ADRIA’S POV:
I got dressed quickly into a light golden summer dress that cut off right above my knees, and put black high heels on that shimmered like glitter beneath the light. My heart began to race a little. I wish I had a little more warning before a random day out was planned. That way at least I would have more time to mentally prepare myself.
Leo walked in quickly and kissed me on the head as I grabbed my matching light gold handbag that had a thin, long shoulder strap. “I almost forgot, here. Take my credit card. I can’t send my Queen out to have a relaxing day with the girls with no money to spend. Have fun, my love. I will see you in a few hours.” He made his exit quickly.
I couldn’t help but to blush a little. It was sweet of him to pause his work to bring me his card. I laughed a little and slipped it into the inside pocket of my handbag. It was set up like a wallet. Only enough space for some cash, cards, and of course, my phone.
I walked out of the room quickly and made my way to the parlor where I knew Narcia and Lillian would be waiting for me. As I walked in I was greeted by friendly smiles.
“Are you ready to go, darling?” Narcia smiled hugging me tightly. “It is nice to officially meet you, by the way. You are truly as beautiful as the boys say.”
“Thank you, my Queen.” I smiled returning the hug. She was so sweet.
“Queen...oh baby. I gave up that title. Just call me Narcia. Or mom, if you would like. Welcome to the family. ” Narcia gave a warm smile as she motioned next to her. “This is Lillian, she is Leo’s aunt and Deryn’s beta’s wife.”
I smiled kindly. “it is nice to finally meet you.”
She hugged me tightly. “You as well, my dear. Now, we should get going.”
“What exactly are we going to be doing today, if you don’t mind me asking?” I asked watching them as they led me outside.
“Oh, well...the straight forward answer is we are going to be having fun and spending our husband’s money. As good wives often do.” Narcia giggled as we climbed into the car.
Lillian laughed as she said that. “You act like we don’t do that a lot anyway”
I couldn’t help but laugh as Narcia started up the car. “But this time is special, Lillian. We have an accomplice to help us!” She giggled as she peeled out of the driveway.
Lillian rolled her eyes. “I hope Leo is concerned for you. I am. And I am with you.” She laughed as she acknowledged me.
I laughed. “No, actually. He thinks I need to worry about him.” I smiled as I said the words recalling everything that happened to lead to that previous conversation.
Narcia scoffed as she chuckled. “Why would we worry about them? Oh no. a relaxing day at the house.” She mocked as she pulled into a strip of stores.
Lillian smiled. “Alright Narcia, let’s just shop.”
Narcia nodded as she hopped out of the car. “Alright, fair enough.” She paused as she shut the door to the car and took a deep breath. “Oh, how I love these excursions.”
I laughed as I climbed out of the car. I shut the door quietly behind me and couldn’t help but noticing everyone stopping to stare at us.
Lillian seemed to take note of my sudden tension and smiled. “Child, calm yourself. When you go out as Queen, everyone will stare. It is only natural.”
Narcia paused once more. “Something tells me you are still worried about Emory’s behavior yesterday.”
“That must be that intuition that is famous throughout the countries.” I offered a kind, nervous smile.
She giggled a little. “Oh, it is good to know that my reputation precedes me.”
Lillian and I followed her into the store quickly paying no mind to the press that had gathered outside awaiting for us to exit. Narcia immediately walked toward the clothing section.
She turned to me and smiled. “Don’t be shy. Grab whatever you like, honey. Let’s have a little fun.”
I laughed and began to grab myself a few things, putting them in the cart. I was grabbing anything from cute summer dresses, to black combat boots. As we slowly finished our shopping in this store in particular, we made our way to the cash register. As we checked out, I noticed the growing crowd outside of the store.
Lillian tensed up a little. “Typically I would say this was normal for a Queen to deal with. Especially newly crowned. However, I have a feeling that the questions they will ask will be about that scene Emory had. So brace yourself,” she said in a low tone watching the crowd grow.
Narcia watched them. “As much as I would hate to, it seems I may need to call the boys here. As horrible as this sounds, Deryn and Nolan know how to get large crowds to listen better then we do. Especially the press.” She said as she dialed Deryn’s number and stepped away for a moment.
As if on cue, I heard my phone ding from in my handbag. As I pulled it out, I read a text from Leo that read, “I’m on my way. Stay in the store.”
I sighed silently thinking to myself, I knew this was a mistake.
Before long, I saw Deryn pull up and all three of the men hopped out of the car immediately walking by the press and into the store. Leo smiled as he approached where we were still standing. “Come on, my love. Let’s go home.”
I hesitated watching the crowd outside. “Come on ladies.” Nolan laughed a little. “We will handle that crowd as soon as we get out there. They aren’t nothing but a few flashy cameras.”
I laughed. “Sure, if you say so.” I smiled as we followed them outside.
Just like sharks smelling blood, the press swarmed around us. The first question I heard shouted over the crowed as microphones were shoved into our faces was, “Queen Adria, how far do you think Alpha Emory is willing to escalate this?”
Leo immediately stepped in front of me defensively. “The Queen is not answering any questions right now. It would be best for you all to just go back to your homes.”
“King Deryn, is the treaty that was signed with Primordial in jeopardy since Emory threatened her at the coronation yesterday?” That was the question that immediately followed Leo’s response.
Deryn smiled as he embraced the crowed. “I ensure you that she is in no danger, nor is the treaty that was signed with her kingdom.”
“Queen Adria, tell us. What are your thoughts about Emory’s threat? Will he become an issue?” Before anyone could respond, she spoke again. “Or are you the defenseless child unworthy of the throne he thinks you are?”
I heard a growl escape from Leo as I stepped in front of him. “I have no merit to believe a spoiled pup such as Emory can carry out a threat. So no, I am not worried. Now if you would excuse me, I was in the middle of having a family day that was so rudely interrupted.”
I walked past them quickly and heard a laugh from Deryn. “You heard her. Now return to your homes. There is nothing else that needs to be said regarding the matter. But before you do, be warned. If you continue to fuel Emory’s fire, I will have you arrested.” He warned as everyone made their way to the car.