Rebirth (A Remington Leith AU)

Chapter 13

A couple of weeks later, Remington told me he had to attend a meeting soon with some nobles and royal figures to discuss the future of the kingdom while preparing his things in a small pack. I sat on the bed and asked him if I should be worried and he told me, "No, there's no need. We do this every few months or so to ensure we stay on track with our plans as we think about the safety and comfort of our citizens as well." I nodded in understanding, "Ah, well, I'll just hope things go well for you and wish you luck." He closed his pack before telling me, "That won't be necessary, Lulu", his statement confused me and I asked, "Why not?" He walked over to where I was sitting and towered over me while leaning his arm on the bed, "Because you will be coming with me, my princess." I gasped quietly as his eyes staring into mine made me nervous, "I-I am? But wh-what for?" He crashed his lips onto mine and kissed me passionately before he ended up pushing me down on the bed until my back was flat and he was on top of me, my heart racing like a wild horse.

He pulled away to look into my eyes as he explained in a low tone, "As my wife and the potential ruler alongside me, you're automatically entitled to participate so you can contribute to keeping this kingdom perfect. Anyone who says otherwise are just intimidated by you." A new sensation I've never felt before started to build up in me as Remington wrapped his arm around me from under my back to pull me closer to his chest and I could feel his skin radiating onto mine. "Also, my sweet Luella", his tone became seductive then, "I can't bear leaving this castle without you with me. I need you by my side, my lovely princess, or I'll be miserable on this trip. Do you want to stay here?" Unable to speak as he was so close to me, I shook my head no to answer his question, and he grinned as he leaned in once more to press his lips onto mine and my knees felt weak as his kisses were enough to leave me breathless and dizzy. He pulled away after a minute and as he stepped out of the room, I took a few minutes to get my senses right again.

The morning of the day the meeting would take place, the maids helped me to dress up for it and then I realized as they were placing my tiara on my head, that it would be the second time I'm presented in public as my sister and so I had to be careful not to give away who I really am, even while Remington is with me and already knows. He waited for me by the carriage outside the castle doors and as soon as I stepped outside and he saw me, he smiled admiringly and pulled me closer to him before telling me, "You look so beautiful, Lulu. But then again", he leaned closer to whisper in my ear, "You never stop looking so unbelievably gorgeous. How did I get so blessed to have you as mine?" His words succeeded in making my cheeks red as I turned my head away to hide it, but he just turned my head back to kiss me sweetly and then give me a wink before we stepped inside the carriage and we took off to where the meeting would be held.

We traveled through a small commoner town where people were out and making business with their local merchant and the children were playing games with each other. Seeing all of it, it brought a feeling of how this used to be my life when I was younger and my mother worked hard to keep my innocence pure when I didn't see that things may have been harder than I realized as we weren't rich or powerful. My hand was fidgeting with nervousness before I felt Remington place his over mine and I turned to face him with worry on my face, afraid I might not be worthy to participate in this meeting. He kissed my cheek and told me with reassurance in his tone, "It's going to be okay. I'll be there to support you and if they object to any ideas you have, we're leaving the second after because if they won't hear from you, they won't hear from me either. I won't stand to have you disrespected or unrecognized. Okay, my princess?" I smiled as I nodded, he smiled back as he pressed his lips on the side of my head and let me rest my head on his shoulder.

We stopped near an official-looking building where I saw many wealthy and official people where standing around, and I assumed this is where the meeting with the nobles would be. Remington stepped out first and then went around the carriage to give me his hand as he helped me step off before we started walking toward the front doors where the guards recognized us and opened them for us. I held onto Remington's arm as we walked down the hall and it helped a bit with him close to me that I was less nervous for this meeting. As we approached the room where we were supposed to be, the guard opened the door for us and we walked inside, a group of older looking and fancy individuals were waiting at a round table made of marble and I felt slightly intimidated. That is, until one of the nobles asked, "Greetings, Remington. Is this the Princess Lillian you've brought with you?" Remington placed his arm on my waist securely to keep me close to him and I listened with wide eyes as he declared, "She may be Princess Lillian to you, but I'd appreciate it if you recognize and respect her as the princess of our kingdom and my beloved wife."