Reluctantly Royal (5 page)

“Not right now.” Confusion passed across her face before she straightened her shoulders and her winning smile curved her lips. “Thanks again.”

“My pleasure.” I watched as she walked down the stairs, her perfect ass swaying gently. Definitely my pleasure.

She got behind the wheel of her car and gave a small wave before pulling down the long driveway. Closing the door, I turned around and came face-to-face—well, face to the top of the head—with my sister-in-law.

“I’m sending Chadwick over there to help.” She looked up at me with stubborn eyes.

“What did Alex say?”

“That I should respect her wishes. But no one should have to deal with all of this on their own and I’ve heard that her father isn’t much help.” She put her hands on her hips, making her baby belly stick out a little further. “Plus Chadwick will just make a place over there. No one tells Chadwick no.”

“Chadwick will likely tell you no, though.” I shook my head.

“Why?”

“He’s not going anywhere while you’re pregnant. Are you kidding me? He barely leaves the house without an emergency baby kit.” Her assistant was almost as excited about the baby as Sam and Alex were, and his planning skills had turned to all things infant.

“Then he can pick someone to send over there.” She narrowed her eyes. “Or you could go.”

“What?” I felt my eyes widen.

“You could go. Make sure she doesn’t need anything. Hang out and keep her father from going off the deep end. Your mother had to pull some strings to keep an interview he did from going live.” Sam shook her head. “I can’t imagine what all Meredith is dealing with right now. And her son must be devastated. Good boy, that one. Smart too.”

“He is.” I thought about Marty being stuck in that house while everyone talked about the funeral and his grandfather drunkenly said stupid things. “Okay.”

“Okay?” Her brown eyes widened. “You’ll do it?”

“I’m no Chadwick, but I think I can help with some of it. Get the boy out of the house anyway.”

“Oh, that was way easier than I thought it would be.” She turned around and hollered, “You owe me twenty!”

“What?” I frowned.

“I bet Alex that I could get you to go help her out.” She smiled smugly. “Mr. Drama-Free-Zone has the hots for a single mother.”

“I do not have the hots for anyone.”

She poked me in the chest. “Don’t lie to me. I’m not stupid and I’m hormonal. Lying to me is a bad idea.”

Turning away from me, she headed back to the dining room. She had a slight waddle to her step which I found adorable, but again, I wouldn’t tell her that. Especially now that she had tricked me into doing what she wanted.

FIVE

I
TOOK A DEEP
breath and let the charade fall away. I was so relieved that he hadn’t told me no, I had thought I would faint. Walking into that home—the home of a ruling family—had been strange enough. Hell, Alex was next in line for the throne and he’d seemed normal enough. But to walk in and ask for something as odd as for one of them to carry a casket? Yeah, that had given me a sour stomach. Who else did I have to ask, though?

And now. Now I needed to go home and let my father know that he would also be a pallbearer. I had no idea how that would go over. It probably depended on how much he’d had to drink already. A shudder racked my body and I fought the tears that quickly followed. I needed to be able to see to drive. Taking a mighty sniff, I reined in my tears. My father was the one person who never did anything I needed. And if I asked for something? All hell usually broke out.

Damn you for leaving me with him, Granddad
. Anger made me grip the steering wheel a little tighter and I had to take several breaths to calm myself. It wouldn’t do to run off the road because I wasn’t thinking straight. I was the only person Marty had left.

Lead filled my stomach at the thought and my hands steadied on the wheel. The only other person who was a fixture in Marty’s life was my father and he wasn’t exactly what you would call steady or secure. The urge to update my will and up my life insurance policy hit me hard. Sometime during all of this planning of the funeral, I needed to make sure Marty would be okay if something happened to me.

As I made the two-hour drive home, I had the horrible thought that I really didn’t have anyone to help with Marty were something to happen to me. Before I had moved to Lilaria with Granddad, I would have thought my best friend, Karey, would take care of him, but now I wasn’t sure. We had grown apart as I’d tried to carve out a place of my own in this new world where I was living. Was she even in a place where she could raise a boy?

By the time I got home my stomach was in knots. I thought I’d feel better after asking Max to be a pallbearer but instead I had obsessed over scary things.

“Mom! I beat level six!” Marty ran down the stairs and held his arms up in victory. I clamped down on worries and focused on the happy little boy staring at me.

“Way to go! That’s the one with the evil robot doctor, right?” I followed him up the stairs so he could show me.

“Doctor Gear. He’s been kicking my butt for weeks!”

