Suddenly Royal

“I’m not interesting. I’m the same as every other person. I have to brush my teeth, use the bathroom, and take a bath, same as everyone else.”

“You also just found out that you’re the duchess to a huge estate in a foreign country.” He frowned. “I understand what you’re saying, and they shouldn’t behave the way they are, but it’s because you are interesting. Things will calm down.”

“Please don’t say eventually.” I shook my head. “Everyone keeps telling me that it will calm down eventually, but it just seems to be getting worse.”

“I know.” He frowned and looked out the window as we reached the palace gates.

The car deposited me and my bags at the main door while Chadwick basically pulled me into the palace. That was fine by me. I didn’t want to stay in that car another second.

Catherine and Alex were chatting near the entrance to a room. They were both wearing jeans and I felt incredibly overdressed. This was the first time I had seen Alex in jeans and I had to admit it might be my favorite view of him. His worried gaze found mine immediately.

“Are you okay?” He took a step toward me and stopped.

“Yeah. I’m okay.” I ran a hand through my hair but dropped it when I realized it was shaking. “It was pretty crazy.”

“We heard the bodyguards talking about it. That must’ve been scary.” Catherine shook her head. “I’m so sorry they’re hounding you like this.”

“Maybe when they figure out how boring I am, they’ll leave me alone.” I tried to make a joke, but it sounded a bit too hopeful.

“I’m sure it’s going to calm down.” Alex’s fingers opened and closed by his legs. He looked antsy. In fact he looked as shaken up as I felt.

“You went shopping without me!” Catherine glared at the bags someone carried in. I was grateful the subject change. I didn’t want to think about what had just happened.

“It was Chad’s fault. He made me do it.” I pointed at my assistant, who rolled his eyes at me.

“Trust me, there is still much more to do.” He lifted the bags. “I will take care of these, Samantha. Enjoy your night out with these two.” He gestured with a full hand toward Alex and Catherine. My heart froze. I’d almost forgotten I would have to go back out in that mess. “Don’t let them get you into any trouble, and call me if you need me when you get back.” He winked at me as he turned around so the others couldn’t see.

“Thanks, Chadwick.”

“We don’t have to go out.” Alex watched me carefully, a small tic running along his jaw.

I thought about it for a minute. I didn’t want to go out. I wanted to curl up somewhere quiet and hide. But I also didn’t want to stop living just because some nutso person wanted my picture.

“I’ll call for extra security,” Cathy offered. “If you want. Or we can try again another day.”

“No. Let’s go.” I was glad my voice sounded so sure, because the rest of me wasn’t. “Mind if I run and change? These shoes are killing me.” My feet were screaming in agony. I’d throw them away if I could forget how much they had cost.

“Of course.” Alex leaned against the wall and tucked his hands into his coat.

“I’ll be quick.” I hurried down the hallway in the direction of my room, only to stop and look around, confused. I looked back behind me and Catherine was smiling. Alex pointed to the right, so I nodded my head and took that hall.

Chadwick was standing at my door and held up one of my new sweaters.

“Be careful tonight.”

“I will.” I blew him a kiss as I took it out of his hand ducked into the room. I changed quickly, pulling my hair down from the clip I had been wearing and grabbing my scarf. I threw my necessities into my pockets and headed back to the others. The entire walk back I chanted in my head: I can do this. I will have fun. I can do this. I will have fun. I didn’t want the media to stop me from seeing my new country.

By the time I got there, my stomach was growling and Catherine laughed. “I think someone needs dinner.”

“I haven’t eaten since noon.” I winced.

“We can fix that. Do you have a preference?” Alex opened the door for us and I shook my head. I noticed there was a second car behind us, containing several bodyguards.

“I’d settle for a peanut butter sandwich at this point.”

“We can do better than that,” Catherine said as we climbed into the car.

“What do you have in mind, Cathy?” Alex sat next to me, his leg brushing mine.

“How about that little place you like in the South District?” Cathy poked at his stomach. “The one with all the greasy burgers.”

“I don’t know. I just got back from the States, I’m not sure these will measure up. Why not get some local food?” Alex turned to look at me.

“Sounds good.”

Cathy gave the name of the restaurant to the driver and we headed into town. Reporters followed us as soon as we left the palace gates. Cathy shook her head, but I could see how tense Alex was next to me.

“What’s the big deal? We’re just going to dinner.” I frowned. Maybe we should have just stayed at the palace. Ordered pizza or something.

“They’re hoping to catch an embarrassing shot.” Alex sighed. “It’s their livelihood.”

“Like ketchup on our chin?” I was trying to lift some of the dreariness that had settled over the car.