Page 35 of Dancing With a Royal

Michael greeted Clara with a warm welcome. They chatted as if no time had passed en route to Versailles. “Do you know anything about David’s surprise?” She attempted to pry any information she could from Michael. Her body warmed and a sense of peace overtook her as she thought of David. How much trouble had he gone to this time?

“Miss Little, Leeds has informed me null. You will have to wait until we arrive and discover what is waiting ahead for you on your own.” Michael spoke as a true conspirator.

The drive outside Paris to Versailles allowed Clara to enjoy some of the beautiful French architecture. Versailles was not yet open to the public. Michael was waved into the front car park, again receiving special treatment. Clara grew suspicious. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach in eager anticipation. Whatever David had planned was big.

“We are going to go through to the gardens of Versailles. They are an experience, if I do say so myself.” Michel unloaded Clara’s knee scooter. They took their time as they entered the grounds and admired the back of the chateau. It was rare to have no other people around. Clara soaked in the quiet and attempted to picture Louis XIV and his court standing in the same place she was. There was a light layer of fog making the grounds slightly difficult to see in the distance.

They approached the edge of the steps behind the chateau. Clara gasped as she took her first look at the Apollo fountain covered in gold and shooting off jets of water into the sky. The water in the background reached to the nearby estate of Trianon and provided Clara with a breathtaking view. Music went off, confusing Clara.

“Behind you,” a voice spoke, startling Clara and causing her to almost fall over. A pair of strong arms caught her. The scent she knew well, the careful caress of his hands on her body… Clara closed her eyes and inhaled.

“Tell me I’m dreaming. Are you really here, David?” Clara whispered into his jacket. She felt an electric force pulling them together. Time slowed, and in that moment, it was only the two of them in Versailles.

“It didn’t seem right to leave you to enjoy Versailles on your own. George, Michael, and I decided to rent a golf cart. Might make exploring the gardens a wee bit easier.” They released one another as time resumed its normal speed.

Clara felt complete. This was how it was supposed to be. The two of them, okay, plus the security team, enjoying life in their own little bubble.

“My own Prince Tour Guide. Lead on.”

“Should I mention we have the gardens to ourselves for an extra hour? I rented them out.”

Clara wasn’t going to say anything. How did a person just rent out Versailles? “David, you are the most romantic, amazing person ever. You are my one and only. I love you.”

David didn’t reply, only took the time to kiss her arm agonizingly slow until he reached her lips. Clara’s body tingled with excitement.So this is what love feels like.

13

Return To Reality

Clara Little’s flight departed from London to L.A. How had three weeks already passed from the night of the “Gala of Ballet Stars” until now? Had she really gotten to know the Duke of Leeds and Prince of Wales and their family well enough to consider leaving everything she had ever known behind? Was she truly an engaged woman? Saying goodbye at the airport to David took all of Clara’s self-control. She wanted nothing more than to reverse course and stay in London, but it was time to return to reality. She needed to reenter the real world.

Clara’s mind spun in circles, anxious for what her future might hold. How would this long-distance relationship work? How would the official Buckingham Palace announcement affect her life? There were so many unknown factors and logistics to figure out. Paris was a dream. Versailles, another entire level of paradise. David had warned Clara the press release was ready to be circulated. Her life as just an LABT soloist was about to change.

In the meantime, there were so many questions in the back of Clara’s mind. She needed to reestablish her old routine and get back into dancing shape. The first step in putting her life back together would be to visit her apartment, and second step, a trip to physical therapy.

Clara: Amanda, just landed. You still able to pick me up, or should I take a cab home?

Amanda: I’m here in baggage claim: )

Clara: Are you hungry? I’m starving for some good old American BBQ.

Amanda: You read my mind, C. See you in a few.

Clara smiled, excited to see Amanda. The fates always seemed to conspire against them. As often as Amanda attempted to spend time with Clara, she was always pulled into covering for a co-worker or schedule change or what not.

“Clara!” Amanda screamed and rushed to give her a big hug. “It’s sooooooo good to see you! Do you know how hard it was for me to keep Versailles a secret? Your girl did! I want to hear all of the juicy details on the way to BBQ Shack.”

“Edward.Excellent, you are five minutes early.” King Reginald looked up from his desk and beckoned his eldest child inside. David smiled at Eddie and patted the chair next to him. Eddie entered the room and took a seat.

David’s uncle began, “I’m pleased to hear about the launch of the Whaleeds Trust. It shows real initiative that you lads have come up with this all on your own. I’m happy to lend the full weight of the Monarchy behind it.” The king paused. His eyes seemed to glow with pride at Eddie. “Edward, now that you’re here, I’ve spoken to your mother, and we’ve agreed to host a small family gathering to see you off to Sandhurst. She wanted to host it here, but I thought you might prefer Windsor. I agreed with your mother that I would ask you.”

David knew the moment was coming when Eddie would let his uncle know what he truly desired. Eddie stood and straightened his shoulders as he spoke. “Father. I was hoping we could speak about an urgent matter before you go any further.” This took King Reginald by surprise. Eddie had never taken the initiative to bring up what he wanted before.

David’s uncle raised an eyebrow. Eddie took a deep breath. Here it went. “Father, I have decided I do not want to attend Sandhurst.”

“This is non-negotiable! You are the heir to the throne. Military service is required of each male member of this family.” The king popped out of his seat. Eddie didn’t flinch at all. David was impressed. A few weeks ago, Eddie would not have been ready for this.

David cleared his throat. He was here to mediate, keenly aware of why Eddie had asked him to be available for this conversation. “Uncle, if you would hear Eddie out, I believe there is more to it than that.”

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