[English] Suddenly Royal

Suddenly Royal
Suddenly Royal Page 10



“Yeah, I saw you guys. You were busy flirting with a blond girl outside the library and I couldn’t get through the front doors. I had to go all the way around to the back and they still wouldn’t let me in with the fancy-schmancy prince visiting.” He laughed at my barb and I remembered the way he had been laughing with the girl. Something in my chest tightened. I tried to stomp the emotion down because I had no reason to care.

“Jackie.” He said her name with a fond tone and I felt my back stiffen. There was no reason I should care if he liked her. Just because he had been flirting with me didn’t mean anything. And really, I had no use for a prince. “She was assigned to show us the campus. Part of a sorority, I believe.”

I continued chopping up mice bits and ground my teeth. Of course she was. Cute, blond, designer clothes. Probably a business major so she’d have a degree when she went to work for the family company. Plus, she’d looked adorable standing next to Alex for the camera’s that had come to record the event. They had looked cute standing next to each other. And comfortable with each other.

I grunted. “Yes, she was the perfect little host, I’m sure.”

“Yes, Jackie was an… excellent escort.” Escort? Escort? Alex’s next words cut through my thoughts with amusement. “How small are you planning on cutting those?”

“****.” I frowned and looked at the mess I had made. I pushed it aside and started on another mouse. I’d freeze this for one of the birds we had to syringe feed.

“You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were jealous.”

I spun around to glare at him. I opened my mouth and closed it. If I denied it, I’d look like an ass, but I couldn’t just tell him the truth. ****, ****, ****. I was jealous. Snap out of it, Sam!

“Your ego is something of a wonder, isn’t it?” I glared at him as he put Dover on her perch to finish eating.

“I think I like this look on you.” His eyes were a different shade of blue as he regarded me. “Jackie was nice, very friendly, and dumb as a rock. She is nothing compared to you.” He pulled the gloves off as he walked toward me. I flattened myself against the counter with each step he took. Placing a hand on either side of me, he leaned forward. “Put down the knife, Samantha.”

“Why?” I hadn’t realized I was still holding it. My voice had been too high; excited. This close to him my brain was turning into mush. His blue eyes peered down into mine and I felt small and feminine.

“Because I’m going to kiss you and I don’t want to be stabbed when I do it.” His hand moved to mine and carefully plied my fingers away from the blades’ handle. When he had disarmed me, he dipped his head down toward mine and I felt my heart beat speed up. While his breath tickled my lips, he carefully pulled my work gloves off. One of his hands moved to cup my cheek, tilting my face upward. Our eyes stayed locked until his warm lips touched mine. It started out slow and tender, our breaths mingling while we touched with feather light brushes. I was putty in his hands, my body no longer under my command.

I ran my hands over his chest, tracing the muscles I had caught hints of through his shirt. Eventually I tangled my fingers in his hair. He mumbled things I didn’t understand and didn’t need to, the tone making it obvious. He tasted like a dark, decadent dessert. I had a feeling I could live on that taste alone for months; that his kiss was something I could become addicted to.

The sound of wings flapping and loud squawking had us pulling apart. My breathing was heavy and I felt lightheaded. Alex ran a thumb over my bottom lip, his eyes bright with a mixture of surprise and desire.

“I think someone is jealous.” I bit my lip and looked over his shoulder to where Dover was glaring at us.

“Not much I can do about that.” He leaned forward and nipped my bottom lip. I melted back into him, already craving his taste again. His hands moved up my sides, his thumbs barely grazing the sides of my br**sts. I sucked in a breath at his touch and moaned softly.

One of the side doors opened and we froze at the sound of voices. Alex smiled at the look on my face, but pulled away. I adjusted my shirt, hoping I didn’t have that ‘just kissed’ look. Alex picked up my gloves and handed them to me. I pulled them back on and turned back to what I was doing.

“Hey, Sam?” David’s voice heralded his entry into the room. Alex moved over to the sink to wash his hands and I heard David’s footsteps pause.

“What’s up?” I turned to look at him, the knife in my hand. His eyes moved from Alex to me, noting how close we were standing.

“I wanted to see how Dover was healing. Dr. Geller asked me to keep an eye on her while he was gone.” Something in his tone changed and I realized he appeared pissed.

“She’s doing good.” I felt my eyebrows draw together. David was usually a bit distant, but friendly. Did he think I had ignored the owl because of everything going on? Everyone brought friends or family to the center, so he couldn’t be upset at Alex’s presence.

“Have you given her the medicine yet?” David glared at Alex, who had turned around to lean against the sink. There wasn’t much space between us and I could see the calculating gleam in David’s eyes.

“Yep.” My response was curt, annoyed by the judging look in his eyes.

“Good.” He grabbed a glove from one of the shelves and walked over to check out Dover. I turned back to my task and frowned.

“She’s a beautiful bird.” Alex had stayed leaning against the counter, so close that my elbow hit him when I went back to work.

“Yes. She is.” David’s voice sounded odd, so I tried to peek over my shoulder. Dover was sitting on his arm, but his eyes were trained on Alex. “She’s been through a lot. I’d hate to see her hurt any more.”

I turned back to the mouse I was holding and frowned. Why did he sound so angry?

“I’m sure everyone here takes very good care of her.” Alex’s voice sounded affable, but there was something odd about the way he phrased his words.

“Often people hurt things on accident.” David’s voice took on an edge. “No one plans on hurting anyone, but it happens.”

Anyone? I froze at and set down the knife I was holding. Slowly I turned around and glared at David. He was ignoring me, his gaze still glued on Alex.

“I have no intention of hurting Samantha.” Alex’s posture was relaxed, at odds with his words.

“She’s been through enough. I’ve watched her fight her way through the death of her mom and now her dad. Don’t pull her into something just for her to have to fight some more.”

“David!” I felt my mouth fall open in shock. How had the conversation turned into this?

“She’s like my sister and I’m tired of seeing her screwed over.” His eyes turned to me apologetically.

“I can understand that.” Alex stood up straight. “But I think she can take care of herself.”

“Just remember there are people, here in the real world, that love her.” My heart squeezed with David’s words. I had grown really close to everyone in the office. David had been a big help when I was applying for a master’s position. He wasn’t one for too much emotion, so to hear him say that made me want to throw my arms around him in a hug.

Alex nodded his head and David turned back to Dover. I stood there staring at them both, wondering what on Earth had happened to my life.

“Close your mouth, Sam.” David didn’t look at me, but his voice shook me out of my thoughts. I grabbed the gloves off the floor and turned back to the task at hand.

Alex’s phone rang and he walked away to answer it. I could hear him but couldn’t make out what he was saying. When I had finished cutting up the food, I split it up and went to deliver it to the birds in the building. When I got back, David was finishing up his examination of Dover. He put her back in her pen and replaced his gloves on the shelf.

“See you later?” David looked at me from where he was standing and I nodded my head.

“Yeah. Geller will be back tomorrow.”

“I know.” He turned to leave. “See you then.”

“David?” He stopped and looked at me. “I love you guys, too.”

He winked before turning and leaving the way he came. Alex was still on the phone, so I checked the time before going about cleaning. I was almost finished by the time he was done with his conversation.

“I didn’t mean to leave you with all the cleanup.” Alex took the broom out of my hand.

“There’s not much to do.” I shrugged and rinsed out one of the rags while he swept the trash I had collected into the dustpan.

“Still, I said I would help.” He frowned.

“It’s really okay.” I headed for the office where our coats were hanging with him following close behind.

As I reached for my coat, I was spun around and pressed against the wall. Alex leaned down to nuzzle my neck before dragging his lips across mine. There it was, my new drug...

Suddenly Royal
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“Did you know?” I sat down and looked at him. “Did Mom tell you?”

“I think you’re going to have to start at the beginning.” He passed me a piece of bread. “All I know is I woke up today to seeing you on the news and had voicemail from several news stations.”

“Oh, Dad, I’m so sorry.” I sighed and poked at my food. “I should’ve asked them to send someone over for you.”

“Who to send who over?”

“Mom was from a royal family. I don’t know if she knew or not, but I sure didn’t. But they gave me a detail to keep the press away and I should have asked them to send someone over here for you too. I mean, the duchess that came to tell me about my family assigned a detail.”

“Huh.” We ate in silence for a few minutes, each of us working through things in our heads. “I don’t guess they’re going to bother me too much, since I’m just your stepfather.”

“You’re not just my stepfather. You’re my dad.” I knew he would understand the differentiation.

“I know, but that probably makes a difference to the people wanting to ask questions.”

“Did she know?”

“Your mom was always a mystery, Sam. That’s one of the things I loved about her. She was brilliant, funny, and the most loving woman. But I knew there were things about her I would never learn.” He smiled at me, his love for her still as alive as ever. “She never told me she was from a royal line, but I know she placed a great deal of emphasis on family. I suppose that could mean something.”

“I have this folder full of birth certificates and a family tree. Of ship itineraries and land deeds.” I frowned. “And it all leads back to Duke Rousseau of Lilaria.”

“Why did they hunt you down?” Dad had always been practical. It was probably why he had done so well in the military. “Seems like a lot of work just to tell you your great-great-great-grandfather used to own some land.”

“They want to reinstate my title.” I bit into my bread and chewed thoughtfully. “Supposedly the queen has made it her life task to bring back the families that left.”

