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wardenparker · 2 years ago

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Necessary Arrangements: ch 3

Will Miller x female Reader A Princess Diaries inspired Triple Frontier AU Co-written with @steeevienicks

Upon returning from Colombia with one fewer member of his former special forces team, Will Miller is met with the revelation that his absent father is dying and Will is expected to take over the family business. Which would be fine, if the family business weren’t the running of an entire small nation. This is Will’s chance to start over and do some good in the world - but how will he cope with his new life and the woman he is supposed to spend it with?

Rating: Teen, but as always this blog is 18+! Word Count: 15.4k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this series include family death, cursing, and food descriptions.* The yearning is starting up real quick here, guys. Not sure there are really any warnings afoot, though. Summary: The chaos of embracing royal life is a lot for Will to swallow, but the craziest part of all of it might be how quickly he finds himself attracted to you - or maybe it’s the calls home to the guys. It’s hard to tell which. Notes: We’re back from our accidental hiatus and we are better than ever! We’re introducing some supporting cast members in this chapter and getting the plot rolling on into high gear!

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2

The speech writers did a marvelous job with his first address. They kept it clean and to the point, warm and encouraging as Freidlyn steps into a new age while still honoring its roots and traditions. The respectful grieving of a son and half-brother who is embracing his heritage and home head-on. You had stood behind the cameras with Minna, watching the attentive man you met just this morning at breakfast, square his shoulders like a ready soldier and prepare for the battlefield of public speaking. The ease and charm that was so surprising in his voice did not come until later - halfway through the speech when he improvised slightly and made everyone in the room smile from how fully engaging your new king truly is as a speaker. He said he had done this before. He had given motivational speeches and talked with American soldiers. It showed.

“How did I do, ladies?” He asked once the flurry of the televised speech was over. He was nervous at first but found his confidence around halfway through - making sure people were invested and engaged with the words so carefully written for him. If he’s honest, he knows he did well – he excelled with speaking to troops about his experiences in and out of the military and was able to hold crowds over with what he was saying, but he really just wanted you to tell him he did well.

“Very well done, your Majesty.” Minna isn’t one for empty compliments and had anticipated giving just a polite nod of approval, but this man is a natural public speaker. There is no doubt about that.

“You were—” With your hands around your own waist and holding to yourself tight, the unconscious attempt to hold yourself back from him is very real. Two hours, one meal, and one speech is far too little time to developing an affection for him and yet here you are. “You were wonderful.” It’s honest, at least, and you manage to keep from looking too doe-eyed in the process. “Your father, god rest his soul, would have been proud to hear you talk about taking the throne as coming home.”

Your polite but sincere words make him smile wider than he realizes. He bites his lip to keep himself from appearing too giddy, but the red coating his cheeks gives him away. “Thanks, plum,” he clears his throat – a nervous habit he’d never get rid of. “That means a lot coming from someone like you. What now? More speeches? A tour?” He’s hopeful. Hopeful to spend more time with you and getting to know you.

“That will be the only speech for today.” Minna smiles at his eagerness and dips her fingers into the thick folder in her arms – only to pull out a smaller folder from its contents. “If you will please fill out these pages by supper time, I will collect them then. Please be as specific as possible when you can.” She looks between the two of you and nods in a knowing sort of way. “Perhaps her Ladyship would like to give you a tour of the palace in my place?”

“I—” Surprised by the offer, you can’t say it doesn’t appeal to you. Time alone with him is valuable and might not be easy to come by once he is fully ensconced in his duties. “I can do that. Of course.”

“Very good.” Another nod and a smile from Minna, and she extracts an identical folder from her arms to hand to you after William takes his from her hand. “Luncheon will be served in the small dining room at noon sharp.”

Will watches her exit and then turns his attention back to you. “So! Show me everything!” He’s excited – fully expecting there to be secret passages and hidden doors much like the stories and movies he consumed as a child. “What’s your favorite thing about this place?” He’s excited now, he realizes. Excited to see his new home, excited to spend time with you and figure out what makes you tick.

The tactics of Mademoiselle Minna Thorn do not surprise you in the least, nor are they particularly subtle, but you don’t comment on it. “Well, this wing of the palace is mostly for business. Offices, rooms used for meetings. The east wing, the other side of the palace, is for residential use and guest sleeping quarters.” Fidgeting slightly, you tuck the file folder into the broad, thin handbag you’ve been carrying. “Of course, this is just the main palace for business. If you prefer to make your residence at one of the other properties, there are three more to choose from.”

“Huh. I guess I thought everything and everyone was here permanently,” he ponders. “Well, tell you what,” Will places his hands on his hips, “Show me all of them when you have time, and whichever one feels the most homey to you, whether it be here or one of the other places – we’ll call it home. I can make myself comfortable anywhere. I’ve slept in some pretty cramped and not so ideal places and made it out just fine, so I’m trusting you with choosing where we relax after a long day's work.” He wants to give you as many options to choose as possible – fully trusting you to make the right choices along with him.

“Your father lived here, primarily. Parliament is nearby and he chose convenience. Frederick preferred Bertgen Castle on the western coast, and summered at Chèvrefeuille Palace. He likes – liked, excuse me – the gardens there best. Chèvrefeuille is the French name for honeysuckle, and the grounds there are full of it. Castle LaRoche is inland. On top of a very large hill or a very small mountain depended on how you look at it. And is mostly a museum now.” Beginning to walk, your fingers itch with nervous energy but you don’t let the rest of your body show it. “I’ve spent the most time here and at Chèvrefeuille.” The room you stroll into, side by side, is laden floor to ceiling with portraits and set with two beautiful, carved desks. “This is Fräulein Thorn’s office, and she will share it with whomever she hires to be her second in command. The Portrait Room was chosen by your father’s assistant because he found it the most imposing.”

Will listens to you talk about the options he was presented and pauses before speaking. “How about…I stay here for a while, while I adjust to everything and then if I’m not liking the whole ‘no work-life separation balance’ thing we go somewhere else? I mean are you living here now? Or do you have a different place to call home every night?”

“Your father summoned me before…” You clear your throat gently, walking with him into the next room. “I live in an apartment in a different part of the city, but…you’re in charge now. If you want me to stay here, you only need to say so.” As soon as he decides that he wants to make your courtship and engagement official, you’ll be quitting your job and moving into the palace anyway. He only has to say the word.

“Miss Thorn is great and all, but it would be nice to have someone else nearby. She kind of scares me, if I’m being honest. Are you opposed to moving your things in? I can help!” He’s excited to have you close. Your warmth is a welcome presence in his life.

“I am not opposed to it at all.” In fact, your apartment is something of a holding space right now. Your job and your space just a place to exist in until Frederick decided to live up to his responsibilities. That time had not come yet, so you were still waiting. “You really are…very different from Frederick. It—it’s nice.”

He’s a little taken aback, “I am? I really don’t know anything about him. What was he like?” Will is curious. He gets the suspicion that Frederick wasn’t a bad guy, per se, but wasn’t exactly the ideal companion for you either. “Sugarplum, I’m going to say this right now and I need to you take me seriously,” he stops mid-stride, taking notice of how stiff your posture becomes. “If I’m ever out of line, or rude or just…not pleasant in any way, I want you to call me out for it. Please. Put me in my place if I’m ever…foolish or anything, okay?”

“I..I don’t think you would ever do anything foolish on purpose.” From what you’ve seen from him, he’s a straightforward and well-intentioned man. After years of waiting on the sidelines, to be so intimately involved is both overwhelming and a little scary. “I promise to do everything I can to help you. So if that means…nudging you in the right direction from time to time, I’ll do it. I’m sure you’ll find things about me that you aren’t particularly fond of, either. We must do what we can to get along.” You’ll never expect his love, but you do hope to at least be his friend.

Will is grateful for the contract that was signed when you were a child – which he feels weird admitting to himself. As you continue touring the palace grounds he can start to picture his future here – you, by his side as queen, your bond continuing to grow and maybe, hopefully learning to love each other if it felt right. Is it weird to think it might?, he thinks to himself. He never in a million years thought this was something he would be okay with – always content with the chase and swiping on Tinder to find a nice gal to spend a few nights with. He’s staring at you again as you walk, he realizes. Shaking his head and looking straight ahead to avoid any awkwardness.

“The grand ballroom.” You announce as a nearby servant jumps forward to open the heavy, ornate door before you can reach for it. You smile and thank the boy, waiting for Will to enter the room first before you signal to the servant to shut the door behind you. No prying eyes or ears in here. “I don’t suppose you ever learned to waltz in America?”

