“Not with James around. He’s a riot.”
“He also holds a high position with the royals. His first duty is to the family, not you,” said Megan. “But don’t take it personally; it’s the way of the monarchy.”
The drawbridge began to lower when the limo signaled the guard at the gate. With only one tour scheduled a day, access to the castle was on invitation basis only, unless you wanted to swim and risk any unfriendly sea creatures lurking in the moat below. The entry into the main courtyard door swung open and the limo drove inside. Megan watched it shut behind them.
“We are locked in, Suzanne. Hopefully not as prisoners of the state.” She chuckled but Megan suspected she heard a slight ripple in her friend’s laughter. Good; it would keep her on her toes.
They drove through the next set of doors that opened into the inner court. Guards stood at every entrance along that verandah, straight-faced but watchful. The driver got out and opened the car door on Suzanne’s side, offering a gloved hand to help her out. Megan suspected she should wait her turn, just in case royalty peered out the window. First impressions were important and she needed all the help she could get. He came around and assisted her from the vehicle then went to retrieve their luggage from the trunk. A young girl full of exuberance, exited the castle, with a middle-aged woman at her heels. When she reached Megan, she spoke, “Are you Ryan’s sweetie or is the redhead?”
Megan grinned at her frankness. “I’d be the one,” she said and reached out her hand in greeting. When the girl eagerly responded, her hand was snatched back by the woman who hovered over her.
“May I present, Princess Jasmine, who is far too friendly for her own good.”
Megan ignored the overly protective woman. “Your brother raves about you, Princess Jasmine; claims you have a kindred spirit.”
“Oh, yes, we do!” said Jasmine, the strong hand of her guardian the only force holding her feet from jumping on the spot. “He also said I would love you, and I believe it may be true. Your smile is not phoney or put on to appease royalty.”
“Can I tell you a secret?” Megan bent lower towards the excited child’s ear. “I suspect that as a visitor to your country, my casualness confirms the fact that I have no idea how to act among royalty.” That brought a giggle from the girl.
The car pulled away and disappeared into what Megan concluded must be the garage. She wondered if Suzanne’s coach would be in there and James had access to make her dream come true.
Jasmine called out to workers standing off to the left awaiting acknowledgment. “Bring the ladies bags to their rooms,” the child said, then grabbed Megan’s hand before it could be snatched away. Together, they entered the living quarters of the royal family. Megan cast numerous warning glances behind her for Suzanne to keep the pace as they passed through the entrance hall – much like the one in the tour – and headed to the stairway that wound in grandeur style to the upper floors.
“The family suites are in the west wing on the second floor and special guests are permitted on the third in the east wing.” Her next words held a hint of mockery as she chanted what Megan supposed had been drilled into the child; “One must not interact with third-level guests on a personal level. But I love visiting up there when no one is in residence. My imagination knows no boundaries and Ryan and I have slayed many dragons.”
Jasmine had stopped while she chatted and Megan asked, “Is that where our rooms are?”
“Heavens, no! My brother would not hear of it, but he did agree to allowing Mum to place his guests in the east wing on the second floor. You must be very special for Queen Mum to back down on protocol.”
Jasmine turned to the left and entered a carpeted hallway with alcoves on the side adorned with heavy red tapestry and tables containing what even the untrained eye could see to be rare and expensive décor. Beside every door stood a bronzed soldier in full armor. Jasmine giggled when Suzanne touched the arm of the statue.
“He’s meant to instill a false sense of security that the ghosts of the past protect the people within the rooms. I am not as much a historic buff as Ryan but I do like the idea of a ghost.”
They stopped midway. “This first one is for you, Miss Megan. My brother says I mustn’t bother you further, and let you unpack. He will arrive to pick you up for your lunch date at twelve-fifteen.” Jasmine turned to Suzanne. “James will arrive for you at the same time.” The entire schedule has been rewritten to honor your visit. Poor Mum doesn’t know what to do with herself but Eramosa and I are tickled pink for this unexpected snip of free time.”
“All in the holiday spirit,” said the woman who walked behind. “Don’t get too used to it.”
Megan wondered if the woman always quenched the child’s enthusiasm and would have asked if it not meant alienating her from visits with this delightful young princess.
The suitcases were brought inside and then the staff moved one door down to Suzanne’s room. Megan spoke as she hurried after her luggage. “I’ll see you after lunch when the men return to work.”
Jasmine giggled. “Ryan has a wonderful surprise, but I promised not to tell, so I best leave for I find it difficult to keep secrets. See you later, Miss Megan. If you’re bored, please come find me. I’m usually in the study buried in a pile of books.” She looked at her guardian. “Will school soon dismiss for