He looked at me, processing what that could mean. “They want you to move back, then?”

“Yes. I think so.” I frowned. “They aren’t pressuring me, but there’s a lot to accepting the position. I’d be on the council to the queen.” I laughed. It was such a ridiculous thought. “I’d be in charge of lands and a house.”

“That’s a very big honor.” Dad looked at me seriously and I stopped my giggles.

“It is. But me? On the council to a queen?” I shook my head. “Can you imagine?” I snorted. “I don’t know anything about their country and let’s face it, I’m not the most diplomatic person.”

“Maybe that’s what they need. New insight and someone that isn’t constrained by centuries of protocol.”

The fact that he was echoing what Alex said scared me. I stared at him while he ate. Did he really think it would be a good idea?

“They also have a really great healthcare system.” I watched him for any indications that this would excite him. “They have a really great specialist that would be willing to work with you.”

“Don’t base your decision on me, Sam. The truth is if it’s my time there isn’t anything to be done about it. You know that.” My heart clenched and I fought the tears that gathered at the back of my eyes.

“Anything has to be better than what you’re going through.” I reached out and grabbed his hand. He was only fifty-five and yet his hands looked like those of an eighty-year-old. There were bruises from all the IVs, shots, and blood work. This was only his second round of chemotherapy, and yet it had already taken so much out of him.

“I’ve had a wonderful life, Sam. You and your mom have given me everything I could need.”

“Don’t talk like that,” I snapped at him, angry he seemed to have given up. He smiled and squeezed my hand, not bothered by my anger.

“Baby, I’ve always told you that you should travel. Here’s a chance in a lifetime.” Traveling had been Dad’s favorite part of being in the service. He’d told me and Mom countless times about the places he had seen.

“This isn’t the same thing. This wouldn’t be a vacation.”

“I know. If you decide to go, you need to do it for the right reasons. You need to do it because you’re ready to accept the responsibility.” He laughed. “Though I bet there are some amazing perks as well. It can’t be all bad, can it?”

I smiled, even though I didn’t feel like it. I remembered the media hounding me as I left the center and how the people I’d known for years had treated me differently.

Later that night, Dad fell asleep in his chair in front of the television. I went to the kitchen and sorted out his medicine for the night and got him a glass of milk. When I came back into the living room, I stopped and watched him for a minute. He looked so tired and worn out it made my heart ache. He’d barely started the chemo and I hated seeing him so vulnerable. He was my father; he was supposed to be invincible.

As I worked on setting up his medicine, I caught the glint of something out of the corner of my eye. I turned around to look out the kitchen window and froze. There was a man with a camera standing just on the other side of the glass. The light above the kitchen table must have reflected off the lens, because he wasn’t using a flash. From the way his finger moved over the button on the top of the camera, I knew he was taking pictures.

Anger surged through my chest as I stalked to the window and turned the blinds down. Taking slow steps so I wouldn’t wake Dad, I walked into the living room to close the blinds. Standing outside was a woman taking pictures of Dad asleep in the recliner.

“Get the hell out of here!” I ran to the window and twisted the blinds closed.

“What? What’s going on?” Dad tried to sit up in his seat.

“It’s nothing. Go back to sleep.” I couldn’t disguise the anger in my voice. They had been taking pictures of my father! He was sick. Did they have no morals?

“Doesn’t sound like nothing.” He wrestled with the handle on the side of his seat. “Is someone outside?”

“I’ve got it, Dad. I’ll tell the security detail.” Grabbing my coat, I yanked the door open and waved at the car idling in the driveway.

“Becca!” The sound of a camera drew my attention to the side of my house. The female photographer was snapping pictures. “Get the hell out of here! This is private property.” I dug in my pocket for my cell phone, intent on calling the police.

“Stop where you are!” Becca was moving across the lawn in angry strides.

“I’m calling the cops, a**hole!” The other photographer ran past the house and toward a van at the end of the street.

The cops said they would send a car out, but they wouldn’t be able to stay at the house all night. I growled in frustration and asked Becca to stay and make sure no one bothered my dad. After she made some calls, another bodyguard showed up to stay. I grilled him, making sure he understood no one was to come on the property at all.

Dad spent a good amount of time trying to calm me down, but it only made me angrier. No one should be taking pictures of my father. Especially to sell to papers or tabloids. When I realized my anger was making him agitated I tried to relax—no reason to have him stressed over something I was handling.

I got him his medicine and helped him to bed even though he tried to wave me away. Patricia would be over bright and early so I didn’t have to worry about him tomorrow. He hated having someone check on him every day, but I needed to know he was okay.

I didn’t say anything in the car on the way to my house. When they told me someone would be staying overnight, I didn’t argue. Duvall seemed to understand my quiet and spoke to Parker, who had taken a seat on the couch. Jess and Bert had already gone to bed, so the house was relatively quiet. I showed Parker where the bathroom was and told him to help himself in the kitchen before I went to my room.

Opening the computer, I searched for the specialist Alex had provided information about. Dr. Bielefeld was originally from Germany, but currently worked in France and Lilaria, enjoying a dual citizenship. He’d been written into many medical journals for his work with holistic and natural methods for dealing with cancer. I read for hours, searching through the articles for patient health and longevity. While some of his patients responded well to his methods, others required a balance of the normal medicines with the herbal supplements.

From what I could tell, he seemed to believe each person required a program tailored for their individual needs. He apparently didn’t have a problem mixing the more Western medicines with his holistic approach and obviously had a great understanding of them both. All the testimonials were glowing and happy; even the families of patients who died seemed to believe he had helped their loved one’s...

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“And have you? Will I have another friend in Lilaria?” His words eased some of the guilt in my heart.

“I believe so.” I paused, the words stuck in my throat. “I need to at least go and see if it’s where I belong. If I’m a right fit.”

“Well, we can unenroll you for the semester and I can give the classes you’ve been handling to one of the other grad students. If you decide to make it a permanent move, then we’ll make it final.” He smiled sadly. “I hate to see you go, Sam. You’re one of the most dedicated students I’ve had in a long time, but I understand that at times life takes us in different directions than we planned.”

“I still want to finish my master’s, Dr. Geller. It just might take longer than I wanted.”

“If nothing else, I will give you the name of my friend. Perhaps you will find a way to still work with birds.” He stood up and moved around his desk.

“That would be great.” I frowned. “I’m really sorry it’s turned out this way. I know… I know you’ve put a lot of time into my degree and I feel like I’m letting you down.”

“Nonsense. If anything, you’ll take a great deal of information with you. Lilaria’s noble houses have been aligned with birds for centuries. Maybe you were meant to do this all along.”

Something in my stomach loosened and for the first time I felt good about my decision. He seemed to understand what I was thinking because he laughed.

“Did you think I was going to yell and try to guilt you into staying?”

“Not really. I just hated to leave like this. It felt wrong.”

“When will you be going?” He leaned against his desk.

“I’m not sure, but I probably shouldn’t come back to the school. I’m causing too much trouble.” I sighed. “In fact, I should probably clear out my desk today.”

“If you need anything, let me know.” He looked at me seriously. “I mean it. Anything. We’re all going to be rooting for you.”

“Thank you.”

After I left his office, I went straight to the one I shared. Everyone was in there, and they all looked up when Becca and I came through the door. I walked over to my desk before stopping and turning to look at everyone.

“Well, looks like someone else is going to get the window desk.”

“Oh my God, Geller kicked you out of the program?” Mary looked at me with wide eyes.

“Um, no. I’m withdrawing. I can’t teach classes and uphold my course load if there are eight news vans following me everywhere.” I started pulling stuff out of my drawers and shoving it into my bag.

“What are you going to do?” David spun around in his desk chair and looked at me seriously. “Are you going to finish your degree somewhere else?”

“I don’t know yet.” I started to tell them I was going to Lilaria but stopped. “I have several options to choose from.”

“Like what?” Mary walked over to my desk with a box and helped me put some of my books and papers in it.

“Do you still have my field guide?” I brushed off her question.

“Oh, yeah. Hold on.” She ran to her desk and fished through her bag. “Here it is.”

“So, you’re just leaving?” David asked.

“I’ll be in touch. It’s not like I won’t ever see you guys again.”

“We should throw you a party!” Mary sat on the window ledge and looked at me. “It’ll be fun. We can invite the whole department.”

“Mary, I think that would be difficult right now.” David narrowed his eyes at her. “She has security following her to the bathroom. You really think they’re going to let her have a party?”

“Becca does not follow me into the bathroom.” I glared at David. “And there isn’t time. I’ll probably be leaving in a couple of days.”

“Are you going to Lilaria?” David leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

“Possibly.”

“We’re going to miss you.” Mary threw her arms around me and I laughed when she knocked me off balance. Becca moved closer, but I waved her away.

“I’m going to miss you too. Don’t drive David crazy, okay?”

“Bah. It’s so much fun.” Mary winked at me.

I walked over to David and hugged him before kissing his cheek. “Take care of yourself.”

“You too.”

I told everyone else good-bye, joking and laughing where I could. The truth was, I was crying inside. This had been my life for several years and it felt strange to leave it without having completed what I came for.

Parker took the box out of my hands when I left the office and Duvall looked at me expectantly. “I need to speak with Rose.”

“Very well. I’ll see if she has time this afternoon. In the meantime, where would you like to go?”

