Married to the Royal_An Accidental Marriage Romance

by Ashlee Price

  She places her arm around my waist and I limp to the couch. I sit down and rub my legs.

  "Let me get you something to eat," Lisbeth says as she heads off to the kitchen. "It's not good for a pregnant woman to starve."

  I glance over my shoulder. "I'll help."

  "No." Lisbeth holds a warning finger up. "You stay right there. I haven't swept the broken glass yet, and you might step on it."

  Broken glass?

  I turn my head and see the fragments of glass on the floor.

  Right. The vase broke because I left the window open.

  "How did you get in here?" I ask Lisbeth.

  She picks up the keys from the counter. "You left your keys outside the door. Really, you are too careless."

  I rest my head against the back of the couch. It feels good to have something soft behind me for a change.

  "I guess last night, I just didn't care," I say. "Steff was gone and nothing else seemed to matter."

  Lisbeth stands in front of me with her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face.

  "Well, don't you dare think like that again, you hear me? If you do, I'll slap you right across your cheek."

  I touch my cheek and wince at the thought.

  Lisbeth sits beside me and pulls me into her arms.

  "I know it hurts like hell right now, but I'm here. You're not alone."

  I pat her arm and manage a weak smile. "Thanks, Lis."

  She pulls away. "We are going to solve this together."

  My eyebrows arch. "Solve this? I don't understand."

  "What?" She narrows her eyes at me. "Don't tell me you've given up hope."

  I glance at the ring on my thumb. Sometime before I fell asleep, I must have slipped it back on.

  I run my other thumb over it.

  "What exactly do you want me to do?"

  "Go after Steff, of course."

  I look at her with wide eyes. "What? Are you crazy?"

  "No." Lisbeth points at my chest. "You're crazy if you just let that man go."

  "He left me, Lisbeth," I point out. "Regardless of all that destiny crap, Steff left me. And he's not coming back. He told me not to wait for him."

  "But he didn't tell you not to come after him."

  I sigh. "Why would I do that?"

  Lisbeth holds my hands. "So that you can convince him to come back."

  I shake my head. "But he doesn't love me anymore."

  "Did the fucking note say that?"

  "No, but..."

  "Sweetheart, you're still new to love, so let me tell you this. Love is not something that can just be discarded or forgotten. Yes, Steff left. But what's the reason, really? I doubt it's because he doesn't love you."

  I shrug.

  "So you have no idea why he left?"

  I shake my head. "But he said he had something important to tell me yesterday."

  "Then you should find out what it is, shouldn't you? That alone is enough reason for you to go after him. Ask him what he was going to say. Demand an explanation, and then, whatever that may be, tell him you love him, that you want to be with him."

  "And if he tells me he doesn't want to be with me?" I ask fearfully.

  Lisbeth squeezes my hand. "Then at least you know for sure and you know why. And that way, you'll be able to say goodbye and move on."

  Again, my gaze falls on Steff's ring. It's a family heirloom and yet he didn't ask for it back, so maybe that's a sign that there's still hope, that I should go after him. And if it turns out to be a mistake, then I'll just return the ring and say goodbye, I guess.

  Goodbye.

  Just the thought of that word makes my heart ache all over again.

  "But before that, tell him about the baby," Lisbeth says.

  "What baby?"

  I turn my head to see Keith standing a few feet away. He looks at the broken vase on the floor.

  "What happened here?"

  "Why are you here?" I ask him.

  "I thought I'd drop by to see you, and the door was open." Keith glances at the door. "You really shouldn't leave it like that."

  "Oops," Lisbeth says. "My bad."

  I frown. "You were getting mad at me for leaving the door unlocked but you left it open?"

  "You left the door unlocked?" Keith asks.

  He glances around.

  "Where's Steff?"

  I slap my forehead. "Here we go again."

  "He's gone," Lisbeth explains as she gets off the couch. "He went home and so Jess here is upset, but she's okay now. She's going after him."