“Don’t say
butt
.” I frowned. Living in a home like Thysmer Manor and rubbing elbows with royals and rich people, I’d begun to realize how different we talked and behaved. I’d started correcting Marty so that he would fit in a little better, but at the same time, I didn’t want to change his personality. I wanted him to fit in, but not conform. No reason to lose his sense of self. After all, he was a pretty awesome little boy, if I do say so myself.

“Should I say a—”

“Don’t finish that if you want to ever see your game system again.” I raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry, Ma.” He jumped on his bed, not even a little bit worried. “Look! I left it on the screen with the medal. I can’t believe it. Isn’t that awesome?”

“Completely.” I reached out and tickled his side.

“Mom!” He wiggled out of my grasp. “I’m being serious. This was hard!”

“Huh. We should celebrate.” I tapped my chin. “How about ice cream for lunch?”

“Really?” He looked at me with big eyes.

“Really.” I’d do anything to keep that happy look on his face.

“You. Are. The. Best!” He jumped off the bed and did a little dance. “Oh yeah!”

“I’ll tell Sarai.” I stood up off the bed. “Go beat level seven while I handle some stuff.”

“Okay, but don’t forget the ice cream.” He held out his pinky and I twined mine with it.

“Pinky promise.” I kissed his forehead and pulled his door half shut as I left.

“My lady,” the head butler called.

“Yes?” I turned to smile at Gerard. He was the one who had accompanied my granddad to the funeral home. I owed him so much for not leaving him alone.

“I wanted to let you know that the palace called and their aide is on her way to help with the arrangements. They’ve also asked that you be willing to say something to the town of Thysmer. It’s tradition that the next in line for the title address the people after a death.”

“I see.” He didn’t go to my father. He came to me. There was a lot left unsaid in his explanation. “And when do I need to do this?”

“Soon, preferably. Before the funeral, I’d say. The palace aide will be able to help you come up with an appropriate response.” He stood up a little taller. “I’d also like to offer my condolences. Your grandfather was a fine man.”

“He was a rambunctious old devil with bad habits.” I smiled. “But you’re right. He was a good man.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The doorbell chimed and he turned. “I’ll see to that.”

“Thank you.”

I walked down the hall to my room and kicked off my high heels. The things were making my toes go numb. I pulled on some slippers while peeling off the skirt and tugging on a pair of comfortable jeans. I might be a lady now, but I’d just lost a loved one, and all I wanted to do was curl up in my bed and cry. Unfortunately, I had to take care of details. That meant I’d have to forgo my pajama pants, but I wasn’t giving up my jeans. I ditched the cardigan and unbuttoned the gray shirt I had been wearing to reveal the tank top underneath. That was more like it.

Pulling my earrings off, I put them in a small dish next to my bed, but left the pearl ring on my right middle finger. It was a small, cheap ring. Just wire wrapped around a small freshwater pearl, but I always wore it. Granddad had given it to me when I had Marty. It meant more to me than any of the new jewelry I had acquired since we’d hit the royal jackpot.

As I headed back down the hall, I heard a voice I hadn’t expected.

“Is Lady Meredith available?” Max’s deep voice rumbled up the stairwell.

“I’m not sure, Your Highness. Would you mind waiting a moment?”

I peeked around the corner before ducking back. There he was, standing there in khakis and an untucked button-up shirt. The sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Hearing the butler coming up the stairs, I ran back to my room quickly and kicked off the fuzzy slippers I’d been wearing. Why was Max here? Was he going to back out of being a pallbearer? I couldn’t imagine any other reason for him to show up right now. Or ever, really. Not that I was complaining. He was nice to look at and his smile caused parts of me that had been dead for years to heat up. But why?

“Lady Meredith?” The butler knocked on my open door frame. “Prince Maxwell is here to see you.”

“Thank you. I’ll be right down.” I looked around my room for suitable shoes. “Would you take him to the sitting room and order some tea?”

“Of course, my lady.” He started to turn.

“Um, where is my father?” I didn’t want to throw Max to the wolves.

“I believe he left this morning to visit the village pub.” His voice and face never changed, but I could see the pity in his eyes.

“That’s for the best, I suppose.” I shrugged. “Thank you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He bowed quickly and left.

Rummaging rapidly through my closet, I found a pair of dark red flats that wouldn’t squish my toes but looked cute with my jeans. I liked it when my shoes stood out. It was something like wearing armor. Good shoes made me feel good, which in turn made me feel like I was in charge.

But why was Max here? I walked slowly down the hall. What was I going to do if he backed out? I still hadn’t talked to my father about the funeral, though I was sure he assumed I’d just take care of everything.

I hesitated just outside of the sitting room and took a deep breath, letting nervous Meredith melt away and replacing her with strong Meredith. I could play this role for a little while until he left, but eventually I needed some time to fret and panic. Just to get it out of my system.