“My father’s.”

I called Dad on the ride over, letting him know I was on my way. Seemed like the polite thing to do since there were two news vans tailing us.

“I mean, really. What do they expect to find out? That I’m really an alien sent from Pluto?” I glanced over my shoulder quickly.

“Good shots can make a reporter’s career. Finding out the smallest bit of information can mean scooping another station. The fact is, right now you’re news.” Duvall looked back at me and if I didn’t know any better I would think there was sympathy in his expression.

“They don’t even know why they’re following me right now.”

“The little bit of information they have—”

“Misinformation!”

“Yes, the little bit they think they know means you’re a story their viewers would find interesting.”

I just shook my head. Dad was waiting for us when we pulled up. I could see him peeking out the side window. Since there were people following us, Duvall and Becca escorted me into the house. I hugged Dad and then introduced him to my shadows.

“Nice to meet you. Would you like something to drink?” Dad smiled at Duvall and Becca, who both declined.

I threw my box of books on the floor and sat down on the couch. Dad nodded his head and sat across from me. “You’re going?”

“Yeah.” I sighed, knowing he would probably put up a fight, but I was ready. “You’re coming with me.”

“Sam, I’m in the middle of chemo. I can’t just leave.”

“We’ll talk to your doctor and figure out what to do.” I sat up and looked him in the eye. “Have you been to Lilaria?”

“No.” Dad shook his head.

“There’s no time like the present.” I knew he loved to travel and damn it, if he was going to be okay with whatever happened, then he might as well live a little in the meantime.

“I may have to wait until after the last round of chemo.” He leaned forward and patted my knee. “But if you want me to come, I’ll come after that.”

I didn’t like it. I wanted him to meet with the specialist right away, but I understood he would be better off finishing what he started. “I might have to go before that. The duchess made it sound like I only had a few days.”

“Then go! I’ll be fine. Patricia will take me to my appointments.”

“Just call me cabby, why don’t you?” Patricia hollered from the kitchen. She leaned against the doorframe, a dish towel in her hand. “You’re going to Lilaria?”

I nodded my head. It still didn’t feel real. The entire last few days felt dreamlike. Especially the part where I had been plastered against Alex before sticking my foot in my mouth. Well, the foot in my mouth part felt pretty real. I’d been doing that my whole life.

“Good! Don’t you worry about your dad. I’ll keep him in line.”

“Samantha, the duchess said she would be free in an hour.” Duvall stepped forward. “Should I tell her you are coming?”

“Yes.” I pulled my phone out of my pocket and checked the time. “Where is she?”

“She’s at the Parallel.”

I glanced down at my clothes and sighed. I had worn jeans and a sweater, but it would have to do. There wasn’t enough time to go back to my house, change, and make it to the hotel.

“Okay. I’ll have to go like this.” I turned back to my dad and wrapped my arms around him. “You call the doctor today and tell him you’re going to be moving to Lilaria. Tell him you need all your charts for Dr. Bielefeld, okay?”

“Samantha, I’m sick, not stupid.” Dad kissed my forehead.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t forget.” I laughed as I pulled my coat back on. How long had I been here? Five minutes? Six? Is this how life would be once I accepted the family title?

“Be careful.”

“Love you.” I smiled at him over my shoulder as I followed Duvall back to the car. The news crews were still setting up, obviously expecting me to be there longer than the amount of time it took to say hello.

“Love you...

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“You’ve decided to accept your title?” Alex looked at me with interest.

“Yes.” I met his eyes and tried to calm my racing heart. My decision had nothing to do with Alex. At least that’s what I kept telling myself over and over.

“Good. Will your father be joining us?”

“He has to finish his current course of treatment.”

“Excellent. I’ll make a call to Dr. Bielefeld and see that he is aware of your father’s case.” Alex leaned back in his seat.

“Thank you.” I was trying to not be bothered by his behavior, but I found myself wishing the friendly, flirty man I had spent the day with yesterday was sitting next to me. He’d pulled back and I knew it was my fault.

I looked back at Rose, who was watching us with a small smile. When Sarah came back into the room, she brought a small notebook to Rose. “It took some arranging, but Chadwick is delighted to help Lady Rousseau.”

“Chadwick?” I asked.

“Chadwick is a member of the royal household staff. He has agreed to become your personal assistant, at least until you find one that suits you better. But I think you’ll get along with him quite well.” Rose smiled. “His mother is Lilarian, but his father is American, so he will be able to help you adjust to the customs better than some might.”

“Oh. How does one pay a personal assistant? Is it an hourly thing or a salary?” I ran my fingers over the folder in my hand. Not sure what to expect when I opened it.

“He’s currently employed by the crown, which means he’s being given to you as a courtesy since we invited you to the country. However, if you decide to take him on as part of your staff, you’ll be able to make whatever arrangements suit you.” Rose stood up and I set my teacup back on the table. “I need to make a phone call, but I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Go ahead and open it.” Alex nodded at the folder in my hands. “You need to know what you have.”

I looked from him to the folder and frowned. There was a crest pressed into the paper and I ran my fingers over it. Was this the Rousseau crest? I went ahead and opened the folder and peered at the papers. There were cre*** cards attached with paperclips inside and several papers were bank statements I had to look at several times. My eyes rose to meet Alex’s, only to find him with a small smile.

“This is… mine?” I literally couldn’t wrap my mind around the numbers. There were millions in each account. There were so many zeros I thought my eyes would cross. I needed a calculator.

“Yes.”

There was a map with a highlighted area and several spots marked in another color. I traced them with my finger, not sure what they meant. While the other papers had been in English, the map was in Lilarian.

“What are these?” Alex scooted closer on the couch so he could look at the paper.

“That is a map of your estate. It is roughly four miles by two.” He traced a finger along the green line before tapping one of the red dots. “And this is one of your oil wells.”

There were four red dots on the map and I stared in disbelief. “They’re all active?”

“The two with orange around them are active. The others are closed right now. The blue dot is the village or township that belongs to the Rousseau family.”

I looked up at Alex, my eyes wide with fear. Suddenly those bank accounts didn’t feel as big. “I’m responsible for an entire village?”

He laughed, some of the amusement from yesterday creeping back into his eyes. “They pay a tax to your family, and you in turn take care of them.”

“Take care of them from what?”

“Think of it as a town where you’re the mayor. If there is a natural catastrophe, you help find a way to take care of it. If it’s too big for you to handle, you would plead the crown, who would take it to the parliament. If they needed a new road or a new school, you would take care of that through your taxes.”

“Oh, sweet baby Jesus.” I looked at him in horror. “I have no idea how to do any of that!”

“I promised I wouldn’t throw you to the wolves.” He leaned his head closer to me and I took a deep breath, enjoying his scent. “As the crown prince, it’s my job to help you understand your duties. Eventually, I’ll be the one you’re reporting things to, so it only makes sense.”

“I see.” I lowered my voice so no one could hear me. “Alex, I’m a wildlife biologist. I’m in way over my head.”

“You’re a smart woman who will rise to the occasion.” His eyes dipped down to my lips and I fought the urge to lick them.

“I’m sorry about yesterday.”

“You were right.” He frowned. “I should know better. I’ll be good if you are.” His eyes glinted with the dare. “Just know if you feel like changing your mind, I’m right here.”

“I’ll remember that.” I couldn’t help smiling at the challenge in his eyes. “Does this mean we can be friends for now? I have a feeling I could use some people on my side.”

“I’ll try for you.” His eyes ran over my body and I shook my head. “For now.”

“Friends don’t ogle friends.”

“I said I’d try. I didn’t promise anything.” Sitting back in his seat, he chuckled. “I have a feeling our friendship will have a shelf life.”

“A shelf life?”

“You’ll either end up hating me or in my bed.” His eyes grew dark. “And I know which one I’d prefer.”

Heat raced over my body and I had to take a deep breath. Unfortunately, that meant inhaling more of his delicious scent. His eyes narrowed and he leaned a little closer to me.

“If you keep looking at me like that, we’re not going to even be able to pretend to be friends.” His voice was husky and the room seemed to narrow around us. Like tunnel vision I forgot there were members of the detail and the maid in the room. It wasn’t until Rose cleared her throat that I came back to my senses.

“This is going to be an interesting challenge.” Alex smiled as he leaned back in his chair.

“Well, I think they’re ready for us to order.” Rose looked at me with a suspiciously bland face. “I hope you’re hungry, Samantha.”

I stood up and brushed my hands on my jeans, embarrassed to be caught in the staring contest with Alex. I took the menu Sarah handed me and took a seat at the table.

Alex sat next to me, his knee brushing mine. I should have moved my leg but I didn’t. Apparently I felt like torturing myself today. When Rose sat down across from me, I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at the ridiculousness of my life. Sarah joined us for lunch, discussing the itinerary for the next two days.

“So we leave on the Friday?” I picked at my salad, pushing the cucumbers out of the way.

“I know that is soon, but I have several engagements coming up.” Rose tore a piece of bread in half and put a little butter on the slice.

“No, I understand. I just have a lot to take care of by then.”

“I’d be happy to help make any arrangements.” Sarah smiled at me over her food. “It would really be no problem. Just let me know what you need.”

“I’ll have to make a list. I’m not sure I’ll think of everything.”

“That’s part of my job. I’ll sit down with you before you leave. Do you have a passport?”

