Dating A Prince: A Royalish Series, page 26
“Much better from what I hear. Mom hasn’t really let me speak to him. She’s still crabby with me. I don’t mind. She was wrong, and she knows it. Now admitting to it?”
“Yeah, that’ll never happen,” Freya blurted. “Whoops, sorry. I really don’t mean to drag you into this.”
“Stop it.” He paused. “Look, I know it sucks. But that’s on them. Anyway, I got to go. Let me know when you want to connect. I can move things around if need be, but weekends are best.”
“Sounds good. And Tristan. Thank you. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Nice shower and fresh clothes were all that was needed to give Freya a new perspective.
She sauntered out of the suite and down the elevator. Upon exiting, she caught the sounds of a piano, only to find Magnus playing a grand piano in the sitting room.
She sat down to listen.
The piano had always been one of those things she never had time to learn with the demands of dance. But she told herself that she’d learn someday.
When Magnus finished, he rested his head on praying hands. It was a sight Freya wasn’t expecting to witness.
It wasn’t that he looked upset in the mad sense, but he did seem troubled.
Unsure of how to proceed, she sat there as the minutes passed by, waiting for Magnus to notice her.
He finally did, a bit startled to find her sitting there.
Magnus immediately rushed to her side. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me, but all is well now.” She reached out to caress his cheek.
“Are you sure?”
“I am. I also spoke to my brother Tristan, so that helped.” She put her hand back in her lap. “I suppose I was just a bit overwhelmed. Then I started feeling alone for no reason. Thankfully, Tristan is on this side of the Atlantic, and I’ll probably take a day or two in the next week and a half to see him.”
“Why don’t you invite him to the palace?”
“Magnus, I don’t know about that. It just seems too soon.”
“Freya, please. I’d love to finally meet someone from your family. We have the ball this coming weekend. I think it is the perfect excuse to have him over without causing too much press. What do you say?” He sat next to her.
Freya recalled Tristan said the weekend was better. He also was willing to travel to the island. And Magnus was right; it would make it less of a thing if he joined them for the ball.
“I’ll ask him. See what he says.”
“Good. So, how about we enjoy some fun in the water? Two pools and a hot tub on this floating vessel. You up for it?”
“What an excellent idea. I’ll go change, even though I just changed.” She laughed. “And Magnus?” He looked deep into her eyes. “Thank you.”
Leaning in, he kissed her. “Thank you, Miss Sinclair,” he whispered smoothly.
Keep breathing, Freya, keep breathing, she reminded herself. She was in love.
Prince Magnus of Martierra is rumored to have met with a European dignitary. An anonymous source confirms the meeting was to discuss the upcoming European summit, and the Prince’s attempts to sway the dignitary were fruitless. In fact, the source conveys the dignitary’s disappointment in the King having sent his unproven son in his place, a rookie trying to help solve a serious issue. And with all the Royal Family’s personal problems, many of the important members of the European Union wonder just how ready this young, unproven Prince really is? The King is yet young by many standards; surely there is plenty of time to train his protégé.
“And here the King had said the news seemed to be positive,” Magnus expressed to Bernard, while finally giving in and looking online.
“The few outlets reporting on this seem to be positive, but there are two, this being one, that is taking a different approach. I don’t see any reason to react. This truly is nonconsequential if you ask me. Gossip at best. Hardly news.”
“Bernard, you are a good man, an even better secretary. However, you sometimes underestimate a politician or dignitary who is on the hunt toward more than just news. I feel this is going to be a thorn in my rear. Just do me a favor and get our people on it. Follow all the traces. Figure out who is behind this. And let me know.”
“I believe His Majesty has the same idea, as he has the palace’s web crawlers already investigating the likely sources. I’ll ensure I’m included in the communicados from the team.”
“Great! Also, please make accommodations for Freya’s brother, Tristan. He’ll be joining us for the ball. Reach out to him so he can be outfitted. And make sure he is on the Royal guest list. I’ve already notified His and Her Majesties. The Queen is having his stay coordinated. Anything that may come up regarding transportation and accommodations, please run through her office.”
“Will that be all, Your Royal Highness?”
“For now, yes. Thank you, Bernard.”
Magnus was glad Freya’s brother, Tristan, had agreed to join them for the ball. Considering how nervous Freya was, this was probably the best possible scenario to help her feel more at ease. Even Their Majesties agreed.
She was on a video conference that was taking a lot longer than he’d expected.
Maybe I should have lunch brought to her? he wondered. Yes, I think I will.
He made his way through the main deck, down the elevator, and to the kitchen. Once he put the request for the chef, he sought out for Dorinda so she could take the meal to Freya. He’d promised Freya he wouldn’t disturb her, so back to the main deck he went. Being on the same floor with her was too tempting; he’d already attempted that a bit earlier.
Magnus was sitting back, reading, something he rarely had the pleasure of doing when Freya finally surfaced.
“Hello there! I wanted to go in and save you, but…” he stopped. Something was wrong. Freya didn’t look too pleased. “Let’s go for a walk around the yacht so you can get some fresh air and clear your mind.”
She smiled, not saying a word, following in his lead.
