She signals for her maid to give us privacy. We’re in the sitting room of her spacious suite, finishing a relaxing afternoon tea. The air is scented with lavender. Very peaceful. We’re sitting at a round table with cushioned chairs next to a large window with a view of the sea. The far side of the room has a cushy beige sofa across from a fireplace with a flat-screen TV above it. Her suite is much homier than my own suite back in Beaumont, which is formal and done in antiques that have been passed down for generations. I haven’t lived at home in years, just for summers and holidays. I should make it homey for me now that my time to become queen draws near.
I try not to fidget as Anna studies me with determination in her eyes the moment her maid shuts the door behind her. Geez, I just got here and now she wants to invite me to her nether regions. I mean, we’re close, but there is a line. Right? There should be a line. I break out in a cold sweat.
She leans forward across the table as much as a woman with a foot of baby in front of her can. “Gabriel insists I go to a hospital in Paris, and I know he’ll be ordering everyone around and forgetting to hold my hand and feed me ice chips. That’s where you come in. Besides, you speak French.”
Beaumont was originally a French colony, so French is the official language there. I learned English when I was nine the hard way—starting school in the US. Marge’s first language is English, which is partly why she accompanied me. Her strictness is the main reason. She was so helpful with my early difficulties adjusting to the US. Later, I became annoyed with having a babysitter, and now I’ve come to truly respect and appreciate her.
“You said you’ve been working with a French tutor,” I say, grasping at straws. “Besides, the doctor likely speaks English, and Gabriel says he’s the best doctor in the world. And you said that Gabriel is the best, most loving, supportive husband ever.”
Her brown eyes narrow. “Chicken.”
I stiffen. “I am not.”
She purses her lips. “Didn’t used to be. The Polly I know is fearless.”
I cock my head. “And look where it got me. On probation in Florida for a year.”
“Please,” she begs. “It won’t be that bad. Just hold my hand, interpret French, and say soothing things like, ‘You’re strong! You got this! You can do it!’ I want a natural birth, but I need support.”
I consider this. “So I’m like a coach.” I have some experience coaching young girls in soccer and basketball when I was in high school. Though I must say I don’t see much crossover between the two. Defense! Pass! Shoot! Won’t quite work for getting a baby out. One hundred ten percent, girls! Maybe?
Her eyes light up. “Yes. My birth coach. And don’t tell Gabriel I said this, but we did have private birth classes. Gabriel was so busy trying to direct me, I fear I’ll throw something at him during the real deal. He’s just so used to giving orders.”
I press my lips together, trying not to laugh. Gabriel is a king. Of course he would be commanding no matter what the situation. Anna and I do have a sisterly bond. We both wanted a sister our whole lives since she’s an orphan and I’m an only child. I want to be there for her, but I feel nauseous just thinking about it.
I swallow hard. “I heard there’s some gore.”
“It’s not a horror movie. It’ll be beautiful.” She slowly stands, hanging onto the arms of her chair to balance with her unwieldy stomach. She is freaking huge, and I still don’t see how that gigantic baby is going to come out without some gore. “Come on.” She gestures for me to follow her to the sofa.
I follow behind her, still queasy just at the thought of the birth. “What’re we doing?”
“I recorded some natural birth shows. I want you to see how beautiful it can be.”
I halt, take a deep breath for courage, and then I do the right thing, even though it’s not the easy thing, because I love her. “I’ll be there for yours, okay? That’s the only one I need to see.”
She turns around. “Really?” Her eyes well, and she throws her arms around me. “Thank you!”
I hug her back, feeling like a total jerk for even considering leaving her alone with the best doctor in the world and her loving husband.
“You’re the only family I have left,” she whispers. “Besides my adopted family.” She adopted the Rourkes as her own.
I know what she means. Before the Rourkes, her family was just me and her foster father, Mike. She lost him about eight months ago. I lived with him in Florida until he died, keeping him company during the late stages of lung cancer and bringing what comfort I could. He said I reminded him of a more polite version of Anna. We do resemble each other. She’s bold, like me, though she’s much more outspoken, never having been trained for royal decorum like I’ve been since birth.