As soon as the both of you step into the ballroom Will feels like he’s having his very own “Beauty and the Beast moment” (for the record, he’s calling dibs on being Beast in this scenario). It’s beautiful, ornate, and timeless – right out of a fairytale. The ceiling is perfectly decorated with a painting of a sky with puffy clouds and angelic cherubs. A large but delicate chandelier hangs in the middle and casts tiny rainbows all throughout the room due to the sun hitting the windows at just the right angle. “No, never, but if you’d be so kind…” He gestures to you, leaving his request lingering between you.

Oh, that was not the response you expected, but it is too much of a moment to pass up. Stepping closer, you guide one of his hands to your back and place yours on his shoulder, lightly putting your other hand into his and stretching out your arms together. “We’ll have to get you a dance teacher.” You tease softly, knowing that he’ll be required to do plenty of this in the years to come. “Move with your right foot first, one step toward me and a slight turn.” Though there isn’t any music, it still feels like the room should be flooded with it in the late morning sun.

“Like this?” He asks as he follows your direction. Finding it’s not as difficult as he had imagined. He could get used to this closeness. The two of you continue to dance in silence for a few moments, laughing when he trips over his own feet a few times. Okay maybe it’s a little difficult.

“It’s easier with music.” You promise him, still in the circle of his arms when he steps on the toe of your shoe once again. “You’ll, um…you’ll have to learn. For your coronation.” The state dinner after his father and brother’s funeral won’t have dancing, but the coronation ball will be exactly that – a ball. “Traditionally the first dance would be with the queen, but you might dance with the Prime Minister first instead? Minna will know what the protocol is.”

“Well, I’d like to think I’m a good student if you’re willing to teach me how to be more graceful. I know I need a lot of polishing…” He’s hopeful you’ll be the one to teach him, to be the one he dances with from now on. “I’m sure the prime minister is nice, but I’d much rather dance with my sugarplum.”

“It will start rumours.” He’s still not entirely aware of what he is getting himself into, and you have to remember that. While he may not have to run the country, every step he takes will be scrutinized from here in out. “For that matter, moving me into the palace and having me by your side will start rumors.” But even so, you can’t quite bring yourself to step out of his arms. There’s something comforting about him that you can’t put your finger on, even though you’ve only known him a few hours. “I’m…fully prepared to do my duty, but it would not give you much space to change your mind about the contract. If you wanted to find someone else, it would cause a scandal. And…seeing as there may be some people who aren’t fond of having a king who was raised in a different country and barely even knew he was Freidlych in the first place…I don’t want to cause you any harm.”

Will steps away from you slightly, not realizing that him being all in could reflect negatively on you. “Oh…I—I guess I never considered that.” He feels bad. Did you feel uncomfortable with him being so forward? He’s nearly positive he won’t want to void the contract, but you do make valid points. “Well, maybe we should wait on some stuff then? I’m sorry,” He says quietly. “I wouldn’t want anyone to think poorly of you or start rumors when they could be avoided…” He sounds sad, but understands where you’re coming from.

“I only mean that, I want you to have time to think about it.” For some reason, having him step away feels more like a punishment then you’re willing to admit to yourself. There is, at least for you, a sort of instant attraction at play here. But the fact that he is handsome won’t make the next forty or fifty years of your lives easy by any means. “To become prince, king, husband, and father all in the course of a few years is a change that would make most men crumble. And I—” You smooth your nervous hands down the length of your dress, reminding yourself that this is a private moment. Just for the two of you. And he asked you to speak your mind. “I love my country too much to see her embroiled in scandal. Just as I…I find very much that I want to see you succeed. So, the way I see it, we have options to consider.”

His demeanor changes then as he takes you into his arms again and attempts to keep waltzing around the grand ballroom. “Let’s avoid scandals then.” He smiles timidly. “I want to succeed as well for the sake of my father and this country, and I want your success to be…well, everything you could ever dream of it being. That’s all I want for you,” He says your name, drawing your eyes to his.

“We have options.” Why do you get such a shiver when he speaks to you softly? It’s like a summer breeze eating through your whole body. Well, alright, you know why. But why now? Why this man? “If we simply move forward with the contract, there will be plenty of questions about how we met. We can simply tell the truth, but that will raise plenty of concerns from those who dislike you for being raised elsewhere. We can go so far as to claim it was love at first sight at the breakfast table and hope that the people find it charming; or we can insert a tiny lie. Say that we had met before, years ago, and that meeting again has rekindled a spark. I’ve been to America before. Several times. I’m sure we could come up with something.”

Will thinks for a minute before an idea sparks. “I like the idea of us meeting before, and since you’ve been to America why don’t we say we met and stayed…I don’t know, pen pals or something? And the rest is history and all of that.” He offers, liking the idea of coming up with a romantic little story to go along with the betrothal.

“Tell me about your life, then.” He’s less unsteady, somehow, when you talk during the steps. As though not thinking about them so much actually helped him to be more graceful. “A lie is always more convincing when it is close to the truth.”

“Well,” He begins, gripping you a little tighter as you sway around the room. “My name is William Miller – I just moved here from North Carolina where I lived near my mom and half-brother Benny. I served in the military for a handful of years and my best friends – who would all really enjoy getting to know you, by the way, all served with me. We were what’s called Delta Force, it’s special forces. I’m a meat and potatoes kind of guy, love relaxing on the couch with a beer and a ball game, I like to hike but my last one was…” he pauses, thinking about Colombia. “Not the greatest. I enjoy movies, music, and I’m learning that dancing is also pretty nice.” He laughs as he dips you. “Oh, and I’m the future king of Freidlyn, nice to meet ya.”

“Current king.” You shake your head at him with something very clearly like affection. He’s a good man, from everything you know about him. Relatively straightforward and wants to do the right thing. Even though the right thing means completely changing his life with no option to turn back. “Your friends…your brother…your mother. They will all know that we have not met before. Can they be trusted to keep the secret?” Your own family, for their part, will be silent as a vault on the topic. As far as they are concerned this little story will just be a part of the contract. Even your youngest sister, for all her attention-seeking, would never go against the word of the crown.

“I trust the guys with my life. If they’re ever able to come visit, you’ll see why. They wouldn’t jeopardize this for us, promise.” He’s telling the truth – though there have been issues in the past for different reasons with his friends, he knows they’d take this seriously. “They will have questions, but they won’t ask them when it’s not appropriate. And if I tell them to fuck off…oh sh-shoot, sorry, they’ll drop it.”

“You can curse with me.” He’s done in before and apologized, just leaving you to smile about it and brush it off as the conversation continued. “When it’s just as, we can be less formal. That’s what you prefer, right?”

”Please,” he’s relieved. “I’m a veteran of the US Army, it’s so hard not to curse.” he laughs, thinking of all the colorful phrases and adjectives that were used during his time in the service. “But you’d probably be offended if I completely let loose, so I’ll monitor myself while still letting a few ‘fucks, damns and shits’ slip out.”

“I do have brothers.” He turns you in his arms in a move that is very nearly graceful and you laugh with what might be called actual delight. “Three of them, actually. And one sister. So please believe that I can curse when it is called for.”

“Good! That’s a relief,” he laughs. “So tell me about them, tell me about you. How did we meet? Wine bar? Disney World? Take your pick, plum.”

“I went to Disney World once as a child,” you chuckle softly. “So I doubt that would be a good story. But I have been to New York, to Chicago, to Boston, and to New Orleans, all as an adult. Usually with one of my siblings, or my friend Elsie. They will vouch for our story to the press if asked.”

Ideas start coming together in Will’s mind. “Alright, how about we met on a cemetery tour in New Orleans a few years back and hit it off? You and your friends had me tag along on a night out in the French Quarter and we exchanged information and have been pen pals of sorts ever since?” He did take a solo trip and did just those things a few years back, and it could work.

“That trip was with Elsie.” Chewing on your lip is a bad, old habit of yours but it still pops up from time to time like it is now. At some point the formless dancing has stopped, leaving you simply standing in each other’s arms near the far corner of the ballroom. “We went to jazz clubs and ate just about everything, and took a little boat tour through a swamp to a plantation house. It was…beautiful, actually. And a little…I think creepy is the word?”

“Yeah, creepy is a good word to describe plantation houses. Fucked is another, but that’s just between you and I.” Now Will is wishing this trip had actually happened. Maybe in the near future it could? Sans Elsie.

“It would be easy to say we lost contact over time.” Now that the wheels are spinning in your head, you dearly wish it had been him sending you and Elsie drinks in those clubs or asking you to dance. “It was three years ago that I was there. Is that…an acceptable time frame?”

“It’s too good, baby doll. We just lost touch because of work and the killer time difference, but let's say one night I got brave and called you out of the blue and here we are: rekindled because the connection and chemistry were just too good to deny after all this time. C’est la vie!”

