Royal Arrangement

XIII

Annie

The older woman greets me at the door with a pair of wide, chocolate eyes peeking out from around her legs as she stares at me like a deer in the headlights. She gasps and looks from me to the two royal guards who flank my sides. The little girl behind her stares at Baxter with a twinkle in her eyes. 

I lean down and smile warmly at her. "Hello, my name's Annie and this is my little Baxter, what's your name?"

The little girl twirls at piece of her dark hair around her fingers and bites the inside of her cheek. "M-Margarite... Everyone calls me Maggie."

"It's nice to meet you Maggie, I have a special job for you, want to hear about it?"

Maggie thinks for a moment before smiling hesitantly and nodding her head. I smile at her. "I need to have adult talk and I need someone to take good care of my dog for me. He loves to play and needs constant attention so you and the other kids will have to play with him, can you do that?"

Maggie's dark eyes light up and she frantically nods. "Yes! Yes! I can do that, Your Highness!"

I pet Baxter on the head one final time and hand him over to Maggie who takes him carefully. "Please, call me Annie."

Maggie smiles back and nods. Baxter wriggles in her arms, ever the anxious puppy. "You better go play with him! Quickly!" I mock-exclaim and she runs off into the backyard giggling as Baxter struggles to lick her face. I subtly nod to one of my guards to follow them. While I talk to the caretaker, I don't want these children to go unattended, nor do I want Baxter to accidentally bite one of them. I don't think he has it in his fluffy little body to hurt a living thing, but I'd feel better if I know that while I'm gone, someone is watching over them. 

Arlando smiles warmly and nods before following Maggie. A few minutes later I hear squeals and barks of delight and I can't help but smile. 

The older woman smiles back at me. "It's a pleasure to have you here. To what do I owe this visit, Your Highness? And please, may I just say congratulations on your nuptials?"

I reach out and grab her hand right before she goes to curtsy with a grimace. "Thank you, but please, call me Annie. I'm not quite comfortable with my title yet." 

She nods. "Annie."

"Please let me apologize for the spur-the-moment visit. I heard about your struggles and I knew I needed to help." I smile nervously. "Oh.. geez. I'm so sorry! I haven't asked your name yet."

The woman's dark eyes sparkle. "It's Daniella Fitzgerald, but everyone calls me Mrs. Fitz."

I nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Mrs. Fitz motions with her hand for me to follow her into the entrance of the three story home. "It's an honor for you to be here and I must admit, you did take me by surprise."

I can't help but laugh nervously. I open my mouth to apologize once more but she shoots me a scolding look that only a mother could pull off. 

"Nonsense, it's no trouble and the children are all very excited. We've never had royalty here before." She says the last part sadly but then catches herself and pushes her shoulders back. We walk through a living area and then head off into the kitchen where she offers my guards and I a cup of tea. I nod my head and accept her offering, not wanting to be rude. 

We watch the children play in the backyard. Baxter is running around with a large stick in his mouth (too large for his little body) while all the children struggle to catch him. I giggle; He doesn't seem to understand the concept of 'fetch' quite yet. 

Mrs. Fitz giggles right alongside me. "He's such a ball of energy."

"Yes, he never knows when to quit."

She looks at me and smiles warmly. "I must say, I was indeed surprised to hear about His Highness gifting him to you."

I tilt my head in confusion. "Oh?"

She sips her tea, definitely collecting her thoughts before nodding. "Forgive me High-- Annie, but The Prince isn't..." She trails off and looks to my guards before taking another sip of her tea and setting the cup down on the saucer with an audible clink. "Never mind."

I shake my head. "No, please, go on. I'm very curious. Trust me, I know my husband can be a bit... brash." I nod to my guards. "Will you excuse us?"

The largest one, I believe him name is Philip clears his throat. "Uh.. We aren't supposed to let you out of our sight."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. It isn't very princess-like after all. "I completely understand but... Can you make an exception? I think I'm very safe here." I joke but the corners of his mouth don't even twitch. I give him my best Baxter eyes. "Please?"

He pauses a moment before sighing and reluctantly nodding his head. "We will be in the next room if ever anything should happen, Highness."

