Lucy's POV
The train finally screeched to a halt at our last destination. The long rhythmic clatter of the tracks stilled, replaced by the hiss of steam escaping beneath the wheels. Outside the window, I caught glimpses of the bustling station—people dragging heavy luggage, vendors calling out their goods, families reuniting with cries of joy.
Kenneth stepped out of the small bathroom in our cabin, and the sight of him made my heart skip. His face was lit with a smile so wide and genuine it seemed to erase every shadow of gloom that had clouded him earlier in our journey. The tense, brooding man I had worried over was gone, at least for this moment, replaced by someone vibrant, almost boyishly excited.
"Hey ya! You're awake?" he asked, his voice tinged with warmth.
"Yes, love, I am." I stretched out my arms toward him. "Come here."
He didn't hesitate. He came straight to me and fell into my embrace, his strong arms tightening around me until I squealed. He lifted me effortlessly off the seat and spun me the slightest bit, the way he knew always made me laugh. My heart swelled—he remembered the little things that calmed me.
"Welcome to my hometown, my love," he whispered against my ear, his breath warm on my skin.
"Thank you, babe. It looks… welcoming." I glanced toward the window again, where the golden glow of late afternoon spilled across the platform. "I guess it's time to alight?"
"Yes, love. We have to," he said softly.
Before we could move, several men entered the cabin. They wore neatly pressed uniforms, their boots clicking against the wooden floorboards. At first, I assumed they were staff responsible for clearing passengers, but what happened next knocked the air out of me.
In perfect unison, they stopped, bowed deeply, and said, "Our Prince. My lady. Welcome back home."
My mouth fell open. My eyes darted from them to Kenneth, who gave me a small, sheepish smile before turning to frown at the one who appeared to be their leader.
"I thought I made it clear to my father that I didn't want this… dramatic welcome," he said sharply.
The leader lowered his gaze, his voice humble but steady. "Forgive me, my Prince. His Majesty would not allow otherwise. He commanded us to attend you, and we could not disobey."
Kenneth exhaled a long, heavy sigh and nodded. At his gesture, they moved forward to collect our luggage, their movements practiced and respectful.
I sat frozen, stunned, my heart beating so hard I could feel it in my throat. Prince? My Kenneth… a prince?
He turned back to me, his expression instantly softening. He reached for my hand, threading his fingers through mine. "Are you okay?" His voice was filled with concern, almost pleading.
I nodded faintly, though I could tell by the worry in his eyes that he wasn't convinced. "Is this what you wanted me to see for myself?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.
He hesitated, then smiled faintly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yes… this, and something else too."
My eyes widened, round as saucers. "There's more? You've kept this—your royal status—from me for two years, Kenneth. And now you're telling me there's still more surprises waiting? No wonder you could intimidate another royal like Pat! Now I understand."
A nervous laugh bubbled out of me, and I tried to lighten the mood. "So what else? Are you also secretly married with kids? Planning to make me your second wife or concubine?"
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling as he leaned closer. "Nah. You'd be the first wife if you agree. But you'd also be responsible for choosing the second, third, and fourth wives. I want four."
I gasped and punched his chest lightly. "Dream on! Never!"
We both burst into laughter, the tension melting between us. His teasing gave me just enough space to breathe.
But when the laughter faded, reality rushed back like a tide. I placed my hand against my chest, where my heart pounded erratically. "Now I'm even more nervous," I admitted, my voice trembling. "I'm not just meeting your family. I'm meeting your royal family. How am I supposed to live up to their standard? I'm just a commoner. What if they don't approve of me? What if they want you to marry another royal?"
Anxiety surged through me, twisting my stomach. The thought of standing before kings and queens, of being weighed and measured against royal expectations, was suffocating.
Kenneth must have felt my rising panic, because he pulled me against him, his arms warm and strong. He tilted my chin up with one finger until my eyes met his. "Don't worry about anything," he said firmly, his voice low and reassuring. "As long as you don't give up on us, I never will either."
