My royal holiday, p.1
My Royal Holiday, page 1
My Royal Holiday
The Royal Holiday series (Book 1)
Drea C
Copyright © 2022 by Drea C
All rights reserved.
No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
Author's Note
This novella contains parental death mentions and sexual content (open door sex scenes).
Wishing everyone a warm, loving and happy holiday and a new year filled with love and new adventures!
Contents
1. Winter Wonderland
2. Christmas Time Again
3. Eight Days of Christmas
4. Winter Wonderland
5. Who Would Imagine a Princess
6. Wrapped in Red
7. Sleigh Ride
8. Let It Snow
9. Who Would Have Thought
10. Try a Little Tenderness
11. Wrap Me Up
12. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
13. Be Mine
14. Together
15. Snowflakes of Love
16. Christmas Eve
17. Give Love on Christmas Day
Acknowledgments
Also By
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Winter Wonderland
Farrah
Christmas music blasted from the speakers in the empty lounge as my mother stood on a ladder, putting up lights. It was a beautiful thing, watching my mother happily bop to some 90s R&B Christmas songs after years when she could barely find a smile after my father passed away. Brian McKnight crooned about the snow as I wrapped the Christmas tree in lights. This was our pre-Christmas tradition at the Mountain View Inn. Weeks before the holiday came, we transitioned from turkey decorations to snow, bright lights and brightly wrapped presents.
I alternated branches, making my way down the tree with the lights and checking for any naked spots needing to be filled in. Once we had coverage, it was time for the ornaments. Some were large sparkling balls with well wishes for the holidays. Others were special gifts from regulars, or even just memories Mom and I shared. Despite myself, I grinned, pulling out a small Christmas tree shaped picture of me from my time in elementary school. No matter how old I got, she always insisted that one go on the tree. There was also an ornament from my best friend, who I didn’t get to see as often as I’d like.
The two of us saw each other very little in person after college. I took on helping my mother with the Inn while Hayley pursued a career in politics. She had aspirations to one day become an ambassador for Asnia. Unfortunately for her, she would have to go through a lot more schooling for that. After graduating, she went on to grad school. Although we had little time to see one another, we kept in touch daily. Haley even planned to join us this year for the holidays.
Excitement coursed through me at the thought of getting to see her and spend a few weeks hanging out. Plans of all we would get up to distracted me from noticing my mother not standing on the ladder. When I finally looked up and in that direction, I saw her on the phone. Her dark brows knit together as she wrote furiously on the notepad at the front desk. The receptionist on duty took to her side, grinning and bouncing on her toes as though my mother had won the lottery or something.
The weird energy at the front desk caused me to abandon the ornaments and move toward the slack jawed expression my mother wore and the wide-eyed joy the receptionist expressed. As I got closer, my mother held up a hand to caution me from speaking.
“Of course. We would be happy to have you. I would expect nothing less and can assure your safety here. You want to buy out all the rooms? There are some that have already rented them out. Triple the rate? I will certainly make that note and alert those who have already called ahead. There should be plenty of time to make new arrangements, yes. Thank you, and we’ll see you soon.”
With each new sentence she spoke, my curiosity grew. The time ticked away with her nods and Callie, the receptionist’s, antics. By the time my mother finished speaking, she had clasped her hands together, touched her heart and nearly fainted. All the while, I hadn’t the slightest clue what the fuck, or rather, who the fuck could elicit that kind of reaction from my mother.
When Mom hung up, in no time Callie tugged at the sleeve of her shirt. It was reminiscent of an eager child to their parent, except Callie was around my mother’s age and too damn old to be acting like this. Her childlike excitement left me baffled with no context clues.
“So, who was that on the phone? And they want all the rooms?” I asked in order to move this dramatic scene along.
“That was the Princess of Asnia. She wants to stay here at Mountain View for Christmas and she also wants to rent out the rest of the rooms for her Lady-in-Waiting, some of the castle staff and her guards. She’s willing to pay triple the rate. I have to tell those who already have reservations about the royal shut down to accommodate the princess.”
My eyes rolled at the news. Of course, the Princess was coming here to throw her money and power around. Dragging her poor staff along with her to do what? We already have complimentary dining services. I supposed we wouldn’t be good enough. She had to bring her own staff. The guards, I could understand, but to shut us down like this from the public felt unfair to those who looked forward to coming to the ski lodge every year.
“Wow, yet another reason I can’t stand the royal family. Now we have to wait on her hand and foot. At least Hayley may get her foot in the door with a Princess.”
“Hayley won’t be coming, Farrah. The Princess was very clear about wanting down time with her friends and needing room for her staff.” My mother burst my bubble with a swiftness that nearly made my head spin.
“She doesn’t have to have her own room. She can stay with me,” I tried to reason, walking around the desk to plead with my mother.