Snorting softly at baby doll, you cover your mouth to stifle the little grin that plays on your lips. “New Orleans, then. A few years ago, and we lost touch. We can tell Elsie when we go to the library later.” Your lifelong best friend being in the service of the crown did make it a little easier to spend time in the palace when you had been summoned by the king or prince, and had definitely led to you making friends with more of the staff after just a little while. “The…the slightly less tasteful gossip magazines…they will insinuate that we did more than just meet there. You understand that?” It is what it is. They are rumours that will take on a life of their own, but he needs to be aware it will happen.

“Wouldn’t be the first time a rumor has been spread about my sex life.” He laughs. “Trust me, if I even repeated some of the jokes and words that flew while in the military you’d laugh. Enlisted men have no couth and will say anything to get a rise or a laugh. I’m sure it’s all been said about me before and it doesn’t bother me. Unless they say something nasty about you, then I’ll have a problem.” He has no issues defending a woman who has been harassed.

“We wouldn’t comment on it.” Although now that you’re thinking about it, it’s hard not to wonder what lies beneath the well-tailored suit he has on. No. No. This is neither the time nor the place for that sort of thing. “You should just be aware that it will happen.”

“Thanks for looking out for me.” He smiles – you don’t know it, but he’s having the same thoughts as you – what your skin would feel like under his hands, how you’d look blissed out beneath him. He has to immediately think of Catfish and the mule incident before he gets carried away.

“We seem to have made it across the ballroom…” The observation is fairly useless, but you have to say something that will tear your mind away from how beautifully soft his lips look. Not the time or the place! “And…I think it is nearly time for lunch. We can finish the tour in the East wing after we eat?”

Nodding his head, Will takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of your hypnotizing perfume – he will have to remember to ask what is it you wear later when it feels less weird. “I gotta say, this dancing has worked up an appetite. I am looking forward to our lunch.” He smiles. "And then the rest of the tour, of course."

“And filling out our papers for Minna.” Both file folders are safely tucked in your handbag, but you know that they need to be done by dinner time and you won’t let them be forgotten. “Are you ready to tell your mother everything? Or would you prefer to wait a little?”

“My mom is a pretty tough lady; I think we should tell her over lunch. She already knows there are a lot of changes coming very quickly so I think the sooner the better.” Apparently, his mom has lived this life before, albeit briefly, so he’s hopeful she’ll understand that she’s very quickly going to be gaining a daughter-in-law.

“Come, then.” Motioning for him to follow, you head to a hidden door in the corner by the windows, carefully unlatching the secret knob and pushing it open to reveal a rather spectacular and giant formal dining room. “They are interconnected for ease,” you tell him, grinning when you see the delighted look on his face at the hidden door. “So that on nights when there is a supper and ball, the guests need not get lost between rooms. And the kitchens are directly below us, stretching most of the length of the west wing.”

“You’re shitting me,” he whispers, elated at the secret door you take him through. “That’s so cool. You have to show me more of these!” He’s nearly giddy at how exciting a secret door is to him. “I think I’m gonna like palace living, plum.” He looks amazed as he steps through the door. “Any other fancy secrets for the ball?”

“There is…more or less…an escape route.” And it is not at all something you would need to keep secret from the staff, as they all undoubtedly use the secret passages to go about their duties more efficiently, as well as keeping them clean. “From the ballroom, up into the northeast tower, and it drops off at two different suites. One of them being yours, of course.”

“You mean to tell me I have my own secret door? What is this day?” Will laughs – harder than he has all morning. “God, if only I have one of those when I was trying to avoid Benny when we were growing up. Plum if we were better acquainted, I’d kiss you right now. This is amazing.” He knows he’s too excited and being ridiculous about the doors, but he can’t help himself.

Your eyes flick over to the footman who is doing his best to be invisible behind the screen in the corner of the room and you can’t help but be a tiny bit disappointed that there is a witness, preventing you from just being bold here in this moment. The thing you can do instead, though, is tease. “You, and whoever is in the second suite. Perhaps it should be Benny’s when he comes to visit?”

“Hm, nah, preferably not…” He lets his words linger, hoping that eventually you’d take an interest in visiting his quarters. “Benny would expect that too much and I don’t want him feeling spoiled now that big bro is the King.” He has no idea how Benny is even going to react when he finds out.

“You should call him.” It’s the smallest suggestion in the world, all things considered, but you know that if it were you, you would want Elsie and your siblings to know what is happening in your life. “And they should come visit. Your friends, I mean. I would think you would want them here for your coronation?”

“I was actually going to ask if it’s okay to invite them. They’ll be on their best behavior, and I think half of them own suits. You’re also right, I really should call my brother. I think…I’ll put him on a flight and tell him in person. Or maybe just tell him right out. It’s huge news…what would you do? If Elsie didn’t know.”

“For Elsie?” Gazing out the window for a moment, you truly do have to consider how you would tell that sort of phenomenal news to the person you care most for in this world. It isn’t an easy thought by any means. “I would tell her straight out. Be as honest as I can. And then book her on the first flight over here so I could give her a big hug.” You half-laugh under your breath, realizing how silly it sounds. “Your real friends should be here to support you.”

He knows you’re right, but just doesn’t know what to say to his brother and friends. Whatever comes from the heart, right? “Do…do I have some time to make a few calls before lunch?” He asks, wanting them to know. He has no doubt every single one of them will drop everything to hop on the first flight to Freidlyn – he would do it for them.

Flicking your wrist to check your watch, you consider the hour but nod. “We have twenty minutes. It’s not a lengthy phone call, but it should be enough to get through to your brother.”

He nods, “Care to join me? Should be a great into to Benny.” He has no doubt Benny will adore you. “Then after lunch we call my friends?”

“I will join you on one condition.” There’s a playful note to your voice, letting him know you’re of course going to do what he asks of you but you’re going to be cheeky first. “Do you remember how to get back to the Blue Room from here?”

“I think I can manage.” He laughs loudly, taking five steps ahead of you and looking around, completely lost. “...With some help, of course.” He winks, offering his arm – if you weren’t so beautifully distracting he definitely would have paid better attention to where the two of you had walked this morning.

The Blue Room is a short walk from the formal dining room, but quick enough if you know the way – which you certainly do. You move easily with your hand around his arm, glad there is no way for him to feel how horribly your heart is beating through so many layers of clothing.

“See? Easy.” He laughs. His heart is hammering in his chest for two different reasons now. “I guess it’s time we let Benny know what’s going on.” He says as he pulls the sleek phone out of his pocket. Benny’s number is already programmed and ready. He keeps your arm through his as he presses the green call button and lefts the phone to his left ear with his other hand.

You don’t want to, but slipping away for just a second to shut the door of his office for privacy is a must. It only takes a moment to be back at his side when you hear a boisterous. “Hey asshole!” Through the phone and you smirk. Ah, brothers.

"Listen, Benjamin – we need to have a little chat about some stuff." He says, trying to keep his composure. Will and Benny have always had a good relationship, but he's really not sure how he's going to react to finding out his brother is a king.

“Benjamin?” On the other end of the line, Benny yawns animatedly. “You wake my ass up at 6am and you call me Benjamin? What’s going on?”

"A shit ton, actually," Will begins. "So, you know how I never really knew much about my dad and mom never liked to talk about him?" He bites his lip.

“Yeah?” Benny shuffles in bed, smothering another yawn. “Mom’s okay, right? She cancelled dinner on me last night and she was gonna make fried chicken so I am jonesing.”

“Yeahyeahyeah, mom’s great. She’s with me actually.” He takes a deep breath. “Well, turns out my dad was king of Freidlyn, you know that nice little European country with the jam and really good whiskey? Um. There was an accident, and he and my other brother passed away and nowI’mtakinghisplaceasking.” he blurts out, hoping Benny was awake enough to hear and comprehend what he just said.

There is dead silence for about fifteen seconds during which you and Will can’t seem to do anything but stare at each other, before raucous laughter bursts out on the other end of the phone. “Fuck you, dude.” Benny Miller laughs down the line. “That’s not even a good prank. King of Freidlyn? Pope came up with this one, right? Had to be Pope to pick someplace so obscure.”

“That’s what I thought too, but nope. It’s legit. I can turn this camera on and FaceTime you right now. I’m in this un-fuckin’-believable palace. In a custom-tailored suit. In my office. I’ve been here since yesterday, and I’m not coming home. I need to do this, and I need you here, so I’m booking you a flight. Like, as soon as we hang up. I’m so serious Ben.”

“Dude it’s too early for your shit.” Benny grumbles. “You’re supposed to be at my fight tonight remember? That ring girl you like is gonna be there and I swear to god if you don’t take her home this time I will, just to piss you off.”