“I do. I need to pack and talk to my roommate. Thankfully, I’m paid up on rent for the next few months.” The waitress whisked away my half-eaten salad and replaced it with a plate of small sandwiches. It had seemed like the safest choice, but now I was regretting not ordering something heftier.

“Is there anything we need to address in particular with the press release?” Sarah opened a notebook next to her plate.

“No matter what we say, they are going to latch on to the story.” Alex sipped from his water glass and watched me over the rim. “Another reason to make a hasty exit.”

“Why are they so interested?” I looked around the table. “So what if my ancestor was a royal? It’s another country. It has nothing to do with anyone over here.”

“You don’t get it. You’re like an American Cinderella.” Alex laughed at my expression.

“Last time I checked, I didn’t own any glass slippers.” I scoffed at the idea. It wasn’t like I was being rescued by the prince. Or whisked away to be married. Not that I would say that part out loud. “No wicked stepmother forcing me to sleep at a hearth.”

“It’s the idea of it all. A young woman who’s been working hard finds out she’s the long-lost descendant of a royal family. It’s exciting. Even in Lilaria, you’re going to be an object of interest.” Rose sighed thoughtfully. “There isn’t much to be done about that.”

“There have been other families, right? You said other families left Lilaria and the queen was looking for all of them.”...

Suddenly Royal
Suddenly Royal Page 14



“Bert and I talked about it. I think we’re just going to make it official and stop paying rent for two places.” Jess smiled, her face bright with excitement.

“About time. I guess I’ve been holding you up, huh? No wonder you don’t look upset I’m leaving. You get to officially shack up with your boy toy.” I laughed when she threw a pillow at me.

“You guys realize I’m sitting right here, right?” Bert was sitting in the ugly old recliner by the curtain, a book opened on his lap.

“Shut up. I’m upset you’re leaving and you know it.” She frowned at me. “Will you be back here at all? If your dad is going there you won’t have a reason to visit.”

“Of course I’ll have a reason to visit.” I shoved her shoulder. I wouldn’t throw Bert under the bus, I had a feeling it wouldn’t be long before they were mailing out wedding invitations.

“Speaking of boy toys, how’s Prince Yummy?”

I heard Becca sputter in the kitchen and I kicked Jess.

“What? Don’t act like you haven’t thought it.” Jess raised her voice and craned her neck to look at Becca. She smiled and got up from the table to go to the sink. “Fine. Pretend if you want to.”

“Alex is fine.” I tried to keep my tone normal.

“Mmhmm. He sure is.” Jess wiggled her eyebrows and I groaned.

“Please tell sixth-grade Jess that I’d like to talk to adult Jess.”

“Fine. Has he kissed you yet?” She narrowed her eyes at me. “Oh ho! Your silence speaks volumes!”

“Bert, stop letting her read your textbooks. I’m begging you.” He didn’t respond other than to shrug.

“C’mon. You have to tell me!” Jess looked at me with pleading eyes.

“It’s not going to happen again.” I sighed, knowing I had to spill if I wanted any peace.

“Oh my God. Alex really did kiss you! How was it? Why on Earth is it not going to happen again? Was it bad?” Jess sat up straight. “That’s the saddest thought in the world.”

“It was good.” I shook my head. “Really, really, good. The best. But it shouldn’t have happened. I have too much going on to deal with that too! I mean, I’m not interested in a fling.”

“What makes you think it would be a fling?” Jess narrowed her eyes at me. “Did he say that?”

“No.” I bit my lip and then blurted it out. “I’m an American! He’s a freaking prince! What use would I be? He probably needs to end up with someone from a royal family that can help him rule a country.”

“Um, aren’t you from a royal family?” Jess raised one eyebrow and looked at me like I was stupid.

“It’s not the same thing, Jess. He’d need someone from a respected family.” I wrapped my arms around my chest. “I’m not really royal. I’m an American related to someone who was a royal.”

“That doesn’t seem to matter to Rose and Alex.”

“Jess.”

“Don’t Jess me. I saw the way you looked at him. The way he looked at you. Don’t be stupid, Sam. You overthink things.”

“I do not! I make educated decisions.” I shook my head. “I have way too much going on to be mixed up in anything complicated.”

“Complicated is the best kind.” Jess smirked.

“I’m going to bed.” I threw the blanket off and stood up. “I have to pack tomorrow and get ready for the trip.”

“I see my argument skills have forced you to retreat. I claim victory.”

“Shuddup!” I looked over at Becca, who was leaning against the kitchen doorframe. “Do you need anything?”

“I have everything I need.” She smiled at me.

“Okay. Spill. Why do you have a Southern accent but work for Lilaria?” I frowned at her.

“I went through training with the FBI. When Rose came over a few years ago, I was part of the team assigned to her.” She smiled. “I stopped an attempt to kidnap her and she asked me to work for her.”

“Someone tried to kidnap her?”

“Holy ****.” Jess stood up and walked over. “You stopped a kidnapper?”

“Yes. Did you think I was just here for looks?” Becca asked.

“Well, no. I just thought you were to keep people from bothering Sam.” Jess looked at Becca with weighing eyes. “I bet people underestimate you a lot.”

“It works to my advantage.” Becca shrugged.

“Do I need to worry about something like that?”

“I’m just a precaution,” Becca assured me.

“I’m so done for tonight. I’ll see you guys in the morning.” I started to turn away.

“You want help tomorrow?” Jess asked. She normally didn’t have any classes on Thursday and often worked from home.

“That would be great.”

As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out. It had been one of the longest weeks of my life and it was nowhere near being over.

The next morning I was woken up by the sounds of voices in the living room. It was barely seven o’clock and I already had twelve e-mails according to my phone. I sat up and stared at the sun streaming through my window.

I grabbed some jeans, a long-sleeve T-shirt, and tennis shoes. Once I was ready, I threw open my door and went in search of coffee. Sarah was sitting at the kitchen table with Jess and Bert. I nodded my head at them but went straight for the coffeepot. I didn’t have the brainpower yet to deal with why Sarah was in my house.

I poured a healthy amount of creamer and sugar in and stirred until my coffee was creamy brown. I took a sip and sighed. Just right. I rummaged around in the refrigerator and found some yogurt. Grabbing a spoon, I took the last chair at the table.

“Good morning, Duchess.” Sarah smiled at me.

I grunted.

Jess snickered. “Wait until after the first cup.”

“Ah. I understand.” Sarah smiled brightly. “It usually takes me two before I’m fully awake.”

I grunted again. I bet Sarah woke up ready for anything. She probably slept in her clothes with that notebook clutched in her hand. She had it open next to her with a bunch of notes scribbled in the shorthand I had noticed the day before. I took my time with my coffee and yogurt, listening while Jess asked questions and Sarah answered.

Finally I got up and threw away the yogurt cup and poured some more coffee. I turned to look at them and sipped from my cup. “Okay.”

“That’s her way of saying tell her what’s going on,” Jess explained.

“Well, I brought you some more information about your arrival in Lilaria. There will be a ceremony to welcome you home. After that there will be a delegation to bring you to the palace to meet Queen Felecia. You’ll be spending the night there before being given a small reception the next day where you will be introduced to some of the other nobility and members of parliament.” She took a breath and I waved my free hand in the air.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I’m going to be presented to the queen after flying across the Atlantic for hours and hours? What type of plane are we taking? Will I be able to take a shower? I mean, I’m supposed to go meet the Queen of Lilaria just like that?” I turned around and fished through the cabinets. “****. I need a bigger cup.” I grabbed the giant mug with the saying I said good day, sir!

“It’s customary that the queen welcome visiting dignitaries or nobles. The fact that you are ‘coming home’ is an even bigger reason for her to invite you to the castle. Prince Alex also asked that you stay at the palace before being taken to your lands. I believe he wants to escort you to your home.” Sarah smiled politely, but I caught the twinkle in her eyes. Apparently my moment with Alex hadn’t gone unnoticed yesterday. Or maybe it was because he had spent the day before with me.

“That’s not necessary. I’m sure he has more important things to take care of.”

Jess glared at me, her nose wrinkled and her mouth pressed into a firm line.

“He was quite adamant.” Sarah smiled again before turning back to her notebook. “Chadwick is going to the Rousseau estate today to make sure everything is ready for your arrival. There has been a steward appointed to the lands while your family was away, so I’m expecting everything has been kept in good shape.”

“What is the Stewards name?” I grabbed the grocery notepad off of the counter and looked in a drawer for a pen.

“Stanley Wes***.” Sarah looked over her notes. “He is in his late fifties and has been in charge of the estate for the last twenty years. I’m sure he will be an extraordinary help when you take over.”

“Or he’ll hate me for taking his job,” I muttered under my breath while scribbling down his name.

“I’ve also set up a secure e-mail for you and arranged for a new cell phone.” She reached into the bag next to her and pulled out a white phone. She rattled off the new number while I quickly copied it down in my notes. “I’ve set it up so...

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“It’s gorgeous! You look like you could be in a magazine.” Jess fluffed the skirt a little more. I stared at her until she finally sighed. “Fine. Let’s try something a little more boring.”

“Good idea.” I stepped off the little platform and gathered up the skirt in my arms. Jess followed close behind so she could help me undo the four thousand little buttons along the back.

