Page 2 of Royally Theirs (Risqué Royals)

Taking a moment, I admire the majesty of it all. Everyone is in their most regal attire, stoles and robes, capes and staffs. Archie is seated at the throne where we will all take a turn paying homage. We may buck these traditions, but they have continued for hundreds of years.

It is both a traditional and spiritual event when a new king ascends. We have not had a new king in forty years. Archie is seen as the best choice for the next generation and will make a good King.

Thinking over our conversation, I grow apprehensive. Dexter is wrong and we all know it. Few men of royalty ever get much of a choice about who we marry. They must be proper, they often have ties to the royal matriarch, and must bend to the will of our traditions.

“Chambers,” a distinct voice calls behind me, “Where have you been hiding all morning? With the boys, I am sure.”

Turning to face Ms. Evelyn Ashe, I brace myself. In her regal gowns and jewels, my mother is still a beautiful woman. Stunning, really, with streaks of silver in her dark hair and the finest lines by her emerald eyes.

Father was agreeable to their marriage, partially because of her beauty. Her poise and elegance. Not to mentionher patience for his lack of loyalty. For all his affairs, he always treated her like the queen she wanted to be. Unlike most men in power, he relied on her intelligent insight often.

“Hello mother,” I call back, reaching for her waiting hand. I brush a kiss at her bauble adorned hand, giving a bow. “Of course, I was with my cousins, mother, as I am expected to be. Where were you?”

“Talking with Archibald’s mother, she is so proud,” her voice is dry as she smiles across the room at her sister-in-law.

“I know she is. I think all of us turned out because we were all proud of him,” I state, nodding at the lavish event as I offer her an arm to hook hers through.

“These events were always a favorite of mine,” she tells me what I already know, her eastern lilt soft as she smiles fondly. “Watching Archie be crowned is such a privilege. He will make a good King, don’t you think?”

“Oh yes, he will be a great King. His wife will give him an heir, we will continue to serve beneath him, andLockwood will flourish. He will make a better King than I could, we all know that,” I say with a wry chuckle, knowing this will just irritate my mother.

“You will make a fine King. As soon as Archie decides Cambridge needs its own sovereign.”

“Mother, that will never happen. None of the other capitals need a King to oversee them. Not with Lockwood bordering each region. Lockwood’s King will always be our King.”

“Cambridge grows day by day. Why would it not be considered its own sovereign? With its own capable leader. You would make a fine King, son.”

“Now, mother, we both know I would be lousy on a throne. All that power would go right to my head,” I joke as we circle the room to greet all the other nobility and women.

Mother has wanted me to become King since I was a boy. Her father and brothers come from long lines of royalty. I suppose that explains her turning a blind eye to all the ways my father wronged her. It is just what royals do.

“Oh, pish-posh, Chambers,” mother protests, shaking her head even as she smiles and greets people. “Your father always knew you were meant to lead. Not just your ragamuffin cousins, either.”

Chuckling as we pass the cousins in question, I ignore her comments. I am the oldest of my cousins, always the one to take a lead with things. When Archie agreed to take the crown after he got married, I was at his side to prepare for his coronation.

“I do not want those powers or responsibilities. I will do all that I am called to do for Archie. For Cambridge. I am not at all interested in giving assent to laws or being on banknotes. I have other things to do.”

“Yes, you have important things waiting, son. First, marriage. You will need heirs, it is the most important of those responsibilities you want to shun. I have chosen a bride for you, as you know.”

Turning to stare her down, I almost laugh at how steadfast she stares back. My mother will not be moved about me being married. To be honest, I am lucky Archie met a girl he fell in love with, one that was suited for royalty. Otherwise, I would have been married off long before he was.

“Who have you chosen?”

“Her name is Charlotte. You will meet her next week. Her mother and I arranged a visit between the two of you. I am certain she will make you a very suitable bride. Her grandmother was a well-respected member of the monarch. Charlotte will be pleased to continue her prestigious customs.”

“Mother...do you mean to tell me you promised me to this woman?”

Tilting her head back with that practiced tight smile, she nods. “And she was promised to you. This is how it is done, Chambers. We must wed those of the same ilk. Charlotte will suit you, trust me. Excuse me, I must go pay my homage to Archibald. Love you, son.”

This is how I find out I am about to get married.

Chapter Two

Charlotte

Being single at my age should be acceptable.

I cannot believe in this day and age it is still expected that I be married with babies. Who says all women should follow that path? Who made it law that I should want a husband to take care of me, or be expected to take care of him?

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