I give them a grateful nod as they make their exit and turn back to Mrs. Fitz when they have left the room. I reach out and clasp her hand in mine on the table. Her eyes widen briefly in shock before she schools her features. "Please.. this entire thing is new to me. I'm not used to being... royal. I'm just a girl from Boston and I don't want to be treated like I'm somehow better than you. I also don't want you to fear me. Feel free to speak openly and freely."

She gives me a grateful smile. "I appreciate you doing this, Annie."

"So please, tell me how I can help."

~~~

Daniel 

I'm so in love with my wife right now. 

Woah. 

Relax. 

Not in the way you're thinking I do. (We all know I don't do that kinda thing). 

No, I'm talking about what she did. The media's been attacking us for a month. Every day it's a new story about either a) how much I f*****g suck, or b) is my new wife pregnant yet. (Trust me, I'm trying, dammit!).

But lately, it's been different. Since Annie visited Verilia's Home For Children, the media is all of a sudden talking about how much of a jewel my wife is. Yep. They called her that. 

Don't believe me?

The trending article in Verilia right now is: "Princess Annie: The Crown Jewel Of The Royal Family Raises Enough To Save Orphanage". 

You just can't make this s**t up. 

My wife not only raised enough money to support the orphanage, but enough to keep all the employees as full time teachers in the school. I will have to admit, I didn't think she'd be as hands on as she was. When Annie came to me a few weeks ago telling me about her plans to save the children's home, I figured she was going to host some fancy gala and raise funds that way. But no, that wasn't it. Instead, My Little American spent time at the home and (under the watchful eyes of the guards I specifically picked to watch out for her) met with companies about donating supplies and money to her cause. My new wife practically canvassed half of the country. 

I'll have to admit, I missed having her near me all the time, but I understand she had her own things to do. Now, my chest swells with pride when I read the articles about my wife or when I hear her tell me every night what she's been doing for the country. I can't deny that the highlight of my day is at night when we're in bed together and surprisingly, it's not why you think. I love the s*x and I wasn't lying about trying as hard as I can to get Annie pregnant, but it's when she tells me about her day that I get that pleasant feeling in my chest. I love hearing her talk about how she's going to help my country. Just last night she told me about how she's going to run a food drive to help combat homelessness in Verilia. 

I couldn't be prouder as I stand beside Annie as she plays with the children in the backyard of the orphanage. Her and Baxter are running around. At the moment, I think they're playing tag. It's completely adorable and the image of Annie pregnant, playing with a little girl with her blonde hair and my dark hair sparks in my mind. I can see them playing in the castle gardens and I smile at the vision. 

Then it immediately falls to a frown. 

What they hell am I thinking? More than one kid? 

That wasn't the arrangement. She's only here to give me an heir, one, and then we part ways. 

The ache in my chest intensifies and I know it's not from pride. It feels like something inside me is tearing, and I don't like the feeling. 

Mrs. Fitz clears her throat beside me and I turn to the woman who's become quite close to my wife over this past month. She's an older woman with classically dark Verilian hair and chocolate eyes.

She smiles oddly at me. "She's special, Your Highness."

I can't think of anything to say to that so I continue to stare at my wife. I know she's right. Annie isn't some vapid groupie. She's...

"She's nothing like Lady Vanessa, Your Highness."

I snap my gaze to the older woman who seems so innocent. My jaw clenches. "How dare you--"

"Forgive me, Your Highness, I meant no disrespect, I'm only making an observation." Despite the look on my face or perhaps because of it, she continues to smile warmly. She reminds me a lot of my mother. 

Annie, who was chasing a younger boy gives me an odd look. I take a deep breath to calm myself and give her a small smile back. She responds by beaming and I feel it again, the tearing sensation. It's not one I enjoy. Nor is it one I'm familiar with. How can she do this to me with a simple smile? What the hell is wrong with me?