“You know, this is a huge moment. Your chance to make a big statement.” Jess looked at me seriously. “You need to go in there, large and proud. Don’t let them treat you like the dirty cousin from America. Show ’em you’re someone to contend with.”

“You make this sound like high school.” I wiggled out of the dress and helped her put it back on the hanger, which promptly bowed in the middle, struggling *****pport the weight of the dress.

“I’m serious. You need to go in there and let them know you’re Samantha Effing Rousseau. You’re gorgeous, you’re brilliant, and you won’t take any ****.” Jess stood up and looked at me. “They need to know that right away.”

I thought about what she was saying. First impressions were important. If I would dress up to give a speech at a bird convention, there was no reason I shouldn’t dress up for a meeting with the queen. I turned and looked at the next dress on the rack and contemplated it.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay, but we need to make the right statement. No froufrou stuff.” I pushed the hangers aside and met Jess’s eyes in the mirror.

“I know just the dress.” She ran out of the little room and I stood there contemplating what I was doing. I hated that I was making these decisions. I felt like I was doing this blind. And the worst part was there were people standing outside the store with cameras, trying to see what I was buying.

When Jess came back she and held up a dress, I knew she had nailed it on the head. It was simple but elegant. ***y but discreet: simple cap sleeves with an A-line skirt, the black material shining softly in the dressing room lights. There was a simple black belt that added a little something extra and gave it even more personality. I ran my hands over the gown and almost squealed in delight. There were pockets.

“You’ve been saving this one.” I turned my eyes to Jess and glared at her. “You made me try on those God-awful dresses, knowing full well I would hate them. And this was in the store the whole time!”

“So you like it?” Jess smiled from ear to ear.

“You sneaky bitch! That last dress was torture!” I held my hand out for the hanger and she laughed.

“It worked, didn’t it? I could have brought a trash bag in here and you would have been excited.” Jess helped me pull the dress up and work the hidden zipper.

When I turned around to look in the mirror, I froze. The dress fit perfectly, which was lucky considering there wasn’t time for alterations. Jess did something to my hair, twisting it up off my neck in a messy bun that countered the streamlined look of the dress.

“Understated elegance.” Jess nodded her head like she had designed the dress herself.

“It’s perfect.” I turned so I could see the back of the dress.

“Let’s go show the others.” Jess swung the door open and motioned for me to go out first. I had to pick the skirt up to walk, but with heels it would be perfect. Outside, the curtains had been pulled over the large front windows and Sarah was waiting in a chair, her notebook in her lap. She looked up and a smile pulled at the corners of her mouth.

“Oh, you look lovely.”

I stepped onto the little block in front of the mirror and looked at myself. It was silly, but I suddenly felt royal. I guess that was the magic of a beautiful dress. The shop owner brought over a pair of black high heels in my size. I slipped them on and looked again at the mirror. They were the perfect height. The skirt no longer hung too low, but they weren’t so high I couldn’t walk.

A phone beeped and I looked around to see who it belonged to, but no one moved to answer it. The phone beeped again and I looked at the shop owner, but she shook her head. I stepped down from the pedestal and walked over to my bag. I picked up the new phone and looked at the screen.

“Who has this number?” There were two text messages.

“The duchess and the prince, Jess, and your father.” Sarah looked back through her notebook. “And your security detail.”

651-555-1212: How is the dress shopping going?

I grabbed my other phone and checked to make sure it really was Alex’s number before replying.

ME: I hate it, but I found one.

Alex: Send me a picture.

ME: Nope.

Alex: Then send me a picture without the dress.

ME: Pervert.

Alex: You have no idea.

I laughed and turned the phone off. When I looked up, I realized everyone was staring at me. “What?”

“Who was that?” Jess asked, her eyes amused.

“Alex.” I cleared my throat and turned back to the shop owner. “I’d like to get this one. Do you have anything else made by this designer?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” The shop owner’s eyes lit up and I realized I hadn’t thought to ask the price. I tried to see the tag under my arm, but there were no numbers—never a good sign. I looked back at the mirror and decided that at this point, it didn’t matter. I was getting the dress.

I tried on several more: a ball gown, a pearly silver sheath with a boat neck, covered in sequins and jewels; a red tea-length dress; and another black dress Jess had insisted on. It was form-fitting with short sleeves and a slit in the collar that went well into my cl**vage. It was daring and beautiful. I couldn’t imagine ever wearing it.

After the dress store, we stopped at a few more boutiques, grabbing a few business suits, jackets, and the normal necessities. It was dark by the time we headed home, but I had one last stop to make.

The car pulled up to the curb at the largest bookstore in town. I ran inside, knowing exactly what I was looking for. An idiot’s guide to Lilaria and a language program to listen to on the plane. I sent Jess to the cash register with my card and waited in the music section with Becca. A few people seemed to recognize me, but thankfully no one said anything. We were back in the car and on the way to my dad’s in no time.

Sarah had left to go over things with Rose, so it was just me and Jess with Dad. And the contingent of bodyguards waiting outside or in the living room. Dad made dinner and we talked about things to do when he came to Lilaria. Patricia was there, refusing to let me help clean up.

I sorted Dad’s medicine for the next week and went over things with Patricia. Dad had been happy and cracking jokes, but I caught him closing his eyes a few times. My heart clenched and tears sprang to my eyes. There was a picture of him and Mom in Hawaii above his chair and I wanted to cry at seeing them so happy. No matter how much he pretended, I could see the toll that cancer was taking on him. When it was time to leave, I could barely bring myself to get out of my chair.

“Hey, is there anything you want to take from here with you? A picture, maybe?” Jess asked. We’d known each long enough that she understood how hard this was for me.

“There’s a picture in my room, on the nightstand. Would you grab it for me?”

“Sure.” Jess left the room, leaving me and Dad alone.

“Stop it.” Dad’s voice drew my attention back to him.

“Stop what?”

“Worrying. You’ve got those little lines between your eyebrows.” He used his thumb to try to smooth them away. “I’m going to be fine. And I’m going to come see you soon.”

“I know. I just feel like I shouldn’t be leaving you right now.” I frowned and looked down at the table.

“You’re giving me something to look forward to.” Dad grabbed my hands. “Do you understand that, Sam? I’m looking forward to going to Lilaria and seeing the land you and your mother came from. I got a travel book today and highlighted some of the stuff I want to do.”

He stood up slowly and shuffled over to the kitchen counter before coming back with a dog-eared book. He handed it to me and I flipped through some of the pages.

“Wow. There’s a waterfall?”

“Yes! And it’s huge. I want to have my picture taken in front of it.” Dad laughed. “And there is a huge lake in the Rousseau holdings. The book says there’s good fishing.”

“I saw that one on the map.” I frowned. I really needed to spend some time on the Internet tonight.

“Yes! And there’s a very popular local dish I want to try. Some kind of fish and potatoes. It looks delicious.”

“Hm.” I closed the book and looked at him. “Promise you’ll be okay.”

He squeezed my hand and smiled. “Promise.”

“Have you talked to Patricia about coming with you?” I needed a subject change.

“Patricia? You think she should come with me?” Dad looked surprised. “I hadn’t thought about it.”

“Why not? She’s not working anymore...

Suddenly Royal
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“BETRAYED BY LOVER” was in huge letters over one of the pictures that thankfully had the more indecent parts fuzzed out. I needed to know, needed to see if this was something important. Maybe I just hoped it was important.

Prince Alex D’Lynsal of Lilaria is currently in a legal battle over pictures that were sold by an on-again, off-again ex-lover. In an official press release, the prince claimed the photographs had been taken without his permission and then used as blackmail. The royal family of Lilaria has taken a firm stance on the matter and refuses to answer any questions by the press.

It’s been speculated that the woman in the photos, Melissa Piaf, was trying to force the prince into marriage, but we’ve found no information to confirm those rumors. One thing is clear—the former model has made a name for herself. She announced on a national television show that several publishing and production companies had offered her money for her story. It remains to be seen if any of those deals come to fruition.

I sat back away from the computer and chewed on my thumbnail. If the press release from Alex was true, this Melissa woman was a real bitch. I couldn’t imagine waking up to find pictures of me with Chad or Thomas in the paper one morning. It must’ve been a terrible day—to have your personal bits flashed all over for the world to see. I checked the date on the article and sighed. Six months ago. I went back through the listings to see if there was any recent information. There wasn’t much else I could find. In fact, there were no recent images or stories about Alex until he came to the States. A few stories with pictures of us on campus or at the restaurant. It made my stomach turn. They talked about him like he wasn’t a real person, as if he shouldn’t care what they said about him. Now instead of feeling jealous, I just felt sick for Alex.

The thought of searching for my own name crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. Just the idea made me shudder. I closed the laptop and stuck it in my carry-on bag. Staring at the ceiling, I tried to turn my brain off, to stop thinking about the pictures and how terrible it was to imagine someone selling images of your intimate moments. Rolling onto my side, I punched my pillow, trying to get more comfortable.

He had told me he shouldn’t chase me. Was this what he had been talking about, not my questionable heritage? Did it matter?

I was asking myself that question a lot when it came to Alex. I still wasn’t sure of the answers.

Chapter Fourteen

No Pumpkins Here.

Cinderella Leaves for the Palace in a Shiny Gulfstream.

