“Yes, of course. I’ll bring it shortly.”
“Can I make international calls?”
“You may do whatever you like, madam.”
“Cool.”
Olivia tilts her head slightly at my comment then disappears in the bathroom. I sip my coffee looking around the grand bedroom. This is just the guest bedroom too. I can only imagine what the master suite looks like.
A few minutes later, Olivia reappears. “Your bath is ready, madam.”
“Thanks.” I climb out of bed, naked, but realizing it doesn’t matter. The woman tried to undress me. I’m helped into the bath, and once again it’s perfect. Leaning back, I soak in the floral scented water dragging my hands through it. Olivia enters again carrying a cordless phone on a silver tray.
“To dial out, you press the number four and then enter the phone number as you normally would. I’ll be right outside should you need something.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, madam.” She leaves and as I stare out the window, I wonder if I really will get used to this.
Sitting in yet another meeting with the palace advisors on military strategy, I find my thoughts drifting back to the woman I reluctantly left in bed this morning.
“Your Highness,” one of the men calls to me, getting my attention.
“Yes, Adolfo.”
“What are your thoughts about the plan presented?”
I realize I wasn’t paying enough attention to respond, but decide instead to share my overall thoughts that I discussed with my father yesterday.
“I feel that for a country that hasn’t actively fought a war or been invaded for several hundred years, that we spend entirely too much on military defense. I think we could allocate some of that money toward public works, perhaps art installments or more parks.”
Everyone falls silent, glancing around the table at each other. Finally, Adolfo speaks.
“With all due respect, Your Highness, part of why we haven’t been invaded is because of our strong military presence.”
“I didn’t say eliminate the military. I said reduce the spending.”
My eyes shift to my silent father, sitting at the head of the table. Our agreement was he would not intervene unless absolutely required. He continues his silence.
“But Your Highness,” another man named Timothy begins. “We have more than adequate funding for our proposed military spending.”
I look up and glare at the man. “You may think that I am uneducated on this subject, but you would be wrong. I have poured over the budget from every angle. I am thoroughly aware of what resources we have.” I stand, making sure everyone is paying attention. “Just because we have the money, doesn’t mean we should spend it in places that are not necessary. We are a rich country, largely because my father, and his father before him, were financially savvy, and at times, frugal. You can expect that tradition to continue with me.” I walk over to Adolfo and take the papers from his hands. “I read your report last night, and other than ‘this is what we’ve always done’, I find no solid argument for me to approve spending millions toward updating equipment we’ve never once used.”
Adolfo’s face turns crimson and then he turns to my father. “Your Majesty, may I implore you—”
His words are interrupted by my father’s raised hand. “Implore me not. My son has spoken, your future king, and you will respect and abide by his commands, as you have faithfully done for me, or you will find yourself seeking new employment. Is that clear?” He casts his intimidating gaze around the room. “Clear to all of you?”
As my father’s threat hangs in the air, I look around the room at the steely faces aimed at me and realize if this transition is to be a smooth one, it starts today. I take a deep breath. Be brave, Lathan.
After soaking for a while, I pick up the phone and dial my parents. A couple of rings later, my mom answers.
“Hello?”
“Mom, it’s me.”
“Oh! How are you?”
“Good. Sorry I didn’t call sooner. Things were kind of crazy at first.”
“You’re settled in?”
“Yep. I’ve got my own, uh… ” My eyes shift around the massive bathroom. “Guest house.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. Is it nice?”
“Yeah, definitely. I met the Queen yesterday.”
“How did that go?”
“Good. She seemed to like me. She was really nice.”
“That’s a relief.”
“I agree.”
“How’s everything else?”
“Weird, but good. It’s a whole different world here, Mom. It’s like stepping into a movie or something.”
“Do you think you’ll like it?”
“I think I’ll get used to it. Lathan’s really busy right now so I only see him at night, except for briefly yesterday morning. His cousin is helping me with stuff, so I just mentally treat it like I’m at work.”
“That’s a good way to look at it.”
“Yeah, so I’m good. Just wanted to let you know I got here okay.”
“Thanks for calling.”
“Oh, what time is it there?”
“Uh, nearly two in the morning.”
“Oh, gosh, Mom, I’m so sorry. It’s almost nine here. In the morning.”
She laughs softly. “It’s okay. I was up actually baking a pie.”
“Why so early?”
“Oh, I haven’t been sleeping well lately. The doctor says it’s menopause, but nothing serious. I’ll take a nap around ten-ish.”
“Right, okay. I’ll keep the time difference in mind when I call again.”
“Sounds good. You take care of yourself out there.”
“I will. Tell Dad I said hi.”
“I will. Bye.”
“Bye, Mom.”
I climb out of the bath and wrap my body in the lush, fluffy towel left for me. After putting on body cream, I dress in the outfit left out for me, a white summer dress with small pink daisies on it, something I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing in Boston, but it seems fitting here.