"All I am saying, My Prince," she continues, "is that Annie is a remarkable woman. She's done more for us than I can possibly repay and yet she asks for nothing in return. She's compassionate and intelligent and will make an excellent queen one day."

This time, I nod my agreement. She would make a perfect Queen. It's a shame she'll never be one. 

Mrs. Fitz stares at me intensely. "Permission to speak freely, Your Highness?"

I nod. "Proceed."

She smiles. "I don't know the full story, but from what I've seen so far, Annie is nothing like that other woman. She's strong-willed and honest... Don't let the mistakes of the past ruin the aspirations of the future." She bows her head and walks off. 

I stand there, staring at my wife. She leans down and whispers something in the ears of the children as they all huddle around her like a football coach. They all giggle and suddenly they're all running from her and Baxter who seems to truly understand how to play tag even if he isn't that great at fetch. 

Mrs. Fitz's word echo in my ears throughout the rest of the day. Annie doesn't quit. Her and the children play continuously and even as I see her face red with sweat she still doesn't quit. At one point, I'm pressured to join in (I can't resist the look on her face) and play a round or two (of five) of tag. I'm shocked to realize that I'm having fun. 

I don't even hear the clicks of the cameras, I don't register that I'm a royal who must look and behave as such. All I care about in that moment is chasing after my wife and her group of mini fans as we play tag in the backyard.

She's achieved what I've been desperately trying to since I was eighteen. 

Annie's made me forget that I'm a prince.

The media goes crazy. I can't blame them, the photos that were taken are absolutely perfect. Annie and I look so carefree. The children look happy. Baxter looks thrilled as he runs with his tongue hanging out as she chases after a younger girl. 

But these aren't the photos that I'm focusing on. 

No. 

It's the pictures of us. The ones at the very end of the Digest's post. The ones where her and I ran into each other. It's a slideshow of us bumping together and then falling into the grass. Annie's face is glowing with laughter and her golden hair fans out around her shoulders wildly. Her blue eyes sparkle with laughter as she stares at me. 

Then I look at the image of me and freeze. 

I almost don't recognize myself. 

In the pictures, I'm sitting opposite her in the grass. My dark hair is mussed and my dark eyes shine with obvious amusement, but this isn't what shocks me. 

No. 

This man-me-is staring at Annie with the widest, goofiest smile on his face. 

Later that evening, I stare over at Annie who's currently speaking to my mother as we converse in the ballroom and study her. What is it about this woman that makes me act this way? I mean, there really isn't anything special about her. Sure, she's different than women are here but big deal. 

Sure, her eyes are the brightest blue I've ever seen, but that doesn't matter. 

Sure, she has the softest hair I've ever felt, but hey, who cares?

Sure, her smile is the brightest that I've ever seen and her laugh is soft and sultry but, big deal. 

I furrow my brow and roam the length of her with my eyes. Sure, she has a banging body, but I've had better, she's no different from any other woman I've f****d. 

My frown deepens. 

I've f****d a lot of women, so why does this one matter?

She's just a woman. She's interchangeable. I can get another, better wife in here at the snap of my fingers and it would make no difference to me. There certainly isn't a shortage of women who want the job.

I flick my gaze to one of the noble women whom I've spoken to on occasion. I think her name is Amelia? She's got long dark hair and legs that go on for days but yet as I look at her and think about those legs wrapped around my neck I feel...

Nothing. 

Absolutely nothing. My c**k doesn't stir. 

I mean, what the f**k is wrong with me? This woman is absolutely stunning. Her red dress clings to her curves and her lips are painted a dark maroon but I feel nothing for her. 

I look back at Annie in her cream gown. She gives me a tentative smile and it happens.

Fuck. When will this ever stop?

