Once Upon A Drunken Mistake

21. The Calm Before the Storm

Flora and Hayden waved at the cheering crowd behind the estate's gates. The press took the best shots they could of the returning royal couple. Hayden placed his hand on Flora's lower back and led the brunette into the mansion.

"It's good to finally see you two," Guilia said as she walked over to the couple. Camilla hugged her husband whom she had missed and then walked over to Flora and hugged her as well. "Hayden, told me the good news."

Flora smiled up at Hayden, immediately knowing what Guilia was referring to. Hayden and her had recently told the Queen Mother that they would like to remain married and even have an actual wedding.

"Can I be your flower girl?" Camilla asked.

The couple turned to one another before facing the young princess. "We wouldn't want anyone else," Flora said and this caused Camilla to hug her once more.

"We have to get started with the preparations," Guilia pointed out, an excited grin on her lips.

Before the conversation could carry out any further, the king and queen approached them. Flora and Hayden gave them a slight bow of the head.

"Flora, we wanted to apologize for not visiting you at the hospital prior to your leave." King Esteban apologized.

"After sounding the Code Red alarm, we had to be transported to a safe house." Queen Rebecca explained. "You do understand, right?"

"Yes, and it is alright." Flora replied.

"Best-friend!" Everyone turned to the loud blonde who ran toward Flora, engulfing her a tight embrace. "I missed you."

"I missed you as well," Flora giggle as she hugged her friend back.

Stephanie trailed behind the blonde lady-in-waiting and gave the couple a courtesy. "It is good to have your back, your royal highness." Stephanie forced a smile as she directed her gaze to the brunette.

       "Your majesty, the decorations have put up the way you requested, would you like to take a look?" One of the maids announced and Queen Rebecca nodded.

       "Decorations?" Hayden inquired.

       "We will be hosting a ball this evening in honor of your return." Queen Rebecca explained.

       "You are going to love the gown I picked out for you." Indiana chirped.

       "We will let you settle in," Queen Rebecca said before walking off with Guilia and Stephanie.

       "Come, you need to see the gown!" Indiana squealed as she ushered Flora toward the staircase.

       "Son, may I have a word with you?" King Esteban asked to which Hayden nodded.

       "I will be up shortly," Hayden assured his wife before she was dragged away by her best-friend. Hayden turned on his heel and followed his father to the study room. "What did you want to tell me father?"

King Esteban shut the door close and walked over to the couch in front of Hayden. He locked his hands together and said, "we have received news on Lorenzo."

       Hayden frowned upon seeing his father worrisome expression. "I am assuming it is not good news?" Hayden mused and King Esteban shook his head.

"Lorenzo has created alliances with some Swiss mafias and has influenced some of our Dukes and Lords to side with him." King Esteban explained. "Our spy was able to give us a short list of names before he was caught."