Switched

Chapter 9

“Your Majesty, we need to discuss the terms of your arrival,” Fiona said after a few hours in the air.

“What about it?” I asked tiredly. I just lost everything that I’ve ever known.

“Well, as of now you are no longer a small town girl, you are now the crowned princess of Aristole. You will be in charge of a large nation and will-”

“Right now can we just focus on getting me there, I can’t handle everything at once,” I said exasperated.

“Of course,” she said through her teeth. “Although, we will need to discuss the terms of the- criminal, here,” She said glaring at my uncle. “He needs to pay for his actions, and since tomorrow you will have your coronation you will be the one sentencing him, with my help of course. The punishment that I see fit for him is flogging.”

“Coronation? My unc- the criminal’s punishment is up to me not you. Do not bring it up again. ”

“Of course, you were born into royal blood, but since you have not lived in the royal family- the proper royal family you need to have a public coronation. You will have your tiara put on you for the first time, swear your duties to the land and to the people, then you will be seated at your place on the throne.”

“How will I learn everything I need to by tomorrow?”

“You should have already been studying, but you will continue to learn as you live in the palace. You will have me as your adviser to help you along the way.”

“Alright,” I said. “For now can I just have time for all of this to set in?”

“I’m afraid not,” she smirked. “We are about to land, welcome home, Princess.”

***********************************

    “It’s so quiet,” Megan said sitting on the couch next to me.

    “Ya, it’s crazy to think that Kriss is halfway around the world right now,” Mom said.

    I flipped through the pictures on my phone that Mom sent me of us today. I held in all of my emotions for so long, but I don’t even know how much longer I could hold it all in.

    “Do you guys want to watch the news? I’m sure there’s going to be some footage of her landing. She’s going to be all over the TV for awhile,” Megan asked.

    “Nah,” I wanted to see her, but I knew that if I saw her over there, in Aristole, it would make this real.

    “C’mon, I want to see her land. It’ll give us something to talk about with her. How pretty she’s bound to look,” Megan said.

    “No.” I answered. I don’t want to see her right now. Right now I just want to wait for her to land and then talk to her. I don’t want to see her before I talk to her. I don’t want to be able to see her and not hold her. “I’m gonna go to work, and see if they’ll let me pull a few extra hours.”

    I got into the car and drove to the gas station to get gas and a soda before heading to work.

    “Long time no see, stranger,” a familiar voice said. I turned around and saw Carmin and Xavier at the fountain pop machine where I was headed. “I heard about Kriss leaving. I’m sorry, but hey, if you ever need someone to talk to I’m here for you, and this little guy too,” she said tickling the baby's stomach.

    “Thanks, but I think Kriss and I can handle ourselves. There’s nothing to talk about, Carmin,” I said grabbing a cup.

    “Still like cherry pepsi with a squirt of vanilla flavoring?” she asked grabbing the cup from me. I stayed silent because she was right. “There is something to talk about Drew, and I’m just waiting for you to come to your senses and realize it. I remember everything. I still have the same number, so feel free to call or text me whenever.”