Once Upon a King

“Now, Cara, let’s get you settled and then I’ll show you what I’ve already accomplished,” the queen said. “Michael’s been my errand boy, and we’ve really made some progress. We’ll—”

“I think,” Michael said, interrupting his mother, “that it would be better for Cara to take a rest rather than jumping into work. She passed out at the airport.”

“What?” the queen and king said in unison.

“I’ve sent for the doctor,” Michael assured them.

Cara caught the look of triumph he shot her. The ha-ha-I-won-this-battle sort of look.

“It was simply a long flight,” she said. “I don’t need a doctor. I don’t need to rest. I just want to get down to the details.”

The queen shook her head. “Oh, no. Not until you’ve been checked out. What would Parker say if she arrived and found you ill?”

“I—”

“Don’t argue,” the king instructed. “My daughter would blame me if something happened to you, and I can get in more than enough trouble with her without your assistance. So, you’ll see the doctor and get his clearance before you lift a finger or look at one wedding plan.”

“Really, I’m fine,” Cara protested, though no one seemed to notice.

“Dr. Stevens will be the judge of that. Now, come with me, dear. We’ll get you settled,” the queen said, putting an arm over her shoulder and leading her down the hall.

Michael, the big tattletale, smirked at her as they walked past him, as if he’d gotten one over on her.

Cara had the overwhelming urge to stick her tongue out, but she resisted. She was a grown-up, after all.

She’d see their doctor. He’d give her a clean bill of health, of course, then she’d get on with planning the wedding of the century, then go home to Perry Square.

Parker’s mother led her through a maze of halls and up a set of stairs.

“I may need a map,” Cara murmured.

The queen laughed. “I felt the same way when Paul first brought me here, but you’ll get the hang of it soon enough.”

She stopped in front of a door. “This will be your room.” She opened the door with a flourish.

“Oh, my.” Cara tried to take it all in.

It was the room every little girl dreamed of. A room fit for a princess.

A canopy bed, a huge bay window, complete with window seat…and a wall full of bookshelves. For a lifelong bookworm who owned a bookstore, it was the perfect room.

She just stood in the doorway and took it all in.

“Parker suggested you might enjoy this room the most,” the queen said.

“It’s lovely.”

“Your luggage has already been sent up.” She gestured to Cara’s suitcases that were sitting next to the bed. “I can help you unpack, or send someone to help you if you prefer.”

“No, really, I’m fine, no matter what Michael says.” Some of her pleasure over the room faded as she remembered the total mess she’d gotten herself into.

“If you’re fine it won’t hurt to let the doctor take a look, will it?” the queen asked gently. “It will ease my mind.”

Cara admitted defeat. She could fight Michael, but not his mother.

“I’ll see him,” she said. “But only if we can get to work after he laughs at all your worries and assures you I’m fine.”

“You’ve got a deal,” the queen said with a smile. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed my daughter and hope you’ll fill me in on her life and about this man she’s so taken with.”

“I’ll tell you what I can,” Cara promised. “You’re going to love Jace, I promise. When you see them together, it’s so obvious that they’re right for each other. It sort of shimmers there for anyone to see. She’s happier than I’ve ever seen her.”

The queen smiled. “Her happiness is all I ever wanted. Now, go rest and I’ll send the doctor up as soon as he arrives.” She left and closed the door softly.

Cara took in the room.

It was beautiful. She walked up to the shelves and admired the books. Leather-bound volumes that begged to be held and admired for the sheer beauty of their construction, as well as their content.

Normally Cara wouldn’t be able to wait to get her hands on them. But right now she had too much on her mind to enjoy them. She sat down gingerly on the bed. It was warm and inviting. Too inviting to resist. She lay back and closed her eyes.

How on earth had she gotten here? The small-town daughter of two academics was now in a castle, surrounded by luxury.

A castle that was the family home of her own child’s father.

A loud knock on her door awoke Cara with a start.

She had a momentary attack of where-the-heck-am-I? before she remembered she was in Eliason to plan Shey’s and Parker’s weddings.

And that she had found Michael, or rather, he had found her.

Someone knocked on her door again.

She sat up, smoothed her hair as best she could and said, “Come in.”

A man with beachboy-blond hair that looked as if it could use a cut, bright blue eyes and a ready smile rolled a very sporty wheelchair into the room.

“Cara Phillips?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m Dr. Stevens. Tommy Stevens.” He wheeled right up to her bed and extended his hand.

Cara took it and shook. He had a firm grip.

“Nice to meet you,” she said. “And I’ll apologize up front for the inconvenience. I’m absolutely fine, Doctor.”

“Call me Tommy. And I’m sure you’re right, but why don’t you let me do a brief check just to put your hosts’ collective minds at rest. Additionally, you’re doing me a favor. I love having a reason to make a house call to the castle. They always offer me something to eat on my way out, and if you’ve ever eaten hospital food, you’d know what a perk having access to the royal kitchen is. Marta, the cook, has a crush on me, and spoils me with treats.”

Despite her annoyance at being forced to see a doctor, Cara couldn’t help but laugh. “So, basically you work for food?”