He reached out and took her hand in his, trying to be warm and comforting.
After a few minutes had passed, he decided to discuss the book he was reading. “I grabbed a copy of that book you were recently reading, Origin. I’m actually enjoying it.” He smiled.
Freya looked at him. “Really? So, what do you think?”
“Like I said, I’m enjoying it. The conspiracy side of it is a little farfetched, but it is a work of fiction after all.”
“You think it's farfetched? Hmm,” she said.
“Of course, it is. It’s like if Elon Musk would’ve been murdered on a grand stage. That just doesn’t happen anymore. I don’t believe we as humans are as barbaric anymore.”
“Well, that’s your opinion. I disagree. I believe rich and powerful people would be capable of doing just that if they were certain not to be found out. Sure, we’ve evolved,” she made quotation marks, “but power and greed are true monsters, and people still are killing over these things, sometimes for the smallest amounts.”
He didn’t immediately reply. She had a slight point, but it was difficult to engage the actual argument without being hypocritical; even he recognized this. After all, wasn’t he a Crown Prince?
Treading on dangerous waters, he told himself.
“How was your meeting?” he said, abruptly changing the topic.
She stopped and looked at him. There was frustration written all over her face, but he wasn’t sure what it was targeted at exactly.
“I’m sorry. How about we just keep walking and enjoy the fresh air?” He suggested.
“Actually, I need to go make a phone call. Thank you for having lunch brought up to me. That was very thoughtful. I’ll see you later, okay?” She released his hand, not even bothering to wait for a reply.
Magnus didn’t bother to pursue her. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but he knew there was something else going on and decided to give her space.
The old Magnus didn’t have the patience to be in a relationship, which was why he barely ever dated. This new Magnus with Freya? Well, he was a completely different person.
Freya wasn’t bothered by the difference in opinions she had with Magnus. But it was what her anger latched onto like a bloodthirsty leech.
While she was on her video conference, she’d received word that her sister had delivered her baby. Freya didn’t even realize she was that far along. For heaven’s sake, she’d only found out she was pregnant not so long ago. The worst part was that no one in her family had bothered telling her.
When she was on the conference, she decided to clean up her text messages and voicemails. Thank goodness for visual voicemail, she thought.
Well, in those messages were several from old friends who were desperately trying to rekindle friendships now that they believed her to be something more important than her former self. They’d congratulated her for being an auntie for the first time.
Perhaps she should’ve been happy, but it was the opposite. Her family had cast her out.
She’d messaged Tristan who apparently knew, but for whatever reason hadn’t felt inclined to share with her.
Maddening! The lot of them are bloody maddening, she thought as she threw herself onto the bed.
She then did something completely unexpected from her. She reached for her phone and sent a text to Justine.
Order the best baby basket money can buy and send it to my sister’s address. You’ll find it in my Rolodex on my desk. Have the card signed, Welcome to the world, my little niece. I already love you so much. Auntie Freya.
It was true, as upset as she was, she was also extremely excited to be an aunt.
Chapter 24
Magnus wanted desperately to hold Freya in his arms, to take whatever was bothering her away. It wasn’t an option. Instead, he was reading again. He’d probably read the same chapter over and over for the past hour. His heart and mind simply weren’t into the story anymore. It was close to dinner, and Dorinda had announced Freya was sleeping. She didn’t want to wake her and was wondering what she should do.
“Let her sleep. How she wants to take her dinner is fine by me. I’m going up to the Royal Suite. Please, under absolutely no circumstances allow anyone to bother me. All I ask is to send a tray up.”
“Yes, Your Royal Highness.” Dorinda curtsied and disappeared.
Magnus followed, making his way to the elevator, bypassing the floor he shared with Freya. He punched in the access code to let him up to the Royal Suite. There was a service elevator the staff used. Each time the access code was punched in on either elevator, it sent an alert, and a camera would go on. Security could access this if there were cause for concern, but there wasn’t a need for they knew it was him.
He grabbed a blanket and went out to the atrium of the private suite and laid down on the uniquely designed chaises that were intended for lounging and napping.
As he lay there, contemplating life and the many changes that had transpired over the past weeks, he couldn’t help but wonder where he’d be that exact same time next year. Would Freya continue at his side? He didn’t know.
Chapter 25
Clearly, something is desperately wrong with me. Freya wrestled with the events of the day before as she sat next to her window staring out to sea. This is exactly why I don’t do relationships, she kept telling herself as she fought with the insecurities.
“Miss Sinclair?” Dorinda gently interrupted her thoughts, “shall I have a tray brought up to you?”
Freya gave Dorinda her full attention. She needed to fight off the feelings that were so negative and self-damaging. I’m like a broken record, constantly trying to talk myself off the ledge, she thought.
“Dorinda, does the family usually have their breakfast in their rooms? I noticed this at the palace, and I’m starting to wonder if this is a thing?”
“As long I’ve been a member of this crew, yes, unless requested otherwise.”
“Hmm. Well, I want to have breakfast out on the deck. Can I?”
“Yes, Miss, you can. I’ll have it all set up for you. Would you like something different from the usual?”
