CHAPTER FIVE
Raina
I wake up early after having one of the most restless nights in months. I feel as if I have the worst hangover known to man. My eyes sting with the bare minimum of light that's coming into my room at this hour, and my whole body aches like I’ve been dancing my butt off for a million hours. Today is going to suck.
The apprehension of what we’re trying to achieve—tricking my parents and driving off to Switzerland to find a mystery man—had my stomach in knots all night long. But it was more than that, is more than that. There’s a bundle of excited energy, just underneath all the worry, at the mere thought of being alone with Gavin outside of the palace.
I’m not ashamed to say thoughts of him kept me awake more than they should have with all that’s going on at the moment. The look on his face when I kissed him hastily last night burned in my retinas every time I closed my eyes. I didn’t mean to get his lips; it was supposed to be a harmless, chaste peck, thank you on the cheek, but he moved at the last second, and I caught the edge of his sinful mouth.
I’m still feeling the tingle on my lips that brief moment caused.
I pull myself upright with all the effort I can muster and stagger out of bed. I need to pack, damn it. Not really sure what I’ll need, I just throw a lot of different options in. By the time I’m done, I have enough crap and stuff for a week, not the two or three days we’ll actually be away for. I guess it’s better to be prepared for anything.
Before I zip up the bag, I remember something incredibly important. Money. As a royal, I never really got an allowance per se, like the rest of my boarding school peers, but I do get cash advancements while away from home. It isn’t like I could buy anything with a card in the middle of nowhere, so my parents would send me a wad of money every month to cover whatever I needed.
The thing about being in a military-like boarding school, I needed very little. So instead of wasting the money on trivial shit like everyone else, I saved it. All of it. I wasn’t overly frivolous. I’d sensed something was wrong for a while as the sum I was given gradually got smaller and smaller. Instead of spending like a drunken sailor, I’d opted to conserve every bit I’d been given. It wasn’t the normal way of a princess, or really anyone of royal blood, but I’ve always been a bit different.
Years in boarding school had taught me some basic life skills—like saving for a rainy day. What I learned most of all, though, is that money is fleeting. I’ve seen other royal bloods and the ridiculously wealthy girls get pulled out of school when the money ran out. And because of that lesson, I’d started saving more than ten years ago. I was probably far richer than my parents at the moment. But I wasn’t about to tell them that. I need every cent if I am going to fix the mess we’re all in.
The small antique wall clock chimes eight o’clock as I step out of the shower, and within seconds, there is a gentle rap on my door. My heart races at the thought of it being Gavin, but then I remember it’s Ellie, my handmaiden, coming to help me dress for breakfast. I’d completely forgot we needed to keep up appearances with having guests in the palace. So instead of the lowkey breakfast I prefer, we’ll be having the fancy family sit-down my mother favors. I hate this, but I have to look my part for the meal.
“Good morning, Princess Raina,” Ellie greets me warmly when I finally open the bedroom door. Upon seeing my appearance, her face scrunches up in concern. “Is everything alright, Your Highness? Forgive me for asking; it’s just that you look awfully pale this morning.”
“Oh, I’m fine, Ellie. It’s probably just the aftermath of wearing those insufferable heels all last night and the pending breakfast banquet that has me a little queasy.”
She giggles softly and makes her way toward the closet to remove the aforementioned torture devices. “These innocent little things?”
She waves the five-inch stilettos in the air with a wide grin on her face.
“Ugh. Yes, them.”
“They can’t be that bad. They’re too pretty.”
The dreamy look on her face and in her eyes is warranted—they are stunning. Nude peep toe with a toothpick for a heel, and gold crystals scattered around the edges and up the heel to the ankle strap. They look like you’re walking on air, which I don't understand the point of when you’re wearing a floor-length gown that hides the effort. No one saw them last night.
“Take them. You’ll be doing me a huge favor if I never have to see them again.”
