The Royal Heir

by Tawny Amaya

My voice must have come out harsher than I realized as one of them swallowed hard, his eyes flickering to Carrie. “Your father has requested your presence back. It is urgent.”

  Worried, I released Carrie and slid the ball cap off my head, ignoring the open mouth of the vendor that had just served us. My father would never bother me unless something was of the utmost importance. “Let’s go.”

  “Right this way.”

  I followed the guards to the waiting car, allowing Carrie to climb in before I slid in behind her. The door automatically shut, and we were heading back to the palace in an instant. “Wh-what is going on?” she asked softly as I drummed my fingers along the door.

  “I’m not sure, but whatever it is, it must be bad.”

  She nodded, and I did not attempt to console her, falling into action mode. Something was wrong.

  As soon as the car pulled up in front of the palace entrance, I was climbing out and walking into the palace, heading toward the room that I always affectionately called the war room. My father looked up as soon as I stepped over the threshold, worry lining his face. “Erik, you are needed up north once more. There was another violent clash, and a mill was set on fire.”

  I swore viciously, rubbing a hand over my face. “Anyone killed?”

  He nodded. “Three workers and a member of the mill’s security team. I need you, son, more than ever, to fix this.”

  I straightened my shoulders, feeling the weight that had just been placed on it. “Of course. I will leave immediately.”

  He nodded, and I walked out, knowing the helicopter was primed and ready for my arrival and now subsequent departure. As I walked down the hall, I was handed my cell I had left in my suite, along with an already packed bag and the mound of files I had pored over from my last visit. “Right this way, your majesty,” Karen said as she hurried ahead, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor. “I’ve already secured everything for when you land.”

  “Thank you, Karen,” I said, giving her a nod. As I passed another hall, I caught glimpse of Carrie. “One moment.”

  She stopped, and I walked down the hall quickly, grasping Carrie’s upper arms. “I’ve got to go, tonight. I’m, hell, I’m sorry.”

  “O-of course,” she stammered, concern filtering her features. “I hope everything’s okay.”

  I nodded tightly, wanting to say more but unable to find the words. “I will be back as soon as I can.”

  “Be careful.”

  I turned and walked back to the crew that was tailing me. “Let’s go.” This was the part of my life that Carrie did not know about, nor did I imagine she would understand. I hated, literally hated, the fact that I had to up and leave her like this, again, but this was what I had been groomed for.

  This was my life.

  Chapter 32: Carrie

  I watched until Erik disappeared out of sight before I started to move again, the uneasy feeling surrounding my heart not easing even after his apologies. Something was wrong, and Erik was being sent to attempt to fix it.

  What, I wasn’t sure, but I worried all the same. I had never seen him like this before, so worried, yet looking so much like the royal he was.

  With a sigh, I walked down the hall toward Jeanie’s suite, hoping that I could drown my sorrows in some junk food and good ole bestie talk. She would understand. Plus, I wanted to discuss with her the conversation that Erik and I were having before we were interrupted. The way he was making it sound was that he was about to propose.

  I snorted as I turned yet another corner. Was I really thinking that? I mean, we hadn’t been together that long, we hadn’t. I stopped in my tracks, however, as a new revelation took over my thoughts. Why did it matter how long we had known each other?

  I loved him.

  It hadn’t taken me months to figure out that Erik was the man, the prince, I had waited my entire life for. He had literally swept me off my feet in the short time I had been here and seemed, at least, to be in it for the long haul.

  I looked around in the hallway, taking in the sights that had become familiar to me in these last few days. Could I live here? Could I make this my home? I had lived in the noisy, gorgeous city that was the big apple for most of my adult life, so much so that it flowed through my blood as if I had been born there.

  To leave it would be a sad affair indeed.

  Oh, I so needed to talk to Jeanie! Heading down the hallway, I made the last turn to our suites, nearly running into the person I was looking for. “Hey Carrie,” Jeanie said, her eyes sparkling. “How was your date?”

