Chapter 15
This is my Cinderella moment.
I am the lost daughter of Galleon.
It didn’t take them long to do blood work and to prove that I have the royal blood of the King, my ~ father~ .
I wonder if I would have saved myself a lot of pain if I had brought it up in the beginning. Maybe, and maybe not.
I am feeling a little numb now.
You must understand that I have never had a family before, being an orphan and all. So meeting the King was a lot to take in emotionally. I get that he is not my birth father, but this experience is very real to me.
He cried, tears of joy in his hazel eyes as they searched my face and kissed me. Saying I look just like my mother, that I have her beautiful soul and eyes. He made my heart clench.
I have never had someone look at me that way before, and it makes me yearn for more. Is this what it’s like to have a loving parent?
King Alistair Zorne Lowthe of Galleon is my father .
And Laura is my ~evil~ stepsister.
I smile. ~ How do you like them apples?~
Mort has informed me that Irena is furious, and I’m sure Laura is no different. I am on an equal playing field now. But Queen Irena does not know I’m aware of her affair, and it needs to stay that way.
Laura knows I know. That will give me a bit of leverage. Blackmail, if you will.
It feels so good to be on top for once. I glance around my beautiful room as I take in a large breath, and I can’t believe it. The room is stunning. A chamber fit for a princess, not a slave.
The large four-poster bed is rose-colored, with cream satin. Flowers are everywhere, making the room smell heavenly.
A large window with a deck is to my left and a vanity that might be made from pure silver is to my right. I was bathed in lavender scented water and had my hair combed by four servants.
I am receiving the royal treatment. I was able to bring Mort along with me as my personal maid—my ~father~ didn’t let me forget that I shall have anything I want.
“Ursula!”
I turn around at Mort’s musical voice and grin. “I guess I will get used to that name eventually.”
“I thought we were done for back there in the woods, but Apollo is proving that where you’re concerned, nothing matters.
“You should have seen the outrage on Irena’s face when they were doing the blood test,” she says, and glances around the beautiful room.
I sit on the edge of the bed, the rose silk glimmering in the sunlight. “I bet, which means she might try to get rid of me once and for all.”
Mort plops down beside me and sighs. “This is comfy.”
I lay back. “I know. Heaven.”
“No bumpy mattress.”
“Or bed bugs.”
Mort grunts. “Or freezing mornings trying to pee in that bucket that kept tipping over.”
We both lay in silence, thoughts running through our heads.
“Did Apollo cancel his engagement?”
Mort looks over at me. “The banners are still up, so I don’t think so.”
“That’s confusing.”
“I bet he takes them down—like, everyone knows he’s obsessed with you. Never has a crown prince sent out a royal search party for a mere servant. And you stabbed him and did not hang for it.”
She continues, “But you’re a princess now, so I don’t see a problem with him switching his choice. He would be just switching sisters.”
“So he is not obligated to stay true to his word?”
“You know,” Mort sits up, “I am not sure, actually.” She starts typing and blinking with a frown. “I should probably find out.”
I sit up too.
“Oh,” she says, scowling. “Pierce says nice job, by the way, but he is telling me that an engagement like this is very serious.
“To break it would mean dishonor to Laura and her family, even though you are of the ~same~ family.” She looks at me and expels a breath.
“Shit. That might complicate things yet again.”
One step forward and two steps back.
“Unless you can prove that Laura is not of royal blood,” Mort says. “Then that would be bound to break the engagement.”
I stand up and look out the balcony door, walking out into the warm sunlight. “ Well, that means we still need her DNA.”
Damnit.
“You might try and tell Apollo that you think Irena is having an affair,” Mort suggests.
“But how would I know that? I don’t know who with. I can’t just say because she looks like a whore.” I give Mort a pointed look.
Mort shrugs and stands beside me. “We can watch her and see who she is sweet on. I have been too focused on Laura.”
I nod. Tonight, they’re having a ball in my honor. The King of Galleon is overjoyed and wants to celebrate.
