Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  I set my papers down. “Of course. How are you, dear cousin?”

  “Very well. Spending time with Delaney, which is exactly who I wanted to speak to you about.”

  “Okay.” I lean against my desk. “What about?”

  “Have you given any thought to when you want to publicly announce her?”

  “Constantly, but I’ve not settled on anything.”

  She smiles. “I have a proposal.”

  “Alright.”

  “She has taken to her lessons like a true princess. Her behavior, her mannerisms, all of it transformed. Have you noticed?”

  “Somewhat, but she is more herself when we are alone.”

  “Well, you must take my word, she is ready.”

  I nod. “I am not. I have told my father nothing.”

  “You need to because my proposal is for the Independence Ball. What an absolute perfect time for her official unveiling. The whole of Havendon will hear of it, the media will be there, all the important people in our country will receive her. What do you think?”

  “July the fourth? That’s next week.”

  “I know. That’s why I’m here. You must admit, it’s perfect.”

  “Yes, it is perfect.” I glance around the room thinking of my father’s reaction. “I must tell the King.”

  “Of course you must. You have hidden your princess away long enough. She is ready and restless. She misses her friend, and she longs to leave the confines of Havendon House.”

  “I know.” I exhale slowly. “I will go to my father today.”

  “Do not be afraid, cousin. You are braver than even you know, and the King, if he is the man I believe him to be, will be happy for you.”

  “I hope so. You’re sure she’s ready for what awaits her?”

  “She is. We’ve practiced how to address the media, we’ve practiced her walk and wave, we’ve discussed every aspect of public royal life. She is ready. Surely she tells you these things?”

  “We talk, yes, but she does not know what she does not know.”

  “Right, but I’ve prepared her well. You can trust me. I only want her success.”

  “I trust you.”

  “Wonderful.” Ophelia smiles. “I do have a surprise for you.”

  “What?”

  She walks over to the bookcase and pulls the book that triggers the door to open. When it does, she stands in front of it. “May I present, Your Highness, the future Princess of Havendon, the most fair Delaney.”

  Delaney steps forward and takes my breath away. She’s wearing a full length ball gown in the softest shade of pink, that perfectly complements her skin tone. Her usually long flowing hair is styled into an elegant chignon, and she wears a tiara, one of Ophelia’s, I assume. She steps through the doorway completely and offers a curtsy. Her eyes gaze downward, knowing she is not to make direct eye contact with royalty until spoken to.

  My eyes shift to Ophelia, who beams like a proud mother. I cannot believe the physical transformation.

  Ophelia whispers, “Act like you don’t know her.”

  “Right.” I step forward and extend my hand. She offers hers, and I lean forward to kiss it. “Pleased to meet you, Fair Delaney.”

  She gazes up at me. “I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Your Royal Highness.”

  “Where are you from?”

  She smiles demurely. “The United States of America, sir.”

  “America? What brings you to our lovely Havendon?”

  She flutters her long black eyelashes. “Love, sir.”

  I tilt my head. “What a lucky man to have captured such a treasure.”

  “You are most kind, Your Highness.”

  I pace in front of her for a moment, fighting my desire to attack her and climb under that dress right in front of my cousin. Deciding to pretend to be an aristocrat or a journalist, I fire a question at her.

  “Why do you think an American woman makes a suitable wife for the Prince?”

  “It does not matter what I think, only what His Royal Highness Prince Lathan thinks.”

  I grin at Ophelia who winks.

  “Are you concerned with fitting in to palace life?”

  “I have excellent advisors who will aid my transition.”

  “Being from a foreign land, you couldn’t possibly care about us.”

  “His Royal Highness Prince Lathan loves Havendon, and I love him, therefore, I love Havendon.”

  “Are you a virgin?”

  She doesn’t even flinch at my rude question. Ophelia must have told her someone will ask something uncouth.

  “The details of my private life are mine alone, but you are welcome to inquire with the Palace.”

  “And what do you know about our history?”

