Reluctantly Royal(47)

“Do you handle your own events, then?” Sam frowned. “That’s a lot of work, especially if you’re in school.”

“Actually, I haven’t had any tasks given to me.” I kept my face calm. Did that mean the queen hadn’t trusted my family with anything important? Not that I could really blame her.

“I believe I overheard my mom telling someone to leave you be while you were in school,” Max spoke up. “They were looking for someone to partner with a food bank. Mom said that while you were in school, you weren’t taking any assignments.”

“Oh.” I frowned. I hadn’t even realized that I was somehow dodging “royal work.” Not that I was going to complain. The school and rehearsal schedule had been rigorous enough.

“Lucky.” Cathy leaned back in her chair. “I only escape during the semester. I still get sent on errands during the summer.”

“Well, I’ve been attending through the summers.” I was trying to finish as quickly as possible. I wasn’t exactly looking for the typical university experience. No clubs or drunken binges. No dates or relationship drama. Just class and singing. And hanging out with my little man.

“I wish I could do that. I really don’t have a choice.” Cathy frowned. “Not that I don’t love my work with the Liberty Anne Foundation. It’s rewarding in a very different way.”

“What do you do there?” I sat back in my chair and tapped Marty’s hand when he started fidgeting with the tablecloth.

“We raise money for the local schools’ art programs and we also work with children with disabilities.” Her eyes turned thoughtful. “We’ve made some huge steps forward in the last couple of months.”

“Hey, would you guys like to see where you will be staying?” Max stood up.

“Sure.” I cocked my eyebrow at him. “Will there be shackles, Your Highness?”

“That can be arranged.” His eyes took on a dark look and I found myself blushing. Talk about having your words turned around. I guess that’s what I deserved for being snarky.

“Oh, I like her,” Sam whispered loudly to Cathy as they exchanged a look.

“I don’t think you’re the only one.” Cathy smirked at her brother, and I wondered if they had forgotten I was sitting there.

“What are shackles?” Marty asked.

Everyone at the table turned to look at him.

“Back in the old days, they were used to keep prisoners from escaping.” Max kept his eyes glued to mine. “Nowadays they are mainly just for show.”

“Like the suits of armor?” Marty hopped out of his seat.

“Just like that.” Max smiled. “But if your mom would like I could look to see if we have any that are in good shape.”

“Thanks, but that’s not necessary.” I stood up and set my napkin on the table.

“Thanks for the food.” Marty smiled at Samantha and Cathy. Much to my surprise he folded himself in half to perform a little bow.

“You’re very welcome, sir.” Cathy bowed her head in return.

We left the dining room and walked through a large sitting room. For being such a big space, it had a homey feel that I appreciated.

“We put you guys in the family wing. I hope you don’t mind.” Max led us up a flight of stairs.

“Worried we might sneak away?” I raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Everything wakes up Sam nowadays. She’s like our alarm system.” Max smiled back at me, but I could see something worried in his eyes. “I really hope you will stay at D’Lynsal.”

I didn’t say anything, just kept walking. I might joke about him having kidnapped us, but I knew that he had done what he thought best. It wasn’t like he had forced us into the car with him. If I pushed to go somewhere else, he wouldn’t stop me. And going back to Thysmer was completely out of the question at this point anyway.

“This is Marty’s room.” Max pushed open a door and Marty bounded through.

“Awesome.” My son flew straight to the TV to check out the game consoles.

“No games until I see what they are.” Just because we weren’t at home didn’t mean he was going to play a game not rated for him.

I looked around the room and nodded. It was similar to the one Marty had at Thysmer. A large bed, a desk and chair, a wardrobe. The only difference was that everything felt much newer than at Thysmer.

“This will work great.” I smiled over at Max, hoping to show him that I really was okay with the accommodations.

“Good.” He leaned against the door frame.

“Can I play, Mom?” Marty looked up at me with big eyes. “They have the new Turbo Man.”