I pull back and hold her by the shoulders. “Mike will always be with you. He’s watching over you, and I’m sure he’s just as proud of you as I am. Look at you, a queen, guiding a kingdom from the brink of collapse to a new thriving future.”
“Are you trying to make me cry?” she asks, wiping her eyes. “Geez, Pol, have a heart.”
I smile, my own eyes stinging. “Will Gabriel mind that I’m there? I mean, in the delivery room.”
“I already told him you would be.”
I shake my head with a smile. “Why am I not surprised?”
“He’ll probably be relieved to have some backup. He gets very emotional over my well-being.”
I’m trying to picture it and can’t quite. Gabriel is a formidable presence, usually gruff and serious. Though he smiles for his wife, and he smiles for me because he credits me with bringing them together. Anna took my place in what turned out to be a bridal competition for his hand. We thought it was to collect an inheritance and, boy, did we need the money. It was desperate times, needing funds for a shark lawyer to keep me out of jail. I’d spent what I had with me on the apartment building gift for Anna, and there was no way I could go to my parents. They would’ve disowned me had they known I’d escaped to the US to get away from my chosen husband and then committed a crime. Gabriel ultimately used his considerable connections and funds to keep everything quiet and get me a lesser sentence of probation with a fine. Which is why I have a soft spot for the gruff man.
Anna goes on. “Only problem is when Gabriel gets emotional, it comes out sounding like he’s pissed off.”
“Ah.” That I could see. “Okay, then, it’s settled. I’m going to check on Marge before dinner.”
She walks me to the door. “The doctor will be here tomorrow to check her for strep throat. Just a precaution. Would you like Emma’s maid, Lina, to assist you in the meantime? Emma went off on her honeymoon with only a couple of guards and a hired crew on a large houseboat. I’m sure Lina would love to work for another princess.” Emma is her sister-in-law.
“You know, I think I’ll pass. I’ll enjoy having some privacy for once. My guard has backed off. He’s satisfied with all the palace guards here. I almost feel like I have some real freedom.”
“Jailbird gone free. Look out, Villroy!”
I laugh.
She gets serious. “Are your parents still insisting you marry that awful man?”
I force a neutral tone. “I’ve agreed to marry Peter.”
“I thought you didn’t like him,” she says with a scowl. “You said he’s sleazy.”
“I changed my mind after spending some time with him. When I return, they’ve arranged a six-week courtship before the official engagement.”
“Don’t do it.”
I let out a breath. “It’s fine.” I debate telling her about the blackmail, but Anna and Gabriel already bailed me out once, and they have enough to worry about with the baby on the way, their business, and the kingdom. Besides, I’m trying to keep my parents’ debt to Peter quiet. I must handle this on my own. I’ll figure something out.
Anna grips my arm tightly. “I can see you have doubts. It’s written all over your face. Marriage is forever in your kingdom. You should get to choo
se a husband you love.”
I tuck my hair behind my ear, grateful for her support, even if she doesn’t understand my impossible position. Arranged marriages are common in my kingdom, so she believes my parents are the sole reason I’m pressured to marry Peter. My parents love me and, if they knew about the blackmail, would forbid the marriage. But then Peter would carry through with his threats. Hello, corner! And there’s still the matter of law—a woman can’t rule alone in Beaumont. With my father stepping down, my marriage must happen soon. I give her part of it. “If I defy them and remain single, they’ll pass the leadership over to my younger male cousin.”
She gasps. “Just because he’s a guy?”
“Yes. That’s the law. I don’t agree with it, but I won’t give up my birthright either. Beaumont is in my blood and, when I’m in charge, that kind of patriarchal law will be abolished.”
She takes both my hands in hers. “What if we found an acceptable substitute for your husband? Someone with royal bloodlines you could one day love.”
