Royal Pain in the Ass, page 16
“What?”
“I’m not wearing pants. So get out and let me put some on unless you really want to see me naked.”
“Oh heavens! Good lord!” Millie screeched as she dashed out. I couldn’t help but start laughing. I knew I was wearing pants, but Millie didn’t. I grabbed a change of clothes and headed to James’s office.
I knocked and heard a gruff enter. “James?”
“Juliet.”
“What’s going on?”
“I have spoken to my sister.”
“Okay?”
“Have a seat. We have much to discuss.”
I sat in one of the chairs across from him. “I’ve been told I’m being sent away?”
“I need to discuss a great deal with you.”
“Okay?”
“Juliet, you’re angry with me. I understand why. I didn’t act the way you believe I should have. I cannot change the past. Your mother hiding you from me is not what I would have wanted. I wish I had gotten to watch you grow up into the young lady you are. There are a few problems with the scenario we now have.”
I eyed him warily. I had this feeling that the next thing he said was going to hurt. “Okay.”
“You are so much your mother’s daughter it frightens me. This society will never accept that. I have not been entirely straightforward with you. I have wanted to tell you so much, but I haven’t been able to bring myself to do that.”
“James, what are you trying to say?”
James sighed and ran his hand down his face. “I’m trying to say that there are mannerisms here that are expected. I would like it very much if you would let Lord Raleigh accompany you out to the countryside. It would look good for all of us. It will give all of us time to adjust.”
“Raleigh?”
“He asked me for a proper date, and I see no reason why I should deny him.”
“Maybe because he’s a kind of a jerk?”
“Juliet, do not speak ill of him please. He’s a respectable member of society.”
“Yeah, so is Ethan.”
James took a calming breath. “Juliet, please. I am trying to work with you. It would be nice if you would do the same.”
“Are you kidding me? James, everyone here hates me. Everyone here wants me gone. It’s really, really hard to be nice to people who hate you. I have to say it feels great to have someone skip into your room tell you it’s about damn time you left, good news Daddy came to his senses. I have been trying. I don’t understand any of this place. Every time I try I screw it up. My every effort is thrown back in my face. Okay? I don’t know what to do, you may as well just convince the king to send me home and we’ll pretend this never happened okay? I’m not wanted here and I don’t even know if I want to be here. Just send me back. One less burden for everyone.”
“Is that really how you feel?” James looked a little taken aback.
“Yeah.”
“I can assure you, not everyone hates you.”
“James, you’re my father. I get that. But even you have to admit, your life would be easier if I’d never been introduced to your life.”
“Juliet, easier perhaps, but now that I know you, I don’t want you gone. You must understand that.”
“Why?”
“Juliet, you are my daughter.”
“So?”
“This is going to sound selfish, but please bear with me. Not only are you my daughter, but you are also Rose’s daughter.”
“Great. I’m your link to my mother right? I get it now. I remind you of her, right?”
James sighed. “That is part of it, but that’s not all of it.”
“James, I don’t know if I can do this.”
James stood up. “I have not been a proper father to you.” James pulled me into a hug. “It’s not fair of me to do this or expect this of you, but there are few other options.”
It felt weird giving James a hug. It was stiff and I don’t think he hugged people often. “Um, what are you doing?”
James pulled away and held me at an arm’s length. “I don’t know either.” I couldn’t help it, I started laughing. After a moment James joined in and we were in laughing fits by the end.
“What just happened?” I gasped after we started calming down.
“I can’t say I’ve ever actually done that before.” James coughed, putting his composed face back on. “That was quite out of the ordinary for me.”
“So, what is going to happen with me?”
“I’ve already arranged for you to go on holiday. Ian and Christine are already out there. Christine is also having her debutant ball. She’ll be properly launched into society. You are invited, which is part of the holiday.”
“So who all is going with me?”
“Raleigh.”
“And my advisor?”
“Is that wise?”
“What do you mean?”
