For Love Or Country

Three

Then - Aislinn

The next morning, I sit at my desk reviewing the daily reports from my Heads of Security, Military, Navy, and Airforce - collectively just called “the Heads”. I just finished breakfast which I decided to have in my room as well. It’s officially Coronation Week, and I will take peace and quiet anywhere I can get it.

Onora is in my closet, re-organizing things and muttering. I hear her shifting boxes and sliding hangers. When I hear “missing sunglasses”, I bite my lip and chuckle softly.

“Do you know WHY Jessamine has never been in this room?” she demands from the doorway and I jump.

“How could you possibly know?” I ask, eyes wide as I look up from the reports. I’m shocked and a little impressed.

“Oh please! I have seen that girl’s closet! And heard the horror stories her staff tell!” Onora scowls. I bite my lip again and thank my lucky stars that Onora wasn’t here last night to witness the full mess first-hand. “Do I need to call George about the sunglasses, or will she be bringing them to tea this afternoon?”

She means King George, Jessamine’s father. Onora was my mother’s best friend, she is close with Jessamine’s parents because my mother was. She hardly ever refers to any of the neighboring Royals by their titles because they’re her friends. After my parents died, Onora stepped in to take care of me, and Keera too, but mostly me. When I no longer needed a governess, she became my assistant.

“I let her borrow those sunglasses,” I say, trying as hard as I can to keep my voice neutral.

“Did you now? And I suppose you let her borrow lip gloss into the Wexford hat box, too?” Onora narrows her eyes at me.

“Yes, she said storing lip gloss in hat boxes makes it last longer.” I say, carefully keeping my face blank and returning my attention to the reports.

“My child, that may work on other nobles, but I know you don’t think you can lie to me like that.”

“Ugh, Jessamine!” I groan and drop my face into my hands.

Onora shakes her head, “I certainly have enough to do this week without babysitting that girl.”

Before I can agree or offer to help, there’s a knock at the door. It isn’t Collin’s knock, and Onora raises her eyebrows at me.

“Not it,” I shrug.

Onora huffs a breath out her nose. “Then you’d better put your Queen face on,” she says. I straighten up and smooth my hair back as she answers the door.

“Oh! Lady Onora!” It's Ayleen. I almost drop my face into my hands again. “Would you please tell the Princess I need to speak with her urgently.” Of course she does. I let out a single laugh.

“Duchess Ayleen,” Onora says, “I believe Her Majesty is busy just at the moment. Quite busy all day in fact, preparing for her Coronation. Shall I tell her you called?”

“Onorrraaa,” Ayleen draws out the name, “She can’t be THAT busy. I have important news that really won’t keep.”

If I thought it would hit its mark, I’d throw a pen at Ayleen. And with far more force than I throw them at Collin. She is on my last nerve lately.

Onora snorts, “To clarify, you have important news that you believe the Queen and the Heads are unaware of?”

“Oh Onora, you are too serious. It’s just a bit of girl gossip! Tell Aislinn I’ll wait in the Morning Room for her.”

That’s all I can take. I smack my palms onto my desk as I stand, and storm over to the door. Just before I yank the door open more, I catch Onora’s smirk out of the corner of my eye.

“Duchess Ayleen,” I say coldly. Onora bobs a curtsy and steps back. “I will thank you to remember your manners, and my title.” I level her with a glare so icy, Merial would have been proud. The Duchess takes a step back.

“Beg pardon, Your Majesty,” Ayleen says, curtsying. She is pale when she looks up. I look at her expectantly.

“Well?” I prompt when she says nothing.

“I just thought we’d have coffee and chat, like we usually do on Mondays,” Ayleen says weakly.

“I’m afraid I don’t have time this week, Duchess, it is Coronation Week. And I do still have a country to run,” I say.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” Ayleen murmurs. She looks so disappointed that I do feel a little badly. I roll my eyes.

“Perhaps you can join me for coffee in my sitting room instead?” I say, “I think I can spare a few minutes if it’s just the two of us.”