My mind flashes to Prince Oscar and my unusual reaction to meeting him. My mind went utterly blank, and I could barely mumble a polite greeting at our introduction. I’ve never felt such a strong pull toward a man, almost magnetic, like I needed to get closer. I mean, yes, he is handsome, but I’ve met many handsome men. It was unsettling and made me feel not in control of myself.
“Adrian is so smart, top honors at university,” Anna says enthusiastically. “He’d be a fantastic help to you. And you’re close in age. Peter’s old enough to be your father.”
I give her a rueful smile. “Adrian isn’t interested in me and, frankly, I think I’d drive him crazy. He’s so reserved. I’d constantly be trying to get a rise out of him.”
She winks. “Not a bad thing to get a rise out of him. Seriously, though, Gabriel is much more reserved than I am, and it totally works.”
I incline my head. No one could argue with their love match, but Gabriel’s position was very different from mine. “It’s beside the point anyway. An alliance with Villroy wouldn’t be nearly as advantageous as an alliance with Peter. He owns half the resorts on the island.”
She plants her hands on her hips. “So? Your kingdom has been thriving up until now with him owning half the resorts. It could continue to do so without the marriage.”
“I have to think long term for what will be best for my kingdom. The crown always comes first.” Especially when it’s in danger of being toppled.
“What about Oscar?”
I flush with heat just hearing his name. Ridiculous. “You don’t give up.”
She smiles. “You thought he was gorgeous, right? I see that telltale pink in your cheeks. He has potential. I know he has a partying player rep, but maybe?”
I shoot her a look, needing to end this dangerous line of thought. Anna can be quite persistent. “I need a future king. Do you have another Gabriel hiding around here? Preferably with pockets deep enough to make Peter look like small fry?”
She smiles and shakes her head. “Sorry, he’s mine, and they broke the mold after him.”
I point to her huge belly. “Maybe she’ll be similar. A great leader.”
“She absolutely will!” Anna proclaims fiercely.
I swallow over the unexpected lump in my throat, wishing my parents would believe the same for me leading alone. I’m sure they would’ve preferred their only child was a boy instead of a headstrong girl.
I kiss her cheek and quietly take my leave.
~ ~ ~
That night after a delicious seafood dinner, we all head up to the rooftop garden to continue the party. I can see why Anna loves her adopted family. They may rib each other a lot, but the love shines through. A far cry from my own family dinners at home, where the only sounds are Mozart and the occasional clink of silverware.
The men go to the liquor cart for drinks, and I follow Anna and Alice to the far edge of the roof to take in the view. Marge missed all the festivities, exhausted from travel and her illness. She shooed me away when I checked on her earlier, saying all she needed was sleep. I know she’s unwell if she didn’t even worry over my lack of a chaperone tonight. What do I need one for anyway? I’m only weeks away from being shackled for the rest of my life—courtship, engagement, marriage. There is not one step on that path I’m looking forward to. God, I need a plan. Something to turn this impossible situation around.
“It’s so beautiful,” Alice says in a breathy voice, gazing at the view. “I can’t believe I actually get to live here.”
I’ve just met Alice today, but she’s so enthusiastic and genuinely interested in everything and everyone I can’t help but feel like we’re simpatico. She has a zest for life, like me, though she’s a lot sweeter than I am. And she has the most darling black cat’s-eye glasses with little hearts on the sides. The hearts are because she writes romantic stories. I’ve never read love stories, but I may read one of hers just because I like her.
I take in the horizon, the sun setting over the vast sea. It’s not such a different view from home for me, and that brings a sense of peace. I suppose when you grow up on an island, the sea is always part of you.
“You’re welcome,” Anna says smugly to Alice.
I turn to Anna. “Are you in charge of the view too?”
She grins. “I’m the one who got her and Lucas together.”
Alice makes a formal bow, her blond hair falling in her face. “I bow down to the queen of matchmaking.”
Anna grins. “As you should.” She turns to me. “I suggested a fake engagement to inspire her story and to give Lucas credibility with the bankers. Genius ulterior-motive move, right?”