“Max?” I opened the door and let surprise show on my face. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

He stood up and his eyes ran over my open shirt briefly before fixing on my face. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Oh, I see.” I sat down and motioned for him to do the same. “I ordered tea.”

“Thank you.” He sat down and leaned forward so that his elbows rested on his knees. “I know that at the house you said you didn’t need any help.”

“If you’re uncomfortable being a pallbearer, I completely understand. My feelings will not be hurt if you’d rather back out.” I smiled at him and hoped that my performance was compelling. I wasn’t exactly at the top of my game right now.

“No, no. You misunderstood what I meant.” He shook his head. “I’m offering to help out with all of the planning.”

“What?” My eyebrows drew together.

“I’d like to help while you get things settled. Even if it’s just taking Marty fishing to keep him away from the more depressing things.” He shrugged.

“You want to help plan a funeral?” I shook my head, confused.

“Or help keep Marty distracted.” He looked at me with serious eyes. “I know what it’s like to watch everyone around you deal with the death of a loved one.”

“I see.” I leaned back in my chair. “Have you ever watched a six-year-old boy?”

“I don’t think I did too bad yesterday afternoon.” He looked mildly offended, and it took a lot of control to keep from smiling.

“Yes, it’s easy when video games are involved.”

“Well? What do you say?” He rubbed his palms on his pants and I noticed that there was paint under his nails.

“That’s really sweet, but I already feel like a burden.” I frowned as one of the staff members brought in our tray of tea.

“You’re not a burden.” He picked up the pot and poured us both a cup. “Besides, it’s me or Sam is going to send a bunch of staff over here to take care of you. Her mommy instincts are in full swing right now.”

“I see.” So the princess was behind his offer of help. “Really, I can’t accept. I’m sure you have much more important things to do—”

The front door swung open with a bang and a crash as a picture fell from a wall in the foyer.

“Where t’ hell are you, Mere? You think you can jus’ plan everythin’ withou’ me?” Dad’s voice carried through the house like a tidal wave. “An’ who da hell’s car is blockin’ my driveway?”

I jumped to my feet and motioned for the staff to disappear. The maid melted out of the room, but the butler refused to move when I shot him a look.

“I’m sorry, Max, but I think it’s time for you to go.” God, I didn’t want him to see this. It was like having my dad show up at school drunk. Only worse.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Max stood up and moved to stand behind me as the sitting room door was thrown open.

“There’s my lil’ girl. All cozy in here, playin’ woman of the house.” My father swayed into the door frame. “Who da hell is he? Another boy toy, eh? ’Cause that worked out so well for you las’ time.”

“Father, you’ve met Prince Maxwell, remember?” I kept my voice even and calm, despite the shaking of my hands. There was no hiding the way the blood drained out of my face. Bringing up Marty’s father was a low blow. It had been a while since my father had been this drunk, and that time I’d almost broken my arm when he threw me out of the house.

“Don’t remember no such thin’,” he said.

“He brought me from England.” I didn’t mention Marty and prayed that he was safe in his room.

“I don’ care.” He pointed at me. “I care that you’re actin’ all high-and-mighty. I’m the duke of this manor. Ain’t no duchess here.”

“I’m just helping you plan the funeral.” I kept my voice low but never broke eye contact.

“You’re tryin’ to cut me out! You think you’re gonna take over? I’ll show ya.” He might be drunker than a skunk, but he moved faster than a football player. With two giant steps forward he swung his right arm at my face and would have made contact if Max hadn’t stepped forward.

Pulling me back against his chest, Max let Father stagger past us before letting me go and pinning my father’s arms.

“Let me go, ya bas’ard.” Father struggled uselessly.

I sucked in a deep breath, my composure cracking. It had been years since he had hit me, but I still remembered that moment with fear. It felt like someone had broken my face and I had thought my eyeball would explode. My cheek had been swollen for weeks. The bruises had taken forever to fade and I’d had to lie to all of my friends.

“That’s enough.” Max’s words rang with authority. “Stop struggling or I will have you escorted to the jail.”

“This is my home, you stupid git.”

“And I’m a prince of this country. Who do you think the police will listen to?”

“Someone will listen to me!” Father’s movements turned sluggish. “Someone should but no one does.” Tears filled his eyes and I had to look away from him. I should feel pity for someone so out of control, but all I could muster was hate. And shame that Max had seen just how horrible my father really was.

“Easy now.” Max half dragged, half carried my father over to a chair. “I’m going to put you down now, but if you make any more trouble, I’ll have my bodyguard take care of you.”