—Minnesota Daily

The three hours of sleep I had managed to get did not go well with my hatred for mornings. All my stuff was piled into the cars waiting outside and I was looking around my room for any last-minute items. My outfit was dressy yet casual—jeans, riding boots, and a comfortable shirt with a big chunky scarf—since I knew the press would be taking pictures. Jess was standing by the door holding my new black pea coat and looking a little misty-eyed. Tears this early in the morning were scary.

“I’ve got your coat.” Jess sniffed and I looked up at her with wide eyes.

“Oh no.”

“You’re going to need it. I checked the weather and it’s snowing there.” She sniffed again. “Don’t want to get sick right when you get there.”

“Jess, don’t do this.” I shook my head, frozen in place.

“I know that good-byes aren’t your thing, so I’m just going to give you this and then go to my room.” Sniff. Hiccup.

“C’mon, you’re killing me.” I felt the skin around my eyes tighten and I blinked quickly.

“I’m going to miss you.” She thrust the coat out in front of her.

“You’re going to come see me this summer, right?” I didn’t take the jacket. “This isn’t good-bye forever.”

“But I’m going to miss your grumpy morning face and the way you double-check all the dishes I’ve cleaned.” She pouted.

“Bert’s grumpy in the morning, you’ll be fine.”

“Am not.” He grunted.

“Right. Not grumpy at all.” I shook my head. Jess gave up waiting on me to take the jacket and threw her arms around me anyway. I hugged her back, knowing it would be a while before I got to see her again. No one else would understand me the way Jess did. I squeezed her a little tighter and then let go.

“I’ll send you a souvenir. Maybe one of those little figures that’s pooping in a lawn.” I hugged Bert too and turned quickly to walk out the door. The news vans that hadn’t left in the last few days were still there, the reporters standing on the curb with cameras and microphones.

“Sam! Sam! Are you excited about going to Lilaria for the first time?”

“Are you going to stay in Lilaria?”

“Are you and Prince Alex an item?”

“Samantha! How do you feel about being America’s Duchess?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the last comment and looked over at the reporter. “America’s Duchess?”

“Our very own royalty! What do you think?” He seemed elated I had found his comment funny.

“I’m a grad student.” I shook my head and ducked through the open door of the car. It was weird that I had gotten used to having a driver already. Even though my truck was a pain in the butt, I did miss the old thing. Bert and Jess were going to use the truck to move the rest of my stuff to my dad’s house and then leave it there.

The trip to the airport was surreal. We passed some of the landmarks that had been part of my life for the last ten years, buildings I had known forever, it seemed. Vans full of reporters and cameras followed us at a respectable distance—thank goodness. I’d hate for them to photograph the tears that were running down my cheeks.

Duvall had come to escort me and I was starting to wonder why I was being protected by the head of the detail. Thankfully, he hadn’t said anything about my crying, just handed me a tissue and turned back to the front of the car. As we neared the airport, I checked my bags again to make sure I had everything I would need. It was pointless because I had already checked twenty times while at the house. The anal retentive in me was satisfied, so I sat back and wiped at my face to make sure there was no moisture left to betray my emotions.

When we pulled up to the drop-off point, there was a huge area blocked off by a police escort. Alex was standing at the curb, smiling and chatting with a few people wearing press badges. I wondered how he could look so chipper talking to the people who would just as happily post embarrassing pictures of him. When Duvall exited the front seat, Alex excused himself with a wave and came over to my car. I put on a small smile and let him help me out.

“Ready?” His eyes studied my face and I wondered what he saw there. I was a giant ball of emotions and wasn’t even sure myself what the most prominent was at this moment. Sadness, definitely, but there was also a thread of excitement, and to be honest, I was happy to see Alex.

“Think so.” I took a deep breath and shouldered my bag.

He smiled at me, but I could see a little guilt in his eyes. “Nothing is ever as good or as bad as you think it will be. Lilaria is just a place. It’s what you make of it that counts.”

His voice was quiet, so I knew no one else could hear us except for Duvall, who hadn’t left my side. Becca was standing close as well, but she had given Alex a little space when he obviously wanted to say something privately. I nodded to let him know I had heard him. He was right—I could make this as good or as bad as I wanted.

“My lady, may I take your bag? I’ll see to it that it’s on the plane before you leave,” Becca said quietly.

I handed it over, feeling nak*d without anything to do with my hands. Alex was wearing a suit and I suddenly felt underdressed in my skinny jeans and boots. At least I would be comfortable on the flight. I frowned and hoped I wasn’t breaking some kind of protocol by not wearing a dress. Okay, so I wasn’t going to wear a dress just to please them, but I could have at least worn nice slacks.

“Smile at least a little, okay?” Alex smiled widely to illustrate just how little I was supposed to smile and I laughed. I could see all his teeth.

“Got it.”

“That’s my girl.” My breath hitched at his words and he seemed to catch my response because his smile widened even more.

“Samantha! Samantha!”

“Sam! Over here!”

“Are you excited?”

The last question made me stop and I turned to smile at the cameras. It was early and I’d only had one cup of coffee before leaving, but it was time I at least said something to the press. Especially if I was leaving. I might not like being a news story, but I loved my home and saying good-bye seemed appropriate.

“I hate leaving Minnesota, but I’m looking forward to seeing my homeland.” I smiled widely and let them take a few pictures. Not exactly a good-bye, but I hoped it would work. “Hopefully it won’t be as cold there.”

My last statement produced a few chuckles and I gave a quick wave before going through...

Suddenly Royal
Suddenly Royal Page 17



“Will they come to visit you sometime?”

“I think they’re going to try to come this summer. I’m betting I’ll be back for a wedding soon too.” I smiled thinking about it. “I’m kinda relieved I won’t have to go dress shopping with Jess.” I shuddered.

“Isn’t that supposed to be one of the enjoyable parts?”

“Not for me.” I shook my head. “Jess would drag me to every store in the country to go dress shopping if she could. Of course, I’ll probably end up wearing a puke-green bridesmaid dress now.”

“How long have they been together?”

“Almost four years.” I sighed, remembering how Jess had hated Bert at first. “She thought he was a pompous putz; he thought she was a spoiled shopaholic. Love at first sight. Couldn’t keep their hands off each other.”

He laughed, amused by the obvious contradiction. “Sounds like a movie.”

“A book. Classic love story.” I laughed. “Very Jane Austen.”

“Do you read often?”

“Not as much as I’d like. Lately it’s been all journals and textbooks.” I looked around for Becca. “Actually, I brought my e-reader for the flight. Thought I might actually read something fun for a change.”

“And what kind of book will it be? Romance? Science fiction? Mystery?”

“Paranormal romance.” I sighed. “The Elemental Mystery series by Elizabeth Hunter. The last book came out a while ago and I haven’t had the time to read it yet.”

“So, vampires? Ghosts?” Alex smiled like this amused him.

“Hot, ***y vampires with a good helping of historical mystery. Perfection.” I leaned back in the chair when the engine started. Sarah came up the steps, followed by Becca and Duvall. Sarah took the seat across from Rose and Becca handed me my bag before moving to a couch in the back. A pair of guards came up the steps carrying one of my garment bags and carry-on. I sighed in relief. When the engine had started I’d worried I would have to meet the queen in my blue jeans. As it was I wasn’t sure how I was going to change into my dress in the plane.

“I wish I had been able to meet your father before we left,” Rose mentioned while going over her papers and I realized she was talking to me.

“You were very busy. Maybe you’ll get to in Lilaria.”

“That would be wonderful. Perhaps if he is feeling up to it, you could come out to my estate for dinner.”

“He would love that.” And he would. Getting to go to another country had seemed to excite him.

“Then we’ll set it up!” Rose smiled before turning back to her paperwork.

I fished through my bag for my e-reader and earbuds. I’d loaded the language CD so I could listen to it while I was reading or staring out the window. I really hoped some of it would stick.

Alex settled into his paperwork and I watched out the window as the workers cleared the plane for takeoff. It wasn’t long before we were in the air and I was watching my home disappear.

After a while I pulled my headset off and set down my book. Alex was sketching in a notepad and I’d been curious to see what he was working on. “So, you draw?”

“Some. Not much.” He looked at me over the pad of paper, his eyes thoughtful. “When something strikes me.”

“Can I see?” I leaned over the table and tried to peek at the paper.

“Hm. I don’t know.” He tilted the book away from me. “I’ll play you for it.”

“Play me for it?” I sat back in my seat. “Play what?”

“Don’t do it, Samantha. He never loses.” Rose didn’t look up from her paperwork.

“We’ll see.” I narrowed my eyes at him. He was smiling like he had already won. “What is it?”

“Well, wait a minute. If you win, you get to see my sketch. What do I get if I win?” He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling.

“I warned you.” Rose shook her head and stood up from her seat, stretching. “I think I’m going to try to nap for a while.” She moved back to one of the open benches and pressed a button. It slid out from the wall to make a small bed. I shook my head at the idea of a bed on a plane.

“Well? My prize?” Alex brought my attention back to him.

“What could you possibly want?” I had been thinking he had everything, but as soon as the words left my mouth I realized my mistake. His eyes flashed with triumph and his smile made my blood race.

“Oh, there are a lot of things I want.” His eyes ran over my face. “What are you willing to give?”

“Friends, Alex,” I hissed at him under my breath, worried the others had heard him.

