Page 51 of The Prince and the Double Shot
“You look beautiful.” I smiled tightly.
“I know.” She pulled me to the right through a small throng of people gathered in the middle. “She’s been waiting.”
“You spoke?”
“We had margaritas while she got ready. It doesn’t take me too long to look like this, but your mother needed three people to get her in that gown,” she giggled. “It’s been good to see her again.”
“Sheena? Did you know who Zane was?”
“I know who Zane is, and so do you. I think you’ve just let your fear get in the way. Maybe you should remember that. He is always exactly who you see, no matter what clothes he puts on.”
“That’s… I thought I knew him. But…”
“Phillipe!” Mother opened her arms as she saw us walking up. Sheena let go of my arm, and I stepped into my mother’s embrace.
“Son,” Father smiled, and I could tell he had lost weight. He patted me on the shoulder. “You look good.”
“I’ll leave you to it. I have a lot to still do tonight.” Sheena nodded at my mother.
“Will you visit soon? You and your wife.” Mother let go of me, and she reached over and took Sheena’s hand.
“Of course. I think it’s time we had a little getaway ourselves. We’ll talk later, Margaurite.”
Sheena turned and disappeared towards the door.
“You look better than I expected.” Mother let her gaze rake across my body.
“Thank you, I guess,” I huffed. “How are you feeling, Father?”
“Better. The King of the Forests gave me a restorative potion made from a plant that only grows within his realm. It has done wonders, but I’m still moving slowly, Phillipe. At least, I’m no longer having the fainting spells,” he said quietly.
“I will be traveling home with you tomorrow.” I tried to sound enthusiastic.
“That’s what your mother said.”
“Well, Luis, look who’s arrived.”
Sheena walked through the crowd with a thin woman and man dressed in purple. Her long cape flowed behind her. Their crowns glittered on their heads. They were striking with red hair and fair skin. It made my heart ache. I so wanted to see Zane tonight, but I also hoped I wouldn’t. What would I say? What could I say? I was leaving tomorrow, and there was no time to heal the rift. I had to look toward my future, even if my heart was breaking. With Zane, there could be no future. He had made that clear.
Mother reached out her hand, and the queen of some country took it within hers.
“It’s been many years, old friend.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked at my mother. There was so much that I didn’t know about her life. It was hard to imagine that she had a different life before she became queen.
“It has. I think it’s time for us to reunite, don’t you, Sevier? I have missed your laugh.”
“It has grown hoarse with the mountain air,” she grinned.
Sheena touched me on the arm. “Phillipe, let me introduce you to Queen Sevier and King Henri of the mountain kingdom of Montagne.”
I almost passed out. My spine went rigid, and my head swam.
“A pleasure. I… I hadn’t been aware that you were coming. It’s very nice to meet you, Your Highnesses.”
“It’s been a long time coming, young Phillipe.” King Henri said. “At one point, I thought we’d be meeting you much sooner.”
“I’m… Well, happy to make your acquaintance now,” I replied, confused as to what he meant. Our people rarely communicated, as far as I knew.
“Ah, yes… But the best laid plans often go awry, don’t they, Margaurite?” Queen Sevier’s eyes sparkled.