The conviction in his tone eased some of my fear. Yet a lingering worry gnawed at me. What if his family rejected me outright? What if I became the reason for discord between him and his blood? Though I had just learned he was a prince, I still didn't know if he was the heir to the throne, or one of several sons. Perhaps my fear was misplaced—but I couldn't silence it completely.
We were ushered into a waiting limousine, and my nerves spiked all over again. The vehicle was sleek and black, its polished surface gleaming like a mirror. Inside, the seats were upholstered in soft white leather, the faint scent of lavender mingling with new car fragrance.
Silver trays of snacks and glasses of chilled drinks awaited us. I picked at a cracker but hardly ate, my stomach tied in anxious knots. Across from us, Kenneth looked calm, though I could see the faint twitch of his jaw whenever he thought I wasn't watching.
An entourage of cars followed, all expensive models gleaming under the sun. I caught sight of Thomas and Malcolm inside one of them, speaking quietly to men in uniform. Even they seemed treated with an air of respect I hadn't seen before.
I expected the royal home to be close, but the limousine drove for miles, gradually leaving behind the crowded station and city streets. The landscape changed, unfolding into stretches of rolling greenery. The road was smooth, spotless, flanked by neat rows of trees that arched overhead like guardians.
I rolled down the window when Kenneth pressed a button. The fresh air rushed in, cool and pure, carrying the scent of grass and wildflowers. I leaned closer, closing my eyes as I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs until they ached. It was so refreshing, so alive.
Kenneth chuckled at my enthusiasm, his warm hand finding mine. He lifted it slowly, brushing his lips across my skin in feathery kisses that made my heart flutter and my cheeks burn. I turned quickly toward the window, hiding the blush that spread across my face like fire.
Finally, the limousine slowed. The driveway curved into a landscape so breathtaking it stole my words. Sculpted shrubs shaped into elegant designs lined the path, and vibrant flowers of every color imaginable bloomed in intricate arrangements.
Ahead, a roundabout encircled a fountain that sprayed crystal arcs of water into the air, the droplets glittering in the sun. And beyond that—
My eyes widened. A castle.
It was massive, towering above everything around it, with spires that seemed to pierce the sky. The stone walls gleamed ivory white, adorned with tall stained-glass windows that caught the light. It was the kind of structure I had only ever seen in fairy tales, so magnificent it made me feel impossibly small.
"Welcome home, my princess," Kenneth whispered in my ear, his lips brushing against my skin. He nipped my earlobe playfully, making me giggle and squirm.
The limousine came to a halt. One of the uniformed men stepped forward and opened the door, bowing deeply as he extended his gloved hand. My pulse raced as I placed my hand in his and stepped out, overwhelmed by a mix of awe, disbelief, and fear.
Another servant moved to assist Kenneth, but he waved them off and climbed out on his own.
Before I could gather my bearings, a deep, commanding voice called from behind us.
"Ken, my son!"
We both turned just in time to see a tall man striding toward us. His presence was commanding, his aura radiating authority. Without hesitation, he wrapped Kenneth in a tight embrace.
They held each other for what felt like eternity, their reunion filled with warmth and unspoken affection. Clearly, father and son had missed one another deeply.
At last, the man released him and turned his gaze on me. "And is this your friend?"
Kenneth's hand immediately sought mine, his grip steady and reassuring. He lifted our joined hands and smiled. "Dad, this is Lucy Foster. My girlfriend."
Then he gestured toward the imposing man. "Lucy, meet my father—King Kenneth Paige the Eleventh."
The air around me seemed to still.
I dropped my gaze instantly, bowing low. "It's an honor to meet you, Your Majesty." My voice trembled with nervous respect.
Silence followed. A silence so long it wrapped around me like a noose. My breath hitched, my lungs refusing to expand as dread pressed down on me. Fear of rejection gripped me, choking me.