  “Neither of us have time for me to tell you about your history, but I assure you, I know just as much about yours as I do my own.”

  “Is that what you really want to say, Delaney?”

  A smirk tugs at her lips. “No, Your Highness.”

  “What would you like to say?”

  “I’d like to tell him to suck it.”

  I burst into laughter as Ophelia’s eyes open wide. Finally, she can’t resist and laughs too. “Oh, I would love it if you actually said such a thing. Can you imagine the journalist’s face, cousin?”

  “I can. It would be front page news the next day. Palace Scandal! Future princess tells journalist to suck it.”

  “I won’t of course, but how freaking rude. I dare someone to ask me if I’m a virgin. My words will say one thing, but I guarantee my eyes will say another.”

  “I must say, I am beyond impressed. You have learned well.”

  “As I said, I have an excellent advisor.”

  “Clearly.”

  Ophelia pats my back. “I will leave you. Please consider my proposal.”

  “Of course. Thank you.”

  Ophelia chooses to exit through the tunnel, causing me to chuckle. Delaney stands in front of me, looking every part the princess.

  “How do you feel dressed like that?”

  “Amazing. I feel like Cinderella or something.”

  “You look unbelievable.”

  “Yeah? People will be impressed?”

  “How could they not be? Will you sit?”

  “Yes.”

  I pull out a chair for her and she sits, navigating the dress around her.

  “Did Ophelia share her proposal with you?”

  “Proposal for what?”

  “Your introduction?”

  “No, just that she thought I was ready and wanted to present me to you, so here I am.”

  “Yes, here you are. Ophelia thinks the Independence Ball would be an opportune time. I have to agree.”

  “That’s next week.” She crinkles her brow. “Are we ready for that?”

  “You are clearly ready, and I am ready to show the people the woman I love. I have one obstacle left and that is my father. I will go to him today.”

  She stands, walking toward me. “Are you sure? He’s been doing so much better.”

  “I know, but I can’t keep you locked away forever. It’s time. I want you to be free to see the town, perhaps invite Fallyn for a visit. Really see Havendon, not just the palace grounds.”

  We both turn as Franco opens my doors. “Your Highness, the Queen approaches.”

  “Shit. Should I go?”

  “No.” I grab her hand. “I want her to see you like this.”

  She takes a deep breath. “Okay. God, I’m so nervous.”

  Just a brief moment later, my mother enters, smiling big with wide eyes when she sees Delaney.

  “Hello.”

  Delaney curtsies. “Your Majesty.”

  “You look stunning, dear. What is the occasion? A romantic dinner with my son?”

  “No, ma’am. I just finished my lessons with Ophelia.” She glances at me and I nod. “I wanted to show His Highness my progress.”

  “How wonderful. Show me something.
”

  Delaney shoots a panicked look at me, so I jump in to assist. “We were practicing how she might handle the media when her presence is made known. Ask her a question. A tough one.”

  Mother’s eyes glance up for a moment, then she smiles. “What is the Queen like?”

  “Her Majesty is delightful, and I aspire to be so elegant.”

  “Does she like you?”

  “I am not qualified to speak on behalf of Her Majesty.” She smiles. “I can only speak for myself. I like her very much.”

  Mother smiles. “What do you call her?”

  “The same as you call her.”

  My mother approaches Delaney, taking her hand in hers, surprising both of us. “I have no doubt you will handle yourself well. You, along with my son, will breathe new life into our old traditions.” Glancing at me, she continues. “When will you introduce her, son?”

  “Funny you should ask, Mother. Ophelia suggested we present Delaney at the Independence Ball, but I have yet to—”

  “That’s a wonderful idea!”

  “Yes, but Mother, I haven’t spoken to Father yet.”

  “I know.”

  My eyes shift to Delaney’s. “Don’t you think that’s rather important?”

  “Yes.” She smiles. “Go tell him now.”

  “You make it sound as though I plan to announce my new favorite car, Mother.”