Ayleen bites her lip. This is a hard decision for Ayleen, she likes to be seen with me more than anything else, but she can’t pretend she wants to spend time with me as friends if she admits that. Ayleen isn’t all bad, and it is good to have someone who will tell me what’s going on with the nobles. It’s just that lately she’s been aggressive about pushing her way into my life.

“That sounds lovely, Majesty,” she says, “But only if you’re sure you have the time.”

I almost close the door in her face. Onora, who has busied herself rearranging a nearby vase of flowers makes a sound that either is a cough or is the word “temper”. I glance in her direction, and she’s looking at me meaningfully. I take a deep breath and put on a bright smile.

“I am happy to take the time for you, Ayleen. Do come in,” I say, taking a step back and motioning towards my sitting room.

Onora is already calling for coffee. I suck a breath in through my teeth as the Duchess settles into MY favorite chair. Everything is a microaggression with her.

“Have them bring the strawberry tarts,” I hiss.

“Isn’t Ayleen allergic to strawberries?” she asks, lifting a brow at me.

“Is she?” I ask, all innocence, and grin.

I join Ayleen in the sitting room and sit across from her. “So tell me this news,” I say conspiratorially.

“Well,” she says, eyes lighting up, “Prince James arrived this morning, as you know.” She glances over at Onora and lowers her voice, “but he hasn’t brought his usual staff with him. Instead he’s brought identical twins to attend him.”

“Odd,” I say, brow furrowing.

“Identical twin GIRLS,” Ayleen says.

I genuinely gasp, “What!”

Ayleen nods, looking important. I’m about to ask for more details, because this is legit a scandal in the making, when Collin knocks on the door.

“Captain Neale,” Onora greets him. His eyes scan the room immediately, landing on Ayleen.

“Sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty,” he says. “Lady Catherine has arrived with your Coronation gowns.”

“Oh, perfect!” I say and stand, smoothing my skirt. Ayleen stands, too.

Catherine shoves past Collin into the room, giving him a dirty look. “One day, you’re going to stop calling me that, Collin Neale!” she says venomously.

“Not likely, sis,” he gives a little chuckle. “I will leave you to it, then. Majesty.” he adds with a bow before leaving. As he steps out of the way, Catherine’s assistant, Mika, wheels in a rack with three gowns, each concealed in a solid green garment bag emblazoned with the Royal crest.

“Cat!” I exclaim, “It’s always good to see you! I didn’t expect you until tomorrow!” I glance at Onora for confirmation that my dress appointment is for tomorrow, she nods.

“You know I’m always excited to dress my favorite Queen!” Cat says pulling me in for a quick hug. “Are you ready to see the gowns?”

“Um, YES,” I say.

“Let’s get started then, try on whichever gown speaks to you first,” she says with a flourish of her hand.

“Alright, let’s see your magic,” I say, wiggling my fingers back.

Normally Onora would help me dress, but she catches my eye and tips her head slightly toward Ayleen. I nod. She doesn’t trust Ayleen and wants to be where she can hear anything the Duchess might say.

I follow Mika into my closet, she waits for the door to fully close behind me before unzipping the bags. The first gown spills out in waves of midnight blue satin.

“Ooh,” I say as Mika removes it from the bag fully and hangs it on my dress stand. The neckline glitters with a thousand tiny beads like stars against the night sky. “This is amazing!”

Mika grins, “But wait, there’s more.” She unzips the second bag and shakes out another dress, this one a bright sky blue with a full skirt. It’s strapless, and pretty low cut for a Coronation gown. I must look surprised because Mikka laughs and says simply, “Trust Cat.”

She unzips the last bag, but stops before I can see the dress.

“This last one,” she pauses, choosing her words, “is more of a retro feel.”

I realize she must be waiting for a response, so I motion toward the hidden dress and say “Trust Cat, right?”

Mika nods once, “Indeed.”

