Entertaining love interests while in a new country, presented awkward transitions for both American women, as it was a no-brainer who would do the relocating to keep the romance going. Megan pondered the predicament often. To give up her practise, her life, and her homeland laid heavily on her heart; but not Suzanne’s. Each day Megan grew more convinced that when she returned to Springvale in the New Year, she’d be going alone, losing her best friend and receptionist all in one vacation.
And what of her? Ryan expected her to warm up to the idea of being his wife. The image of her reigning by his side as Queen of Edstrom always made her stomach queasy and her self-esteem plummet to non-existence. At home, she was confident in her roles – no, comfortable was the more accurate term. If only she could have fallen in love with a commoner. She sighed as she fingered the rose petal in the bouquet that Ryan sent to her room daily. She loved him desperately and wanted with all her being to throw caution to the wind, shrug her shoulders and thank Ms. Claus for the push from rags to riches. But the peace suggested in the matchmaker’s note had evaded Megan, and doubts overshadowed the fairy-tale magic. Merging two opposite worlds was no small feat.
A knock sounded at the door. The palace provided staff to come help Megan dress for the Induction – the day her Prince Charming became King of Edstrom and conceivably untouchable in her fearful estimate. With her shower completed and her hair wet and hanging limp, she ushered two ladies inside. They plunked her at the vanity and the pampering began. With a cart full of beauty supplies at their disposal, the ladies chatted and experimented with styles quietly amongst themselves with no regard for Megan’s opinion or preference. But she decided to let the experts create a product worthy of the Celebration and the King who adored her. She was a guest of royalty and should look the part.
Two long hours later, Megan stood spellbound in front of the full-length mirror. One of the staff asked, “Are you pleased?”
“You’ve done a complete make-over. I barely recognize me under there.”
“The Prince prefers hair loose, not bound tight like his mother’s, and he likes minimal makeup. I also overheard a comment he made once to the Lady Winslow that he was fond of a streamline dress style. And the color of the gown pops the blue in your eyes and gives the illusion of flowing water. Quite unique.” She looked to the other woman and she nodded agreement. “We’ve tried our best to make Prince Ryannaus happy and proud of his escort on his special day.”
The women gathered their things into the cart, gave a slight curtsy, and headed for the door. One glanced back. “The Prince will arrive at two-o’clock sharp to bring you to the Great Hall. Perhaps you should rest while you wait.”
They were no sooner out the door than Suzanne barged in. “You are gorgeous!” She moved to the mirror and tucked a loose strand of hair under a fancy comb that covered the side of her head in half-oval fashion. “I had to do my own fix-up, but it’s not too bad, right. James is the only one I care about anyway – him and the new King, of course.” She sighed and hugged Megan. “How did we get so lucky?”
“Luck has a way of running out,” said Megan. “Are you and James serious; I mean am I going to lose the only worker in the office and my best friend all in the span of eighteen days?”
“I’m serious. He hasn’t made anything official but I’m open to spending my life here. He even said there may be a job in the office once I settle in – one that will use all my skills, not just making appointments and keeping your life straight. My education does qualify me for more, you know?”
“I know. You will be hard to replace.”
“What are you talking about? Your Prince has already made his intentions very clear.” She crossed her feet and curtsied low toward Megan, “Queen Meg.”
“That doesn’t sound the least bit royal,” said Megan.
“Sure it does. It’s the modern short-form that commoners will relate to. I mean really – Ursula? Wasn’t she the wicked character in one of Disney’s movies?”
“Shush. You mustn’t talk like that. I think the walls have ears,” said Megan.
“That would not surprise me. Did you know James has his own suite of rooms on the third-floor? A complete apartment just for him. He doesn’t always have the privilege of hanging out with the family during their private times like he is now.” She chuckled. “We have managed to turn the castle-norm upside down; isn’t that delightful? But being the Prince’s right-hand-man does give him privileges. He’s also getting a raise once the Prince becomes King, and might I add, a fairly hefty one.”
“Doesn’t sound like he gets too much time off,” said Megan.
“Once you and Ryan marry, you can monopolize his evening hours and leave us alone – deal?”
“As nice as the Queen Mother has been to me lately, she is still not on board and Lady Francis Winslow will be at the ceremony today as well as the ball. The competition has not backed down.”
“Phooey. One look at you and that starch-tart will be history.”
“I’m not worried about Ryan. I know he loves me, but as a public figure, he has responsibilities I can’t even imagine, let alone shine a candle to the woman who has prepared her entire life to serve as Queen to
