Royally Fated

Chapter 1

Standing behind a desk was the most boring thing I'd ever done in this office. All I did was check people in and give them thick stacks of paperwork to fill out before they'd ever see the doctor. I much rather preferred helping my mother, but staff was stretched thin today. And so, I am stuck behind the front desk twiddling my thumbs and watching as each second passes slower than the last. 

"Has anyone come in?" Mom asked, walking through the waiting room with a paperclip in her clutches.

"Not since the last time you asked," I replied gruffly, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ear. She clucked her tongue and went back to her office, scribbling over the clipboard with her favorite black pen. I sighed and logged onto the computer, trying to make myself useful.

BREAKING NEWS! the computer read. I made a quick scan of the room to make sure no one was around and dove into the story. 

Are the rumors true? Prince Christian has been spotted yet again with an anonymous female. Could this be a real princess we've been waiting for? Keep in touch for the latest news on everything royal.

I rolled my eyes, clicking out. These stories were as dumb as dirt, only for the mindless souls of our country who sit on their couch and eat potato chips all day. I had work to do, and simple rumors and gossip no longer entertained me. 

I logged into the office's database, seeing if there were any appointments in the next few hours. If not, I'd slip out and grab a bite to eat. I'd have to bring back food for mom, but she has a very strict rule about outside food and drink anywhere in the building. 

Scrolling and scrolling to no avail. I quickly shut down the computer and left a note saying I'd be back in an hour. As I was grabbing my car keys and dashing out the door, I ran into a woman and her son.

"I-I'm so sorry," I stumbled, barely having the courage to look her in the eye. "You're not a scheduled appointment, correct?" I scurried back to behind the desk, logging into the computer as quickly as I could.

"No, and I'm very sorry for the inconvenience." I'd recognize that voice anywhere. I mentally cursed myself as I looked up and gave her and her son the very best smile I could muster. 

"It is alright, Queen Abigail," I said, my fingers flying across the keyboard. "You're coming because you couldn't make your appointment yesterday, correct?"

"You know me so well Willow," she gave me her warm smile and I printed out the usual paperwork. 

It wasn't abnormal that the queen just waltzed into our office. We were in the heart of the capitol, after all. She came about once a month to renew a prescription and was never alone. She usually brought her husband, but I've meet Christian once or twice. Never the boy she seemed to have brought with her today. My only guess is that this was her youngest son, John. 

The whole Steele family seemed absolutely...perfect. I couldn't even deny that I thought both of the brothers were totally-crush worthy, but after seeing Christian a few times I didn't want to be associated with him specifically. Seeing John standing here, though, I couldn't help but feel my stomach twist into knots. 

"Dr. Mayer!" I called. "Mrs. Steele is here for her monthly prescription!" I turned back and smiled, handing her the papers she'd fill out while my mom performed the modified physical. As the queen left, John stayed in his spot, looking around the room before propping his elbows against my desk and supporting a smug smile. 

I tried to fight the heat I felt burning in my cheeks. He really was cuter in person than on camera and my computer screen. "Can I help you?" 

"Are you a licensed doctor?" he asked. "I'm not being rude, just curious."