Royal Fake

“Father has made her your lady in waiting and that is exactly what she is. She will be in waiting for a worthy match.” He said without too much emotion. “She’ll accompany you during public events and more when the baby comes.”

What the actual hell? Hadn’t the poor woman been tortured enough?

“I didn’t think they even had ladies in waiting anymore. What is this? The dark ages?” I thought I might pass out with stress.

“Give her this, Avery. You may not agree with it, but it’s the only way I can make it up to her for marrying you. At least now she has a chance at a respectable match, otherwise, all she’ll be known for is being the woman I discarded. While the Irish press is very wrong about you, being dumped for a woman who ran away the day after we were married is wreaking havoc on her reputation. Don’t worry, I’ve spoken to her at length and she’s ready to accept her role. She’s as hesitant about this as you are, trust me.” He was fighting hard for her, so I backed off.

“Okay, Liam, I do trust you.” And I loved him too, so that’s why I was coming back.

“Thank you. I’m sending Georg along as well, just to make sure the two of you don’t kill one another,” Liam laughed.

“Haha,” I half-heartedly joked.

Liam and I finished our conversation and I ended the call, dreading my plane flight the next day. As sad as Kylie and Madison were, they understood why I had to leave.

“We love you, girl,” Madison said as we stood on the tarmac.

“I love you too, Maddy,” I said, hugging her back.

“We’ll get out to see you soon,” Kylie said as she joined our hug.

We were always going to be the posse, no matter where we were, we’d always have each other’s backs.

“We’ll come out when you have the baby,” Madison yelled as I was escorted to the jet by two men wearing black suits and earpieces.

I had gotten very used to seeing the Irish security that followed Liam around. They were there to take me back to my princess prison. I boarded the plane and was met by a dapper-looking Georg with a conservatively dressed Lucy standing beside him.

“Welcome back, Your Highness. I hope you’ve made a full recovery.” Ugh, even Georg was now being so freaking regal. I hated it. “I think you know Lady O’Day.”

Lucy made a curtsey and my stomach flipped upside down. Poor little baby, I’d put him or her through a lot in the last few weeks.

“Good afternoon, Your Highness.” She was perfectly perfect.

I nodded back to Lucy and Georg.

“I’m feeling much better, thank you,” I said as I made my way back to the lounge where Liam and I found our sanctuary.

I was hoping that no one would join me, but much to my surprise Lucy followed me back.

“Um,” I turned around to her ready to brush her off.

“I’m sorry to bother you, Your Highness, but his majesty Prince Liam has asked that I escort you on the flight.” Her head tilted downward, and it looked like she might cry.

“Well, technically you can do that from the other room, but um… sure, come on in if you must.” I opened the door wide and looked to Georg. “You’re welcome as well. We can get some popcorn and watch a movie.” I looked at Georg with pleading eyes.

“Thank you, Your Highness, but it isn’t wise for me to be with a princess and her lady in waiting. I’ll be here if you need anything and of course, I’ll get you ready when it’s almost time to land.”

Defeated, I closed the door, “Okay.”

“Shall I see what movies they have on offer, Your Highness?” Lucy seemed just as stressed as I was.

“If you want,” For a moment, I panicked, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do for the whole plane ride with that woman, but I saw the hurt and fear in her eyes and it was enough to bring me back to my senses.

“Actually, if you don’t mind Lady O’Day. I’d like to ask you a few questions.” I saw her shiver the moment, I spoke to her.

“Of course, Your Highness.” She bowed her head.

“First, do you have to call me your highness? Is that a thing? Will you get in trouble if you don’t?” I hated being treated like a princess.

“Well, in public, yes, but in private… what would you like me to call you?” I thought she might get sick.

“Just Avery, please. I don’t think I could really talk to you if you continued to call me your highness.” I gave her a warm smile. “And may I please call you Lucy?”

Her back stiffened some as if maybe her title was all she had to cling to. “If you want, I guess.” She looked up at me in horror, having let just a little slip of herself go.