Chapter 9

So, today is the day Arthur, the gang and I fly to Denmark for the ball. But apparently, Arthur has to deal with something so he'll fly down when he's done. I can't believe how sad I feel.

"Babe, are you sure that I can't wait for you?" I asked for the millionth time as we packed my luggage. 

"No. It's Navy business. And besides, it's your family ball, showing up late wouldn't be nice."

"I know." I threw some shoes into the box and turned to him. I placed my hand on his shirtless glory chest as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. "But the flight is an hour and 50 minutes long, what am I supposed to do with myself?"

"Do anything, have a chat with the girls or even sleep. I'll get there by nightfall, trust me."

"I do. It'll just be boring without you there."

"I know. But, think of it this way, when I get there, I'll compensate for not getting there earlier."

"Well, when you put it that way..." I've slept around with boyfriends and all but with Arthur, it's different. There's this... passion when we have sex that I never felt until he came into the picture. There's this need that I feel from him and that just turns me on more. A lady likes to be wanted and Arthur definitely makes me feel wanted.

"While I would normally jump at any offer to get into bed with you, you need pack so you don't keep your pilot waiting. And George said you aren't taking the same jet with them, why?"

"You know how much I value my space. I can't go a day without receiving one of the guys. We can't do anything in here without George hearing it next door. I just needed my time, no matter how short. Besides, you know that you're the only person I like to have in my space."

"I know. Look, thanks for understanding the whole work thing and I promise, I'll make it up to you."

"You've said that already. Plus, we both need the break. So just do what you have to do and come meet me. You can't miss this ball."

"I won't, I promise. God I don't want you to leave." He acts like a child. First he's calm and now he's...attached to me. It's not like we won't still see each other today. I'll just get there before him. Besides, after dinner with his parents last night, we decided that we would tell my family together before the ball, that's why he can't afford to miss it. And due to our PDA yesterday, the entire world knows about us.

"Stop. I know where this is going and no, I'm not going to sleep with you again before I leave. You need to get dressed and stop walking around half naked. Go and get your work done and come to Denmark. I have to leave now and so do you. Here's a key to the apartment in case you forget something and need to come back. I love you." I gave him a kiss, grabbed by coat and he carried my luggage. We went outside the building that was now Press Central and got into the car. He was escorting me to the hanger but due to an impromptu issue, he had to take another car and I went alone. In truth, I slept through the entire flight. I only woke up when we landed. I was in a black jean with a white top and a long black sweater that reached my knees. My black heeled boots clicked on the floor as I walked to the car. The press was waiting excitedly to see Arthur and I but sadly, it was just me. I called him as soon as the driver started the drive to the Palace. 

"So how was your flight?"

"Hectic. I just landed though. How's work?" 

"Awful. It keeps on getting worse babe, seriously I don't think I can make it anymore." I stayed quiet after he said that. He has to make it. This entire weekend was supposed to be based off on how well things go when WE tell my family about the engagement. "Babe? Please say something." 

"You have to come. You promised."

"I'm so sorry Toria. I promise I'll make it up to you when you get back."

"I don't want you to make it up to me, I want you to come here." I heard someone say something on his end of the line but I couldn't make out what was said. 

"Look, I have to go, something just came up and I need to attend to it. I'll call you later and again, I'm so sorry I disappointed you. Love you."

"Yeah." I understand that his duty to his country comes first but he promised to be here. How on earth do I explain his absence to everyone? Soon enough, we got to the palace and I was taken to my room. My friends had to stay at a hotel which only added to my loneliness. I was settling in when the door slightly creeked, I turned and saw my aunt. Crown Princess Marie. She married my uncle years ago and she's practically family. She came in and I gave her such a tight hug. 

"Tori! Ah, I've missed you sooo much! How are you?" She sat on the bed and I kept on unpacking. 

"I've missed you too. And I've been good. London is different when you live there but I love it. I've made so many new friends and I honestly wish I made the move sooner."

"Well, I'm glad you love it. You were unhappy with where you were and you made a choice. I'm glad it turned out well. But, I think we're missing someone."

"Yeah. He called to apologise, he got caught up with work."

"Believe me, that happens a lot with royal men. You care about him a lot don't you?"

"I love him, a lot. But I'm coming to realise that he'll always put his duty first. Even before me." I sat down next to her and she wrapped a loving arm around my shoulder.

"For 25 years, all he was taught was how to be an heir apparent. He wasn't taught how to be a boyfriend and so I'm sure it's hard for him. When I first met your uncle, I had the same complaint and things only got worse. But you love Arthur and I'm sure that with time, things will find their balance. I need to go now but rest. The Queen expects everyone to be at dinner so look good, the press will be there."