  Keith takes the spot Lisbeth vacated on the couch. "What do you mean he went home? Without you?"

  I sigh. "Lisbeth here thinks something must have happened and since he didn't say what, I should go and ask him myself."

  "And what's this about a baby?" Keith asks.

  I draw a deep breath. "I'm pregnant."

  His eyes grow wide. "You're...?"

  I nod.

  "And yet he left you without an explanation?" Keith stands up. "I'm going with you so that I can punch him."

  "I'll do it myself," I say.

  "So you're going, then?" Lisbeth looks up from the pile of glass shards she's sweeping.

  I give another nod. "But I won't tell him about the baby. I don't want him to come back with me just out of some sense of obligation."

  "But he does have an obligation," Keith points out.

  "I don't need a man who doesn't love me to be the father of my child," I tell him.

  "And what about what your child needs, hmm?" Keith puts his hands on his hips. "Are you just going to ignore that?"

  I glance down at my belly. "I'm all my child needs."

  "Really?" Keith shakes his head. "You really believe that?"

  "I'm with your brother on this one," Lisbeth says. "Steff deserves to know about his child. And his child deserves a father."

  "And what about me?" I stand up. "Don't I deserve a chance to be happy, to be loved and not just be pitied?

  I shake my head.

  "I'm going after Steff, but I'm not telling him about the baby, and that's final."

  "Fine." Lisbeth nods. "That's your decision."

  "It is," I tell her.

  Lisbeth throws the glass shards into the trash bin.

  Keith turns to me. "So you're going to Norway?"

  "It's not Norway, remember?" I answer. "I believe it's Brelv."

  "Brelv? Oh, right. But what about travel documents?" Keith asks. "You're talking about going to a different country here, one you've never been to before. Do you even know where Steff lives? How will you find him."

  I shrug. "I guess I'll have to go to the Brelvan consulate. Maybe they can help me."

  "I'll go with you," Keith offers.

  I nod.

  "But first, breakfast," Lisbeth cuts in. "A pregnant woman needs her strength, especially when she's going after the man she loves."

  I gaze out the window.

  Going after the man I love, huh?

  It sounds like something from a movie, although in movies, it's usually the man who goes after the woman he loves.

  But I guess I have no choice.

  Like Lisbeth said, I have to get myself some closure, or at least some answers.

  I can't let things end this way.

  Chapter 30

  Steff

  The morning sunlight filters through the high branches above me and paints my white silk shirt with flecks of gold. The breeze from the lake sweeps through my hair and caresses my cheeks. I close my eyes to savor it, and the smell of flowers at the height of their bloom drifts into my nostrils. Birdsong reaches my ears from the canopy of the trees.

  I let out a deep breath.

  I've missed mornings like this. I've missed the Palace gardens. I've missed Brelv.

  And yet, Brelv is not what it used to be.

  This morning in the gardens may seem peaceful, but my brother still lies unconscious in his chamber in the Palace, and the person responsible for it still
roams free, lurking in the shadows.

  And I am not what I used to be.

  I may smile on the outside, but my heart aches because the woman I love is so far away.

  I open my eyes and gaze beyond the lake. The image of Jess's face appears in my mind.

  I wonder how her last gig with her band went. I wonder how her song sounded. I wonder if she got my note. Is she lonely right now, or is she trying to be strong, patiently waiting for me? Is she smiling, believing I'll return?

  Damn. I miss her.

  I never got to hear what she was going to tell me, either. I wonder what it could be.

  "Your Highness," a man's voice calls my attention.

  I turn my head to see a member of the Wolfsbane, the royal army, standing in front of me in his black armor adorned with the flower of the royal family.

  I stand up. "What is it?"

  "The King and Queen wish to see you."

  Of course they would. frankly, I've been waiting for them to summon me.

  "Please lead the way."

  I follow the soldier into the Palace and towards the Hallowed Hall. The ever-present pair of guards at the massive gem-encrusted doors open them and I step inside. As I walk down the hall, I notice that the chairs on either side of me-usually filled with nobles and members of the Royal Council-are unoccupied.