Lucas appears at Alice’s side and hands her a glass of white wine. “My charm had a lot to do with it. Alice was besotted with me from the very first time we met in the gardens.”
Alice kisses him. “And he’s hopelessly besotted with me.”
They go off together, speaking in low tones.
“So cute, right?” Anna asks.
“Disgustingly so,” I say, making a face. “Do people in love know how foolish they look?”
“Fools for love,” Anna says on a sigh.
Gabriel’s voice booms out across the roof. “Anna, I don’t like you so close to the edge. You’re off-balance with the extra weight. Come here.”
She slowly turns. “Extra weight?” There’s an edge to her voice.
He strides toward us. “I meant with the baby.” He takes her hand. “Come away and…dance with me.” Smooth.
She places her hand on his jaw and smiles up at him. “There’s no music, handsome.”
He gazes back at her, a smile tugging at his lips.
The love between them is palpable. And it’s not foolish in the least. I turn away and stare at the sea, feeling like I’m intruding on an intimate moment.
“Easily taken care of, darling,” he murmurs.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see him guiding her away from the nonexistent threat of danger. The wall here is waist high. You’d have to climb on top of it and throw yourself down. A strange sense of longing comes over me. He loves her so much he looks out for her even over nonexistent threats.
Jazz music plays, and I turn to find Gabriel leading Anna in a slow waltz. He leans down and whispers in her ear, pulling her close. My throat tightens at the intimate moment. I’m turning into a voyeur.
I look away and catch Oscar’s eye. He lifts a drink at me in salute.
I give him a thumbs-up and then drop my hand, feeling awkward and out of sorts. What is wrong with me? It must be because he caught me intruding on Anna and Gabriel’s private moment. You can’t blame me for taking an interest. Anna is the only one I know here. I just met everyone else today and, while I’m not exactly shy, I’m used to Marge’s presence at all times. It means I never feel alone or out of place.
I head for the liquor cart, deciding a drink is an excellent idea. “Martini, please,” I say to the servant there.
&
nbsp; I wait, considering chatting up Alice next if she’s not too wrapped up in Lucas. I don’t want to intrude on another lovesick couple. Maybe I’ll try talking to Adrian. Anna said he’s really smart. If I could get him talking, maybe something interesting would come out.
A few moments later, I take the offered martini. “Thank you.”
“No chaperone tonight?” a deep voice asks from behind me.
I whirl and the martini sloshes onto my hand. “Excuse me?” Only Anna knows Marge is my chaperone. To everyone else, she’s my maid.
Oscar tilts his head, studying me. Up close, his aquamarine eyes are sharp, assessing.
I square my shoulders and straighten my spine, but I still feel out of sorts with the weird magnetic pull, like I need to plaster myself against him. Wildly inappropriate. I busy myself, grabbing a napkin to clean my hand, tossing it, and then casually taking a sip of martini.
He steps closer, studying me intently. His lashes are thick, framing the intense blue-green of his eyes. “If you don’t have a chaperone, who will keep you a…safe?”
My heart thumps harder, my cheeks heating. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s standing close or because he’s not letting the chaperone thing go. My body is on high alert like there’s danger in the air, every nerve tingling with awareness. It must be the chaperone thing. Oscar isn’t dangerous.
I look around for Anna, who must be blabbing about me. She and Gabriel are on their way out. She probably has to use the bathroom and he’s escorting her to be sure she gets there safely. She’d tell me if she was leaving the party for good. Still, now I can’t ask her if she told about Marge. It was either Anna blabbing, or Oscar looked into my kingdom and our traditional monarchy. And you know what? I can’t help where I come from, and it’s none of his business. No one ever dares to speak of my restrictions to my face.
I turn back to him and lift my chin, about to put him in his place, except my breath quickens; my heartbeat’s in my ears. Is this a panic attack?
Royal Player (The Rourkes, Book 5) Page 3