I don’t blame him, for it’s not every day your dead daughter comes back from the grave. A princess, no less.
I will admit that it’s going to be awkward seeing Apollo with Laura. And seeing Laura and Irena will be an icy reunion, but something I might enjoy.
I declined to see them earlier, saying I was too full of emotion and needed to take baby steps.
I can’t decline tonight.
Tonight, I have to be Princess Ursula of Galleon.
I spend the entire day visiting with the House of Galleon’s royal family, getting reacquainted with my lost family members. It’s pleasant; everyone stares at me like I am a ghost.
And really, how I got here is weirder than being a ghost. What they don’t know will not hurt them. I think.
“No yellow gown, please. I think that color is bad luck,” I say with a frown, picturing myself running through the forest with it.
Mort is typing as I stand, ready to spin like Cinderella.
“Pierce says he thinks you will love this dress. It’s fit for a princess. And he also adds that the yellow dress saved your ass. It made Apollo go bonkers, so he wants you to apologize,” Mort says, and looks up at me.
“He can hear me?”
“When I’m logged on, yes.”
I bit my lip. “Sorry, Pierce!” I think for a second. “Apollo did seem to love it.” Visions of us in that library light up my brain like a bonfire.
My cheeks heat—just the thought of Apollo gives me hot flashes. His golden skin and sinful lips…But his eyes are a drug, and once they have you in their possession, you’re done for.
“You,” she types more, “can spin now.”
I turn and gasp, still not used to the tingling sensation. My scalp feels hot, and my body hums. After the flash of white light, I’m still breathing hard. That was fast.
I glance down and suck in a breath.
Mort says, “That might make Apollo feel a little uncomfortable if you know what I mean.”
I give her a look then walk over to the full-body mirror. Oh, baby. Charming did me a solid yet again.
I am in a shimmering pearl-colored gown, the shade almost the same as my skin. If you saw me from a distance, you might think I was topless, save for the pearlized splendor.
It reminds me of a glistening opal.
It’s beyond stunning.
My breasts look remarkable in the snug-fitting corset and the long sleeves are transparent, shimmering fabric. I look like a goddess—or an angel, perhaps .
The gown flows out at the waist like a waterfall of airy sparkles. It almost has me entranced with its beauty. Every move I make, I glitter like a rare diamond.
In this dress I feel like flowers will bloom where I walk. It’s that enchanting.
My glossy hair is plaited and hanging down my back like a fairy princess.
“Pierce says your silence is all he needs.” Mort stands and smiles. “This should be interesting. All I’m missing is popcorn.”
***
I am about to be announced. Everyone will finally see the lost princess revealed and I’m all nerves—my palms are sweaty. I think I need to be featured in ~Eight Mile~ , like a remake.
I take a shaky breath when I see the King ~, my father~ , ready to escort me down the grand staircase. He comes to me and takes my hand, tears in his eyes.
“You look just like your mother,” he says in a gruff accent. The King is a handsome man, but a bit on the rough side.
He is decked out in his golden finery, and his gray hair is combed back perfectly to fit his ruby crown. His eyes are kind that crinkle on the sides when he smiles.
“Thank you, your highness.” I curtsey, trying not to fall over.
“Ursula, my darling, please call me father.” His large hands grip mine again, eyes round with emotion.
I swallow the lump in my throat.
Don’t cry.
Don’t.
“Of course ~, Father.”~ I smile up at him, and he laughs.
“Good girl!” He puts my arm in his and leads me to the entrance. “Now, let everyone see my lovely daughter who has come back to me!”
My heart jumps as I hear someone announcing my arrival to a crowded ballroom. My first thought is of Apollo. He would be on the hand of Laura, the happy couple.
I try to shove my jealousy down, and it tastes like acid in my mouth. She still has time to win him over, and he might not care that her mother cheated if he loves her.
I feel sick.
My father leans into my ear.
“Apollo’s cousin, Tarren Somon of Garthorn, will escort you to the ballroom. A fine fellow. Owns three large estates in the west region. Your mother and I spent our honeymoon at West Lyth Falls.”