She blocks my view of the dress with her body as she carefully removes it from the bag and rehangs it. Then she steps back and watches my face. I gape at the dress. It’s a soft champagne gold, with emerald green piping. An emerald green sash ties around the waist and trails down the back, with the Royal crest in gold at the ends.

“Is that -” I say breathlessly. Mika smiles, waiting for me to finish the question. “My mother’s Coronation gown?” It’s not really a question, I’d know this dress anywhere.

“It is,” Mika says. “But we’ve made a few changes to it.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, feeling a little panicked. Can you make changes to your mother’s gown? What’s the traditional protocol on that?

Mika smiles gently, “Well, the sash is actually from Merial’s Coronation gown.”

“Oh,” I say softly, running one finger along the sash.

“And we replaced the lace at the neckline with the lace from Keera’s veil,” Mika says.

“It’s perfect,” I say, tears stinging my eyes. I press the backs of my hands against my eyelids. “I just need a moment.”

“Of course,” Mika says with a curtsy, and steps back.

I breathe deeply. I want to wear this dress, but at the same time I’m not sure I CAN wear this dress without being a wreck the whole time. Get it together, Aislinn, I think.

“Maybe let’s start with one of the blue dresses,” I say hoarsely.

“Absolutely,” Mika says readily. “Which are you feeling? The dark or the light?”

“They’re both beautiful,” I say and consider the neckline of the light blue dress again. “I’ll try the dark blue first.”

“Your wish is my command,” Mika makes the same hand flourish Cat did earlier.

I laugh, “Is that like your secret handshake?”

“We actually started doing it when we were up late working on the gowns,” Mika giggles, helping me into the gown. “Now it’s a whole thing,” she says, starting on the buttons.

I wait patiently, holding my hair over my shoulder, until she’s closed the last button.

“I don’t know why you guys don’t just put a hidden zipper in, instead of all these buttons,” I say.

“Yes, you do,” Mika chides.

“Yeah, yeah, tradition, The Royal Flex, all that. But seriously.”

Mika’s jaw drops open. “Did you just say ‘The Royal Flex’?”

“I know what the Commoners say, I’m a Cool Royal,” I say, putting my hands on my hips.

“Oh sure,” Mika says generously, “You can prove it by never saying ‘The Royal Flex’ or “Cool Royal’ ever again.”

“Fair enough,” I laugh. “Let’s see what they think of this dress.”

“After you, Your Majesty,” Mika says.

Just then, Onora slips in through the secret passage, practically scaring me to death. She presses her finger to her lips to indicate we should be quiet, cups her hand by her ear, then points toward the door to the bedroom. Mika still looks startled and is looking around for where Onora could have possibly come from. I walk over to the door and try to breathe as quietly as possible. Funny how loud your own breathing can seem sometimes.

“You’ve known Aislinn all her life, right?” Ayleen’s voice floats through the door. There she goes again, addressing me so informally, it makes my blood boil.

“Queen Aislinn?” Cat emphasizes. “Of course. I grew up in the Palace as well, Princess Keera was my best friend.” Cat’s voice sounds rough on the last part.

“Ah, that’s right. So sorry for your loss,” Ayleen says.

“Why do you ask?” Cat says suspiciously.

“I simply wondered if I might change Her Majesty’s mind about the new Queen of Tocht,” Ayleen says.

Cat laughs, then it’s quiet for a moment. “Oh, you’re serious!” she says. “Have you ever known the Queen to change her mind?”

“Hmm, I suppose you’re right. She is very decisive,” Ayleen sounds like she’s considering something.

“Why? Do you have something against the new Queen?” Cat asks.

“No, not specifically. Just know I have my reasons, and I’m not going to discuss them with you.” Ayleen answers.

“Ohh-kay, Duchess. Good talk,” Cat says and I swear I can hear her eyes roll.

Silence stretches out between them, and I glance at Onora. She motions for me to go out. I waltz out into my suite, but stop short when I find Ayleen and Cat staring angrily at each other, both women with their arms crossed.

