Royally Not Ready(108)
And for the rest of the night, I slowly and deliberately make love to my girl.
I forget about my fears.
My insecurities.
And everything else that’s bothering me.
Instead, I focus on the comfort I find when I’m with her.
Chapter Twenty-One
LILLY
Light beams into my closed eyes as the curtains are drawn in my room.
“Good morning,” a female voice says as I scrunch my eyes, trying not to let my retinas burn from the onslaught of light.
I turn toward the large man next to me, seeking his warmth, when I realize there is no large body next to me. Instead, I’m met with a cold side of the bed. I part my eye open and look for my man.
Nothing.
But a female appears at the side of the bed, wearing a black dress with a white collar, the same uniform I’ve seen the other staff around the palace wear. She also has an apron around her waist and a flower broach attached to the right side of her dress.
“Good morning, ma’am,” she says. “May I introduce myself? I’m Runa.”
Oh shit.
I smile and cover up my breasts. “Sorry about that. Old habits die hard, you know? I, uh, I’ll at least wear a shirt in the future.” One of Keller’s shirts. I need to remember to ask him for some.
Speaking of—where is he? Did he really sneak out in the middle of the night? Or did Runa shoo him away without me knowing?
“Whatever you prefer.” She clasps her hands in front of her. “But dare I say, I admire your piercings.”
Oh hell, I forgot about those. That must have been eye-widening for her.
“Uh, thank you.”
“I’ve always wanted to do such a thing but have been too scared. This might be bold, but may I ask, did it hurt?”
I let out a giant yawn and stretch one arm above my head while the other keeps the blanket close to my chest. “Only for a second, but the pleasure outweighs the pain, if you know what I mean.”
She smiles. “That I do. Well, Miss Campbell, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ll be your lady’s maid, and I’m here to make your life easier. Anything you might need, you just ask, and I’ll be happy to oblige. I work closely with your team to ensure you’re prepped and ready for what’s to come each day. Since today you’re just touring the palace and getting acquainted with the staff, I have laid out a simple outfit for you that is both comfortable and professional. You’ll find it in the bathroom and everything else you might need to prepare. As for a morning drink, I wasn’t informed of what you might wish to wake up to, but if you tell me, I’ll be able to make sure I have a drink ready each morning.”
“Oh, wow, that doesn’t seem necessary. I don’t want to put you out.”
“It’s not putting me out. It’s my job.”
“I know, but I’d feel bad asking that of you.”
Runa takes a step forward and holds her hands in front of her as she says, “May I be bold for a moment, ma’am?” That ma’am stuff must stop, but I don’t bother saying anything immediately.
“Of course,” I say. “If we’re going to have a good relationship, I always want you to be bold.”
“Well then, I know this lifestyle might be new to you and quite different from what you’re used to, and I’m quite aware that is not of your doing. But please attempt to understand our ways. The people here serving you do it because it’s their life. It’s not because we’re forced to or to simply pay the bills. We take great pride in the excellent service we provide our sovereigns. We undertake thorough training to get to this point, and to make it to the palace is the dream. This is how we know to serve our country. This is our life. Staff may be insulted if you deem us unnecessary. It’s an honor to serve you, ma’am. So, please, tell me how I may serve you best.”
“Oh God, Runa, I’m so sorry,” I say, clutching my chest. “I didn’t mean to insult you.”
“It’s quite all right. I know there will be some cultural differences at first, and as long as you have an open mind”—she glances at my chest again with a smirk—“then so will I.”
“Deal,” I say. “And I do love a coffee in the morning, with milk and sugar.”
“Very well.” She bows her head. “Now, if you’d like to get ready, Mr. Fitzwilliam is waiting to start your day outside your door.”
“Fitzwilliam?” I say, confused, and then it hits me. “Oh, Keller? He’s outside?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I’m seconds from asking her to call me Lilly, but then realize maybe that might insult her, so I hold back.
“Can you send him in?”
“But, ma’am, you’re hardly decent.”
“It’s fine,” I say, offering her a wink.
“Ah, I see. Well, shall I retrieve your coffee?”
“I think I’ll just have some with breakfast. But thank you, Runa. Maybe later in the day, we can sit down and get to know each other better?”
“Ah, while we prepare you for dinner, we can speak then.”
“Okay, sounds great. Thank you.”
Runa nods and leaves the room, only for the door to open again and for Keller to slip in. He’s wearing a black suit, white button-up shirt, and black tie. His hair is styled, his face freshly shaven, and I can smell his delicious cologne from where I sit on my bed. There’s a binder in his hand, and his eyes go dark when he looks up at me and sees me in my bed.