The Heir and the Spare (18 page)

“No? Well, that's what I was offering Preston and you said that's what you wanted.”

“Is that so? Well, then, what kind of kisses would you give me?”

“You? Hmm.” I paused and looked up at the ceiling, pretending to think about it. “They'd probably be something a little more like this.” I placed my hands on his chest again, and on tiptoes once more, I feathered small kisses along his jawline until I reached the corner of his lips. Planting a kiss there, I moved over his mouth and softly nipped at his bottom lip.

A sound of satisfaction escaped his lips. At their parting, I lightly touched my tongue to his. Edmund's hand slipped behind my head, pulling me closer. He transformed the kiss into something demanding and exhilarating. I was no longer the one in control. His free hand clutched the fabric of my shirt and he pulled me firmly to his chest.

I wound my arms around his neck and ran a hand through his hair, wanting him closer.

Footsteps above us skipped down the stairs. I leaned back, mentally cursing whoever was about to interrupt us.

“I much prefer the kisses you reserve for me,” he panted.

“Good.” I smiled. Still breathless, I backed through the door to my hall. Quietly, I added, “Good night, Edmund.”

“Night.” By the look on his face, good night was the last thing he wanted to say.

In my room I put my packed bags by the door and went to my desk. Finish up the algebra homework and I'd be all set.

Getting down to business, I opened my book and reached in my drawer for a pencil. My fingers brushed the letters. I sighed and looked down at them. The top letter, emblazoned with a dark number five, sat unopened. Picking it up, my fingertips ran along the edges, stopping at the corners. I spun it between my fingers.

It's time. You know it is.

My finger slid under the flap and popped it up. Closing my eyes, I pulled the single page out and opened it. It was silly, but I was nervous to open my eyes. Afraid I'd see the words: go visit your grandmother.

I cracked my right eye open a sliver and tried to focus on the script. When I couldn't decipher her handwriting I sighed and opened my other eye.

Caroline, Suzy, Marissa, and I stood outside our chauffeured car, the snow falling heavily on our heads. Before us stood an enormous château, beautiful and picturesque. I took it all in, mouth gaping. Tall evergreen trees surrounded us and a fresh layer of white glistened as far as I could see.

The château itself was made of gray flagstone and was several stories tall in some areas. No expense appeared to have been spared.

“Wait till you see the inside,” Marissa leaned over and whispered in my ear. I noticed the snow sticking to her short haircut and smiled. She looked like a pixie.

I shook my head, needing to focus. This was a huge moment. His parents were somewhere inside.
Someone help me.

I pulled my navy beanie down further on my head and nervously arranged my long curls.

Edmund and Preston pulled up behind us in a sporty silver car.

According to our driver, Edmund had business to take care of so he'd left early. I'd been nervous the whole drive. I didn't want to meet his parents without him.

Edmund walked toward us, opening his arms as if to hug us all. “Welcome to Château Eirwyn.”

“I can't believe you left before us and we still beat you.” Marissa chuckled.

A tall, handsome man, who looked like a slightly older version of Edmund, opened the door of the château and stepped out. At his side was a woman with long straight blond hair and a slim face. They looked like they'd just stepped from the pages of a Ralph Lauren catalog.

“Brother,” the man called. Their footsteps crunched in the newly fallen snow as they made their way to us.

“Philip. Lauren.” Edmund embraced each of them. “You remember my friends, Preston, Caroline, Suzy, and Marissa—they came on holiday with us last year.”

“Yes, of course. So glad you all could make it back this year,” Philip said. He and Lauren smiled warmly and shook everyone's hands.

“And this is Evie. She's a transfer student from America.”

“Absolute pleasure to meet you, Evie. We've heard much about you.” Philip raised one eyebrow at Edmund as he grasped my hand.

“Delighted to meet you, Your Highnesses.” I shook his hand, then Lauren's thin one as she closely examined me. I wasn't sure what to make of her. Her closed-mouth smile revealed little. And I got the distinct impression I was being graded.

“Let's get you all inside and settled,” Lauren said in a soft, silky voice. Sliding her hand into the crook of her husband's arm, they guided us to the massive wood doors.

Several staff members stood in a line, waiting to take us to our rooms.

A short woman approached me, head down. “Excuse me, ma'am, if you'll follow me I'll show you to your room.” She glanced up only momentarily, as if afraid to look me in the eye. I was surprised to note she looked younger than me.

“Thank you.” I nodded and glanced at Edmund, who was busy talking to his brother. I hoped he'd be able to find me.

Now separated from my friends, I followed the girl down a luxurious hallway, my footsteps deafened by the plush floral-print carpet. Famous paintings lined the walls. My eyes widened as we passed one after another. Some of these were pieces I'd studied at school.
How insane is this?

Huge, fragrant floral arrangements in deep reds and burgundy were stationed every few feet between the doors. This place was incredible.

What's my room going to look like?
I knew, without a doubt, it'd be the most extravagant place I'd ever stayed.

“Your room, Miss.” The timid girl pushed open the large arched door.

I couldn't hold back the gasp.

“You'll be staying in the Champagne Room, Miss. It has quite a lovely view.” After she spoke, she backed up against the wall, as if she wished the wallpaper would absorb her.

A man in dark blue livery, with red and gold detailing, brought my heavy suitcase in.

“Thank you.” I wandered over to one of the large picture windows and took in the snowy landscape. From my vantage point on the third floor, I could see a large, fast-rushing river only a short walk from the house.

“Would you like me to help you unpack, Miss?”

“Um, no, I think I'm good, thanks.”

With a bob of her head, the shy maid scurried out the door.

Sighing, I knew Edmund and I came from different worlds, but seeing this was astounding. Living in this kind of luxury and being surrounded by fascinating and glitteringly beautiful people—how had he ever found me interesting?

