“Does he have any idea as to what happened to put Cecil in as leader?” Reimeiko asked. “It just does not make any sense. And he had to have known that Karyson and Reimeiko were married before the final battle with Darkonia and the transfer to here.”
“Fame looks good on you.” Malachi was saying. “Soon it is always going to be like this. Everyone is talking about you, admiring your look, taking your photo. In fact, we will make sure of it at the Masquerade Ball tomorrow night. They are all of the women vying for Garyson’s hand. They arrived today just like you. Just smile, wave and keep walking.”
“Who is that with Malachi Blanchard?” Bondo Drayson asked. “She looks very familiar, but look, there is Lady Melinda Edward and--”
“Oh wow, it is Princess Amaryllis of Thunderia.” Pepper threw in, “The daughter of Thor and Kyiandra Kinsworthy Thunderis of Asgard, Thenoria, and Thunderia. The rest of these nobles do not stand a chance against her.”
Reimeiko met Pepper’s eyes and mouthed the words thank you and I will call you once I get settled. Pepper sent her a thumbs up but not before Malachi noticed.
“The paparazzi might not know who you are right now.” Malachi said. “But soon you will be the toast of the town. We will make sure of it at the Masquerade Ball tomorrow night.”
As more paparazzi snapped photos and called out to Reimeiko, Malachi led her down the red carpet to the palace where they joined up with Derrick.
“You went down the red carpet and got out of sight real fast Derrick.” Reimeiko teased.
“The red carpet theme is not really my scheme of things.” Derrick announced. “Anyway, we need to get you inside, the palace awaits. Welcome to your home for the next few months.”
“Most of the nobility live here while the social season is underway.” Malachi added. “Especially the ladies vying for the prince’s hand. The competition is seriously stiff for the most part.”
“Having all of you under one roof will make it easier for you to make it through the rose ceremony later.” Derrick replied.
“Derrick is just kidding about the rose ceremony.” Malachi said. “Anyway I will show you to your room for the duration of your time here at the palace.”
“And that is my cue to take off.” Derrick smirked. “I will see you around the palace if you are lucky.” Reimeiko watched as Derrick walked off and then followed Malachi into the palace and up the grand staircase.”
“I do not see Daryien shucking Karyson off like a side of beef when he knows that Reimeiko and Karyson are married and he is off limits to the outside world.” Tristan said through the earpiece. “Daryien is not there in the royal capacity, so someone is ruling in his place and we need to find out who and fast.”
“So just out of curiosity, what is the deal with Derrick?” Reimeiko asked. “Why is he so hot and jaded? I have come across many like him in my time, but he is more jaded than most.”
“Oh do not mind him.” Malachi said. “He, Jedrick, Cedrick, Nerick, and Zedrick never really fit in and got used to courtly life. He is a commoner. He has always been an outsider here even if he is one of the Prince’s best friends.”
“Good Lord, they throw that word commoner around like it is a vulgar word.” Reimeiko thought. “The sooner we get Karyson and Tristan reunited and away from here the better.”
“I am with you on that thought, my love.” Tristan replied. “Just the way he said the word commoner makes me want to throw up.”
On the fourth floor on the North side of the palace, Malachi turned down a hall all the way to the end in front of an ornate door.
“And here is your room with the best view of the palace grounds and the town.” Malachi said. “As a royal guest, you are spared no luxury.”
“So nothing is stopping from cleaning out the mini bar or jumping on the bed?” Reimeiko asked with a mile long grin.
“There is no mini bar, but the staff will get you anything you like.” he said. “And only your dignity will stop you from jumping on the bed.”
She ran and jumped into the bed sighing as she sank happily into the mattress. “Perfect. This is so much better than memory foam.” she said laughing.
“I am glad that you like it.” Malachi replied. “If you like, once you are settled, I can show you around.”
Right about then, their conversation was interrupted by a heavy knocking on the door. “Malachi Alexander Blanchard, I can hear you in there.” Byron barked loudly. “I need to speak with you this instant.”
“It sounds like someone is looking for and wants to talk to you.” Reimeiko whispered stifling a giggle.
“Right, uh Reimeiko, I think you should let me do the talking where he is concerned.” Malachi replied. “My brother is kind of complicated to explain or describe.”
The door burst open, and an imposing man with a stern expression strode in. “Malachi, I have heard the most alarming report.” Byron declared.