  “Cut short, unfortunately,” I answered, looking at the handsome man at her side. “Are you about to go out?”

  She nodded, gazing up at the guard that I had seen sneaking out of her room yesterday morning. “Liam here is going to take me out on the town. It’s his day off.”

  “Oh,” I answered, giving them both a bright smile. “Go, have fun. It’s a lovely night out.”

  Jeanie peered at me, her smile fading. “Is everything alright Carrie?”

  I waved a hand at them, pushing past them before she could question me further. I didn’t want to ruin her fun. One of us should be enjoying themselves. “Have fun! Don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do or that will get you thrown in jail.”

  “At least we have connections,” Jeanie laughed as they continued on their way. “Have a good night friend.”

  I didn’t respond, heading for my suite. It wasn’t going to be the night I had envisioned, not at all.

  ***

  Three hours later I gave up trying to go to sleep, gathering my phone and slipping it into my robe pocket just in case Erik reached out to me. I had watched tv after a long, hot shower, but nothing would compute into my brain that was full of worry for Erik. I didn’t know what he was getting into, but I could only hope that he would stay safe and would be back asap.

  Opening the door to my suite, I wandered down the quiet hall, pausing to listen and Jeanie’s door before moving on. She was still out, no doubt enjoying every flipping moment. I was happy for my friend, wishing I had the guts to just throw caution to the wind and say what the heck.

  I guess I had done that by coming here.

  Turning the corner, I nearly ran into another hall wanderer. “I’m so sorry,” I said immediately.

  “I should not have been looking at my shuffling feet,” the king chuckled, steadying himself on the nearby wall. “These slippers, they aren’t made like they used to be.”

  “I just, I can’t sleep,” I blurted out before he could answer. “You haven’t, um, heard from Erik, have you?”

  He shook his head, his kind eyes on me. “I have not. Come, let us go raid the kitchens. I find the best way to relieve worry is to eat.”

  I laughed and followed the king to his original destination, the spacious kitchen empty to be nearly midnight. As if he had done this multiple times over, the king walked over to the subzero freezer and pulled out some ice cream, picking up a few spoons along the way. “I’m sure you are wondering where my guards are,” he said as I watched him perform familiar tasks.

  “I would hope that you would get a moment’s peace every once and a while,” I answered as he motioned for me to sit at the large workstation in the midst of the kitchen.

  “You’re correct Carrie,” he said, handing me a spoon. “I do enjoy some privacy. But word has gotten out about my nightly visits to the kitchen and not only do they have a camera installed in here specifically to watch an old man enjoy his midnight snack, but they have also started stocking the freezer with multiple cartons. I believe they are on to me.”

  “I would believe so, sir,” I laughed, taking a small scoop out of the carton and popping it in my mouth. No one was ever going to believe that I was eating ice cream out of a carton with the King of Maltan.

  He sighed, taking his own spoonful. “I guess nothing is a secret anymore. I’ve warned Erik that his life is likely to be the same once he officially takes over as king. He’s not as concerned as I w
as.” The king then looked over at me. “He’s fine by the way. I wouldn’t have sent him there if I was at all concerned with his safety.”

  I looked at the older man, seeing Erik’s features in his. “I, thank you.”

  He winked. “You’re welcome. I like you Carrie, and I believe my son likes you as well.”

  I blushed and looked down at my spoon. “I-I like him as well. I’ve enjoyed my time here, your majesty.”

  He laughed. “I believe you should start calling me Paul.”

  Chapter 33: Erik

  “Thank you, your majesty. We could not have gotten to this point without you.”

  I inclined my head as I looked at the two sides seated in the boardroom, my eyes falling on each one of them. For the last three hours, I had listened to each side, giving my opinions here and there as they gave me their plights. While they all had valid points, there was no excuse for the loss of life, and I fully believed that the enormity of what had happened today, well, yesterday now, had touched each one of them. “We must move on from this and honor those that have died. We must put our differences aside and make sure this resolution that each one of you has agreed to are carried out.”