“Benny,” Will stresses before hitting the ‘FaceTime’ button on the call. “Accept my fuckin’ video call and I’ll show you that I’m not shitting you. I swear little bro. For once I’m not bullshitting you.” Will taps his foot impatiently while he waits for Benny to accept the video. He looks to you like you’re an anchor for him. The video finally connects, and he’s met with Benny’s exhausted and annoyed face.

It takes about five seconds to register the surroundings on the other end of the video before Benny is scrambling to sit up in bed and turn the light on. “Holy—I mean—what the fuck…?” He shakes his head vigorously like it will somehow jostle his thoughts back into place but just continues to look stunned. “Holy shit,” he finally breathes when he can form a sentence, but clears his throat the second Will pans the phone around to include you in the shot. “I mean, uh…WOW. You…you’re not messing, are you?”

“Not messing.” He laughs and then introduces you “She’s been a big help, and if you get your ass on a plane tonight, I’ll explain more. Don’t tell the guys though. I’m calling them after we have lunch.” He wants his brother in the same room when he tells him he’s more than likely going to marry you and make you queen. “Mom’s here for a while so maybe you can get your damn fried chicken.” He laughs.

“I’ll beg off the fight.” Benny promises instantly. “Tell then I had a family emergency. The kid I’ve been training with can take it.” He’s up and out of bed now, holding his phone up as he moves across his room. “But, uh…what do I pack?”

“Um…” He looks at you quickly. “Nice stuff – suit pants, suit coat, a tie, clean button up. Just bring the nicest shit you have. If you need me to I can probably ask someone to get nice clothing for you. Oh, bring your dads onyx cufflinks too - those are great. I’ll have flight details texted to you shortly. Thanks for dropping everything for me, Ben.” He’s grateful, he really is, and you can’t help but notice how Will took charge of getting his brother to Freidlyn.

“You would do it for me.” Benny nods to the camera, eyes flicking over to you momentarily but not asking anything else. “I’ll see you soon then, bro.”

Will hangs up the phone and stuffs it back into his pocket. “That’s Benny for ya.” He chuckles. “He’s great, really. I think you’ll get along just fine. So!” he claps his hands. “Lunch?”

“Lunch.” Later on, after speaking with his friends, you’ll have a better handle on if it’s just a familial bond, or if Will truly has this effect on people. Engendering their trust and loyalty to a boundless degree. “You should let Minna know now that she will need to schedule flights so she can have some seats blocked out. Even if all of your friends can’t come tonight, she can at least – what is the phrase – get the ball rolling?”

“Smart and beautiful, you’re quite the gal, Sugarplum.” Will smirks as he links your arms together once again. “Lead the way to lunch, my lady. I’ll let Minna know we have plans to bring the boys.”

Pursing your lips at him like you’re going to make a joke, you simply shake your head and give him arm a gentle squeeze. “Come,” you insist, inching him toward the door. “It’s time to introduce me to your mother.”

“She’s not as loud as Benny, I’m not worried.” He says. “I know you’ll be two peas in a pod.” He’s fully confident his mom will love you and be more than happy to accept you into her tight knit little family, whether or not you and Will work out.

“One can hope.” Obviously you’re not as certain as he is, but then, you have more cause to be nervous. From the Blue Room to the small dining room is only a few steps, and the door is already swung open to allow your entrance before you’ve even crossed the threshold of the hallway. There is a woman sitting just inside, slightly plump from middling age but with bright white and blonde hair and a newspaper open at her place at the table while a footman pours wine into the glass at her place setting. This must be her, for who else could it be?

“Hey ma!” He greets her as she stands, giving her a quick hug and a kiss to the top of her head. “Benny should be on his way tonight – we just talked and he’s pissed about his fried chicken.” Will chuckles then steps away from his mom to pull out your chair.

“He’ll live.” Sandy rolls her eyes affectionately over her youngest son, but keeps her attention on the older. And on you, but proxy. “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.” She observes, though it’s more curious than accusatory.

Will smiles and introduces you. “Her family signed a contract when she was a kid to marry Frederick, but now that’s not happening…but the contract is still good for me, should I choose, so we will probably be getting married here soon…” He then goes on to tell his mom about how helpful and kind you’ve been since you met mere hours ago, and Sandy can’t help but see the fond twinkle in her son’s eye. She hadn’t seen that look since…well, it doesn’t matter now. She can see it in your eye too as you listen to Will talk about his morning with you.

“You may remember my parents from your earlier time in Freidlyn.” Right now there is not much common ground for you and Sandy Miller, but you are determined to find some. If only for Will’s sake. “My father, Thomas, had just become Duke of Rochegnac at that time. And my mother was Lady Karina Doret before they married.” Sandy rolls back through the old lists of names she used to know, eventually landing on Rochegnac as one of the sunnier parts of the country - known for orchards and liquor production, if she’s remembering right. And Lady Karina does ring a bell, but it takes a moment before she nods. “I do remember them. I believe your mother is an avid painter? I had the good fortune to see a few of her works at the time.”

Will is hopeful that this conversation continues to go well. His mother is a kind person and he’s never heard her mutter one negative word about anyone, maybe some choice words for him and Benny when they didn’t clean up after themselves as kids, but honestly, they deserved it. “Your mom’s a painter?” He asks you. “That’s great! Mom loves pottery! Don’t you, ma? Maybe the two of you can get together and make some nice pieces one of these days.”

“Oh, I don’t think—”

“I’m sure she would love to.” You promise the older woman, not wanting her to be self-conscious about anything that can be avoided. “Perhaps I’ll join you myself, if we can find the right time. My mother’s talent far outstripes my own, but I do enjoy painting to relax.”

Will nods, not daring to miss a word you say to him. "So, you've been telling me so much about what I need to know about myself, but I don't really know too much about you. What's your story, plum?"

“Oh…well,” you chew on the question, mercifully given another moment to think when a footman appears beside you to lay your luncheon plate in front of you. “I was born at Château Rogue in Yeuxbourg, came out when I was sixteen although that did not matter to finding me a match because of the betrothal.” Your eyes flicker between the young king and his mother. “My siblings and I were all educated here and in England.” Without knowing what interests him most, you aren’t really sure what details to give.

He places his elbow on the table, resting his chin in his palm with a far off, dreamy look in his eye. He knows it’s probably frowned upon to have his elbows on the table here, much like he was told when he was small, but at this moment he can’t find a second to care about that. This improper balance is what’s keeping him grounded, keeping him from getting lost in your eyes as you speak of your up bringing. “Do you ever miss it?” He wonders, thinking of how he can manage trips home for you if you’re ever homesick.

“Yeuxbourg?” You shake your head slightly, trying not to smirk at the deliberate way he has his elbow on the table like a defiant child waiting to see if he will be yelled at. “I have worked and lived in the capital for many years, but the country is not so large that I cannot manage a trip to see my parents now and then. And they have a great belief in lavish birthday parties, so I do return several times each year.”

“Oh, good. I’m glad you get to visit.” He noticed the way you tried to hide your smirk at his posture, and immediately straightens up before taking a lengthy sip of the best wine he’s ever had. Not that he had a lot of experience with wine to begin with. He glances over to his mom, who is smiling at the exchange. “Lavish parties though? That sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve been to quite a few parties myself but most of them were in garages with cheap beer, so not so lavish.”

“My parents believe every major life event should be used as a chance to celebrate the greatness of Freidlyn.” Whether that came before or after betrothing their oldest daughter to the future king, you do not know. “My siblings and I enjoy our privileges, but we all work in service of the people and are fully aware that most countries have no place for nobility in the modern age. So what some might think of as a lavish party where all manner of waste is produced, that is not what we do.” In this, at least, you can be immensely proud of the people who raised you. And that is not something everyone can say. “They open the grounds to all of our tenants, and we have carnival games and the best food we can possibly provide. My sister likes to give tours of the ground floor of the château for a few hours on her birthday, and my brother ends up inviting his military friends and they tell stories all day on his birthday. For mine, we will often set up canvasses and paints in the garden and I will act as an artist model with a few friends. We like to wear costumes and make it a bit silly, but the point is to invite all the people who are closest to us as well as though we wish we spent more time with.”

“That sounds incredible. Way better than anything I’ve ever been to.” He thinks of the last “party” he had gone to. It was more of a celebration for their friend Tom who had passed away on the last mission Santi had talked them into, and much more somber for that reason. “I’d love to join the next one if that’s allowed?”

“The next will be in two months’ time.” A warm rush of undeniable affection floods you at the way he lights up with enthusiasm and you smile. “My birthday. So I insist you both be there. And your brother if he is still here.”