Olivia enters and offers to brush and style my hair so I shrug and sit on the cushion, allowing it. She patiently brushes through my long, wavy hair, then braids it in a loose, romantic style.
“What is the style of makeup here?”
Olivia smiles. “Would you like me to apply it based on palace standards?”
“Yes, please.”
“My pleasure.” She walks over to what I thought was a linen closet, but it’s actually a walk in closet, returning moments later with a basket of cosmetics.”
“Why do you have that here?”
“We got it for you. Everything here is for you. When His Royal Highness alerted us to your impending arrival, we did our best to make it comfortable for you.”
I nod. “Is that where you keep getting dresses from?”
She nods. “Yes, we were told your size and picked out a few things for you. Once you are introduced publicly, you may of course, shop for your own clothing.”
“Cool.”
“May I ask, madam, why you say that word in that way?”
“Oh, sorry. It’s just a saying back home. It’s like saying good.”
“Thank you for explaining.”
“No problem. I mean, you’re welcome.”
“Close your eyes, madam. I’ll apply your makeup.”
“Okay.”
I close my eyes feeling brushes and creams and smudges. After about fifteen minutes, she taps my shoulder. “You may open your eyes now, madam.”
I do and release a small gasp. I was expecting something sort of demure, like Ophelia, but instead I have a lot of makeup on. My eyes are done in a smoky gray palette, my cheeks blushed in light pink, and a nude lipstick. It’s pretty bad ass.
“Do you like it?” Olivia asks.
Peering closer to the mirror, I grin. “I love it.”
Olivia allows a full smile, clearly pleased with herself.
She’s a beautiful woman, and I imagine she was a bombshell in her youth.
“Do you have children?”
Olivia’s eyes open wide for a brief moment. “Yes. I have two daughters. You met one earlier.”
“Oh, Karina is your daughter?”
“Yes. She just started working here last year after she finished her university studies.”
“What about your other daughter?”
“Still in university. I hope when she is finished, she will find a position in the palace as well.”
“Why? What do they study?”
Olivia’s brow creases. “I shouldn’t bore you with my domestic life.”
“But I asked.”
She nods her head. “Karina studied literature and Annabeth is a linguist, learning many languages.”
“So why work for the palace?”
“These are very esteemed jobs. They pay well and…” she pauses, and I notice how she wrings her hands.
“What is it, Olivia?”
“This is the best place to meet potential husbands.”
I nod. “Like a prince or something?”
“No, the palace has ambassadors and their families visit from time to time. Also, the elite levels of our society are often invited for balls and various events. If one wishes to marry well, the palace is a fine location.”
“I see. Do you have a husband?”
“I am widowed.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. He had a position here too. He died just last year.” She starts to pack up the cosmetics. “He was a good man, and I miss him. I am thankful to have such a good position. It has allowed me to care well for myself and my children. Without a dowry though, it is difficult.”
“A dowry.” I frown. “They do that here?”
“Yes, depending on whom one marries.”
“I see.”
“They don’t have dowries in America?”
I shake my head. “No. We just marry whomever we want. Our parents don’t even have to like it.”
“That is interesting.”
I smile. “I know.”
“So you do not…” She smiles. “I forget my place, madam.”
“Ask me what you want.”
“You do not come to His Royal Highness with a dowry?”
“Nope.”
Her eyebrow raises. “Will His Royal Highness marry you?”
“I hope so. I haven’t met the King yet, and I assume his approval is required. The Queen seems okay with me, but I don’t know what Lathan has discussed with her yet.”
Olivia’s face breaks into a full grin. “Oh, I do hope so, madam. Your presence will change everything. If we could do away with the dowry requirement, it would be so much easier for women like my daughters to find a suitable husband.”
“Oh, well, I wasn’t planning to change anything.”
“But the details of your union will be released. Everyone will know there is no dowry. That is the start of change. An American princess with no dowry. It’s lovely, really.”
“What do you mean the details will be released? To whom?”
“To everyone. The Palace will request the staff reporter to write an article. It will be in every paper. You should ask Ophelia to see her article.”
“Interesting.”
“Once you are announced, madam, your life is not your own anymore. Everything you do and say matters.”
“Lathan told me.”
“But your life will be privileged and spectacular and something only most women can dream about. His Highness Prince Lathan is the most desired man in the entire kingdom. Little girls keep his pictures on their walls. Teenagers write him love letters. Grown women throw themselves at him whenever he is in public. Older woman wish they were younger. He has even received worn panties in the mail.” She steps closer. “You have captured his heart, and while there are some aspects of palace life that may be bothersome or intrusive, there are literally thousands of women who wish for your spot.” She smiles. “Soak up every moment. Write it down so you can read it back to your grandchildren one day. You will be a princess here, eventually a queen. I don’t know what America offers you, but I know that as His Highness’ wife, you will have everything your heart can possibly desire.”
