Page 9 of A Royal Arrangement
“Hector?” Wes sputtered. “You’re going to have yourbutlerbe the only person who welcomes a royal family?Theroyal family you’re about to be connected to through marriage?”
“Yep. Don’t they say it’s bad luck to see the bride on the wedding day?”
His friend sighed. “Really, Colin, today is not the day to forgo all propriety and manners. You can at least be a welcoming host.”
“Let’s hope my future wife and in-laws are forgiving.”
Wes was silent for a long time before Colin finally heard him sigh again through the door.
“I will make up an apology for you.” Wes’s voice was resigned with a tinge of annoyance. “But this is the last time I cover for you.”
That was what Wes told him every time he covered for him. Colin breathed a sigh of relief as he heard retreating footsteps echoing in the hallway. Wes really was a loyal friend.
He knew it took a lot to put up with his surly attitude, but Wes had a way of seeing the best in him. The best in everyone. He was lucky to have him as a friend and member of his Royal Board.
Peering out his window from behind the curtains, he observed as Hector and Wes welcomed the Findorran royal family.
King Frederick and Queen Grace looked up at the palace with pleasant smiles, but Colin found his gaze drawn to Princess Rosalie. Though she had a smile plastered on her face, her chin appeared to be raised in disinterest.
Maybe she doesn’t want this marriage either.
That thought brought a small smirk to Colin’s face. It would be much easier to marry a woman who was just as uninterested in marrying him as he was in marrying her.
Her auburn hair moved with the sea breeze, and Colin watched as her smile turned more genuine, her eyes closing as she let the wind hit her face.
Maybe she enjoys the ocean too.
He abruptly dropped the curtain from his hand and stepped back, shaking his head. There would be no commonalities, nothing tying them together except for a piece of paper stating they were husband and wife. They weren’t going to be friends who walked on the shore or watched a seaside sunset together.
Hopefully, she would be a good fit as a motherly figure for Addie and a queen for his people, but she wouldneverbe a good fit for him.
Colin already knew what it felt like to love someone and then lose that person forever. He wouldn’t make the mistake of falling in love again.
Chapter Three
Rosalie
Rosalie walked behind her parents with her chin raised, trying to look elegant as they slowly approached the palace—her new home. Although she would never admit it to her parents, she thought the palace itself was magnificent. The whole exterior was sand-colored, and the number of turrets alone was enough to make a woman feel like she was in a fairy tale.
The scenery around the palace only added to its splendor. It sat atop a large rocky hill, surrounded by the ocean on three sides. Beautiful balconies wrapped around many of the levels, allowing its inhabitants to stand outside and look at the magnificent sea view.
A small smile pulled at her lips as a breeze hit her face, bringing with it the fresh, salty scent of the ocean.
Her favorite childhood memories were of her family’s trips to the ocean. She would play in the water with her little sister, Ariana, and her older brother, Leo, until the sun had set and their hands and feet looked like prunes. Being seaside made her think back on those sweet moments. Splashing and having fun in the water. Making sandcastles with her siblings. Giggling alongside Ari as they made Leo a mermaid tail with the sand. But it also brought back some sad, hard feelings.
She shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on the past. As discreetly as possible, Rosalie tried to peek around her father’s shoulder and catch a glimpse of Colin, but even on her tiptoes, he blocked her view. Her lips pressed together in nervous anticipation. She fidgeted with the silk material of her dress as she neared the palace doors.
It’s just a normal day like any other. Nothing to stress about. I’m only about to see the man I’m going to marry this afternoon. No biggie.
When they finally reached the entrance, Rosalie stepped forward and stood at her father’s side. A short older gentleman with white hair stood before them with a giant grin on his wrinkled face.
He bowed to her parents. “Welcome to Edgemont Palace, Your Majesties. I’m the head butler, Hector. It’s my pleasure to welcome you.”Turning to Rosalie, he added, “Your Highness, I’m honored to meet you and look forward to serving you.”
Rosalie smiled politely at him and extended a hand, which he shook enthusiastically. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Hector.” Her eyes darted around him, and her smile faltered when she didn’t see anyone else outside waiting to welcome them.
He didn’t come to greet me.
The butler let go of her hand and smiled at her.