“Benny never says no to a party,” His mother says as she picks up another bite of fish with her fork. “And you can absolutely count me in, honey.”

Will smiles at his mom and nods. “I can’t wait! I better start looking at birthday gifts now.” He wonders if there’s someone at the palace that could help with that, since he still has so much to learn about you. Jewelry would be too much too soon, I’m sure…but maybe a brooch? he ponders.

“I’m sure Minna will take care of everything.” Somewhere in the depths of the folders she gave you this morning, there are sure to be questions about flower, jewelry, and clothing preferences amongst everything else. You take a sip of your wine and try not to smile too much at the idea of Will fretting over an appropriate birthday gift for you. “All you need do is arrive.”

“Whatever they’re paying that woman - it’s not enough. She’s a saint and deserves a raise.” Especially after their initial introduction. “So, will my birthdays be like that too? I’d love to have my buddies for celebrations if possible.”

“Your birthday is…more complicated.” While the three of you eat, you can see the shadows moving behind the privacy screen that keeps the servants out of sight during mealtimes. Footmen who have been lurking being pulled away by – you presume – the butler or housekeeper. No doubt they will be scolded for eavesdropping and gossiping. For Will’s sake, you wish they weren’t so curious. He has so much to learn. “The monarch’s birthday is an official holiday that has been celebrated on the same day each year for the past almost four hundred years. You may change how it is celebrated, of course, but there will always be an official appearance of some kind for the monarch and their family, and it is always celebrated on the first of May to ensure good weather.”

An entire holiday? “Holy shit,” Will blurts out. “That’s insane. And cool. And also wow. That’s gonna take some getting used to.” He looks to his mom, for encouragement or support he’s not sure.

“You can do this, Will.” She says as she places a small hand over his. “You’re going to make a great king.”

“Think of it as how America has President’s Day.” Although, if you recall correctly from your visit to his former country around that time of year, the only celebrating was done by furniture and car retailers. “The people like to eat birthday cake after their dinner that night and have a glass of something indulgent to drink. Your father, may he rest in peace, liked to host a dinner party for Freidlych citizens at the tops of their fields. Listen to what suggestions they had to say about how their field could help our nation. And then, of course, cake. There is always a great deal of cake.”

Will nods quickly. “Oh, okay. I think I can manage that. As long as you’re by my side in case it gets overwhelming, I think I can manage.” He blushes, not sure where the sudden nervousness comes from. Here he is – this brick wall of a man intimidated by this incredible woman that has her shit together. Someone more deserving of the crown than he feels he ever could be.

“Try not to let it overwhelm you.” Setting your fork down, you gently reach over and clasp his hand. It is no small show of solidarity, especially in front of his mother, but you feel sure he will not rebuff it. Not after what happened between you in the ballroom. “I will be here every moment, and after it is appropriate to make our announcement – if it is still what you want – we will make sure that I shoulder as many responsibilities as I can to make it equal.” You swallow a sigh and instead nod encouragingly. “I will not let you fail. Not if it is in my power.”

He could kiss you right now, he really could. Instead, he gives you a smile and quietly murmurs his thanks. “I really appreciate that, plum. You’re going to be my rock through this and then some, so I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

“I haven’t done much yet.” So far you have given half of a tour and various encouragements, but not much else in your opinion. “This week will be difficult. And your coronation will be stressful but enjoyable.”

“Still, it’s more than people back home would do, so thank you.”

“What does this week entail?” Sandy asks, gently breaking the moment. She is always acutely aware of the fact that eyes and ears are on monarchs at all times. It’s one of the reasons she eventually decided that a role in the monarchy was not for her.

“Tonight, our national television service will broadcast a short documentary of the king’s life. There will be a church service dedicated to the king and Prince Frederick tomorrow.” You explain slowly, giving Will’s hand a squeeze before taking your own back. “You will both be expected to attend, and of course I will be there as well. After which, Mademoiselle Thorn will arrange for the king to visit the hospital staff that treated his father. To thank them for their service. The day after, a few official portrait photographs will be taken.” It will not be a happy occasion, you know that, but it is necessary. Necessary to show that the royal family does not hold any of the hospital staff accountable for the late king’s death. “On Saturday there will be the joint funeral, and a state dinner that night. On Sunday, Parliament will celebrate the announcement of our king and declare your coronation date.”

Will mentally prepares for the next few days, and the emotions he knows he’ll feel. He isn’t sure what the public will expect, or think of him, but he’s determined to do his duties with poise and grace and to honor his father to his best abilities. He’s glad you and his mom will be there by his side, but he can’t help but wish Benny would be too. “Where do you come in though?” He asks, wanting to reach for your hand again. “Like, I understand you’ll be there but when will they announce…this?” He gestures between the two of you.

“Parliament will not be the ones to announce our engagement when the time comes. You will.” Presumably his mother remembers the circus of public appearances well enough, and you offer her a sympathetic smile. “Your spokesman, anyway. And we will ease the stress of that announcement by making sure we are seen in public together beforehand. But…I think sometime in the month before your coronation would be appropriate? We should check when we go to the library later and see if there is precedent. Elsie, the palace librarian, she will know.” And seeing as she is also conveniently your best friend, you can trust that your secret will not leak to the press based on the questions you need to ask of her.

“Oh, okay.” He’s relieved to know that he’ll have more time before another massive changing event. “I wouldn’t mind being the one to announce it. How did dad do it?” He turns to his mom and asks.

“It was a part of the Christmas address that year.” Sandy smiles softly at one of the truly wonderful memories she has of being a part of royalty in any way. “His father – your grandfather William – was a bit of a romantic. When Klaus wanted to propose, his father said that it would be inspiring for the people to have extra good news at the holidays. So Klaus proposed on Christmas Eve, and the nation was told the next day.”

The look on Sandy’s face nearly breaks Will’s heart. There was still a lot of love there, despite what happened between his parents and their relationship. “That’s great, mom.” He smiles at her, reaching over and squeezing her hand. “I definitely want to be the one to tell everyone when the time is right.” He glances back over to you. “I don’t know how yet, but I’ll make it exciting.” He knows he’ll have to practice in his mirror – the only public speaking he’s done was generally about the heaviness surrounding PTSD and seeking treatment, but he hopes he can use his skills for brighter, better things. “I’ll run my speeches by you first since you’re more well-spoken than I am.” He smirks.

“Were you planning on hiring me to be your chief speechwriter?” The playful grin you toss back at him comes just before the footmen appear as from nowhere to whisk away your empty plates and lay the course of fruit and cheese that serves as dessert at a typical formal luncheon. It’s nice to see him smile, and you are very willing at this point, to admit that you find the young king very handsome. Much more so than his self-important brother, though that is a bit of guilt that you can grapple with on your own. “We won’t have the luxury of waiting for Christmas to announce, either. I hope you don’t mind warm weather because we’re looking at a spring coronation and maybe a summer wedding.”

“Speech writer? No. Wife? Yes.” He grins. He throws his hands up quickly and scoots back a little to get out of the staff’s way while they clear the dishes and silverware, only to be replaced with dessert. Once the staff has disappeared again, he scoots himself closer to the table. “A summer wedding is fine with me. Is that something that people need to buy tickets for or something? Can I invite people that don’t have anything to do with the kingdom?” He gives you puppy eyes, and Sandy notices and laughs. Will would love nothing more than Benny, Santi, and Frankie at his wedding. That was his plan all along, if he were to ever find someone to spend his life with.

“Tickets? No.” The implication makes you shake your head as you take a sip from your refreshed wine. “The ceremony is televised across the country, and on our national news’s website. But you can invite your friends, if that is what you are asking. I’m sure it would raise even more questions if you did not.”

“Weddings here are fairly tradition heavy. There are a lot of things in the preparation that I need to do, too.” Sandy tells him, not wanting it to seem like something else daunting but wanting him to understand before she offers you a kind smile. “I have my pearls still, from when I married Will’s father. I think it would only be right that they went to you.”

Your eyes light up when Sandy offers the pearls to you, and Will thinks he sees the hint of a tear starting to form. It’s now when he does reach for your hand again and squeezes it tight. “I think that’s a great idea mom. They’re going to look lovely on her.” He’s nervous and honestly excited to marry you, to continue to get to know you and see how the two of you would operate as a team and maybe one day a proper couple. He has no idea what he’s in for wedding and marriage wise, but he’s at the point in his life where he was seriously considering getting serious with someone, and he’s grateful you were chosen.

