Runaway Royal

06

Over the next week, guests start to slowly trickle in, the most important ones first. My mother makes it a point to greet them herself, and often drags me along. And when she isn't able to welcome them personally, she forces me to.

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy," I greet, smiling at them widely.

I have fond memories of them from my childhood, as they would visit often with their son Oakley. Unfortunately, he had died of cancer and they stopped visiting, but they came to support me in my ball, which was kind of them to do.

"It's lovely to see you, dear," Mrs. Darcy says, gazing at me. "You look so beautiful and all grown up."

"Thank you," I reply, "May I show you to your rooms? It's your old guest suites."

The couple nods. "That'd be wonderful."

I show them to their rooms quickly, promising that the butlers will bring up their luggage as soon as possible. The castle is bustling with activity, with the butlers and maids and servants all working hard as the days slowly count down.

The palace is a mess, with workers and builders refurnishing parts of the ballroom. The curtains are being replaced, new wallpaper is put up, and decorations are already being placed outside. Delivery trucks bring package after package, and I direct the butlers to help bring the heavy boxes inside.

My mother placed me in charge of the operation, so after I planned everything, now I have to set it all up. I don't mind the work, as it keeps my mind off matters, but it's difficult to do this as I know what it will lead to.

"Princess, the new glassware has arrived," Alfred calls from the front door. Two boys struggle and pick the box up.

I rush over. "Could you all please place it by the kitchen? Thanks."

They walk off carefully, balancing the box. I look through the other packages that haven't been brought in and grab my clipboard hanging from the wall, marking a check near the item glassware.

I hang the clipboard back up and dust my hands off on my pants. My mother wanted me to wear a day gown to greet the guests, but I argued that it'd be impractical to wear among all the commotion. In the end, I'd won the argument and sported a fancy top and expensive leggings, the compromise that we'd agreed on.

My mother walks down the stairs and looks around, assessing the progress. Her poker face or queen face is perfect, and I can't tell if she approves or not.

Her mouth opens, but I was not expecting what she was going to say. "The Lexingtons will arrive tonight."

"T-they will?" I stutter, caught off guard, and immediately berate myself.

My mother raises an eyebrow. "Yes, they will. I also thought we had trained that stutter out of you years ago. Apparently not."

That is about the least of my worries. "I thought they were coming next week," I reply, ignoring her comment.

"They are important guests, so it is only fitting they come early." As usual, my mother provides an answer without actually answering the question. She's exceptional at dodging all of my questions. "Be sure to wear a gown for dinner," she adds, and leaves me.

I gape after her for a second. If the Lexingtons are arriving tonight, then that means Tobias is coming tonight. I still wasn't sure how I was going to approach him, if we were going to be like strangers who barely knew each other or friends who would catch up quickly.

A small, childlike part of myself wanted to look pretty if he would see me during dinner. I take my phone out and fire a quick text to Victoire.

Me: I need to look good tonight, will you help me choose an outfit?