  “A fair point, son. What is your approach?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve rehearsed it a thousand times in my mind.” I take Delaney’s hand, gazing into her eyes. “I wish I could just tell him that I found the one for me, and that would be sufficient.”

  “Perhaps it will be.”

  I glance at my mother. “There you go with the false naiveté again.”

  Franco comes in the room again, looking panicked. “Your Majesty, Your Highness, madam, the King.”

  Delaney pulls her hand away and looks toward the escape door, but before she can run, my father is already upon us. We all stare at the imposing man, standing and walking on his own. His faint smile disappears as he sets his eyes on the stranger in the room.

  “Who is this?”

  Well, fuck.

  My heart is beating so hard in my chest, I fear I might actually faint. Through my panic, somehow my princess lessons kick in, and I step forward, falling into a deep curtsy. I bow my head, keeping my eyes on the ground, as I wait to be addressed.

  “I said, who is this,” the King repeats.

  “She is our most honored guest,” the Queen says, softly. “Our son’s guest.”

  “Look at me,” he commands. My eyes shift up. He gazes at me with a cold stare, his eyes seemingly taking in every detail of mine, and I’m startled at how much Lathan looks like him. “What is your name?”

  I take a deep breath, hoping my voice will speak. “Delaney, Your Majesty.”

  “Delaney?” He tilts his head. “What kind of accent is that?”

  I feel my legs shake beneath me, so I briefly glance at Lathan, but the King moves closer. “Can you not answer me?”

  “American, sir.”

  “American?” His eyes shift to Lathan. “What is this about?”

  Lathan doesn’t answer, and the Queen is silent. I’ve never been in a room with a more intimidating man than this one. As if things weren’t already tense, Arlan comes strolling into the room.

  “What’s going on?” he asks. “I’ve been looking everyw— Father.”

  “Leave me,” the King demands, without even turning in Arlan’s direction.

  “No,” Arlan replies. “I will not.”

  Lathan steps closer to me, redirecting the King’s attention. “I planned to come speak to you alone today, Father.”

  “About her?” His eyes seem to burn through me.

  “Yes. Perhaps, everyone can leave and let me and my father speak.”

  “No, way,” Arlan says. “Not until I get a chance to talk.”

  “Now isn’t the time,” Lathan says. “Really, not the time.”

  “Why not? So you can tell him about your girlfriend? I think my relationship with my father is slightly more important.”

  My heart feels like it just sank to the pit of my stomach. The Queen gasps softly, and Lathan turns pale.

  “Your girlfriend?” the King questions. “You have an American girlfriend?”

  “Father,” Arlan says, stepping closer. “Please talk to me.”

  “Get out of my sight!” His voice booms, shaking the windows in the room we stand in.

  I gasp, stepping backward. This is not going well at all.

  The Queen rushes to the King as he clutches his heart. “Why must my children torment me so? Why can’t you just follow the goddamn rules?” He stumbles toward the door, and then shockingly collapses.

  “Oh my god!” the Queen shrieks.

  Lathan and Arlan rush to their father’s aid, checking his pulse. Lathan looks up. “He’s not breathing. Call the medic.”

  “I know CPR,” I announce. “I can help.”

  “Only the palace doctor can aid the King,” Arlan says.

  “Do you want your father to die while he waits?”

  The two brothers exchange glances with the Queen, who nods, then looks at me. “Please help. I am not ready to lose him.”

  Kicking off my heels, I drop to my knees, and start chest compression. “Loosen his shirt and tie to help give him air,” I call out to anyone.

  Lathan does so as the Queen kneels beside me, weeping. Arlan calls for the palace medic, while I continue.

  “If you must do mouth to mouth,” the queen says, “We can never tell him.”

  “It isn’t necessary, Your Majesty.” I continue to work, and suddenly, the King’s eyes flutter open. His eyes roll back a bit, so we help him to sit up a little, making sure he has air. It takes a moment, but he takes a huge gulp of air.