His eyes glitter with pride, and we walk. I glance at him and smile. Matchmaking already? But I only have a month and a half! And there is this guy named Apollo that I have to get over…
We enter at the top of the stairs, and the once-buzzing ballroom quiets. You could hear a pin drop—and my rapid breathing.
“Do not be nervous,” he whispers, and pats my arm like a good father.
I nod and begin my descent with him, one marble step at a time. There are a lot more people here than I thought.
My gown sparkles even more in the dim ballroom, making me want to pinch myself quickly to make sure I’m not hallucinating. Everything is so romantic—like straight out of a children’s fairy tale.
It’s then I see the Garthorn royal family lined up at the bottom of the stairs to greet me in honor of their alliance. Everyone is looking up at me in awe, smiles on their faces, except for one.
My heart dips.
Apollo is absolutely striking, as always.
I glance at him for only a moment, but I take everything in like a starved animal.
He is in black and white, crisp and elegant. His black pants hug his thighs, and his black dress coat is stretched tautly over his muscular torso.
He has some sort of shiny armor on under that intensifies his superhero appeal. The stark white necktie contrasts with his bronzed skin, and his cupid hair is tied back.
My knees almost buckle, and I can feel my father grip me a little tighter to steady me.
I have tunnel vision.
Other than Apollo, I can’t tell who is there, my brain giving me only vague descriptions. But what I do know is that everyone is looking at me ~except~ for him, for he stares straight ahead.
I am halfway down the stairs, and I can tell that his jaw is rigid, like he is clenching it and grinding his teeth.
His gaze hits me hard, and I feel immediately self-conscious— ~naked~ .
I look away for a second to regain my composure, but I can still feel my skin tingling. I glance back, and he is almost frowning, but not quite. Just very intense as his dark gaze travels up my body to my face.
A thrill shoots down my back and explodes in my stomach when I see his mouth drop slightly. The look would send a nun into fits of hot flashes.
A man suddenly gains my attention when he steps forward and bows in front of me. I am breathing hard as I realize this must be his cousin Tarren.
He is handsome, with dark hair and eyes, but irritation rises in me when I start comparing him to Apollo immediately. I don’t feel the same erotic pull I do with Apollo.
And…I ~feel~ Apollo—his energy, his magnetism—even when I’m not looking at him.
My skin tingles because I can feel his dark eyes on me, not because the man before me is looking at me like I am the prettiest thing he’s ever seen.
He kisses my hand, and I smile to be polite, taking a shaky breath. I curtsy, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck rise.
If I were to bet, I’d bet Apollo is not happy about this, because I can almost feel the tension intensify. But I can’t care too much.
He is engaged. I repeat that to myself to stop myself from crumbling under his powers.
Tarren is introducing himself and everyone in the line as I smile and nod, feeling a bit overwhelmed by one person.
When he gets to Apollo, our gazes clash again, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. His gaze glitters. It’s the only indication that I get that he’s a real person and not a statue.
He bows without a word.
I frown slightly, wanting to stomp on his foot for not calling off the engagement and whisking me off into the sunset. ~ As if it’s my fault he’s engaged?!~
He tilts his head slightly as if sensing my troubled thoughts. I see something in his gaze now, an emotion. It’s amusement.
I don’t get to look at him for long, for I am ushered away toward the royal lounge area.
We walk through a multitude of guests and ignore their wide stares and whispers.
“You are more stunning than the rumors said,” Tarren says as we sit on plush seating minutes later.
“And to think you were the long-lost daughter of Galleon all along. A slave at that—astounding tale if you ask me. When my aunt, the Queen, told me the tale, I will have to admit I didn’t believe it. ”
~You have an idea.~
“Yes, quite the tale,” I murmur, trying to hide my shaking hands as I glance out over to the swarm of guests. I need to get my shit together.
He leans in closer to me. “I came here from the country because of Apollo’s engagement, you see.” He pauses as he follows my gaze.
