As soon as I stepped into the courtyard of the palace, Darcy turned to face me. He had been leaning against the railing looking over the cobblestoned courtyard below.
“What was that?” he asked.
“What? You know what that was. You know why I’m here.”
He tossed his head back and let out a frustrated breath. “We’re not here to settle the scores.”
“That’s exactly why we’re here, Darcy. He has to pay for what he’s done.”
“No, you want to make him pay. This is another personal revenge trip for you. If you want to be a queen, you have to learn to deal with matters like this with diplomacy. No matter how much you hate it. That’s what being a leader is all about. There is always some shit you have to deal with, but you have to do it because it is your duty.”
I walked past him to the railing and leaned my elbows on it. I didn’t want to admit it. I hated to admit it. But he was right. I let out another sigh.
“Fine,” I said, looking at him as he came to join me at the railing. “You know more about being a leader than I do. So, tell me. What should I do?”
“First, you have to make your people trust you again.”
“And how do we do that? I ran away and then returned with a vampire lover. Most supernatural creatures detest other species.”
He tilts his head to the side then beckons me to follow me down the stairs.
“They already accepted the fact your father fell in love with a witch. Come on.”
He was right, as always. And I hated that. He drove me crazy. And I loved him for it. We made our way into the courtyard below and down the sloped path toward the village. I knew where we were going. At least, I thought I did.
“What are we doing?”
“Making your people fall in love with you.”
“Darcy, I’m not in the mood for socializing right now. I’d like to go back to my room, drink more wine, sink into the huge bathtub, and literally drown my sorrows.”
He chuckled, and then took my hand, tugging me forward as I dug in my heels, and began backing up.
“Come on. I have a feeling they’ll be more accepting of us than you think.”
“I’m not so sure,” I mumbled as he led me down the hill to the local inn.
***
When we stepped through the wooden door, the warmth of the fireplace hit my skin, and the sharp tang of beer and sweat hit my nose. Everyone inside the inn immediately stopped what they were doing and looked our way. And then the whispers began. Darcy cleared his throat and spoke up.
“Hi, everyone. You might not know me, but I’m King Darcy of the Vampires. You might remember my gorgeous companion though, Princess Emmaline of this realm.” The burly bartender stood behind the high wooden bar polishing beer mugs and staring right at us.
“We know who you are, your highnesses. We just never expected you to return. Especially you, Princess.” Then the bartender bowed.
Lost for words, I glanced around the inn, and all the patrons bowed their heads and muttered ‘welcome’ and ‘Your Highnesses.’ I cleared my throat.
“I… thank you. I’ve returned to reclaim my title and throne, but we have a few loose ends to tie up first. That’s why Darcy and I are here.”
I stepped up to the bar, then took the wooden stool to my right and used it as a step up to the bar. I climbed up and stood on the bar so I could address my people. I mean if I were going to meet with my people, why not here at the local watering hole while everyone was slightly drunk.
“There has been a slight setback to my plans to take back my kingdom. Most of you know of the injustices my father has caused. He is a tyrant. We have returned here, today, three years after I ran from his grasp, from his hold on my life, and after he made my mother cast a spell me, turning me mortal and human.”
I waved my hand about showing off the fact I could no longer cast magic. People gasped audibly.
“His reign is about to come to an end, as soon as I make amends with all of you. That’s why you are all invited to the ball I am throwing tomorrow night at the castle. And because I feel bad for leaving, all your drinks and meals are on me tonight.” A cheer rose above the chatter, and everyone stood and banged their glasses together. I looked down at the bartender, and he gaped at me before hurrying to fulfill orders from the happy customers at the bar. Darcy held out his hand to me, and I took it before leaping off the bar. He pulled me by my hips toward him. I threw my arms around his neck and smiled up at him.
“How’d I do?”
“A ball?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow.
“People love a party,” I said, shrugging and throwing my hand about, gesturing at the people in the inn drinking merrily. Darcy laughed and kissed me before tugging me with him to the bar. He ordered a beer for himself and wine for me. We touched our glasses together.
“Here’s to new beginnings and a good time,” he said. I smiled.
“To making amends and facing demons.” We drank to our pledges even though I still had no idea what I was doing. It was a start. If I was going to become queen and end my evil father’s reign, then this was the first step of many.