He chuckled and leaned closer. “If you win, you see the sketch. If I win, you have to volunteer at the FBT.”

“Seems a bit uneven.”

“Take it or leave it.” He leaned back in his chair, his eyes watching me carefully.

“What would I have to do at the FBT?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Whatever I think appropriate.”

I studied him for a minute, considering what he could possibly force me to do. Clean out bird cages? Been there, done that. Cut up mice? Didn’t bother me anymore.

“Fine. But I get to keep the sketch if I win.”

“Deal.” He held out his hand and I shook it even though he still hadn’t told me what we were going to play. Hopefully not cards. I hated poker.

He stood up and moved toward the back of the plane. When he came back with a box in his hand, I laughed.

“Monopoly?”

“What? You’re too good for Monopoly?” He set the box down on the table and proceeded to set up the game. “What do you want to be?”

“The shoe.”

“The shoe?” He looked at me doubtfully. “Are you sure?”

“My mom was always the shoe.” The words popped out of my mouth without thought. I hadn’t thought about that in a long time.

“Very well. The shoe it is.” He set out the shoe and the top hat before distributing the money.

It didn’t take long to see why Rose had told me to not take the deal. Alex was incredibly lucky when it came to the game. Always passing GO, always collecting money, never landing on any of the spots normal people feared.

“You’re cheating! Give me the dice!” My sad stack of paper money was shameful.

“How dare you!” He mock-glared at me.

“No one is that lucky. How are you doing it?” I reached over the table, trying to swipe the dice from his hand. He laughed while I tried to pry his fingers loose.

“I don’t cheat! I’m just incredibly smart. And it’s my turn again.”

“Being smart doesn’t get you to land on the Pass Go spot every time!” I sat down and Alex opened his hand to show me the dice.

“Normal dice. Nothing to see here.” He rolled double sixes and I groaned loudly. Another good move.

“You’re so cheating. Magnets or something.” I grumbled as I collected the dice for my roll. Eight spaces put me on one of his hotels. Cursing under my breath, I took half my remaining money and threw it at him.

He laughed. “Thank you. I appreciate your patronage.”

“Shut up and roll, cheater.”

Chapter Fifteen

The Royal Price Tag

—Financial Tally

In only a few more rolls I was completely out of money and Alex was gloating. “Ah, what shall I do with you?”

“Again?” I raised my eyebrow. He was competitive, but so was I.

“But I’ve already won.” He smiled. “And I like to win.”

“Bet you can’t do it again.” I narrowed my eyes. We still had two hours before we landed to refuel.

“Oh, I can do it again.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “But I’ll only play again if we up the stakes.”

“What are you betting?” The last couple of hours had gone by in a flash as I laughed and joked with Alex. I hadn’t realized we’d started flirting until I was almost out of money.

“If I win I stop pretending we’re just friends.” His voice dropped an octave and he glanced at my lips. “And I get to kiss you. Whenever I want.”

My body temperature rose as I considered what he was asking. “One kiss?”

“Maybe.” He leaned even closer. “But we both know we’ll want more than that.”

“And what do I get if I win?” I licked my lips, his smell invading my senses. A kiss didn’t sound too bad. In fact it sounded like a pretty good idea right now.

“What do you want?” He smiled ****ily, knowing exactly what I was wanting right this minute.

“You teach me Lilarian.” I frowned. “I don’t want to sound like an idiot at the ceremony.”

“You realize this means I win either way.” He ran a hand over the scruff on his jaw and I was mildly fascinated by the sound it made under his fingers.

“No. If I win, you have to teach me Lilarian while keeping your hands to yourself.” I picked up the dice...

Suddenly Royal
Suddenly Royal Page 18



Fueling the plane didn’t take near as long as I thought it would and after a fast meal, we were back in the air. There was a renewed sense of energy in the plane. Sarah was making phone calls and Alex had opened up his laptop. At some point Duvall and Rebecca changed in*****its that would blend into the background but still had a formal look. Rose went to the little area in front of the kitchen and pulled a curtain shut. She called for Sarah to help before coming out in a silver dress with a matching jacket. It was simple but elegant.

“We don’t have much longer if you want to go ahead and change.” Alex nodded toward the little curtained area.

I stood up and made my way to the alcove. I pulled the curtain shut and opened the tiny closet that held my garment bag. I quickly undressed and fought the dress out of the bag before remembering that I needed to put on panty hose. Cursing under my breath, I dug into the bottom of the bag. The plane hit a bit of turbulence and I bounced into the wall before almost falling through the curtain in nothing but my underwear.

“Holy crap!” I stood up and prayed I hadn’t knocked the curtain open.

“Samantha?” Alex’s voice was nearby and my eyes grew large. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine! What are you paying these pilots?”

A few people chuckled while I wrestled the panty hose up. Worried about more turbulence, I slid the dress on as fast as possible. Reaching behind me, I tried to grab the zipper but ended up spinning in circles like a puppy.

“Sarah?” I called for Rose’s assistant, giving up.

“I’ve got it.” Alex’s voice made me freeze. I heard the curtain whisper as he stepped into the area. “Zipper?”

“Um, yeah.” I turned my back to him. The zipper started low and I was highly aware of the fact that he could see the lace panties and bra I was wearing. His warm fingers grazed my skin as he unhurriedly pulled the zipper over the top of my butt and up my back.

“Lift your hair.” He leaned down and whispered in my ear.

Slowly I reached up and gathered my hair in my hands. He slid the zipper into place before reaching down and sliding his hands around my waist. He pressed his chest against my back while he looked over my shoulder. Deftly, he pulled the belt through the loops and fastened it in the front. It was painfully erotic to know that he was taking his time dressing me and my breathing was matching the excitement of my thoughts. When he pulled back, I let my hair fall and turned to face him without stepping out of his hold.

He was already wearing a tux, the bowtie hanging open, and no shoes. It was a look that worked for him. He looked down at me with hungry eyes. “You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” His hands were still on my waist and I was having flashbacks to our kiss.

“This is going to be difficult.” He leaned back a little so he could run his eyes over my body. “Very difficult.”

“All good things are worth the work.” I didn’t have to ask him what he was talking about because I was thinking the same thing. Being friends with Alex would be one of the hardest things I’d ever done.

“It would be difficult either way.” Alex’s voice was serious. “I’m not sure I can keep my hands off you, but I swore off women in the public eye. You make me want to take that back.”

“Anyone in a relationship with you would be in the spotlight.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “I don’t want to be in the spotlight; I just don’t think I could handle it.”

He leaned forward and whispered something in Lilarian.

“What does that mean?”

“Consider it your first lesson to find out.” With a small smile, he turned away and left the curtained area. I stood there, trying to catch my breath before going back out. After a minute I grabbed my shoes and carry-on. I went to the bathroom to put on makeup before twisting my hair into a messy knot at the base of my head, then put on diamond stud earrings that had been my mother’s before going back to my seat.

“Perfect, dear. You look absolutely perfect.” Rose touched the dress gently.

“Thank you.”

“Are you ready?” Rose sat down. “When we land, the authorities will board the plane to check passports and then we will be taken to cars that will deliver us to the palace.”

“I would suspect there will be a bit of fanfare for our arrival. Bringing back one of the royal families is an important occasion.” Alex was sitting across from me and his voice took on a hard edge. “There will be a great deal of media no matter what. Don’t do or say anything you think you might regret.”

“I understand. People will try to hurt me just to make a few dollars.” He caught the undertone in my voice and regarded me with sad eyes.

“Yes.” He looked out the window at the lights of the city below. “There are those people.”

“Do not forget there are also people worth trusting. Those who will love you for you and nothing else.” Rose looked at Alex sadly. “Who will love you in spite of your title and money. They are out there.”

Her eyes darted to me before looking at the paperwork on the desk. Was she warning me? Or was she worried I would hurt Alex? I turned back to my window and watched as we circled the airport.

When we touched down, my anxiety rocketed. I was here, I was doing it. And I was so nervous I wanted to puke.

“How do I greet Queen Felecia?” I scrubbed my hands together.

“When you’re introduced, you’ll curtsy once just inside the door and then again a few steps into the room. Go straight to her and introduce yourself. She will shake your hand and welcome you to the country. After that, you’ll be introduced to several other people.” Rose waved her hand in the air as if she was explaining how to get to a class in a new building. “A few of the nobles that are in town will be there, as will a few key members of parliament. They always love a good reason to come to the palace. After the initial introduction, it will be less formal. This isn’t the official ceremony for your reinstatement.”

“Okay. Curtsy, walk, and curtsy again. Shake her hand.” I took a deep breath. “Monopoly. Why did we play a board game when there is so much I need to know?”

“You needed to relax.” Alex grinned devilishly. “It was one of the only ways I could come up with to help.”

One of the ways. I could imagine the other ways he could have done to help me relax. Shaking my head, I pushed aside the thought and frowned. “And what do I call her? Your Majesty?”

“That’s appropriate the first time you meet her. Then you can switch to something simpler. Ma’am is the most common.” Rose smiled at me. “You’re going to be fine. No one is going to expect you to know everything tonight.”

“The staff is used to walking people through first meetings. Don’t worry,” Alex said.

The plane was taxied to an open area and I was shocked at the amount of people. A blue rug was rolled out to the plane and a line of cars pulled up. There was a military honor guard in place and a sea of flashing cameras. The door to the plane was opened and an official in a suit stepped up to the entrance.