“They seem like they are a great fit, on the outside anyway. I never thought I’d see the day that he proposed. I was utterly shocked. Princess Laura of Galleon is quite easy on the eyes.
“I am sure this engagement will help our kingdoms stay at peace. The House of Galleon are not people you want on your bad side, for they are very brutal, and ancient in their ways.”
He chuckles to himself and takes a moment to sip his drink. “But strangely, there is this rumor that Apollo has lost his mind over you.” I feel him looking at me in question.
I stiffen just a bit and glance at him. “Rumors are rumors.”
He smiles and grabs my hand, turning it over to my wrist, and starts to tickle it slowly. I let him, eyeing him suspiciously. He looks up at me, studying my face.
“I never believe rumors, but I can’t help but get lost in the romance of this. The beautiful slave girl who catches the eye of the prince, and just happens to be a princess?”
He clicks his tongue. “Now that’s a rumor worth believing in.”
I chuckle at his serious expression.
That can only come from Fairy Godmother Inc.
He sits up straighter and nods his chin to Laura and the women she is walking with. She will not make eye contact with me, and I think I know why.
She may have the engagement, but I have Apollo’s interest. For now, anyway.
I know for a fact Laura has not given up yet. I can tell by the determination in her eyes when she is with Apollo—hanging on his arm, seductive looks whenever he gives her attention.
“Do you think you two will be friends now that you’re sisters?”
I snort, causing him to smile wide. I probably should not be so openly hateful.
He sighs. “I don’t blame you.”
I look at him, shifting my weight as I sip on my champagne. “You are very observant.”
Tarren sits up straighter and glances at me. “I am a writer, my lady. I have to be. It’s in my blood.” He pretends to think then winks at me.
“When Apollo and I were younger, he always made me do the negotiating. Well, you know, to convince the cooks to give us extra cakes and chocolates. That sort of thing.
“I could always read people very well, and it worked to my benefit almost always.”
I smile, thinking of the two young boys getting into trouble.
“Apollo always looked innocent, and me not so much. I had to convince my way out of everything, whereas Apollo just had to smile.” He chuckles again.
Tarren adjusts his white necktie, his broad shoulders similar to Apollo’s. I can tell they are related.
“Well, you developed lifelong skills it would seem,” I say, and take a sip, deciding I like Tarren.
“I keep telling myself that.” He smiles.
I laugh.
He glances at me, and I feel my cheeks heat as his eyes travel over me. “I know Apollo, and I can see why you have him hot and bothered. He always liked the dark and mysterious women. ”
“And what do you like?”
He tilts his head. “We have the same tastes, which led to a lot of black eyes and brawls in our teenage years.”
I think for a second, trying to figure out Tarren and his motives.
He leans his head into my neck, lips barely grazing my skin, making me tense.
“If Apollo is such an idiot not to see what’s at stake here, allow me to court you. I, for one, am not daft, and I can try to erase whatever my idiot cousin has done to you.”
I doubt that, but I’m flattered. Tarren is handsome, but not on the level of Apollo.
Now, don’t yell at me yet. I do understand it’s not all about looks. But I also feel alive when next to Apollo, like electricity courses through my body and soul. I don’t get that with Tarren.
It’s hard to explain, but I light up by just thinking of Apollo. I have it bad, and the fever is not going away anytime soon.
“Tarren.”
My whole body stiffens.
Tarren pulls his head away from my neck and smiles up at Apollo. It is a smile you would see on a wolf.
“Apollo!” He stands and claps his hands. “Congratulations on the engagement, cousin! She is stunning, really.”
Apollo’s expression could have turned Medusa into stone. I swallow, watching the two in a silent battle. I think Tarren’s presence here might be the crazy I need to tip the boat.
I sip my champagne and stand, placing my arm in Tarren’s. Two can play this game, and I can play very dirty when I want something.
Apollo’s heated gaze shoots to my hand on Tarren’s arm, and the gauntlet is down.
I never claimed to be a good person.
Sue me.