Ellie’s face goes white with shock. “I couldn’t possibly—”
“You can too. I’m sure we are the same size. There’s a cocktail dress that would go with them pretty well if you want to take them for a spin. You’d be the belle of the clubs in them.”
She giggles, and her cheeks flood with color. I’ve clearly embarrassed her.
“You’re too kind, but I couldn’t possibly. I’d never wear them. I’m not really into dancing and drinking.”
I can see the lie in her words, but I nod, not wanting to push the issue and make her more uncomfortable. I wish I could take her dancing with me one time. She’s always been so lovely to me, and I’m sure she would enjoy it.
“I guess we better get this show on the road. I have a husband to secure.” I sigh.
I head to the dresser and collapse on the little bench seat for Ellie to work me into something I’m not—elegant and regal.
She really is a genius with those tiny little hands of hers. The way she can wield a makeup brush and produce a flawless doe-eyed look with such swift ease is incredible. And don’t get me started on what she does to my hair—pure magic.
Within about twenty-five minutes, she’s managed to curl my golden blonde hair into soft waves, so it cascades down my back and makes my skin glow with sun-kissed warmth like all I do all day is soak in the sun’s blistering rays. I look incredible if I do say so myself. No hint of my sleepless night to be seen.
“Magic,” I whisper a little in awe.
“It helps when you have such a great canvas.”
I dismiss her remark with a wave of my hand. “This”–I indicate to myself—“is all you. Take the compliment. It’s a royal order.” I wink at her, and she laughs quietly, her cheeks reddening at my remarks.
“Now, the wrapping,” she says with a wink.
I shake my head, and a small grin breaks out across my face. Some days I’d be lost without Ellie. She scurries off to my closet and pulls the simple, by royal standards, lemon silk dress off the hanger and begins to pool it in the middle of the floor. Before I protest and ask what she’s doing, she raises her hand to pause me mid-word, leaving me with my mouth open and flapping in the wind.
She places the—thankfully—small yellow heels in the center of the gathered fabric where she’s made a small hole, and it finally dawns on me what she’s actually doing.
“Not just a pretty face, hey, Ellie. Not just a pretty face.”
She blushes scarlet and ushers me over, telling me to strip and make it pronto. I do as I’m bid, leaving my sleep clothes I’d hastily put on before answering the door at the end of my bed. I step into the shoes, wincing as my toes squish, adjusting to the tight space.
Ellie, the clever thing that she is, raises the dress she placed on the floor now at my feet, up and over my hips, holding the arms out for me to slip into. Once into place, she pulls the remainder of the dress up and walks behind me to begin fastening the straps at the back of the gown.
I look down at the dress, stunned awe overtaking my face as I observe the lack of creases. Not a single wrinkle in sight.
“Wait.”
I stop Ellie mid tie and catch her confusion in the mirror adjacent. Before she can object, I bend at the waist, pushing the girls up to their highest point before righting myself. I nod, satisfied, and indicate for Ellie to continue, but not before I catch her grin in response.
“Bait or honey for the flies…” I shake my head, losing whatever amusement I had in her presence just moments before. “I must look my utm
ost best at all times,” I say, mimicking my father the best I can.
Ellie gives me a soft little smile, finishing the last of the ties before turning me around to face her.
“I bet they are already madly in love with you, and I am sure you will have your pick of the bunch. I’ll bet one of the princes will be handsome enough to catch your eye.”
My thoughts drift momentarily to the man on the other side of the suite. I shake my head, at myself and not Ellie, and try to muster up a smile for her, but I can tell it doesn’t reach my eyes. Thankfully, she doesn’t seem to notice; instead, she’s too busy fussing with the gown I’m wearing, making sure it lays perfect .
It really is pretty, with long fitted sleeves that widen at the wrists. Cut at the top of the shoulders to scoop across my collarbone, with a long dipped section at my back left bare, and laced together by crisscrossed ribbons. The simple silk gown is fitted to look like a second skin to just above my knees, where it then flows out to the floor. It showcases every single curve of my shape and leaves little to the imagination.