“Oh! Is...Everything alright in here?” I ask hesitantly.

“Of course!” Cat says, “You look stunning!”

“Gorgeous, Majesty!” Ayleen chimes in. Lucky for her she remembers to use my title this time.

“Thank you, both,” I say, turning in a circle to show the back. “I am a little concerned about the color.”

“Yes,” Ayleen says and turns to Cat, “Blue for a Coronation is highly irregular.”

“Naturally, I know gold is customary,” Cat says, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “This blue is bold and hopeful, much like our current Smaragaid. If ever there’s a time to break from tradition, it is now.”

“That’s a great point, Cat,” I say. “Let me try on the other blue dress for you, in the spirit of new beginnings.”

“I knew you would like that sky blue dress. Even if it is less conservative than you asked for,” Cat says with a wink.

“You two behave while I’m changing!” I say sternly.

“Aww, Ash, it was only girl talk. No hard feelings. Right Duchess?” Cat says with a smile that she and I both know is fake. Ayleen, however, has no idea.

“Of course not, Lady Catherine,” Ayleen says. So maybe she does have an idea, I think.

“Ohhh, yes. The pair of you are definitely believable,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I expect to see happy faces for this next dress because it’s beautiful!” I march back into my closet, close the door, and wait.

Mika is sitting on my vanity stool,drinking coffee and nibbling a strawberry tart. “You’re not a bad actress,” she whispers to me.

“YEARS of practice,” I say back.

She points at the tray of coffee and tarts, and says, “Onora.”

I nod and point to the gown I’m wearing. She sets the tart down, wipes her hands thoroughly with a napkin and helps me take the dress off. Then she hands me a plate with a tart. I smile at her, and we both listen intently while eating tarts, like we’re hooked on a new drama.

“If you tell her anything I’ve said,” Ayleen is saying furiously.

“You’ll what, Ayleen? What were you going to finish that threat with?” Cat taunts.

Ayleen growls, yes, growls! And then there’s a loud slapping sound and Cat gasps. I drop my tart, which thankfully lands on my plate, and Mika’s eyes go wide.

“You. Did. NOT.” Cat says, her voice dangerously quiet.

“Oh s**t,” Mika and I say at the same time.

**************************************************************************************************

Now - Kenzie

“Her Majesty, Queen Kenzie of Smaragaid!” the Herald announces to the small gathering.

Everyone turns and claps politely while I stand as tall as possible with a soft, practiced smile on my lips. Being announced probably seems like a great honor, but let me tell you, it is awkward. Like the birthday song, everyone’s just staring at you, you’re just staring at them, you don’t even have anything specific to do, you’re just waiting it out. As the clapping quiets down, Kaylee hands me a glass of champagne.

“Thank you for joining me on short notice for dinner tonight,” I say nodding at each of the groups, “I hope you all enjoy our delicious Smaragaidian cuisine. Let’s get to know each other a little better.”

I raise my glass and Kaylee raises hers in unison. The princes each quickly raise their own glasses as if not wanting to be the last to do so. With all the glasses in the air, I take the first sip, and everyone follows suit. Kaylee steps forward to usher me to the table, whispering quickly in my ear reminders of which prince is which as we walk. I don’t need the reminder, but it’s comforting all the same.

“And Kenzie, I swear to the stars, if you pass on Prince Jack and don’t tell me first, I’ll personally stab you. All due respect, naturally.” Kaylee says in a rush, arching a brow in the direction of Prince Jack of Albion.

I smile into my glass at her pronouncement and take a sip. Kaylee has a definite type, and her type is Prince Jack. All big shoulders and long legs, sandy hair and dark eyes, somehow always has a five o’clock shadow, known troublemaker.

“Naturally,” I agree readily. “It is the only prudent course of action.”

Kaylee flashes me a grin. As a Duchess, Kaylee would not normally be a marriage consideration for a Prince, but Jack is a 4th son, and Kaylee’s family is extremely wealthy. Also in Kaylee’s favor, she is incredibly intelligent, and her personality is magnetic. You just want to be around Kaylee.