“Juliet, did he hit you? If he hit you, he is no longer your advisor.”
“James, that was a massive misunderstanding.”
“So you didn’t hit your face on the toilet.”
“No.”
“What did happen?”
“You don’t really want to know.”
“Oh but I do.”
“No, you really don’t. But I can assure you, Xavier would never hit me on purpose.”
“On accident?”
“James, I can assure you, Xavier hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s been helping me more than anything else. I’m not as much of a mess as I was. Even you have to of seen that.”
“It’s true. Perhaps I did overreact. I do want to know how you injured yourself.”
“James, I found my way to alcohol and in my drunken state ended up punching myself in the face. Are you happy now? I’m an idiot.”
“You did what?”
“Exactly.”
“Oh . . . what? How did you manage that?”
“Do you question yourself drunk?”
“I haven’t been drunk in a very long time.”
“Maybe you should try it sometime.”
“Juliet, I may enjoy a good brandy every now and then, I cannot afford to get drunk. Go get your things packed. Raleigh should be here soon, I’ll ring Xavier and have him prepared to go as well if that’s what you want.”
“Okay. Thank you James.”
“Juliet, I don’t know how to do what we are doing. I just want you to know, you aren’t alone.”
I nodded. “That means a lot. Thanks James.” I gave him a small smile and headed back to my room.
“So, you’ve accepted that you’re leaving?” Angelica sneered.
“Actually, I’m going to see Ian and Christine for her party that you aren’t invited to because you’re not of age yet. Isn’t that just a pity?” I cooed at her as I brushed past.
“What?” Angelica screeched. “How are you going?”
“Because I’m of age and karma is smiling on me now because of the way you are.”
“Oh I’m going to see Daddy about this.”
“You do that, I’ve got some packing to do.” I rolled my eyes and retreated into my room with a sigh. I started pulling clothes out of drawers and wardrobes and stuffing them into my suitcases. I was almost finished with all the toiletries when I heard a soft knocking at the door. “Come in.”
Gwen was standing there looking forlorn. She looked around, a grim expression on her face. “So it’s true then?”
“What’s true?”
“You’re really leaving?”
I gave her a sad smile. “For a little while. James wants to get a few things straightened out then I’ll be back.”
“Why did you agree?”
“Gwen, I don’t get a whole lot of choice. I have to go.”
“Do you want to?”
“Yes and no.”
“You do want to leave?”
“I kind of want out of the media circus and it’ll be nice to be away from Millie and Angelica. I will miss our sneaking out though. And I’ll miss Laurel and Harper and all the other shenanigans we get into.”
Gwen nodded sadly. “Want a cookie?” she sighed pulling out a package.
“Sure,”
“Sugar or snicker doodles?”
“Both are fantastic.”
Gwen shook her head. “I’m going to miss you.”
I pulled her into a hug. “I’m going to miss you too, honey.”
We chatted for a while until I heard another soft knocking. “Who is it?” Xavier opened the door and gave me a smile that sent my heart soaring. “You’re back!” I flew at him and tackled him in a hug.
Xavier let out a throaty laugh and fixed his askew glasses. “I wasn’t gone that long.”
“I know.” I coughed as I picked myself up and offered him a hand. He laughed and took it, but wouldn’t let me pull him up. He got up all on his own.
“Now, are you ready? The car is waiting, as is Lord Raleigh.”
“Lord Raleigh? Ethan’s mate?” Gwen turned to me. “What is going on here?”
“James set it up.” I sighed. “He thinks Raleigh is an accepted member of society and will improve my image.”
“He’ll be a prat like the rest of that lot.”
“Be nice Gwen. I have to put up with him for an undetermined amount of time.”
“I’m going to miss you. We’ll be stuck with Angelica again.” Gwen crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue. “Delightful.”
I sighed. “Gwen, you have my number, which is crazy because I don’t even know what it is.” I laughed. “And I’ve already gotten your drunken texts. I expect plenty more while I’m gone. But I’ve got to get going.” I made to grab my bags but Xavier had beaten me to it and already had all of them.