I smile. “Whatever this new life holds for me, I accept wholeheartedly. I love Lathan like no other woman could. Thousands of woman may desire my place, but they may not have it. I will do my best to be a princess, to live up to the expectations placed on me, because His Royal Highness deserves it.”
Olivia smiles. “You have already shown yourself to be a fine woman worthy of His Highness. I personally am very excited to watch your transformation.”
“Thank you.”
She nods. “Would you like to come down for breakfast now?”
“Yes.”
As we head downstairs, I wish I could talk to Lathan right now. I’m not really clear on what I’m allowed to say to whom.
“Are you under the confidentiality agreement?”
“Yes, madam. Absolutely.”
“So, you can’t like sell your memoirs to the media or anything?”
“I do not even know what that means.”
“In America, when people have a chance to make money because of something they know, then they offer to sell the story to tabloids.”
“I see. I would never do such a thing. It would risk not only my own job, but the well-being of my daughters.”
“Okay. Do you have tabloids here?”
“Gossip?”
“Yes.”
“We do, but it is fictional. Entirely made up for entertainment.”
“Interesting. Can you get me some?”
“Yes, of course, madam.”
Once we reach the bottom floor, I take my place at the ridiculously large table alone, waiting for my breakfast to arrive. I really like it here. I like Olivia. The only thing that would make it better is Lathan.
After several minutes of tense silence, my father nods at me, then speaks. “The men in this room are intelligent and thoughtful, chosen for the fine qualities they bring to our kingdom. I expect that you hear my son’s thoughts and ideas. He also brings many fine qualities to our shared vision of Havendon.”
Heads nod and Adolfo bows his, then turns to me. “I am at your service, Your Highness.”
“Excellent.” I sit down and put the papers on the table. “I will approve the budget lines related to the comfort of our soldiers. Housing will be renovated and new uniforms ordered. With the extra money we won’t be spending on equipment, we will upgrade our computer systems and provide a cost of living pay increase to all active military.”
The men glance around the room at each other, and I notice the pleased expressions.
“That is very generous, Your Highness,” Adolfo says. “A pay increase is unexpected.”
“And, if our budget is maintained and we continue to look for areas where we can decrease or rearrange spending, the surplus will be distributed at year-end to those of you in this room. Consider it a bonus for exceptional performance on behalf of the citizens of Havendon.”
Now, the men openly show their excitement over the announcement, knowing it could equate to thousands for them.
“Rest assured, I do not wish to undo the policies currently in place, as I do believe they have worked well for us. I will say, however, that fresh eyes often bring fresh perspective.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” the men say in unison.
I stand, looking out at them all. “As we work through this transition, I thank you in advance for your support, but make no mistake. You are not dealing with a young wayward prince. You are dealing with a man well equipped to rule this country. I will not tolerate anything less than absolute loyalty.” I smile, somewhat softening my veiled threat. “That is all.”
The men stand and scurry from the room, while I walk to my father’s side.
“How did I do, father?”
He of
fers a subtle smile. “Exceptionally well. Your command of the room was quite impressive. I believe respect was gained today.”
“I know I will be faced with people questioning my judgment, and I completely understand why they would, but I have had the most amazing teacher in you, father.”
“Some you have learned, some you were born understanding. Your leadership ability is innate. If you were at all unsure of yourself, it did not show.”
“A fine compliment.” I bow my head, slightly. “May I help you back to your chambers?”
He nods. “Thank you.” As I push him out in the wheelchair, he looks up at me. “Has Arlan contacted you?”
“No, sir.”
He shakes his head. “His absence tortures his mother.”
“I know. I hope he comes soon. If anything, to see you.”
“I will not see him.”
I sigh softly rolling my eyes. “Even now?”
“Especially now. He must know I am unwell and how his mother pines for him. It is cruel how he ignores us. I will not forgive him for this.”
“Perhaps there is a good reason.”
“I cannot think of one other than he himself is dead, which I pray is not the truth.”
“I’m sure he’s fine.”
“Then he has made his choices. At least you, in your self-imposed exile maintained contact with your mother. She lived for your calls.”
I nod. “I know. I missed home very much even though I enjoyed my life in America.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why did you enjoy it? What was it that kept you there?”
Turning the corner toward his room, I think of how to respond. “I was always interested in America, as you know, and I thought going there would open my world perspective. I was correct. There is so much diversity. Any type of food you could want, a thousand different languages spoken, people of every color. Everyone is free to do as they please, even if it’s wrong.”
“There are no laws?”
“Yes, of course, but it’s a right there to say whatever you want. I even overhead conversations where people criticized their president and their government. In public, Father.”
“With no recourse?”
“None. It’s allowed.”
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