The princes make their way to their seats at the table, and are waiting for the cue to sit. Prince Jack is the last to take his place, conveniently right next to Kaylee.

“Please, let us sit and enjoy this beautiful evening!” I say to the group and gesture towards the chairs. Under the noise of everyone sitting I say to Kaylee “These seating arrangements can’t have been an accident.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” she says with an air of innocence.

“I’m sure you don’t,” I murmur to Kaylee with a smirk.

Kaylee doesn’t hear me, though, she’s already talking with Prince Jack and Prince Alexandre. I turn my attention to the prince seated to my left, and am pleasantly surprised to find Prince Luca of Vitulus.

“Your Majesty, always a pleasure,” he says affectionately.

“Luca!” I try to contain my excitement. Luca is one of the best Royals out there. If I have to marry one, I can't do much better than Luca, I think. I’ve known Luca for the last ten years, he is kind, genuine, and compassionate. The fact that he’s a second son yet serves on the Universal Council as an ambassador speaks to not only how well-liked he is, but also how effective he is as a diplomat.

“I’m happy to find myself seated beside you, too,” he laughs.

“Well, this dinner just got a million times better,” I say. “When did you get in? Did you get the good rooms?”

“We got in this morning. Lady Keeva always takes care of us,” he assures me.

“Glad to hear it. Will you be joining us for the welcome ball on Saturday?” I ask.

“Is that the one Councilor Linda is putting on?”

“Oh, you know full well it is,” I say.

Luca laughs, “Just say the word and I’ll make sure no one attends, if that’s your wish Kenzie.”

My cheeks warm a little at the sincerity of his tone. “Thank you, Luca, I’ll let you know.”

“Your Majesty! A toast!” calls Prince Alexandre. He raises his glass and is about to continue when I notice movement near the entryway and a shrill voice breaks in.

“WHAT is all THIS?” Linda practically shrieks.

Declan is across the courtyard and talking to her quietly in record time. Kaylee is turning red from trying to keep her laughter in.

“Oh no, the Duchess is choking!” Alexandre says, voice full of alarm. “Jack, help her!”

Kaylee is shaking her head no, but Jack is up and ready to assist her. The gleam in his eyes makes it clear that he is fully aware she is not choking.

“Councilor Linda!” Luca jumps in, “Run and get the doctor!”

“Don’t be silly, Declan can just radio for the doctor,” Linda objects.

“GO!” Jack, Alexandre, and Luca all shout as one. By now Kaylee is playing along as well, though she might truly die of lack of oxygen after all if she doesn’t stop laughing so hard. Linda’s eyes narrow, but she hurries off. As soon as she’s out of earshot, the prince seated directly across the table from me starts clapping.

“Bravo,” Prince Santiago says to Kaylee and Jack. The entire table laughs at that.

“I’m sorry,” Alexandre apologizes, “I did at first think you were choking.”

Kaylee’s eyes sparkle, “I’m not sorry, I’ve been waiting all day to see Linda’s face when she found out about this dinner. And this little charade just made it infinitely better.”

“What will you do when she comes back with the doctor?” Santiago asks.

“What if we all leave before that?” Jack suggests.

“What if we all carry on with dinner like nothing happened?” Luca chimes in.

“Now that will be hilarious, it’s decided.” Santiago says and picks up his fork. Everyone follows suit.

I pause in the motion of picking up my fork and study Santiago. He’s eating and chatting with the princes on either side of him, he doesn’t notice me watching him. He just took charge of this party, deciding an outcome and giving the cue to eat. As if he were King. I don’t like it.

“Careful, Princess, or Santiago will need the doctor when Linda gets back,” Declan’s voice is low in my ear. His gaze pointedly fixed on the fork now in my hand, held like a weapon. I quickly shift it to my plate.