"Yay, more press!" I said sarcastically. She laughed as she walked to the door.

"Get some sleep. I'll see you when it's dinner time." She left me there and I went back to work. When I decided to take a nap, I closed the blackout curtains so the room would be totally dark and I laid in bed. I tried to call Arthur to apologise for earlier but he wasn't answering. So I sent a text apologizing for my attitude during the call. And then I fell asleep. 

I was in dream land when I felt someone get into bed with me. I slowly turned to see who it was and I was shocked!

"Arthur!" I wrapped my arms around his neck as we kissed like we had not seen each other for years. "What are you doing here? I thought you said you couldn't make it anymore?"

"Did you really think I would break a promise that I made to you? I love you too much to do that to you. So, am I forgiven?"

"You're here, aren't you?"

"I am."

"So all is forgiven. God I missed you."

"I missed you too. But before we get into anything, how long do we have before dinner with your grandmother?"

"About two hours."

"Wonderful, would you rather I take a shower first or...."

"Come here." I pulled him until our lips met. His arms went around my waist as he carried me and placed me so I was straddling him. "Victoria...."

"Ssssh. Just enjoy it." I whispered into his ear seductively. He swiftly removed my top and threw it all the way across the room while I got busy with his shirt buttons. Luckily, that didn't take much time. He was massaging my breasts through my lace bra and I was grinding against him. *Ring ring* *Ring ring* 

We both turned and Arthur passed me my phone. It was my sister. She had called me continuously since her last visit to London but I was still upset so I never answered her calls. I stared at my screen contemplating whether I should answer her call or not.

"Answer it babe. She's your sister." 

"Yeah, well, whatever she has to say to me, she can say it when she gets here. Tonight, it's just you and me." I turned off my phone and Arthur and I went back to business. 

Arthur and I had to get ready for the dinner shortly after our rendezvous and as usual, I was running late.

"Babe come on! We can't be late now." Arthur can be very patient and he can also be very impatient. Tonight, he has been nothing but impatient.

"I'm sorry, I'm done ok." I stepped out of the bathroom and his jaw dropped. This was what I wanted to see as my confirmation that I looked stunning. 

"Babe, you look amazing." He said as he placed a kiss on my cheek. 

"Thank you. Shall we?" He put a hand on my lower back and led me out the door. As we walked to the hall where the dinner was taking place, I explained some of the works of art on the walls to Arthur. He was genuinely interested in learning more about my history. As soon as we entered the hall, everyone's attention turned to us. We posed for a few pictures with the press before going to mingle with the crowd. And it was only right that we started with my grandmother. 

"Victoria, Prince Arthur, it's good to see you both." She said as she hugged me. 

"We're happy to see you too Granny. Where's Grandpa?"

"Oh, he got caught up with work but he'll be back in time for the ball tomorrow. So, you finally went public with your relationship. What changed?"

"I realised that Arthur was worth the risk. And for him, I'll take my chances with this one." She smiled warmly as she looked at us. Arthur always had this protective arm around me whenever we were outside and she noticed it.

"Well, I like you a lot Arthur and I do hope that things work out. But if you hurt her, we're going to have a problem. Is that clear?"

"Crystal." She smiled and excused herself. "That was definitely not intense."

"She's just looking out for me. And she said she likes you. Believe me, she has never said that to any of my boyfriends."

"If you want to keep any of those guys alive, don't mention a name. But I'm glad I stand out. But shouldn't your parents be here?" My parents...oh they're definitely here. And I want to see my father and run into his big arms but he'll always have mother around him. "Victoria, I know you don't want to see your mom or sister but you have to. Let's go find them." But they spotted us and came right over.

"Daddy." I said excitedly as I gave him a big hug.

"Tori. My baby, I've missed you sooo much."

"I missed you too." He held my hands for a few seconds and then released it.

"Mother." I said...not so happily.

"Mommy would've been more welcomed but mother works too. It's good to see you Victoria."

"Yeah. I would say the same but..." Arthur awkwardly cleared his throat. "Daddy, mom, meet Arthur...my boyfriend." I don't think they expected me to formally introduce him but they seemed pleasantly surprised. 

"Prince Arthur, it's good to finally meet you. My daughter has said nothing but good things."

"Thank you your highness. You and your wife did a good job with her. She's really something."

"She takes after her mother. My wife here worked her ass off to make sure Victoria and her sister grew up to be the best of the best. I'm glad all her efforts were worth it." Why does my father praise her so much? I couldn't even hide my eye roll at this rate.

"Yeah. Let's justify 25 years of misery by calling it parenting."

"Victoria!" Arthur said in hushed tones. My mom simply raised her hand to stop Arthur from wasting his time.

"If you're going to stick around Arthur, find a way to get used to this...cause I have."