“You won’t have time to entertain guests. You’re going to be entertaining the Princess. You will be showing her around. We can’t afford to hand this task off to just anyone, and we need the money. Three times the rate! If we show her a good enough time, the Princess may very well endorse us. It would get us through the slow months.”
While we weren’t living paycheck to paycheck, we weren’t well off. We could splurge every now and again unless the Inn needed maintenance or one of our cars broke down. Then we would barely scrape by that month. Our busiest seasons more than made up for that. My mother was right. This could put us on the map as the place to go. That didn’t mean I had to be happy playing the fucking hostess to the Fancy-Pants Princess.
“Fine. When I got my degree and said I wanted to keep the legacy going, I meant later. Not now.”
My mother kissed my forehead. Eyeing me with an apologetic smile. “I know. Maybe we can make something work with Hayley after the Princess is gone?”
“I’ll see what I can do. I’ll call her now and let her know about the change in plans.”
Being the Princess’ host for a week didn’t seem ideal. While it was necessary, I for damn sure wouldn’t kiss her ass. I would treat her like I treated every other guest without exception.
Christmas Time Again
Imani
Lederos, the capital city of Asnia, left much to be desired in the winter. Snow seldom fell, and the mere mention of a dusting brought people from their homes to marvel at the slight flurries of ice that sometimes melted before touching the ground. The only sounds to be heard while walking the castle grounds were that of my constant shadows, the guards, and one of my ladies-in-waiting trailing behind me.
The Therons, my family, always hosted others throughout the year. There would be people in the great hall, parties in the ballrooms, or strategizing in the war rooms on any day. Usually, there were, at the very least, visitors to the throne room. Today, I could hear my voice echo down these halls, twisting up the winding staircase with no response.
This time of year left the castle bare as my parents celebrated the holiday on vacation two weeks before Christmas, leaving me in charge until they returned. Of course, there was nothing to be in charge of except myself. No one ever challenged our rule, nor did they attempt to take the throne while my parents were away. Asnia was a loving country, although classism remained a problem. We were a work in progress on that front.
During my parents’ trip, they often got out among the people, doing charity work, giving gifts, and taking the time to truly listen. This time was important to them as they took a step down from their throne to honor and show thanks to the citizens of our country, visiting as many places as they could.
While it was admirable what my parents did, it left me in a castle with half the staff, half the guards, and absolutely nothing to do besides plan for my own vacation. Mine looked just a tad different from my family’s, though.
“What will you do this year?” Tristin asked as we crossed the gardens and ascended the concrete steps to the back entrance of the castle.
“I think you mean where will we go this year? That wasn’t a joke, my offer to take you, some of the staff, and the guards on the holiday vacation with me.”
Surrounding myself with those I spent most of my time with while also giving back to them by providing an all expense paid vacation was my way of giving back. It was for those inside the castle walls who worked tirelessly day in and day out for us. This would be the first year I gained the responsibility of doing so.
Being twenty-three meant I was well overdue to have my own adventures, even if the downside meant I wa
“Okay, so what will we be doing this year?” Her curious brown eyes met mine, causing me to smile.
Tristin was far too good for me. She was my Lady-in-Waiting but also my best friend. She kept me humble in a world where no one ever was. It was a feat, considering I knew little about the world outside of being a princess.
“Well, we’re spending a week in Mountain View at the ski lodge there.” Tristin’s head cocked to the side, lips pursed and a wrinkle forming on her forehead as I gave this information. I lifted my hand to smooth out the wrinkle. “Mom always says it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile, but what’s with the face?”
“While I appreciate your mother’s continued pursuit of making sure black doesn’t crack, I’m more concerned with you not knowing how to ski or having any interest in it.”
She had me there. My lips quirked in a grin. “There are other things to do at the lodge. Besides, it’s really a smaller lodge, so skiing isn’t the principal attraction. It’s just an option. I’m finalizing the plan to buy out all the rooms today.”
“Imani, you did not!”
“I did. It’s the only proper way a Princess can travel. I didn’t want others bothering us while we relaxed and enjoyed ourselves.”
“Much like your concern for my wrinkles, I’m concerned with how large your head is. What about the other people who needed a place to stay? What about their reservations?”
Truth be told, I hadn’t thought for a moment about anyone else’s plans other than mine and the people who would join me. “I… didn’t think about it.”
“Fix it,” Tristin urged. “Don’t ruin someone else’s holiday so we can enjoy ours. We’re fortunate where some others may not be.”
There was that accountability for me in the blind spot of my privilege. Wrapping my arm around her, I gave her a gentle squeeze. “What the hell would I do without you?”
“Make the people of Asnia hate you.”
“I’ll fix it. I promise.”
I would rectify the situation the only way I knew how. Throw money at the problem and hope it would solve everything.