“Come along, Juliet, we’ve got to get going.”
I nodded. “See you soon, Gwen.”
“You better. Don’t have too much drunken fun without me.”
“Wouldn’t dream about it.” I gave her one last hug and followed Xavier out. I stopped in my tracks when I saw Raleigh.
He was wearing a slate grey shirt, black dress slacks, and polished black loafers. His eyes popped with the grey of his shirt and contrasted nicely with the blonde of his hair. “It’s a pleasure to see you again Juliet,” Raleigh took my hand and laid a gentle kiss on it. “I can’t tell you how excited I am that your father permitted me to escort you to the country.” I nodded. He offered me his arm and I just stared at him. “May I escort you to the car?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
“Juliet, be polite.” Xavier scolded. I rolled my eyes but took Raleigh’s arm.
“Is something the matter?” Raleigh asked as he opened the car door for me.
“Nope, everything is just peachy.”
Raleigh climbed in after me and Xavier after him. Raleigh thought it was a good idea to sit next to me. It was a long ride in awkward silence. Raleigh kept trying to start conversation with me, but I kept ignoring him. I really didn’t want to talk to him and eventually I managed to fall asleep. The next thing I knew I was being gently shaken awake. I opened my eyes to see Raleigh and the first thing I did was throw a punch and scream. “WHAT THE HELL?” I gasped scooting back until I was up against the car door.
“Blimey, you can throw a punch,” Raleigh sighed rubbing his jaw. “I was just trying to let you know we’re here.”
I looked between him and Xavier and remember what was going on. Xavier was trying to stifle a laugh with a cough, and managed to make it look legit. “Right, sorry about that.” I replied feeling awkward.
“Well, the arrangements are already being made. Christine knows we’re here, as does Chad. I need to find Lana. Juliet, you are going to be meeting with a designer in a few hours to get your dress situated, until then, Raleigh, I do believe you’ve been here before. Would you give her the tour?”
“What?” I asked giving Xavier an incredulous look. He was going to leave me alone with him?
“Of course, I haven’t seen Greg in ages. We’ll meet you up at the main house.” Raleigh grabbed my hand and started leading me away. I pulled my hand free and glared at him. “Is there a problem?”
“Who said you could hold my hand?”
“This is a date,” Raleigh smiled. It was a charming smile, but I’d seen smiles like that one too many times.
“No, this is me having no choice. A date implies mutual consent.”
Raleigh’s smile changed and I think I saw the mask slipping. It was still a smile but it looked less practiced. “All right then, may I escort you?”
“You can show me around, but I don’t want any funny business.”
Raleigh couldn’t hide his laugh. “You are so cute when you’re being indignant.”
“Getting me pissed is a bad way to win me over.” I growled.
“Maybe I like it.”
“Then you’re an idiot.”
“Maybe, but you’re still amusing. Come on, I’ll show you to Greg’s place.”
I liked Greg’s house. It had the lived in appeal that I loved. Unlike Eastgate estate where everything looked too formal. This house really looked like someone lived in it. My favorite part of the place was the massive black lab that leaped on me and began ferociously licking my face.
I pushed him off of me and called him over. “Who is this charming prince?” I asked as I stroked him behind the ears.
“Sorry about that,” a boy with shaggy brown hair apologized and pulled the dog away from me.
“It’s alright, he makes me miss my Loki back home.” I felt a pang of guilt. This was the longest I’d been gone since I’d gotten Loki, I hadn’t called anyone since I’d been here. I’d pretty much fallen off the face of the earth.
“Loki?”
“I have a German Shepherd back home. I miss him. This one here is a sweetheart.”
“Yeah, he just loves everyone,” the boy chortled. “Harvey sit.” The dog sat and I smiled. “I’m Greg.” He offered me a hand, I went to shake it, but he bowed and laid a gentle kiss on mine instead. “Raleigh, it’s been too long.”
