girlfriend of yours who I’m sure will leave you when she gets to know the real you. She’s just your latest conquest. We both know you’re going to come crawling back to me soon enough,” a female voice replied.
I was guessing it was Catherine.
“I’m repeating this one last time: You dare mess with my relationship with Liz, I will make you suffer. And you know I don’t give empty threats,” Drew said and cut the line, banging the phone on the nearest wall. He then sat down and placed his head on his hands.
“Your Royal Highness, what are you going to tell Ms. Lizzie now?” a guard asked him.
“I don’t know. I don’t want her to know my past. I couldn’t bear losing her. Arnold, she’s the one, and I’m not losing her. I’m not letting her go no matter what. Cath has to get it in her head that what we had is over. What if she tells Liz otherwise? Arnold, I don’t know what to do. I can’t lose her. I can’t lose Liz,” Drew sai
d, looking really troubled.
“I think you should come clean to her, Your Highness. Being honest is still the best option. I can see that she truly loves you. I don’t think it would change her mind,” Arnold suggested.
“And what? I’m going to tell her I slept with Cath before? That I thought I got her pregnant only to find out she was using me the whole time and the baby was not mine? That before I started hanging out with Cath, I was the wild child prince who never took anything seriously? What if she runs screaming and leaves me because I’m not the Prince Charming she knew?” Drew said, looking at an open window.
“You’re not giving me enough credit there, Drew,” I said. I just couldn’t take it anymore.
“Liz…” Drew said, shocked to see me there.
Arnold excused himself, and I sat down near Drew.
“Well, at least I now know you’re not perfect. That has been bugging me for a while, you know? The thing is… I love you. I won’t lie and say that I’m not jealous of her because I am; not because she’s apparently your ex but because she can give you something I can’t. I’m jealous of her because she’s right, she has the support of the king, and I don’t. I have this nagging feeling that he would do anything to separate us. That would leave me broken-hearted, Drew. Right now, I’m so insecure you can’t begin to understand it. But that’s the thing, I love you, and I’m not giving it up because of some spoiled rich wannabe queen,” I said. “Why didn’t you tell me you dated her?” I asked.
Drew looked so unsure of himself. I didn’t know if he had ever been in this situation before. I bet he was trained at a young age to be sure of himself and not to show any weaknesses.
“It means nothing to me, so I thought it will mean nothing to you too. I’m sorry. I screwed up when I was younger. I was scared of the responsibility, so I thought I might as well enjoy life. Girls were coming in left and right, and I didn’t say no. That was when I hooked up with Cath,” Drew said. He then stood up and started pacing the floor.
The Bookworm Meets the Prince Page 9