“Oh, I’d love an Italian omelet. With a side of toast and marmalade. Do you think that would be too much trouble?”
“Not at all, Miss Sinclair. Our kitchen is fully stocked with the absolute best local marmalade. It’s a favorite of His Majesty the King. He patronizes a local maker in Spain. How about a drink?”
“Is it possible to have grapefruit juice? And I’d love a cappuccino after.”
“Very well, Miss. I’ll be on my way to get this to the chef. I’ll be back up when your food is ready. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. As you know, there are phones to the service area throughout the yacht.”
Freya nodded and smiled; once Dorinda was gone, she hopped to her feet to find shoes and head out onto the deck.
As she reached the foyer, she stalled, trying to hear Magnus, to no avail, so she proceeded to the elevator and out to the deck.
The sun was glorious and warm, but she still needed a light sweater. She walked around, taking notice of the security that was trying to make themselves inconspicuous. She smiled to herself. They were well trained, but she was all too aware of them. Probably because she hadn’t grown up in this lifestyle, she thought.
She had her phone with her so she could read an eBook. Her ringer was off, and so were the notifications. So she hadn’t known that Justine had sent her a message.
You are too good of a person. You know that? I had the basket sent to your sister’s, but delivery was refused upon knowing who it was sent from. I’m sorry. I really wish your sister wasn’t so darn petty, but she is. Just take a deep breath and remember, her issues are not your own. I really do hope your family can get over themselves and love and accept you for the wonderful person you are. Until then, be happy. Okay? Marissa and I are cheering you on.
A lump immediately formed in Freya’s throat. It was one thing to give her the silent treatment and pretend like she didn’t exist. But to outright refuse a gift for the baby?
That hurt.
She went and found a phone. “Would you please send up a pitcher of mimosas for me instead of the grapefruit juice and cappuccino?” She listened to the person on the other end who said it wasn’t a problem. “Thank you.”
Chapter 26
Great breakfast and even better mimosas. Freya stood with a fresh one in her hand at the bow of the yacht, with Jean-Paul at her side.
“So, this is what Rose felt like in Titanic? It's very liberating,” she said with a giggle.
“Why don’t I hold your glass?” Jean-Paul suggested calmly.
“Loosen up a little, Jean Paul. Look what a little liquid courage has done for me. I’m feeling good right about now. Like I can climb up on this here rail,” she started climbing, “and conquer the world. Whoops!” She tried to gain her balance with one hand on the rail.
“Miss Sinclair allow me to give you a hand.”
“If you insist on ruining my moment one more time, I’ll be sad.”
Just then, Gerard approached. “Miss Sinclair is everything all right?”
Freya turned to Gerard who acted as the fatherly figure of the security detail. Of course, he was the head of the Prince’s detail, but still, she liked him for always keeping them safe. In fact, she loved every one of them.
“Just enjoying this magnificent experience. You should try this sometime.”
She noticed Jean Paul lean cautiously in her direction.
Sigh, she thought, I suppose they want me down from here.
Freya went to get down, but her foot slipped causing her to fall forward. She released the glass, and it went straight into the water at the front of the vessel.
“Oh my gosh!” she shrieked as Jean-Paul and Gerard immediately secured her to safety.
Whatever level of alcohol-induced stupor had taken over her was officially gone as she clung tightly to Gerard, bawling.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to be so reckless. It’s just…” she sobbed, and Jean-Paul handed her a handkerchief, “my sister had her baby, and no one in my family could be bothered to tell me. Worse. I had Justine send the baby a gift, and she refused it upon discovering it had come from me.”
Her crying had become uncontrollable, but she was deeply hurt. This was her family. How else was she supposed to handle it all?
Freya woke to find Magnus sitting next to her in the bed. She jumped to her feet and rushed to the en-suite; her breath was atrocious, and she had no desire to talk to him in that state. She took a good look at her reflection in the mirror. There was a little puffiness around the eyes, probably from all the crying, but otherwise, not bad for having just woken up.
Oh man, how long was I asleep? she wondered as she looked out the small window trying to gauge what time of the day it was.
She went back out, and Magnus was now on his feet pacing. He looked concerned. Surely it couldn’t have been about her. Then she remembered her little shenanigans at the front of the yacht and almost falling to her death.
Her hand immediately went to her face in embarrassment.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t set out to make a fool of myself, but I did.”
He approached her. No, don’t do that. Don’t act like you care, not after being such an embarrassment, she thought to herself.
“Freya, you don’t need to apologize. It is I who is sorry. Jean Paul and Gerard explained everything to me. I wish I could fix the issues with your family. But I can’t. And I wish you wouldn’t hurt the way you do. But I understand. That’s your kin.”
He gently caressed her cheek, staring into her deep dark eyes. She could see the wonder there, hoping for more, but she wasn’t ready.
“I’ll be okay. I always am.” She weakly smiled. “Those mimosas though, they were so good, and well, I couldn’t stop.” It was a diversion. She knew he could see right through it, but she was learning that Magnus wasn’t going to push her into uncomfortable territory if she wasn’t ready. And for that she was thankful.