But what really solidifies the dress as a winner is the look on Gavin’s face when I enter the sitting room to find him waiting for me.
It’s so subtle, so quick to flash across his face that I doubt anyone would even notice. If I hadn’t have been looking right at him when I walked into the room, I could have easily missed the heat and disapproval in his gaze.
The truth of the matter is I spend far too much time looking and thinking about Gavin. Far more than is healthy, far more than I should as a soon to be an auctioned-off monarch.
For a glorious moment, I forget about the night before and the fact that I have to meet the most eligible bachelors of the European Union in the hopes of picking and marrying the wealthiest of them. Forget about our awful financial situation and our dead advisor, Edgar. It all slips my mind as I stare at Gavin and wish we were the only two people in the room, in the palace; hell, in the world.
Alas, we are not, and this isn’t a fairy tale; yet, I am determined to right the wrongs and get my happily ever after, however I choose it to end. But for now, I need to play my part and give off the impression that I am trying and interested. I am trying, but only to get out of a marriage I don’t want. I am interested, but my interests only lie in Gavin.
“Don’t gush or anything. You’ll give me a big head,” I tease as I enter the sitting room.
Ellie giggles behind me but abruptly cuts it off and scampers out of the room, leaving us alone.
“We should get going,” is all Gavin says, but I don’t miss the relief softening the lines around his eyes.
Does he think I’ve changed my mind? Not a chance. Overnight, I made one decision. And I was going to stick with it. This trip, whether he liked it or not, I was going to convince Gavin to take my virginity. Actually, I was pretty much going to offer it up. Serve it on a silver platter. All he needs to do is go with it. I want him to be my first, especially if he can’t be my last. I want to control at least this aspect of my life.
He follows me down to the breakfast buffet, but to my disappointment, we’re not sitting together. As I feared, I am seated at the table with several of the princes, the ones I’d impressed upon my father about. I make polite small talk, asking only the previously agreed upon questions I’d been instructed on, minutely aware that I am being watched and judged by everyone in the room, including Gavin. He is always listening, taking mental notes, scrutinizing everything. I must remember to pick his brain when we’re alone.
All while keeping up appearances and pretenses, I manage to eat a little something until I have a sickening thought. There is a distinct possibility that if any of these princes’ families or countries are behind our financial troubles, they might not know what is happening behind the scenes, what got them where they are now. They could very well have no idea that their families have ruined mine. Maybe, making them yet another victim of this situation. With that in mind, my stance toward the men softens, if ever so slightly.
Finally, the meal comes to an end, and I can leave this claustrophobic room with all its vultures behind. The royals in attendance bid us all goodbye, each of the princes coming to pay special attention to me, a few even kissing my hand farewell before departing. By the end of the day, the house will be blissfully empty, though I won’t be here to enjoy it. I take a deep breath, partly thankful for that, and partly disappointed I’ll miss the silence.
“Well, Mother, Father, I hope you enjoy your charity event today. I’m off to get out of this suffocating dress before anything vital starts dying from lack of oxygen.”
Both of them remain lost in thought, only gracing me with a nod of their heads. I rise from my chair, and my mother jumps up in a hurry and comes around to hug me a little harder than normal. My father doesn’t acknowledge the strange behavior; he just wears his usual grim expression of late. His concern over marrying me off seems to really be taking a toll.
I practically race for my room. I am supposed to meet Gavin in the secret passageway, where I already had Ellie stash my bags while I was at breakfast. There is a branch of the tunnel that takes us directly to the garage. We’ll take my SUV. Its safety rating is the highest, and the snowfall overnight won’t bother it at all. The same SUV my father insisted on purchasing for me when I returned home at eighteen, though I am rarely allowed to drive it. Go figure.
The excited energy starts to kick in as I wait for Gavin to appear. This is how I’ll save the kingdom. I know it. When I finally see Gavin emerge from behind the tapestry, I practically jump with joy.
