“Father’s standing out front. He never comes out for air. What is he doing?” Sticking her head out the window, she called toward the king, “I’m getting a ride home from a friend.”
Neither the king, nor the soldiers, twitched as they stood in line, and we passed with ease. “Is it weird living with soldiers around you all of the time?” I asked with the feeling of a light trance with the uniforms still in view.
“I don’t think it’s as weird as being a soldier.”
Suddenly the back of my throat burned. It hadn’t dawned on me before that she might actually know something about me. “How did you know I was a soldier?”
“I asked father about you after you yelled at me for being on your land. He confirmed he had sold his land to a soldier.” She motioned to the driveway that split off from the main circular drive. “You can park up here.”
I swallowed, hating that people talked about me. “It’s not weird anymore since it’s over.” I tried not to mutter.
The king waved with an inviting smile on his face. “Mr. Mathews, I thought that was you.” He strode over to the truck and peered inside. “I should have known Erralee was off napping again. She’s been sleeping in that field since she was knee-high. I should have warned you when I sold you the land.”
“It’s fine.” My lips curled into a genuine grin. “I’m getting quite used to her.”
Her dad motioned toward the parking garage. “Since you are here, you might as well pull in, and stay for dinner tonight.”
“Nah, I got work—” My auto-anti-people nature kicked in before I could see what was happening. I had been invited to eat with the king—the exact person I needed to talk to!I interrupted my own words, “Well, I wouldn’t want to be any trouble.”
“For being a guest?” His brows raised. “No trouble at all. You’re our neighbor, and a friend.”
I bit back a victory smile as this was too perfect! Once I explained to him how the farmstead he sold me was absolute junk, and I still didn’t have running water, he’d have to consider selling me the bigger farmstead across the highway. “If you insist.”
“I do.”
I didn’t want to appear too eager, so I downplayed my excitement, “I would be honored to stay, but I hope I’m not underdressed.”
“Oh,” His eyes grazed my ranch wear. “There’s probably time for you to shower. My butler can find you something proper to wear.”
“If it’s okay with Erralee.” I looked back at her, as she had been quiet the entire conversation, sitting unmoving on the bench seat next to me.
She was biting the corner of her lip, looking intrigued, and quickly added, “Certainly. It would be a pleasure for you to stay.”
“It’s settled.” Erralee’s father pointed forward, ushering me to a parking spot as I drove up. As I parked the truck, I caught Erralee’s eyes. “I didn’t expect a dinner invitation. I hope it’s okay. I didn’t want to be rude by turning your father down.”
“It’s perfectly fine,” she quipped. “I’m glad you’re here. In a way, it feels as if I have someone on my side.” She opened the door and jumped down before I had a chance to assist her. “Come on, I’ll introduce you to Father’s butler.” She slammed the truck door, leading me toward the castle.
I was doing ninja kicks in my head. Completely clueless about how this opportunity to dine with the king fell into my lap, but it had to be fate. Part of me wanted to slow down and take in the environment. I’d never been to the castle before. It looked better than in the pictures, but I didn’t have time to stare because Erralee was hurrying, and I struggled to keep up with her. “You are so different from what you’d imagine from a princess.” My words floated out a little softer than expected, but I was in awe of how she actually lived here.
She guffawed, tossing her head back slightly, before spitting out, “That’s probably why Father was so quick to trade me away.”
“Don’t say that,” I continued in a lower tone. “I don’t think that’s how it went at all. King Aswell saw how special you were.”
“Either way, it’s a done deal.” Her voice was so remorseful, a reply would have been disrespectful.
We passed through the front door, and my eyes quickly floated to the cathedral-high ceilings and crystal chandeliers that were bigger than my truck. Adrenaline trickled through my veins, happily feeding me with a surge of energy, and I held my breath.Don’t screw this up . . .
ten
Princess Erralee
Something at the castle was off and getting harder to ignore. This morning I had assumed the castle was quiet because of Father’s meetings with King Aswell. Now I realized the stillness was because of Weston’s absence. It was unusual for a midweek day. He hadn’t told me he was going to be gone, so he must have gotten sick.
In an odd way his absence was perfect timing because it gave me the freedom to do what I wanted—even more than when I’m on his watch. As I led Reeves through the hall, I did my best to hide my attraction to him. It was silly, really. I was getting engaged tonight. I certainly didn’t need to feel as if my heart could beat out of my chest just being near him. I blamed it on the basket of roses. It was bittersweet, though, because it’s not like anything could happen between us. I had been honest about my situation, and we were from two completely different worlds.
“Okay.” I motioned to the guest suite where Father’s butler was waiting. “Davis is here, and he’s the best. Just do what hesays, and I’ll meet you downstairs.” I continued to my room where Margarette was just stepping out.
“I laid out your gown in your dressing room,” she simply stated as if something was unusual about tonight. Usually, she stayed and waited for me to dress and assist with my hair. Not tonight.