“Yeah, I know mate. How’ve you been?”
“Great, you must be Juliet?”
“Yes, I am.” I felt awkward as I watched the two of them exchanges glances and have a silent conversation in front of me. “And we use our words so no one feels left out?” I muttered under my breath.
“I was actually just about to head up to the main house. Have you seen Christine yet?”
“No, I miss that girl.”
“Let’s head up there then.”
I heard a squeal and braced for Christine’s hug. “Juliet! I’m so glad you could come!”
“I’ve missed you!”
“Me too. How has everything been?” Christine pulled me away from the boys. “Are you here with Raleigh?”
“Yeah,” I sighed, rolling my eyes.
“Why do you say it that way? Raleigh is a good guy.”
Christine shook her head and we went back over to the boys and chatted for what felt like hours until Xavier came and found us. “Pleasure to see you Christine, Greg. Juliet, it’s time for your fitting. I’m afraid I have to steal her away.”
I happily followed him. “Thank you for saving me.” I whispered. Xavier smiled and gave me a sideways glance.
“I knew you didn’t want to be around Raleigh, but I had little other choice. It would look suspicious if I followed the two of your around, so I gave you space. I did make good use of my time, however. I’ve had this dress designed for you, it might need slight alterations. I hope you like it.”
“You picked out my dress?”
“I had it designed for you.”
“Thanks. How long have you known about this?”
“Long enough.”
“Okay, show me the dress.” I was led to a room with a man who introduced himself as Paolo and had a thick accent that I couldn’t place. It was French and something else.
“Zis is vat you vanted I do believe?”
My jaw dropped. It was a shimmery material that changed color in the light. It started a deep crimson at the top and darkened as it went down to a deep burgundy. It was gorgeous, it went over one shoulder, my tattooed shoulder. It had black and gold designs stitched into the dress. The bodice was corset inspired and it flared out a little at the bottom. It had a sort of kick to it and I loved it.
“Well, try it on.” Xavier smiled and walked over to a chair.
“Zis vay.” I was led to a screen that I guessed neither of them could see through. The dress fit like a glove. I looked at myself in the mirror and I smiled. I walked out and Xavier just stared for a long moment. “I vould have razer not had sleeves, but Meester Xavier insisted upon it at least zee one. So I did vat I had to. I’m not sure how I feel about zis.”
“I love it.” I smiled. “Thank you Paolo.”
“As long as you’re happy. Zat is vat matters. I’ll let you two discuss.”
Paolo hurried out, closing the door behind himself.
“Well?” I asked. Xavier still hadn’t said a word.
“You look, you’re so . . .” Xavier cleared his throat. “Wow. You look beautiful.”
I smiled. “You think so?”
“No doubt of it. How are you feeling?”
“Fine. Why?”
“Is your face still tender?”
I’d forgotten all about that. I reached up and winced. “Yeah, I guess it is.”
“I was afraid of that. I’ll warn the makeup artists. I’ll be sure they’re gentle.” Xavier’s hand traced around my face where his fist had made contact and I couldn’t read the expression on his face.
“What are you thinking right now?” I asked, looking up at him.
“How much of a monster I am for hurting you.”
“You are no such thing. I’ve met a few monsters, but you aren’t one of them.”
Xavier gave me a sad smile. “You don’t know everything.” Xavier ran his hand through my hair and stepped away from me. “There is much you do not know, but this is hardly the time.”
“Xavier, whatever you’re afraid to tell me, it can’t be that bad. I don’t see anything wrong with you, other than your arrogance with servants.”
Xavier shook his head. “You are too kind sometimes. Now, get changed. They’ll wonder if we’re gone too long.” Xavier left the room without another word. That boy confused me beyond belief. Whatever. I pulled my jeans back on and the sweater and hung the dress over the screen. Not knowing what else to do, I started wandering. It wasn’t long until I, quite literally, ran into Ian.