“Let’s go before someone stops us.”
“And what of your parents?”
“You let me handle my parents,” I say, making a beeline for my armored Suburban.
CHAPTER SIX
Gavin
“Are you seriously not going to let me drive? It’s my car, Gavin.”
It’s been like this since we left. Two and a half hours ago. She’s been pouting and complaining ever since we hit the freeway. As annoying as it is, her moaning at me, it’s also kinda cute. Especially the pouting and puppy dog eyes.
“I never get to drive. I’m rarely allowed out of the house without a team of bodies surrounding me and chaperoning. And that’s if I’m allowed at all.” She continues.
“There's a reason for that, Your Highness. You can’t be trusted,” I tease.
“Well, that might be the case in your opinion, but I find that to be total bullshit. How sneaking out of the palace means I can’t drive is nonsense. It’s my car, my mission. I get to make the rules. I say I drive.” She huffs, like her laying down the law will change anything.
I groan again. “And I say I’m the better driver, so I will drive.” When she looks like she wants to protest this fact, I continue on quickly. “Have you taken years of hazard perception driving classes? Do you know how to get out of any number of dangerous situations while driving absolutely any type of vehicle? No? Oh, maybe you studied in the Royal Armed Forces? Yeah?” I side-eye her, not wanting to take my eyes off the snow-covered road.
“No, Mr. Fancy-pants, we all know you’re super-freaking-man, but I have a damn license and passed with flying colors. And no, it wasn’t bought for me.” I have to fight not to grin at that. “The car is registered in my name. It was bought for me to drive, damn it.”
I must have reached my limit of cute and pouty whining because I find myself saying, “Fine. I’ll let you drive after we stop to refuel in a few hours,” I assure her.
She smiles at me as if I told her Christmas has come early, her eyes wide with pure joy. That look would make me want to give her anything she asked for just to see it again. Thankfully, she doesn’t ask for much after that.
“How long after the pit stop will we get to the resort?” she asks after a moment of silence.
God, the five-star resort. I'm not looking forward to staying at a high-class ski resort, or any resort for that matter. Having to deal with so many people, so many pos
sible risks will have me on high alert twenty-four-seven, but we have to keep up the pretense of why we’re there, as not to let on the real reason. If the wrong people found out, it could be bad for everyone.
“We still have a good couple of hours after we stop for fuel before we even get close to the resort.”
She sighs, dejected.
“While you were sleeping last night, I plotted out our safest route. I’m a little worried about being in the mountains this time of year, so I’ve aimed to avoid certain roads as a preventative measure. It's not as direct as I'm sure you’d like, but we will get there in one piece.”
She tilts her head, looking at me curiously, giving me a glimpse of her long, regal neck. An image of my mouth and tongue ravishing the sensitive flesh has my pulse quickening.
“Why? People drive all about the mountains every day, and there haven’t been any accidents in years.”
I blow out a cleansing breath and try to focus.
“There’s a storm coming. I’m worried about getting snowed in.” I hold up a hand to stop her next words, no doubt dismissing my worry. “I know nothing has happened around here for years, but I don’t want to take any chances with you. You are the future queen of our country after all,” I add hastily, not wanting her to read too much into my words. “So I loaded the trunk with some extra blankets, protein bars, canned foods, and bottles of water. Just in case.”
“Always prepared, always overly cautious. Always on the job.” She mutters the latter quietly to herself, but I still catch it.
I shrug like it is no big deal, but the truth is her parents know exactly what we’re up to and insisted we take the precautions, not that I wouldn’t have done exactly the same without their input. I’m surprised she hasn’t caught on; she’s usually much quicker than that. I don’t know why she thinks they’d let her leave so readily. I told her father about her impromptu ski trip before the banquet, and he wanted us to be safe during our journey, so he saw that we had the supplies needed and another team of bodyguards would be joining us in Switzerland.
Royal Inheritance Page 4