“May I enter?” His voice held the interesting accent that Alex spoke with.

“Please,” Alex said. Even though Alex had been laid-back in the States, I realized that as the highest-ranking royal, everyone would defer to him.

“Welcome home, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Jeremy.” Alex stood up and shook his hand. They must interact with this official often.

“Welcome home, Duchess.” Jeremy shook Rose’s hand and then turned toward me. “A heartfelt welcome to you, Duchess Rousseau.” Jeremy smiled warmly at me.

“Thank you.”

“I’m afraid I need to see your paperwork.” He looked embarrassed.

“Of course.” I handed him my passport.

“Excellent.” He looked over the passport, and I found it oddly comforting that he hadn’t just waved me on. He pulled a stamp out of his pocket and quickly used it. “I hope you find Lilaria to your liking.”

“I’m sure I will.” I smiled at him and tucked my passport back into my bag.

Alex stood up and held my coat out for me. I slid into the sleeves and buttoned up the front. I was about to set foot on Lilarian soil, the homeland of my ancestors and my new life. Rose walked to the exit and waited for Duvall and Becca and Sarah. Duvall jogged down the stairs to the cars, a finger to his ear as he listened to something on his earpiece. Rose turned to me and smiled.

“Welcome home, Samantha. I’ll be waiting in the car for you.” Rose winked at me and then quickly made her way down the stairs. There was a cry from the photographers, calling her name, but she simply waved and went straight to the vehicle. The air blowing in through the open door was cold but that wasn’t why I shivered.

“I’ll be right behind you.” Alex put a hand on my back.

“You promised you wouldn’t throw me to the wolves.” I tried to smile, but it came out weak.

“Trust me.”...

Suddenly Royal
Suddenly Royal Page 19



“A pleasure to meet you, Duchess.” Chadwick was a tall, thin man. He bowed his head in a formal greeting.

“You too, Chadwick.” I held out my hand to shake his. His hands were gentle, but firm. “I think you’ve got your work cut out for you.”

“I do love a challenge.” He smiled.

“Well, then. Let’s go meet Mother, shall we?” Alex turned away from the aides he was speaking with and looked at me.

“Let’s.” I took a deep breath.

Alex held his arm out to me, and I slipped my hand in and let him lead me down a long, formal hallway. Portraits of monarchs lined the walls, interspersed with images of gardens and forests. There was a man in a tailcoat waiting next to golden double doors. He stood to attention when we neared and opened the door.

“You’ll enter last, but we’ll be waiting inside.” Rose patted my shoulder as she nodded at the man. He knocked on the door and waited for an answer. When he heard what he needed, he opened the doors and stepped inside.

“The Duchess of Sverelle, Your Majesty.” Rose followed closely behind him, curtsying once just inside of the door. She walked out of sight and I fought the desire to peek around the corner.

“His Royal Highness, the Duke of D’Lynsal.” Alex stood up straight and winked at me before turning the corner. I could hear voices inside, but not what they were saying. Or maybe they were speaking in Lilarian.

“The Duchess of Rousseau.” The man announced my name and I took a jerky step forward. There were ten or eleven people standing in the center of the room. The queen was right in the center, complete with tiara and flowing dress. She was an attractive woman and I could see a great deal of Alex in her features.

I remembered to curtsy once inside the door and took a few more steps before pausing and doing it again. I didn’t curtsy too deep, scared I would fall in my heels. When I looked up, the queen was smiling. When I reached her, she held out her hand and I shook it.

“Your Majesty, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I looked down at her, surprised that such a small woman had given birth *****ch a tall man like Alex.

“Welcome home, Duchess Rousseau. We’re very glad that you’ve come.” The woman smiled. “We were very excited when we found you.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Let me introduce you to everyone.” The queen placed her hand on my elbow, gently guiding me away from Rose and Alex. I tried to keep a hold on the beating of my heart. It was beating faster than that of a kitten facing down a dog. “This is my daughter, Catherine.”

A tall girl with blond hair and Alex’s bright eyes smiled at me. She held out her hand and I shook it. There was a lot of handshaking in my future, it seemed.

“Nice to meet you, Samantha. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Catherine smiled widely. She was breathtaking—model perfect. Her eyes were bright and she seemed genuinely happy to see me.

“Nice to meet you.”

“I’d be happy to show you around the city if you’d like. It can be a bit confusing the first time you visit.”

“I’ve already set up some time to take Samantha around.” Alex’s voice rumbled behind me. I looked over my shoulder and into his eyes. “I promised I wouldn’t throw her to the wolves.”

“I’m not a wolf!” Catherine shook her head and laughed.

“You would want to take her shopping, and I have it on good authority that Samantha is not a fan.”

“That’s because she hasn’t been with me.” Catherine smiled and I wondered if men threw themselves at her feet. “Well, we can just go sightseeing if you’d like.”

“You could come with us,” Alex replied. I hadn’t known he was planning on taking me around town.

“Not letting her out of your sight, hm?” Catherine gave me a thoughtful look. “Okay. It’s a date.”

“Sounds like fun.” The queen was already leading me away from Catherine, but Alex stayed with his sister.

“This is Prime Minister Tomas Derry.” Catherine smiled at the man. He had lively eyes and curly gray hair. “Prime Minster, this is Samantha, Duchess of Rousseau.”

“My pleasure.” He took my hand and pressed a kiss to my knuckles.

The queen didn’t waste any time moving me to the next few people. The members of parliament seemed very interested in the fact that I was American and then I met a couple with two small children.

“This is the Duke and Duchess of Marion.”

“Call me Heather.” The woman held out one hand while keeping a tight grip on the smallest boy. “This is Leo.” She pushed him forward and I leaned down to shake the young boy’s chubby hand. He smiled at me before rubbing the back of his hand across his nose.

“Nice to meet you, Leo.”

“Barry.” The duke shook my hand with a friendly smile before motioning toward the little girl in his arms. “And this is Violet.”

“Nice to meet you both.” The little girl was leaning against her father’s shoulder with her eyes half closed. “I’m sorry we got in so late.”

“Don’t be sorry! We’re glad to meet you. I know you must be tired after all that travel.”

“I’m happy to be here.” The queen pulled me away from the young family and toward a grouping of young men. Two of them were smiling in a bored sort of manner, but one of them leered in a way that made me wish I hadn’t taken my coat off.

“The Dukes of Minsington, Bowdell, and Sheferd. Otherwise known as Daniel, Barney, and Kyle.” The queen leveled her eyes at the men and they shifted where they stood. “This is Samantha, Duchess of Rousseau.”

They all shook my hand, Kyle lingering a little longer than was necessary. “A pleasure to meet you, Samantha.”

I smiled at him, not really thinking the meeting was so pleasant. He reminded me of the school reporter. The one you wouldn’t leave your drink with while you ran to the bathroom.

“Kyle and Daniel both went to the university here in town. Perhaps you can find a program to finish your studies with.” The queen smiled at me as if this was a brilliant idea.

“I’ll have to look into it when I have some time.” I really hoped I would be able to escape this conversation soon.

“Maybe I could take you to the campus and show you around. There are a lot of great places to study.” He emphasized the last word so I knew he meant something else entirely.

“Right. I’ll let you know if I need the help.” I had no poker face and I was certain Kyle could see my irritation.

“I look forward to it.”

“Your Majesty, dinner is ready,” a man in palace livery said. I hadn’t even noticed him approaching.

“Excellent. Samantha, I will leave you with these gentlemen while I check on things.” The queen squeezed my elbow gently before walking away. I watched her leave and my eyes landed on Alex. He was laughing with the Marion family and was holding the little girl against his chest, patting her back while she drooled on his shoulder, sound asleep. I wanted to go to them and put as much distance as possible between myself and Kyle.

“What did you study, Samantha?” Daniel looked at me, interested.

“Good God, Danny. Don’t you read the papers?” Barney took a long sip from the tumbler in his hand. “She’s a biologist of some sort.”

“Wildlife biologist,” I explained.

“You know I don’t read that trash. It’s a waste of time.” Daniel frowned at his friend. “Good for you, Samantha. You’ll have a lot in common with Alex.”

“Is that so?” A woman came over with a tray of drinks. I picked a glass of white wine and sipped.

“Yes, our illustrious future monarch has a degree in wildlife biology. He specialized in birds, I believe.” Daniel smiled. “What’s your specialty?”

“Raptors.”

Daniel laughed and pointed at Kyle. “You might as well give up right now.”

I looked at them confused. “Excuse me?”

“Let’s just say that there aren’t many eligible female nobles right now.” Daniel laughed at Kyle’s expression. “It’s a lost cause.”

“We don’t know that.” Kyle winked at me. “I’ve got a lot to offer.”

“Are you guys serious? I’m not looking to get married.”

“You’re fresh meat, sweetie.” Barney leaned forward and I could smell the bourbon on his breath. “Daniel here could care less since he’s not into skirts. But for every other eligible man in the country, you’re a potential wife. With a lot to bring to the bank… and bed.” He stared down at my br**sts. I squeezed my hands into fists so tight I could feel my nails digging into my palm. All of the responses that popped into my head were wildly inappropriate for a queen’s sitting room.

“Barney.” Daniel glared at him. “That’s enough. We’re not all terrible, Samantha.”

“What are you talking...