******

“My word she is thorough!” You laugh at the next section of questions in Mademoiselle Thorn’s extensive questionnaire. You and Will have already been filling these pages out in the sitting room of his suite for nearly an hour and you’re only halfway through. The first few pages were clothing sizes, preferences for travel, and pertinent dislikes – but once you reached the areas of liked items, the survey became rather ludicrous. It’s clear she’ll be studying these pages like gospel later and distributing the information to those who need it, and you fully appreciate her dedication. “An entire page of food and drink questions.” Pen at the ready, you shoot him a grin. “Favourite cake flavour. I have no doubt this will appear as the highlight of the king’s birthday celebration in a few weeks’ time.”

Will blows a raspberry as he looks up at you sitting across from him. Some of these things he had never even considered before. Favorite fabric? Cotton I guess? “Thankfully that’s an easy one – chocolate with cream cheese frosting. What’s yours?” He leans forward, almost pretending he can see any of the answers on your questionnaire.

“Pound cake with lemon curd and berries.” Even saying it out loud nearly makes you salivate, as you carefully write out your own answer in the line provided to you. Considering his answer for a moment, you look up at him quizzically. “I don’t believe I’ve ever had cream cheese frosting before,” you admit, grinning at the shock on his face.

“Never?” He asks, setting his pen down. “I’m surprised. It’s pretty standard where I come from, but then again I’ve never had your favorite. Maybe we can have someone bake mini versions and sample?” He thinks that could be a cute not-really-a-date-but-sort-of date. “What did you put for the next question?” He jokes, feeling like he did in high school when he tried to cheat off his friends during pop quizzes.

“You can request it for whoever you like.” He isn’t used to just waving his hand and have his orders followed, and it’s a refreshing change from what you know had been standard in the palace until now. “The next one is…favourite ice cream.” You practically hum in delight. “Raspberry. Or chocolate. Preferably both together.”

“Not bad, not bad. I’m a cookie dough guy myself or if I’m feeling extra bold – peanut butter cup and a scoop of plain chocolate on the side.” He smiles at you, and it’s contagious. “I take ice cream very seriously. In fact,” he chuckles, “it’s my favorite breakfast during the summer.”

“Your favourite breakfast?” One incredulous eyebrow raises at him and you can’t help but giggle. “Weren’t you a personal trainer before this?”

“I was and ice cream for breakfast is one of my dirtiest secrets.” It’s not, but he’s not ready to tell you about Columbia and isn’t sure if he ever will be. “But summers North Carolina are brutally hot and sometimes my old window unit in the living room would quit working, so I had to do what I had to do.” He laughs. “My house was always hot in the summer months. I’m glad you’ll never have to stay there.” After seeing the impressive and immaculate grounds of the palace he’s almost embarrassed of his very modest and small ranch house back home. It was definitely dated and had always been a bachelor pad. He had purchased it after his contract with the military ended from a vet that never married, always content to party for a few decades.

“Your secret is safe with me.” You promise him, enjoying the way the day has progressed. He is easy to talk to. Charming in an effortless and rugged sort of way. And there is no sense in pretending that you don’t get a little bit of a thrill every time he touches you. “How about this one,” your eyes flick down to the next question listed. “Favourite sandwich. Americans are notorious for their sandwiches; you must have one.”

“Hmmm…” he thinks as he reaches across the table to run his fingers over the delicate ring around your finger. It’s tied in a bow like a promise and he wishes he was in on the secret. “If I’m in Philly it’s a cheesesteak, if I’m at home it’s a classic grilled cheese. But I like to add tomato slices and pesto. My buddy Frankie showed me that and I’ve been hooked ever since. You next…hmm…oh, this is a good one. Favorite late night snack?”

“Popcorn with parmesan cheese.” His calloused fingers are warm against your skin, trailing up and down the length of your hand now and making butterflies erupt in your stomach. “We…we, erm…” You clear your throat, cheeks hot with the embarrassment of letting yourself get flustered so easily. “We should get to the library. Elsie is expecting us.”

“Huh? Oh, right.” He stands up and offers his arm to you. “Lead the way, Plum.” He smiles as you lead him towards the library.

It’s a good distance from where the two of you had been but when you lead him through the doors he has an unreadable expression on his face. Amazement? Wonder? He almost feels like Belle walking into Beast’s library for the first time. He’s so distracted by his surroundings that he doesn’t notice the tiny, dark-haired librarian with big round glasses heading towards the two of you. She nods at you, proper greeting not needed in this space since the two of you had been close for years, but she curtsies to Will. “Hello, sire, it’s an honor to meet you. My name is Elsie.” She smiles.

“Mademoiselle Poincaré is the palace librarian, as well as a historian.” You explain, not quite letting go of his arm but loosening your grip a little in case he wanted to let your hand go. “She has also been my best friend for the last twenty years, so rest assured that anything you say in front of her is safe.”

“Yes,” Elsie smiles before looking back at you. “Erm, do you think we could have a moment to discuss something?” She asks you, hoping break news to you before telling the future king.

“Of course.” She looks concerned, so whatever it is can’t be good.

“I’ll wander.” Will laughs a little, pointing towards the seemingly endless stacks of books that you had passed by to reach the librarian’s office. “Come find me when you’re done? Unless I’ve disappeared behind a trick bookshelf by then.”

Elsie laughs nervously before leading you towards her office in the back. “So, I don’t know how to tell you this in any easier way, but I was reading through some documents today and…you and William will have to get married much sooner than we had anticipated. Like…within a few weeks soon.” She fidgets with the Anubis paperweight she kept on her desk. “I should have looked at documents closer. I’m so sorry. He’s very handsome though so maybe it’s not bad news?”

“What do you mean a few weeks?” The way Elsie’s features paled makes perfect sense now, as you can feel the blood practically drain from your face. “Parliament hasn’t even announced the date of his coronation yet, how can it possibly—” Your face drops when you connect the dots on the two things and you tip forward to let your cheeks crash into your hands. “Do you mean that in order for us to rule together, we have to be married before the coronation?”

“I’m afraid so,” she says nervously. “Historically speaking, most of the royals had been married before they were crowned, and our dearly departed was the only one to break that rule in centuries. After he took the throne Parliament went and made sure it couldn’t be broken anymore. It was so deep in the documents I can’t believe I missed it. The two of you have two weeks to announce your engagement and plan a wedding, otherwise you won’t be able to rule with him. I have heard rumors just this morning that his coronation will be in less than a months’ time with no adjustments for extra time allowed…”

“Two weeks?” You can feel your eyes bulging out of your head as you stare at your friend across her desk. “That’s impossible. I mean completely and utterly impossible. A royal wedding in under a month is…goddamnit, Els, the whole idea is fucked now, isn’t it?” No one in the world has heard you curse besides Elsie and your siblings, but this is definitely a time that calls for it.

“I know!” She places her palms on her cheeks, pushing her glasses higher on her face. “I wish I had seen this sooner! I feel at fault for this. It is bullshit.” Elsie wasn’t much for cursing outside her home, just like you, but this definitely called for it. “Minna doesn’t even know yet, and I have to tell her today. I’m scared for my safety.” She tries to joke. “Do you think William will be upset by this? I know he is not used to this kind of life, being raised in America and serving his country.”

“I don’t know.” Your hand strikes out for one of hers, grasping at comfort. “I barely know the man. He’s kind, and seems terribly sincere, but I have no idea how he will take this. At lunch we were talking like we had whole months to go before even having to announce an engagement, this is…” All the books and papers spread out across her desk make you frown. “You’re not responsible for any of this, darling. I just wonder if there is any precedent we can use to push back against the timing. Something about the minimal length of an engagement or an arbitrary detail of the coronation we can use to push it back even an extra two weeks.

“I’ve looked through everything and I don’t see a way around this. It’s like it was written in stone. Do you want me to break the news to William? I would not want him being upset with you for this.” She offers. “Minna too. I can talk to Minna.”

“I will leave the inimitable Mademoiselle Thorn to you, but that man out there is my responsibility.” Though you do sigh deeply and squeeze her hand for support. “We have a cover story we’ll be using,” you tell her quietly. God forbid anyone should walk by. “He was in New Orleans around the time that we were a few years ago. We’ll say we met there but lost touch, and consider ourselves lucky to be reunited. I’m sorry to have to ask you to lie for me, but you know that an arranged marriage with a monarch who barely knows his country in the twenty-first century will go over like a lead balloon. A small, harmless lie will help him immensely.”

“I’ll do it for you,” Elsie smiles, squeezing your hand back. “Our friends met his friends and we hit it off for a blissful weekend of fun. We can even say I had a brief romance with one of his friends, yeah?” She laughs. “Just to make it more…I don’t know romantic? Like it’s kismet that you’re both here now.”

“You just like American military uniforms.” You tease, pinching her and managing a smile. “Will you email me your sources tonight after you are no doubt walloped by Minna? Poor thing is going to have so much work to do if he still wants to go forward like this.” And you will, too, but you’re trying desperately not to think about it.