  “Yes,” the chairman said as I started toward the door. “You will not be disappointed.”

  I did not answer, blowing out a breath as I was escorted to the waiting car, loosening my tie as I went. I was bone tired, but happy that I had been part of this mending of fences that was going to happen over the next few days and weeks ahead.

  “Erik.”

  I looked up to see Monique standing near the doorway, dressed in a shirt that had her father’s logo emblazoned on it. One of the men in that room had been her father. “Monique.”

  She cocked her head to the side, a hand on her hip. “You look exhausted. Have you had anything to eat since you got here?”

  I shook my head, my stomach rumbling at the thought of food. A few cups of coffee had been the only fuel I had since climbing off the helicopter hours ago. “I’m afraid a meal was not served on the flight in.”

  She laughed. “Come on. I know just the place. Can I get a ride though? I came in with father.”

  I shrugged. “Sure.”

  Monique smiled as we walked out together, the flashing of cameras capturing our every move as I allowed her to climb in the car first. The media was all over the secret meeting between the two sides, and while I had addressed them an hour ago officially, they were still looking for any juicy tidbit that was left.

  “Gosh they are horrid, are they not?” Monique said as the car pulled away from the curb, having already given directions to the food.

  “They will move on to something new tomorrow,” I said, drumming my fingers on my leg. Now that the crisis was over, I was looking forward to getting back on that helicopter and flying home. To Carrie. I owed her some attention from having to leave her tonight.

  More importantly, I just wanted to get home.

  “What are you grinning about?” Monique asked, a quizzical smile on her face. “Soaking in your victory now?”

  I shook my head, a grin on my face. “Just thinking about going home.” I looked down at my watch, seeing that it a few hours before morning. “You know what? I think I will have to reschedule food for another time. I’m going to just head back.”

  She frowned. “Are you sure? You will feel so much better with a meal in your belly Erik. I was going to take you to my place.”

  My smile slid off my face. “What?”

  She gave me a coy smile, her fingers running over the leather seat lightly. “I was going to take care of you, you know, like I should be doing anyway.”

  I leaned forward, stopping the driver immediately. He pulled the car over, and I pointed at the door, a frown on my face. “Get out Monique.”

  She let out a heavy sigh, rolling her eyes. “When are you going to stop pretending that American is going to be part of this life? I mean, she’s not even of royal blood.”

  I reached over her and opened the door myself. “She might not be of royal blood, but she’s a hell of a lot better than you. Get out of my fucking car.”

  She huffed but climbed out, and I shut the door in her face, tapping on the glass to get the driver to move. What the hell had she been thinking? I wasn’t interested in her, and I doubt I ever had been. Go to her place? That was the last thing on my mind.

  I just wanted to go home.

  ***

  The flight to the palace was quick, and the sun was just starting to rise on the horizon when the helicopter touched down, allowing me to wearily walk into the palace. I paused by the great hall, finding my father eating his customary breakfast at the crack of dawn. His eyes were full of relief as he saw me in the doorway, laying down his spoon before speaking. “I trust all is well?”

  I nodded. “All is well. They reached a resolution that will stick this time or by god we are going to get rid of the lot of them.”

  He chuckled, waving a hand at me. “Go on to bed. I know a particular young lady that would be happy to see you back in one piece.”

  I arched a brow. Are you giving me permission to go to her suites under your roof?”

  My father looked down at his porridge, a grin on his face. “I put her in yours. Good night son.”

  I chuckled and pushed away from the doorway, my steps just a bit faster as I walked to my suite, stripping off my coat in the process. While I would love to have a hot shower, knowing that Carrie was in my bed, waiting for me, was enough to just strip off my clothes and climb in beside her.

  The bedroom was dark when I entered, shedding the rest of my clothing along the way as I walked over to the bed, pulling back the covers and sliding in. Carefully, I reached for her, pulling her against the length of my body with a heartfelt sigh.

