Page 42 of Royal Pain
“It shows.”
He abandons the luggage and comes to me. Our arms wrap around each other and we take the kiss. Then ten. I feel the erection pressing against my stomach and give him my amused look. One eyebrow up with a little smirk.
He backs away, chuckles, and adjusts himself. “We’ve got to stop now. It wouldn’t do showing up with a hard on. Pretty sure my parents would be horrified.”
My laughter is all the response I can give.
* * *
Shutting the door behind us, we head for the big house. Down a pink stone path, winding through the trees. Big house. That’s what Zan calls it. When I asked if I should refer to it as a palace he laughed. “It’s just the family home. Big and beautiful, but nothing like a palace,” he says. Then his face darkens. “I want to tell you something.”
“What?”
“It’s about my father. When you see him don’t be shocked. He looks different from when we were in New York.” My stomach drops when I see his eyes well with tears. “Shit. I’ve got to get in control.”
“Tell me.”
“My father has cancer. It’s moving quickly. There’s no treatment available. He’s dying.” Zan spits out all the words as if it’s one thought. It hits me in my soul. Not only for the king, but for his son, who clearly loves his father.
“I’m so sorry, Zan. Oh. What devastating news for your family. For your country.”
“There hasn’t been an official announcement but of course there’s talk. People aren’t stupid. And he hasn’t made any public appearances for two weeks now.”
We arrive at the “big house” but I barely take in its appearance.
“I know this is silly, but if there’s anything I can do to make even one thing easier for you or your family please tell me. Am I supposed to know this information?”
“They know I’m telling you. I convinced them you could be trusted with the information.”
A nod of my head confirms he’s made the right decision.
He opens the door and we walk inside. Immediately I’m lifted from feelings of sadness and empathy to lightness and joy. The laughter of little children and the sounds of lively conversation in another room reaches us in the entry. Zan’s face brightens and he wipes the remnants of his tears away.
“This way,” he says, taking my hand.
We walk toward the noise which is getting louder. I hear the laughter of the king, whose timber is unmistakable. It’s weaker though. When we enter the great room I’m taken by the scene. And completely surprised. There’s red, white, and blue decorations, small flags of the United States on the huge dining table, and the king and queen are dressed in red. What? Is this for me?
“Belinda!” the king says, arms open. I try not to react to his appearance. Thank God Zan warned me. I go to the king and he offers a hug which I take and give.
“Hello, darling. We’re so happy you could come for a visit,” the queen says.
Their whole vibe is different. This is who they really are, away from the stiffness of interviews or public appearances. It’s startling in its authenticity.
“Thank you, your home and grounds are magnificent.” I look around at the theme of the luncheon and ask, “Is this in my honor?”
Quiet laughter starts and grows into a hearty show. Everyone’s in on the private joke but me. But I’m amused too.
“No, my dear. It’s the Fourth of July. We celebrate Zan’s childhood holidays. We’re doing it a little off schedule this year,” she says, locking eyes with me. I understand.
“My mother was an American,” Zan chuckles, enjoying my confusion.
“Oh!”
Kwai enters the room, carrying two big boxes with unmistakable graphics revealing the contents.
“We’ve got fireworks!” he says.
“Fireworks? That’s so cool!” Nubia hollers.
That’s how the lunch began. My confusion, the children’s excitement, and the sense of being totally comfortable amongst these people. This wonderful family. They’re inclusive. And watching them interact in their family home is impressive. They not only love each other, they like each other too.
Even Kwai, who I sized up early, is more complex than I thought. Under the impatience lies a goodness. It’s pretty well hidden, but it’s there. Tarik and family are the centerpieces of the family puzzle. The grandchildren adored. Seeing the king with one child on each knee is adorable. They love their grandfather. It’s so obvious.
And so I find myself in the middle of a dream. Never in my wildest fantasies did I think I’d be celebrating the Fourth of July out of context, enjoying a lunch in my honor with a king and a queen, or falling asleep under an African sky.
But it’s the prince who impresses me most. His calmness, the quiet joy that lives inside, his ability to cope with what’s happening with grace. And for a hundred other reasons. I think I’m falling in love.