  As I thought, this is a private audience.

  I stop just in front of the waterfall. I hold my fist over my heart and bow my head as I go down on one knee.

  The water vanishes into a cloud of mist. In the pool it leaves behind, I see the reflection of the King and Queen of Brelv.

  Father and Mother.

  "So, Prince Steffan, you have the gall to appear before us once more," the King says. "And after that ridiculous note you left about going on an adventure."

  "My apologies, Majesties." I bow my head lower. "It was not my intention to cause you worry."

  "And what was your intention?"

  "To learn of things I could not learn of here in Brelv. To have experiences as a man and not as a Prince, so that I might become a better man and so a better Prince of Brelv."

  My father pauses. "And have you become a better man?"

  "I hope so," I answer. "Though I have much yet to learn, and much better to become."

  Another pause.

  "Rise."

  I stand up.

  My father appraises me from head to toe. My mother's eyes smile behind her fan.

  "In light of recent events, of which I am sure you have been made aware, and of the upcoming Midsummer Festival, you will not receive any punishment," the King declares. "Consider this a mercy."

  I beat my fist against my heart. "I am most honored."

  "And speaking of the Midsummer Festival, since Prince Viktor is unable to attend, you will take his place."

  I try not to frown. I'm not being punished, huh? Somehow this feels worse than any punishment.

  "Of course," I give the only answer that will suffice.

  "And you will act in every manner befitting a Prince."

  "Naturally."

  "That is all. You are dismissed."

  "Welcome home, Prince," my mother adds. "Even if it is under the strain of bitter circumstances."

  "We will not speak of such circumstances here or elsewhere," my father says.

  "Of course," I reply. "And in spite of them, I am glad to be home, Majesties."

  They say no more, and after a few moments the waterfall returns. The side door opens and I walk out of it and down another hall.

  "Prince Steffan," Osvald greets me as I round the corner. "So it's true you've returned."

  "Osvald." I pat his shoulder. "It is good to see you again."

  "I'm afraid I cannot present myself to you in good conscience, though. It is my fault Prince Viktor lies in bed."

  I shake my head. "Of course not. And he would not approve of you thinking so."

  I start walking. Osvald steps in beside me.

  "Besides," I tell him. "There is no use lamenting the past. We must simply do what we can to ensure it does not repeat itself."

  "I understand."

  I glance around to make sure no one is listening. "Is there anything you can tell me about what happened? Anything at all."

  Osvald also glances around. Then he moves closer to me.

  "There are rumors of a man being spotted at the royal stables on the day Prince Viktor went for his fateful ride," he whispers as he runs his thumb over the dent in his chin. "A man with some kind of scar on his face."

  My eyes grow wide.

  "I've tried searching for him, of course, and I've heard that he's been spotted at the taverns near the docks, but I can't seem to get my clutches on him. If you ask me, he seems to be under the protection of a noble."

  A noble? Natasia?

  "By the way, Prince Steffan, I would ask that you leave Princess Natasia alone for now."

  Huh?

  "She is in a dire mood, which is only understandable given what's befallen Prince Viktor."

  Oh. Of course that's what he meant.

  "I understand."

  "She has fallen ill as well and has been confined to her bed."

  "Ill?"

  I touch my chin.

  That's strange. Does no one else in the Palace know that she is with child yet?

  "Well, I certainly hope both she and my brother have a full recovery," I say. "And soon."

  Osvald nods. "Oh, and by the way, my sister Yrena wonders if you would like to take her to the Midsummer Ball."

  Of course she does.

  Truthfully, I'm reluctant since I feel like I'll be cheating on Jess, but I suppose while I'm in Brelv, I can't escape from my duties.

  Besides, I'm not actually cheating on her. I'm just allowing a woman to accompany me to royal functions. Yes, in the past, that might have led to a different kind of company, but not this time.

  Not anymore.