  She felt fucking amazing, and I never wanted to leave.

  Chapter 34: Carrie

  I nervously looked at my reflection in the mirror, allowing Jeanie to fluff my hair until it fell perfectly over my shoulder. Today was the day that Erik was going to be crowned the king of Maltan and I was probably more nervous than he ever could be.

  “You look hot.”

  I turned, giving her a tiny smile. “Do you think so? You don’t think the color is too much?”

  She shook her head. “He’s going to love it. I’m not kidding Carrie. You look great.”

  I nodded and looked down at the dress that she and I had found yesterday in one of the local shops, the turquoise color matching the blue of the sea just outside our windows. One shoulder was bare, and the fabric moved as I did, making me feel like I was about to be crowned instead of Erik.

  I did feel beautiful in the gown, even though my pocket had taken a heavy hit buying it. “Alright,” I said, taking in a deep breath. “I guess I am ready.”

  “Oh, this is so exciting!” Jeanie squealed as she stood beside me, her gown a deep royal blue. “A royal coronation. I mean, you can’t make this stuff up.”

  I laughed and pulled her along toward the door. “Come on, we are going to be late.” Besides, I wanted to have a moment with Erik before he made his appearance, as we wouldn’t have another chance to speak for many, many hours. Yesterday morning, I had woken in his arms, watching his sleep with my heart full of emotion.

  Unfortunately, that had been the only time we had been alone together, his personal assistant coming in to inform me of the rules of a coronation. I liked Karen immensely, even though she had been tasked to tell me that I could not, under any circumstances, approach the newly crowned king in public.

  Unless that is, he and I were to make anything official with an engagement.

  It had been a downer of all sorts, our lives as we knew it, together, now changed drastically. No more dates, no more public appearances, no more car rides. No, I was destined to only see Erik behind closed doors.

  But I had pushed all that aside and focused on his very important day, knowing that we could get through this.

  If he still want
ed us to, that is.

  Jeanie and I reached Erik’s suite, and I knocked on the door, giving the guards posted out front a tiny wave. They had seen me come in and out so much over the last two days that they were not surprised, giving me a nod instead before resuming their blank stares. The door opened, and Karen’s face greeted me, happiness oozing from her as she ushered me in. “I’m so glad you are here. He’s so nervous though he swears he’s not. Maybe you can give him a little boost.”

  “I’ll try my best,” I said, crossing the living room and knocking on the bedroom door. “Erik? It’s Carrie.”

  The door opened immediately, and I was pulled inside, the door shutting behind me before Erik pressed me against the wood and kissed me hard. “God I’ve missed you,” he said, his breath warm on my cheek. “You look good enough to eat, I swear.”

  I pushed at his chest, making him step back before he wrinkled my dress. My breath caught as I took in his military uniform, thinking that he couldn’t possibly get any hotter than he was at that moment.

  I had never seen him like this before.

  “What?”

  My gaze slid to his face, seeing the anxiety in his gorgeous eyes. “You look great, I mean just like a king.”

  He arched a brow. “Is that why you pushed me away then?”

  I stuck out my tongue, attempting to lighten the mood and settle both our nerves. “Of course not. I didn’t want you to ruin my dress.”

  A grin teased his lips, and I pressed my hand to his shaven cheek. “You are going to do fine, Erik. You’ve been practicing for this moment your entire life. Your father could not be prouder.”

  “I’m sorry,” he blurted out. “The picture. It wasn’t what it seemed, I swear it.”

  I gave him a soft smile, wondering why he would think about me at such a pivotal time in his life. Sure, I had seen the picture plastered all over the internet of Monique climbing into his private car, the headlines sending the media into a tizzy that maybe the romance was over with his American girlfriend.

  But I hadn’t believed any of them. After a talk with Jeanie of course. She had reminded me that I was the one in this palace, not her. I was the one that had experienced some of the best times of my life with Erik, not her.