“Thank you, Declan,” I say evenly. “Please keep me updated on that situation.” Declan nods and steps back again.

“Everything alright?” Luca asks, glancing between me, Declan, and Santiago.

“Splendid,” I say brightly.

“Liar,” Luca laughs into his napkin.

“Oh, the biggest,” says Kaylee, leaning around me.

“Alright, you bullies. After this little party breaks up, let’s meet in my rooms.” I say.

“Is it a private party or are we invited, too?” Jack asks, pointing to himself and Alexandre.

“Alright, alright,” I roll my eyes. “But let’s try to keep this party small,” I add with a meaningful glance across the table at Santiago.

“Oh, you want Santiago to come, too?” Alexandre says mischievously.

“Alexandre Francis Laurent Blanchet the Third, I swear to the stars,” I hiss.

“Santiago!” he calls.

“I will lay a curse upon your House,” I say in a quiet warning to Alexandre. Kaylee barely contains her amusement and Jack leans back in his chair, sipping whiskey as though this is the best movie he’s seen in a while.

Santiago looks up from his conversation, “Alexandre?”

“The Queen was wondering if you were available,” Alexandre begins.

“I will burn your Yule gift,” I add.

“To attend the Welcome Ball on Saturday?” he finishes. Jack gives a low chuckle.

“Of course,” Santiago answers easily, then shifts his gaze to me. “But I am wondering why the Queen didn’t ask me herself.”

“May you die a thousand deaths,” I glance at Alexandre as I whisper without moving my lips from a smile before turning back to Santiago. “It was just a general question, how many of you plan to attend the ball on Saturday?” I sweep my gaze to include the entire table. Those closest to Santiago nod immediately, with more hesitation from those sitting nearest Luca and Alexandre.

“Excellent,” I say and smooth my hand over my hair. Declan doesn’t miss the cue. As everyone returns to eating, he walks briskly to my side.

“Your Majesty, pardon the interruption, the security matter now requires your attention,” he says.

“Certainly,” I say. “Gentlemen, you’ll excuse me, I’m afraid I must cut our evening short. Please enjoy the rest of your dinners.”

I stand and wait for the princes to do the same. Everyone stands except for Santiago, the sheer disrespect of the move shocks me a bit. All eyes are on Santiago now. He rises slowly from his chair, a lazy grin on his face.

“Yes, certainly we’ll excuse you, Princess,” he says as if I’m a child. Every member of the group stiffens. No one speaks or moves. I blink slowly, trying to keep my response as professional as possible.

“Santi,” Luca cuts in genially, “Surely you haven’t had so much wine that you’ve forgotten your manners.” A few nervous laughs.

“Bad form, mate, even I know that,” Jack says, setting his glass on the table with an audible thunk.

Santiago’s expression doesn’t change, he just continues to stare at me. At that moment, Linda and Dr. Byrne rush into the Courtyard.

“Good thing the Duchess recovered, or she’d be quite dead,” Alexandre says.

I should correct Santiago for addressing me as though I don’t outrank him, but I use this distraction instead to follow Declan out of the courtyard.

“The audacity,” I seethe as I storm down the corridor.

I turn abruptly down the hall on the left and fling open the doors to the Council Room. Declan follows me without question and closes the doors behind us. I scream into the empty room. Declan waits silently, with his back against the doors while I take several deep breaths.

“Kenz?” he asks after a minute.

“I’m fine,” I say.

“Kenz.”

“I’m just so angry! That little s**t, Santiago! How dare he?” I yell.

“What do you need?” Declan asks softly, patting my shoulder.

I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly. “Kaylee, Luca, Jack, Alexandre. Two bottles of the Coronation red, chef’s chocolate cake, and the strawberry tarts.”

“Done,” Declan says.

“And Dec?”

He pauses while opening the door, “Yeah?”

“Better bring some water for yourself, since you’re technically still on the clock.” I grin at him.

“Actually,” he checks his watch, “I’m just Declan as of five minutes ago.”

“Even better,” I say.