It’s late; at least I think it is, by the time we get back to Luke’s home. I shower and throw on another one of his t-shirts. I’m out of clean clothes now. I only had the two outfits with me. He tells me that tomorrow, once we see King Azure off with his brothers and sister, we’ll go to the local clothing vendor to get some clothes for me. He said I can dress however I like; pants, dresses, it doesn’t matter since I’m royalty. I still think it’s crap that women of lower standing wear dresses only, but this world is also very different than mine.
The Azures have decided to say that the king is going away on a secret mission, and Ryland will be in charge in his absence. Ryland will address the people tomorrow, and he’ll also publicly welcome me into their kingdom. King Azure told me to be prepared for backlash, but with the royal family behind me, that should help minimize it. They are going to say I only recently found out who my father is, but I will ally with the Azures and not Pine.
I crawl into bed and pull the damask closed. It’s odd to have this heavy fabric draped around the bed. It makes me feel safe, though. Like I’m wrapped up in my own little world with Luke. In a way we are, at least until reality comes knocking on the door again.
Snuggled beneath the blankets, my eyes close, and I start to drift off to sleep when a warm body slides into bed behind me. His scent envelopes me as his arms do the same. Reaching up, I hold tight to his hands. There’s something very comforting about him. I won’t admit this out loud yet, but he feels like home. Each hour I’m here, this place works its way into my very essence. I’m becoming comfortable here: in Luke’s bed, in his arms, and in his kingdom.
He brushes my hair aside, so he can feather kisses along my neck. “Tomorrow is going to be a long day.”
I scoff. “Like today wasn’t?”
“Okay, well tomorrow might be longer. We have to see my father off before first light. Only the Elite knows of his departure. It will be us, them, and my brothers and sister. Then we have to address the public.”
“Fun,” I say sarcastically.
“Sleep, my princess. Tomorrow is a new day.”
“Yeah, a long one apparently.”
He laughs in between kisses below my ear. His grip tightens as he brings himself close to me. Together we drift off into sleep. A sleep where I have no dreams, only restful peace.
It’s been a whirlwind since I woke up. We left under moonlight with the Azure family and the eight members of the Elite, Luke and Elliott complete the ten Elite members. We said goodbye to the king before he used the key to enter my world. Addison fought tears, Elliott embraced his father, Luke did the same, and Ryland said farewell with a handshake. I don’t understand him in the least, however the king and Luke feel strongly he will be an excellent leader in King Azure’s absence. It was understood that Luke is to maintain control of the Elite and the king’s army. All directions in regard to protection and defense fall to him.
At first light the members of the army were put to work, gathering all of the locals to the courtyard for an announcement. I stood with the Azures as Ryland vaguely spoke of his father’s mission, and how nothing will change, except for the fact that he is their interim ruler. My palms are sweating. I keep wiping them on my pants. Black pants that Addison let me borrow. We aren’t the same size. I’m taller and leaner, however cotton is flexible and works for now. She also gave me a top to wear, one she made sure to say that she didn’t wear anymore. How I can’t wait for this to be over so I can get my own clothes.
“Now on to other business,” Ryland speaks. “You may have noticed the woman standing beside my brother, Lucas. Some of you have seen them together since she arrived a couple of days ago. I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Princess Alison Pine.” Gasps are heard throughout the crowd. Some women’s hands fly up to cover their mouths. Men narrow their eyes at me. I’m honestly waiting for someone to hand out pitchforks and torches, like one of the old movies I used to watch.
“Quiet,” Ryland commands. “Do not judge the princess due to her name. You know nothing of her.” It’s surprising that he’s standing up for me. I don’t get the warm and fuzzy vibe from him.
“And you do?” someone calls from the crowd.
“I know enough,” he responds. “She will be living within our walls as part of our royal family. While she may hold the Pine name, she is not one of them. She has demonstrated her loyalty to our king and to our family.”
“In what way?” another person shouts.
“That is official business and I will not be divulging the details. Just know she is our friend and ally. I demand you treat her with the same respect as you do me and my family. If I hear of any dissonance amongst our people due to her presence, it will be dealt with swiftly and without hesitation by our Elite. A move against the princess is a move against the royal family. Do I make myself clear?” People nod; some never move. I can feel their burning hatred of me. It will take a while for me to gain their trust. At least I know being alongside Luke, I’ll be safe.
He steps closer to me and takes my hand in his. Some people don’t react to the gesture. They must have been the ones who’ve seen us together. Others gasp again, and if I’m not mistaken some women give me the evil eye. Ryland turns toward us and nods to Luke. It’s his turn to speak.
“Nothing changes in regards to the protection of our kingdom,” he says loudly. “Our elite forces, as well as our army, will maintain peace within our land. To follow-up on my brother’s words, a move against the princess is a move against me, and you know I don’t play games. This woman beside me is kind, gentle, and someone who is very important to me. Do not disrespect her, in or out of our presence.”
Addison steps forward. “You’ve been given a lot of news today, and I understand how this will have upset some of you. Our king is gone for the time being, and an enemy’s daughter is living amongst us. But be sure, we are a unified front. The words my brothers have spoken go for Elliott and myself as well, our king, too. Before he left for his mission, he embraced Princess Alison along with the rest of our family. Treat her as our own and we won’t have any problems.” She turns and nods to Ryland, who concludes the speech.
The crowd disperses, but not before some rake their eyes over me in disgust. Luke catches it and moves himself in front of me to glower down at them. They quickly leave like dogs with their tails between their legs.