Eight Days of Christmas
Imani
Before we began our trip, I made amends to those who previously had reservations by offering to foot the bill for the neighboring inn recommended by Mountain View’s owner. The group traveling with me would comprise my best friend, Tristin, one of the cooks, a few of the maids, and five guards. It wasn’t a large group, but these were the core group of people I spent most of my time with. Most of them were around my age or a tad older, but no matter what, we had a great time in each other’s company.
The lot of us traveled by a party bus at my request. With music blasting and drinks flowing, tipsy sing-a-longs started up. The pole near the back of the bus became my stage, to which I pulled Marcela, the sous chef, up to join in on my antics. The two of us danced around the pole, giving a poorly amateur go at pole dancing which resulted in me falling on my ass. Had we been at the palace, everyone would have rushed to my aid, wondering if I were okay. The people on this bus treated me like a friend instead. They also saw much more of me than just Princess Imani.
Marcela tripped over one of my boots, landing on the floor next to me. “This is amazing, Imani! Thank you for inviting me!” Her green eyes were bright with elation and a smile touched her lips. Her sandy brown skin practically glowing.
“As if I would go on a vacation and not take you. You’ve only had to put up with me coming into the kitchen and sitting on your counter in the way for how many years since we hired you on?” I asked. The question was more rhetorical, but I knew she would answer, regardless.
“About three years now. When I interviewed for the job, no one told me I’d have to deal with a pain in the ass like you.”
“And yet, you agreed to spend your vacation with me.”
“Well, there are only so many times one can hear whispers of how the Princess parties and not want to join in. Besides, don’t think I didn’t notice you invited only the most aesthetically pleasing guards.”
“If I’m going to enjoy myself and be surrounded by guards, it’s only fair that I bring those whose company I enjoy. Plus, look at Tristin, already chatting up one of them.”
Tristin caught our eye from the floor and shook her head. Of the three of us, she had the most shy personality when flirting. Sometimes it was so subtle they didn’t even know she was flirting. I might have also brought the guard I knew very well she was crushing on.
In our world, politics and status made the world go around. A Lady from a prestigious family such as the one Tristin came from would never accept the union, but we were young. We didn’t focus on marriage. In fact, that was one topic I wanted to block out altogether. Who knew? Maybe she could change her parents’ minds about it if she met the right person.
The guards didn’t drink, but they loosened up a little. They all wanted to be alert, and there were more who would accompany us on the drive in other vehicles. Those I had selected would be by my side, hanging out but also keeping me safe.
Idly, my mind roamed to the what ifs of being off on my own without a single one of my family members to accompany me. I made sure only my known guests would be there, save the staff and owners. This was just leaving the nest jitters. I’d rarely been anywhere without my family, because being a member of the royal family gave my parents a serious case of overprotectiveness.
A bony elbow to my rib caused my brows to furrow. “Bitch,” I playfully exclaimed.
“Rude, I asked who you were trying to connect with this week and you were off in your own world. Where’d you go?”
“Hoping I have the right amount of guards and the rotation between relaxing and on duty leaves no holes and keeps us safe.”
“No, there’ll be none of that this week. This week, you’re not even a Princess. Got it?”
“I’m going to need you and Tris to teach me then, because my whole life is thinking about safety, politics and my image.”
Marcela let out a soft bout of laughter behind her hand. “Now you know that the last one isn’t true. Your image, while it isn’t problematic, you are the party girl. You have people clutching their pearls, hoping that your parents never pass on. They fear what your ruling will be like.”
I scoffed at the notion. “That must be the old church ladies. Every Sunday service, they cut their eyes my way.”
“Nini, I love you, but they did that because you went straight from the club to the church that morning. You’re famous. Your whereabouts get reported on the damn news.”
“Maybe their claims have some merit, but I have time. Or at least I should. My parents are healthy. Our guards are good and our people are happy. There should be no coups coming our way.”
“We’re not going to think about that. Let’s think about these eight days of vacation you planned for us.”
The rest of the ride, I kept my mind off the many worries that cropped up, thinking of all the things that could go wrong. Instead, Marcela and I urged Tristin to give the pole a whirl while also convincing the guards to have a little fun.
When the bus stopped and the guards swept the perimeter to make sure it was secure for me to leave the vehicle, my feet touched the snowy ground in awe of the scene before me. The quaint inn lit up like a winter wonderland. There were lights strung along poles on the porch. Rocking chairs sat wrapped in decorative garland, and snow perfectly perched on the railings as though it were a part of the decor.
“If you aren’t in the Christmas spirit yet, I have a feeling you will be soon,” Tristin said, her eyes jumping from one set of decorations to the next.
“I might enjoy this holiday.” Nostalgia for being young and looking forward to the light shows, decorating the tree, and gift giving came to mind as I took all this in. The holiday spirit had long left me once the magic of Santa had been dispelled. But maybe Mountain View could bring a little holiday magic back.