“Byron, it is good that you are here.” Malachi said. “I was not expecting you until much later, but now that you are here, this girl is the one I was telling you about, Reimeiko Thunderis.”
“Ah I see. So what I have heard is true.” he snarled. “This is the woman you have chosen to represent our house and family.”
“Yep. I nailed it right?” Malachi asked. “Reimeiko, this is my brother Byron Blanchard, Duke of Chinoa. Byron, this is Reimeiko Thunderis, our sponsored lady.”
“It is nice to meet you Duke Blanchard.” Reimeiko replied, dropping into a swift curtsy.
“The proper way to address a duke is Your Grace.” Byron sneered.
Reimeiko rolled her eyes. “Oh great,” Reimeiko thought. “He is one of those kinds of nobles.” Out Loud, she said sarcastically. “Oh I am so sorry, Your Grace, Malachi did not mention the stick up your rear end.”
“Charming.” Byron sneered. “Flat insolence is not a trait I would have chosen for the Prince’s suitor. I can see that she has a lot of spirit. Malachi, I would like a word with you, in private.” Â
Byron grabbed Malachi’s arm and hauled him out of the room slamming the door behind them, but she could faintly hear their voices through it.
“It sounds like they are talking about me.” Reimeiko thought. “I should at least listen in. It might give me an advantage in the long run.”
“That is the woman you picked to represent our family?” Byron demanded angrily. “How could you have been so stupid, Malachi?”
“Karyson really hit it off with her when they met at the restaurant for his bachelor party. She was our waitress.” Malachi explained.
“Waitress?!” Byron said shocked. “You brought a waitress? I knew I should not have trusted you to this. We could have had our choice of any unsponsored duchess or countess in half the world and you brought a waitress?”
“If helping Karyson getting his memories and his connection to me back was not so important,” Reimeiko thought sourly. “I would tell them to take this contest, their snobby attitudes, and shove it up their butts. But getting Karyson his memories of his and my past together is too important.”Â
She went back to listening. “Well sure.” Malachi replied. “But like I said, she and Karyson have a lot of chemistry and he really likes her. I know you probably do not care, but she could make him really happy. Like I have never seen him so happy kind of happy. I mean, should Karyson not have a shot at love like that even if he is the prince?”
“Spare me your sentimentality.” the duke sneered. “You had better hope this waitress does not ruin everything for us. It was bad enough you brought a waitress into this, but a commoner as well.”
“Oh if only he knew who you really were.” Serenity said through her communicator. “But I suppose until Prince Karyson is reunited with Tristan and Knight Wolf thereby regaining his memories of you two together, you will have to go along with the contest until then.”
“And of course deal with all of the arrogant, conceited, and self-centered nobles around.” Reimeiko groaned. “How far away are the Knights and our fleet?”
“The Knights are blending in even as we speak.” Serenity said. “And the fleet and I will be within earshot when you need us. Uh oh, they are coming back to you.”
She heard some indistinct shouting, but after a few moments, the door is thrown open and the brothers reenter the room.Â
“Fantastic, she was listening to everything that was being said.” the duke sneered. “You brought a woman with absolutely no manners.”
“Yeah, I was listening, and I do not like what I heard.” she replied very angrily. “You dumbnuts do not know a thing about me and you brother is the one who invited me here. But if you are so unhappy with me, Your Grace, you can get yourself another girl.”
“No please, you cannot go.” Malachi pleaded. “People have already seen us together, so they know you are our pick. If you go now then we have no one to pick up where you leave off.”
“Malachi is unfortunately correct.” the duke sighed. “For the time being we are stuck with you.”
“Well right now the feeling is very mutual.” Reimeiko growled. “If I stay to help you, I am going to have to lay down some serious ground rules.”
“Now see here, I am not about to follow the rules of a suitor, especially a low down commoner.” Byron snapped.
“Uh, you picked me, remember?” Reimeiko barked. “Now, it seems to me that I am the one who will make or break your house’s reputation so you will listen to and follow through on what I have to say or you will have no one to represent you this late in the game. So what is it going to be?”
“Dang, she is good.” Malachi thought. “I have never known anyone to put their foot down that hard where Byron was concerned except for Mom and Dad.”Â
Byron sighed. He looked to Malachi who raised his hands and stepped back retreating.
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