  The Queen squeezes my arm. “You saved him. You saved the King.”

  The King’s eyes focus a moment later on me, but he looks really disoriented.

  “Speak softly,” I tell everyone. “Give him time.” He continues to stare at me. “Can you speak, Your Majesty?”

  His brow furrows as he slowly shakes his head.

  The Queen takes his hand. “Husband? Charles?”

  His eyes shift to hers, but he doesn’t speak. The palace doctor rushes in, with a gurney and several people in tow.

  “What happened here?” he asks.

  Lathan and the Queen explain the events while I step back out the way so they can assist the King. The doctor looks at me and nods.

  “Thank you for your quick action, madam.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  They rush the King out and the Queen follows. Lathan pulls me close, kissing the top of my head. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “You don’t have to. It’s training I have for just this type of event.”

  We both look around to see Arlan sitting in a chair with a distraught expression. “You saved the King, but I nearly killed him.”

  “We both did, brother.”

  He shakes his head. “I am a failure. My very existence is a disappointment.”

  “No, it’s not true, Arlan. He has high expectations that are nearly impossible to meet.”

  “You meet them.”

  “He was upset before you came. He does not approve of my choice in Delaney.”

  Arlan looks up with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen on a man. “At the risk of treason, I must say, our father is a fool. We offer him love, and he offers us… nothing. You will make a fine king, yet he picks on the girlfriend you’ve chosen. The girlfriend that just saved him. If he does not accept her in your life, he does not deserve you, brother.”

  Lathan nods. “I have to agree with you, but it all may be a moot point. Our father will not be with us for much longer. That is evident.”

  “You should both go to the hospital to be with the Queen,” I suggest.

  “The palace hos
pital is on the grounds,” Lathan explains. “But yes, we must go to support her.”

  “Let me know how it goes.”

  He tilts his head. “Will you not come with us?”

  “After everything that happened? I don’t want to add any stress to the situation.”

  Lathan takes my hand in his. “Delaney, Arlan is right. My father must come to accept you in my life. I need you by my side.”

  I don’t want to go, but how I can I say no to his soft, pleading eyes. “Alright. Can I change out the princess getup?”

  Lathan laughs. “Of course. I’ll walk you back.” He turns to Arlan. “Do you want to wait and go over with us?”

  Arlan nods. “I will wait here.”

  Lathan and I dart down the hallway to Havendon House. As I change clothes, Lathan explains to Olivia what’s happened and where we’ll be until further notice. I join him, and we walk back to the palace to pick up Arlan, who’s sitting in the exact same spot where we left him. I can tell from his expression he feels guilty for what happened.

  We walk downstairs together and wait for a vehicle, sort of resembling a golf cart, to pick us up and take us to the hospital. Far behind the palace is a rather nondescript stone building with only a cross made of wood over the door.

  Lathan opens the door, and I’m surprised to see a fairly normal looking medical center inside. There is a station of nurses in the middle, who all immediately curtsy upon seeing the brothers, and who eye me with curiosity.

  “Where is the King?” Lathan asks.

  “In emergency surgery,” Your Highness,” a nurse replies. “His heart was not stable when he arrived.”

  Lathan nods. “And the Queen?”

  “In waiting room A, sir.”

  Lathan grabs my wrist and leads me down a corridor, with Arlan following us, to the room where his mother waits. When we walk in, she looks up with weary eyes and walks into Lathan’s waiting arms then she hugs Arlan and finally me.

  “As we approached,” she explains, “his heart crashed again. The doctor said they needed to go in and put in a pacemaker to regulate his heartbeat.” She squeezes my hand. “You prolonged his life, dear. If not for your resuscitation, he would have died on that floor. Your efforts gave his heart enough strength to continue fighting.”

  “I’m glad to have been of service.”

  “It was far more than service. You helped me keep the only man I’ve ever loved a little longer.” She cups my cheek. “I am sorry he was not kind to you, but it was a shock.”