“Uniforms, dark eyes and beards. Guilty,” Elsie giggles. “Yes, I already have a folder of files drafted for you. I’m just going to double and triple check to make sure I have everything covered.” She jiggles the mouse to bring her computer back from sleep mode and glances at the e-mail she had already started to put together for you. “I’ll send them over soon. I think I’ll leave you here though and go track down Minna.” She takes a deep breath and straightens her back. “Let me know if you need me to intervene, okay?”

“I’m going to need ice cream and alcohol.” The hug you give her is fierce and crushing, in the face of being scared witless. “Things just keep getting more and more chaotic. Bonne chance, Els.” You sigh before letting her go and stepping out in search of wherever Will had buried himself in the rows upon rows of bookshelves.

“You got it. I’ll stop at the gelato place downtown after work and then we can eat our feelings. Bonne chance à toi.” She returns the hug and makes a quick exit out of the library. Her iPhone gripped tightly in her hand as she types out a text frantically to Minna.

Will peaks his head around a large bookshelf and raises an eyebrow before walking over to you. “I just saw Elsie escape like a bat out of hell. Everything okay?” He asks, placing a hand on your shoulder.

“Not really, no.” The last thing you want to do right now is deliver more bad news to him, and you swallow another sigh before it can escape you. No time like the present. Time to rip off the bandage. “Elsie’s research turned up something we didn’t anticipate. In order for us to rule together, we would need to be crowned together. And in order to be crowned together…we—Will, we would need to be married first.”

“Okay…that’s no problem.” He’s confused and isn’t sure why that would be considered bad news. “I thought that was the plan?”

“The issue…” You hate that you cannot even keep his gaze, looking down at both of your shoes instead. “Is that Elsie heard Parliament wants you crowned within a month.”

“So…we’d have to get married in a month?” He looks at you, unsure of why you’re suddenly afraid to look at him. In all the time he had known you, which, granted wasn’t long, you had not been shy about direct eye contact.

“Precisely.” When he still does not take his hand away, You glance upward. “We need to find out if Parliament really wants you crowned that quickly. If they do, it’s going to be a mad dash to get everything done in time.”

“I mean…that’s really fast…but…” He pauses and takes a deep breath, taking his free hand and putting it over his mouth – his mouth morphing his face to a bewildered expression. “Fuck, okay. I mean my whole life has been turned upside down in less than forty-eight hours so why not?” He chuckles. If this was a dream, he’s sure he would have woken up by now. “Shit.” He chuckles out of nervousness and maybe frustration. “Her running away makes sense now. Alright, let’s do it. Let’s plan this wedding in less than a month.”

“She ran away because she had to go tell Mademoiselle Thorn.” You huff slightly, not envying your best friend’s talk in the least. But when you look at Will again, he seems staunchly determined. “You know you have an alternative, don’t you?” It’s his decision to make, and although you have grown surprisingly attached of the idea of a shared crown since only this morning when it was suggested - there is just so much good you could do if you were allowed - it is not the only pathway for his future. “You don’t have to share the crown with me, Will. You can rule on your own, and I will still be your consort when you feel the time is right.”

Will takes a moment to think, not taking his eyes off you. “I don’t want to rule without you though. I don’t think I’m capable of doing any of this without you. I just…” He doesn’t want to say he’s attached just yet, even though he is. “I know you’d be great at it, and I’m not going to be the one to take it away from you…”

“I wouldn’t have it at all, without you,” you remind him gently. “Frederick had no intention of sharing anything more than meals with me. The idea of actually having me be more than a walking womb began entirely with you, at breakfast this morning.” And it touches you in a way that you can’t quite express – whether it’s that no one else has ever thought you could do this, or the fact that he’s putting the good of the people before selfishly wanting to be king, or both, or even something else altogether. Whatever the reason is, you reach out softly and touch his arm in reassurance. “If Parliament wants you crowned quickly, then we’ll come up with a proposal for them. Coronations are national holidays and so are royal weddings. Maybe we can convince them to let us do it in one weekend. Have the wedding celebration the day before the coronation. It would be a lot, but it would be a festival weekend for the people, and I think we could manage it.” Even trying to think of the logistics makes your heart pound, but you know you won’t be alone in trying to get it done. You’ll have entire teams, and you’ll have each other. Surely that counts for something?

“You are way more than just a walking womb,” he says as he places a hand on your cheek. “If Miss Thorne hasn’t completely lost her head by now, I say we bring up the festival weekend to her and see what can be done. You can pick any themes or color schemes you want - just tell me where to be and when and I’ll be the goofy looking guy at the altar.” He smiles, rubbing his thumb under your eye.

“It will be Parliament that we sell this idea to, not your assistant. Although I fear the amount of work she’ll be put to if they agree.” The warmth of his hand seems to dip into the very marrow of your bones, melting you a little. “If this is how you want it to happen…I already promised that I would not let you fail. We will stand up and say our vows and hold our crowned heads high.” And you will absolutely not permit yourself to think about being called to his bed until all of it has actually happened…

“Then that’s what we’ll do. Let’s do this, Plum.” He smiles and takes his hand off your face, the absence of your warm skin under his palm affecting him more than he would like to admit. “Should we go see if Elsie needs help?”

“I would not be a very good friend if we did not.” Although the thought of facing his upset assistant does make you more unnerved than you’d like to admit.

It’s not long before the flustered assistant and nervous librarian make their way back to where you and Will are; Minna and Elsie having a hurried conversation in French. “Je n’arrive pas à croire que nous ayons manqué cette information importante. Cele va l’effrayer.” I can’t believe we missed this important piece of information. This is going to scare him off. Miss Thorn says in a hushed tone as she sees the two of you over my a large shelf of books.

“Je sais, je me sens comme un si mauvais ami pour ne pas l’avoir vu plus tôt.” I know, I feel like such a bad friend for not seeing it sooner. Elsie responds.

“Calmer. Calmez-vous, s'il vous plait. C'était son idée.” Calm down. Calm down, please. It was his idea. Thank god for your keen hearing, you can try to head the other two women off at the pass. “English, please, until his Majesty’s French is up to snuff.”

“So, I guess you heard?” Will asks Minna, worried that she’s either going to combust or start crying.

My apologies, your grace.” Miss Thorne says. “I did, and while I’m not thrilled that this information was written deep in the texts, I am glad Elsie found it. I can go to parliament and st—” She begins.

Will raises his hands to stop her. “We’ve kind of talked about it already. We were thinking having the wedding and then the coronation the following day. That way it’s all done at once and the people can have an entire weekend to celebrate.” He looks to you and smiles.

The idea takes her entirely off guard, but now she knows what you meant by, ‘It was his idea.’ “Well, now that we only have a few weeks we should start planning. You,” Minna Thorn points at you. “Need to choose a designer for your gown and you,” now pointing at Will. “Need to meet with the jewelers to find the emerald and settings you’d like to use for her ring.”

“I could help!” Elsie offers. “I know her taste in jewelry – we’ve been sharing pieces for years.” Will nods, accepting Elsie’s offer.

“I suppose I should put some thought into assembling my own staff, and submit my resignation to the Ministry of Education.” Your schedule is about to become exponentially busier at the drop of a hat, and you know you’ll need as much help as your alarmingly-soon-to-be husband will, just in other ways. Your eyes track to Minna’s, already buried in her agenda once more. “Will we have to argue the case to Parliament, or is there someone on the king’s staff better suited to that job?”

“I will take care of it.” Minna assures you. “I will discuss this with them and get the plans set in stone. You two just worry about yourselves and let me handle things.” She says confidently. She’s the most task-oriented and organized person you know, and you know she can handle this. “I will clear my schedule the rest of the day and call an emergency meeting.”

“Do you still have the list of candidates for the king’s assistant?” It’s a lot to do and not much time to do it in, so you can’t waste a single second. “If it’s at all possible, I’d like to review them and hire someone for myself.”

“Yes, right here. Resumes and references attached as well.” She reaches into her simple, yet stylish messenger bag and hands over the sealed manila envelope. “It’s alphabetized and the ones that stood out to me have sticky tabs on them. Elsie, I trust you’ll continue looking over documents to make sure we haven’t missed anything else?”

“Yes, of course.” Elsie nods, stepping around everyone and sitting back down at her desk.

“Excellent. Then I’m off to have a conversation with parliament.” Minna says as she smiles at the three of you and turns to walk out of the library.