~~~

Annie 

Daniel's mother reminds me so much of my own that it often hurts to speak with her. I love living here, but I really miss my family. I miss sitting down with my parents and brother at dinner. I miss telling my mom about my day and I surprisingly even miss how she would constantly needle me about my nonexistent love life. I mean, even as a married woman, my love life still sucks. My husband doesn't love me and worse...

I think I'm falling in love with him. 

I know, I know, at this point I'm sure you're screaming at me about not falling in love Daniel for many reasons. There are so many examples as to why I shouldn't love him. (Hello?? Can anyone say blackmail? And what about the spankings? This is the twenty first century, not the forties! Men can't do that anymore! And another thing, why aren't I more upset about it?)

I mentally kick myself around in my head like a soccer ball while the queen-my now mother in law- congratulates me on my efforts with the orphanage. She's kind and I feel bad for barely listening, but I can't help it. My mind's running a thousand miles and hour and none of those thoughts are about my past project. 

All I can think about is Daniel and how completely f*****g screwed I am. I mean, who the hell falls in love with a man who'll never love you back? 

Me. That's who. 

I sigh internally and take another deliberate sip of the champagne that to me tastes exactly like the cheap stuff. It's just another example of how far out of my comfort zone I am. I don't belong here.

I don't belong beside him. 

The thought makes me sad. I can't lie to myself any longer; I'm falling in love with my husband, and it f*****g sucks. In fact, I think I'm already too far gone and every time he does something unexpected I fall in love with him even more. I think I lost my heart to Daniel when he surprised me with Baxter, hell, I think I fell in love with him when he shocked me with his kindness after he spanked me the first time. 

God, I am so screwed. 

Daniel is talking to his brother and I can tell right away, based on the way his back is ramrod straight, that he isn't having a good conversation. Michael leans forward and says something that I can't hear and in response Daniel narrows his eyes and snaps out a quick answer. I'm too far away to hear what they're saying, but I know it's something bad based on the way my husband reacts. 

Queen Clarita lightly touches my shoulder, bringing my attention back to her. 

I smile awkwardly. "I'm sorry."

She twinkles. "Nonsense." Her gaze cuts to Daniel and she briefly frowns before looking back at me. "You're worried about him." It's a statement of fact, not a question. 

"What are they talking about?" 

The Queen sighs. "Oh dear."

"It doesn't look like something Daniel wants to be hearing."

She smiles sadly and shakes her head. "No, probably not, but knowing my son, it's something ne needs to hear."

I tilt my head and I feel my brow furrow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

She rests her delicate hand on my shoulder. "I'm sure you're aware of my son's... temperament?" She leans closer and speaks softly. "You should know this better than anyone considering your... arrangement."

My eyes widen to the size of saucers. "What?" There's no way that she knows, is there? Of course not! She would've said something earlier. "What are you talking about?"

She smiles sardonically. "I'm the queen of this nation, do you honestly believe I'm not one hundred percent aware of all that goes on in my kingdom?" She laughs. "You'll be this way one day when you are Queen."

My mouth feels dry all of a sudden. "I don't understand... If you've known then why...?"

"Why haven't I said anything?" She supplies and I nod almost numbly. "Because, I wanted to see how this all plays out- I still do. I'm aware of how my son behaves. He's not the easiest person to love, this I understand more than most," A slow smile takes over her face. "As... do you."

I'm sure my already pale face is now the color of one of the expensive royal sheets. My tongue feels like it takes up my entire mouth and even the simplest words seem foreign to me. 

She just smiles and laughs. "Don't worry, Dear, I won't tell my son how you feel. I know your deal. I know this all ends in a year." Just hearing her say it makes it real. It saddens me. "But, I also know my son. I know he feels the same."

I shake my head and words come back into my vocabulary. "No. I'm sorry, but--"

She lifts her hand, effectively silencing me. "Hogwash! Pardon my use of ancient phrase, but that isn't true. I know my son. I also know he's never acted this way before and for that I must thank you. He's happier. He's going out of his way to make sure you're happy too. This is going to sound cold but I'm the Queen and if I can't say it then who can?" She grins. "My son isn't the easiest to get along with. He's quite frigid and don't even get me started on his history with women in the past, but with you he's different. My son loves you. He truly does and I hope that you can both figure this out before you lose each other."

I shut my mouth and shake my head. She's wrong. Daniel told me himself that he doesn't feel the same. Telling him how I feel would be suicide. Not only would it make things awkward, but it's going to break my heart if he doesn't feel the same. Everyone but me thinks there's something there but I know better.

To Daniel I'm replaceable. I'm just a means to and end and when he has and heir and the crown he'll divorce me and never look back. It's painful to think about but it's the truth and the truth hurts. I need to prepare myself for that moment. I need to make sure I'm able to walk away. He already has half of my heart. I need to steel myself to make sure he doesn't get any more of it. 

Daniel Windsor is dangerous and I need to ignore my feelings. I'm sure the more time I spend with him and his domineering ways the less I'll like him. 

Oh, who am I kidding? I'm already screwed. I just need to focus now on minimizing the damage.