I wandered around, my fingers tentatively touching the rich surfaces. Cool glass vases, soft bed linens, and rough fireplace stones. Inside a hearth large enough for me to stand in, a fire blazed. The heat it put off gave the massive room a surprisingly cozy feel. I glanced at the large four-poster bed, smiling. It reminded me of a cloud. Its fluffy softness looked inviting. I couldn't wait to crawl in.

Soaking it all in, I did a slow spin. Everything was in beautiful shades of gold with a slight pinky hue. It was shimmery and lovely, perfectly feminine.

I sat on the cream chaise near the fire and pulled out my phone, sending Dad a quick text to let him know I'd made it safely.

Never in my wildest imaginings could I have pictured myself at the royal family's château in the mountains of Switzerland. Preparing to dine and socialize with the King and Queen of England.
Seriously, how did I get here?

Dizziness hit me at the realization that I only had a couple hours until dinner. I said a quick prayer that I'd survive without looking like a stupid, arrogant American.

A quiet knock at my door pulled my mind back to the present. I tossed my phone next to a vase of pale pink and cream flowers on the coffee table. When I answered it, Suzy's smiling face greeted me and she flitted into my room.

“God, I love it here.” She swiveled around and flopped on the chaise I'd just abandoned. “This place is incredible. Your room is fab. Please tell me we never have to go home. Let's just move in and live here forever.” She giggled like she was tipsy.

“It really is amazing. I can't imagine owning a place like this.”

She laughed and kicked her feet in the air before she got up and went to look out the window. “Wow, great view, much better than mine. I get to look out over the front entrance, which is very nice, but this is just, wow. It's like a painting.”

“I know.” I admired the scene with her. “This where you came last year too?”

“Yeah, I think this is where they always take their ski holiday.”

“It won't be just us here, will it?”

“No, Philip and Lauren usually invite some friends, as do Edmund's parents. It'll be quite the full house this weekend.”

I must've made a face because Suzy patted my hand comfortingly. “Don't be nervous; you'll do great. I know it.”

My stomach dropped.
Oh boy, here we go.

I sat at the side of the hearth, full and contentedly surrounded by my friends. Dinner had just finished and I'd miraculously gotten a reprieve from officially meeting Edmund's parents. Which gave me the evening to try and relax. Or, in all reality, I'd just stress and stew about making a fool out of myself tomorrow.

Edmund and the gang were chatting about the snow and how the skiing would be. When I looked at him, he gave me a wink, making me blush.

“Your Highness?” A stiff butler approached. “Your parents will be ready to greet your guests within the hour. They extend their most sincere apologies that they were not available to welcome them upon your arrival.”

Well, shit.

A cool chill settled over my body, despite the crackling flames behind me. Outwardly, I tried to stay calm. Inside, my heart thrashed around like a wild animal. Throwing up was suddenly a very real possibility.

Suzy subtly gave my hand a squeeze. I smiled, probably a little too brightly. She wasn't fooled for a second.

Needing a distraction, I stood. “So, is this strictly a skiing trip or does anyone snowboard?”

“I've always wanted to learn how, but we all just ski. I've seen a few people boarding, though. Not that I know them personally.” Preston confirmed my suspicions.

“Gotcha. So, skiing it is.” I smiled.

“If you want to snowboard, you can. It's not a big deal.” Edmund stood beside me.

I shrugged as if I had no worries. “No, skiing's fine; I was just curious.”

“Tell you what.” Preston leaned over and bumped me. “One of the days we're here, you have to promise to teach me how to board. Deal?”

“Deal.” I shook his hand.

The butler returned. “Their Royal Majesties are ready to receive you.”

Following him, we stopped outside large double doors. Two guards swung them open, revealing Edmund's parents inside, waiting for us.

They stood stiffly, still in their finery from dinner. The king's dark suit made his queen's deep purple floor length dress pop. The small tiara she wore matched her teardrop earrings and necklace. When the light hit her just right, she sparkled.

Edmund let everyone enter before him and stayed at my side. He didn't hold my hand, but I wasn't expecting him to, despite how badly I wished he could.

I was positive my heartbeat echoed through the large room. Surely Edmund must hear it. At my side, my fingers fidgeted.

Oh my God, I can't breathe.

“How lovely to see you all again.” Queen Beatrice came over and gave Preston a hug, then air kissed his cheeks. Everything about her looked serene and peaceful. Going down the line, she greeted each of us in turn. Everyone bowed or curtsied as expected.

King William stood close to his wife, watching her with a soft look in his eyes. I caught glimpses of Edmund in his expressions.

“Edmund, darling, I'm so glad you could come. Your brother worried you wouldn't make it this year,” said the queen, giving her son a hug.

“Things fell into place.”

“Well, thank goodness you're all here.” She momentarily held his hand in hers, then turned toward me. “And you must be Evie.” Her soft blue eyes considered me. “It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesties.”

King William stepped forward, reached out, and took my hand to assist me up from my curtsy.

“Miss Gray, welcome. We always do so enjoy meeting one of Edmunds friends.” His eyes had the same mischievous twinkle as his son's.

“Thank you.” My nerves slowly calmed and I took a deep breath. They weren't nearly as scary as I'd imagined. Aside from their fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, and regal demeanor, they seemed normal, kind even.

After a short time, Edmund's parents excused themselves to their rooms for the night. Which left us to hang out by the fire. A tray of tea and cookies greeted us when we returned.

After all the stress and buildup of meeting his parents, my body ached. My shoulders were sore, my neck stiff. I needed a hot bath and a good night's sleep. “I think I'm just going to head to bed. I'm done for,” I told my friends and yawned. “I'll see you guys in the morning.”