  "It would be my pleasure to be in the company of Lady Yrena at the Ball," I tell Osvald.

  "And it would be the honor of our family," Osvald replies. "I will surely tell her the news next time I see her. She will no doubt be thrilled. I believe she's already had Princess Celia make her a wonderful gown."

  "I think half the women of the court have," I say. "Which is probably why I haven't yet seen my sister."

  Osvald chuckles. "Well, I'm sure you will see the Princesses at the parade in a few days."

  The annual parade signifies the beginning of the Midsummer Festival, and all members of the royal family are required to attend. It's one of my least favorite activities of the year.

  I sigh. "I suppose so."

  Osvald bows. "Well, if you would kindly excuse me, I must return to Prince Viktor's side."

  "Of course. I will visit him again soon."

  "Oh, and by the way," he adds. "You seem to have had a new ring made. Did you lose the original one in your travels?"

  I lift my gloved hand.

  I was hoping no one would notice that I'm wearing my wedding band and not my Brelvan ring beneath my glove, but I guess Osvald is Viktor's attendant for good reason.

  Nothing escapes him.

  "I'm afraid so." I rub my hand.

  "Pity." Osvald sighs. "It was a magnificent ring. Well, at least you did not lose your finger. Some savages will stoop to that in order to steal jewelry."

  "Indeed."

  He gives another bow before walking off.

  I stare at the back of my hand.

  Lost my ring, huh? I guess that's one way of putting it.

  I glance out the tall window at the blue sky and think about the person I lost it to.

  I wonder what Jess is doing right now.

  Chapter 31

  Jess

  What am I doing here?

  I look around me at the crowd gathered on the sidewalks of Aldnoah. They're mostly men, women and children with long, straight, blonde hair, and they all seem to be wearing their best clothes. I, on the other han
d, am just wearing jeans and a gray sweater, my mess of wavy black strands trapped under a red bonnet.

  I can't help but feel like I'm not supposed to be here.

  And yet, I came to Brelv because Lisbeth insisted that it was the right thing to do.

  And I'm here on the sidewalk right now because the kind woman at the consulate told me to be.

  One look at my ring, Steff's ring, made her eyes grow wide as saucers, and apparently it was also enough to get me a visa. She wouldn't tell me where Steff lived, though. She just told me to be here on this day at this time. She said I would surely see Steff.

  But how can I when there are so many people?

  I consider leaving.

  I don't really like crowds, and I'm worried I might get squished.

  Or my baby might. I place a hand over my belly.

  We've both had it tough lately. I threw up so many times on the plane that the stewardess had to reassign me to a seat closer to the restroom so I wouldn't bother the other passengers. Ever since I arrived in Brelv, though, I've been feeling fine. Maybe it's the clean, cool air. Maybe it's the smell of freshly baked bread that seems to fill the city. Maybe it's just how kind and warm and beautiful the people are, or how much slower life seems to be here. But I haven't had a single headache or felt nauseous once. I haven't had a worry about my health.

  Until now.

  The last thing I want is to get trampled, or to faint on the sidewalk in a country where I don't even know if I know anyone.

  I'm about to turn around and leave, but then I hear music drifting out from the speakers at the crossroads. Trumpets blare in the distance. Horses' hooves clatter against the cobblestones.

  I let out a deep breath.

  Oh well. Since I'm already here, I might as well see the parade.

  It starts and I see the horses all dressed up and adorned with jewels. A string of carriages in various colors and designs follows, with men, women and children waving from inside. Then there's a group of dancing women and children throwing flowers, followed by soldiers, first in purple and then in black.

  Finally, I see a huge float that looks like a cake with several tiers, sparkling under the sunlight.

  The crowd begins to cheer. Necks crane. Handkerchiefs wave. Excited children are hoisted up on their parents' shoulders.

  So this is the main attraction, hmm?

  The float itself, made of flowers and fabrics and crystals and even fruits, looks grander than any I've seen. But I don't think it's the float the people are cheering for.