“I’d say we all have our work cut out for us.” Looking around, you can see the lost expression on Will’s face clear as day. “Mademoiselle Thorn, if I might add one more thing to your plate?” You know she has a lot to deal with, but hopefully this is something she can delegate. “I’m sure the king would feel more comfortable with a few more familiar faces nearby. Can we arrange to have his closest friends put on the same flight as his brother?” One of your smaller hands finds Will’s beside you and you give him an encouraging smile as you gently grasp his hand. “You should call them. Get them out here for as long as they can stand it. You will feel less alone, and they should see how your life has changed.”

Minna makes a note in her phone. “I will have them fly in on the private plane with Benny. Just let me know when they are available and I’ll send the pilot.” She smiles and nods, happy that he will have a bit of comfort during this strange time of transition for him.

“That’s a good idea, Plum. I guess I’ll call them now so they can pack?”

“Do you remember the way back to your office?” He’s only walked these halls with an escort so far, so you’re trying your best to be helpful. “If not, I can walk you back. The Morning Room…which I suppose will be my own office soon enough…isn’t that far away.”

“I could use just one more reminder.” He offers his arm again, smiling as you loop yours through his. “Just for the sake of it.” He winks.

“Do you want me to stay with you while you call?” He had insisted you be there while he spoke to his brother, so the least you can do is offer.

“If you don’t mind overhearing how crude they’ll probably be.” He laughs. “I’ll make sure they’re on their best behavior while they’re here though.”

******

The two of you make it back to his office and he sits down on the couch, pulling the phone out of his pocket and dialing Catfish first. Frankie answers on the third ring. “Frank Morales.” Will says

“Ironhead!” Frankie’s surprise and relief are audible on the other end of the phone. “What the fuck man, you call Benny but you can’t call me and Pope? I showed up at your house the morning to help you clean up your goddamn yard as promised and you were just gone!”

“I’m sorry, Fish. Everything just kind of happened…you know? I’m sure Benny told you what’s been going on even thought I told him I would call you myeslf. Um. The reason I’m calling is to invite you here to Freidlyn. I’m…getting married and crowned within a month and I need you here.”

“You’re fucking what??” Asks the man in the other end of the call and you have to cover your mouth quickly to stifle your own laughter. It is a lot to take in. You’ll give him that.

“Yep. Getting married before the coronation so she can take the throne with me. What do you say though? Can you make it out? We’ll send a plane for you, Ben and Pope. It won’t cost you anything and you can stay as long as you’d like.” He doesn’t mention that he knows Fish will think that your librarian friend is cute, and maybe they could get lost in each other for a while. “I think you’d really like it here, Fish. What do you say?” He desperately wants Frankie to say yes, and he’ll beg his friend if he has to.

“Man…you know I would do anything for you.” The sigh from the other man does not sound enthusiastic though, and you lean closer to the speaker to listen. “It’s not like I have work to call out of or anything, it’s just…what about Xi? I can’t ask my mom to look after my bebita so I can go on an indefinite vacation. She would have to come along.” Frankie had had it the worst, coming back from Colombia to find divorce papers from his wife and his mother looking after his six-month-old daughter Xiomara.

“The palace has twenty-four-hour daycare.” You jump in, knowing it is impossible for Will to know the answer to this question. “Any moment you cannot be with her, she will be looked after by professionals. Please…please do not let that stop you.”

“Bring Xi and she’ll be well cared for when you’re not able to watch her. It can be a nice little escape for the two of you, I promise. Everyone here is so nice, and you won’t have to pay for a thing. You and bebita will be well taken care of.”

There is a moment of silence hanging in the air before the man on the phone clears his throat. “Is that her?” He asks, knowing Will had had a woman with him when he called Benny earlier in the day.

“It is…she’s amazing. I think you’ll get along really well.” Will glances over at you and smiles. “She’s been so helpful and supportive, and I’m actually excited about all of this now.”

“I’m sorry to have blurted that out and startled you,” you nearly reach out to the phone as though the man himself were there for you to touch. “It’s just…I truly believe Will should have his friends with him for everything that’s coming. It’s a lonely thing, to change your life all at once.”

“I appreciate you saying that, honey.” Frankie tells you honestly. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Just let me know where to be and when and Xi and I will be there.” Frankie was all too familiar with his life changing drastically at once. He had gone through so much over the last year and was ready for a break.

“Thanks, Fish. I’ll text you the details as soon as I get them from Miss Thorn.” The boys continue to chat for a minute before hanging up. “Onto Santi then…” He smiles as he scrolls through his list of recent calls. Santi nearly answers right away. “Pope!”

“William the fucking Conqueror.” Pope’s laugh is jovial and loud. “I was wondering when you’d get around to calling. Benny got in touch this morning.”

“Hey man. More news for ya – I’m getting married and then will officially be king in a few weeks. You down for a visit? Private plane, full amenities, and you can stay as long as you’d like…” Unlike Frankie, Pope had a full-time job and he wasn’t sure if his friend would be able to make it on such short notice.

“Depends, pendejo. Do I get to stay at the palace?” Pope is not taking a single shred of this bullshit seriously. Not when the pranks pulled by the Miller brothers are always so fucking legendary. “And I’ll need first dibs on hot bridesmaids.”

Will laughs. “You can stay at the palace, but I can’t promise bridesmaids.” He makes a face at you as a way of apologizing for his friend. You giggle at how cute it is. “Fish already said he’d come, and you know Benny is too so…make up your mind and I’ll give you flight details.”

“What’s the punchline, Miller? I show up at the airport and Fish has a remote-control helicopter in the parking lot?” He huffs and his shrug is practically audible. “You can do better than that.”

“Do you play a lot of pranks or are your friends just naturally suspicious?” You whisper, raising an eyebrow at the man next to you.

“I promise this isn’t a prank, Pope. I’ll turn on my fuckin’ camera right now so you can see I’m not kidding. I wouldn’t joke about this.” He places his hand over the microphone. “We play a lot of pranks on each other, so I don’t blame him for not believing this is actually happening.” He sighs, pressing the FaceTime option on his phone and waits for Santi to accept. “See?” He moves the phone around the grand office before standing up and going over to the window to show Santi the grounds to the best of his ability. “I’m not bullshitting you, man.”

“Puta madre…” Pope – like the good Catholic boy his call sign implies he is – is practically crossing himself as various curses fall from his lips. “Madre de Dios, Ironhead, what the fu—” he huffs out a long sigh. “Just tell me where and when, man. I’ll make it work.”

Minna barges through the door at that very moment – an eerie talent she seemed to have – and hands you a slip of paper with flight details for the following day. She says nothing and walks out with purpose, on her way to talk to parliament about the upcoming plans.

“I know.” He says before glancing at the note in your hand. “Looks like you’ll fly out tomorrow morning. It’s a long flight, so you’ll be able to get some rest, and the plane is comfortable. If you need to work, I’m sure we can set up a space for you in your room for meetings and whatever else. Pack your Sunday best and make sure Fish doesn’t panic flying with his baby, please.”

“First time on a plane cooped up with her favourite tíos?” Pope coos, his absolute adoration for his goddaughter obvious instantly. “We’ll wear her out and she’ll nap over the ocean. Everything will be fine. Text me if you need us to pick up anything from your house, okay hermano?”

“Thanks man, I really appreciate you being able to come. I’ll send the exact details here in a second to the group chat. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone.” Will and Pope say their goodbyes before hanging up. “So, that’s the guys.” He laughs nervously as he looks at you. “They’re…a lot but they’re good people and I’ll make sure they’re on their best behavior.”

“They sound far more interesting than most of the people I know,” you offer, placing a hand on his arm reassuringly before turning and cracking open the file with resumes for royal assistants that Minna had given you. “I’ll make sure that their rooms are close together, and that there is hot food ready for them when they arrive tomorrow night. What time are they supposed to arrive? Maybe we can ask the kitchen to hold our dinner so everyone can sit down together.” It’s a small gesture, technically, but in meaning it’s large. “I know they’ll want to interview me, so to speak. And I don’t blame them one bit.”

“That would be great. Knowing them they’ll be starving and have a million questions.” He looks down at the flight itinerary. “Looks like they get in around 6PM so you’ll have time to prepare for the chaos that is them. I think you’ll like Xi too, she’s the cutest baby in the world and what happened with Frankie’s ex is so shitty. She just…left. I’m glad they’ll all be close together, just in case he needs help with anything, you know?” He rambles, nervous about his friends meeting his betrothed. He knows they’ll adore you, but he also worries you won’t feel the same about them.

“We’ll make sure that your friends and your brother have everything they need,” you promise him, knowing that their first impressions of his new home will also be their first impressions of you as well. This is not a moment to lay down on the job.

“You really are the best, Plum. Thank you.” Will takes your hand and squeezes it. “They’re going to absolutely fall in love with you.”

The smile that you summon is honest, and you’ll squeeze his hand back for encouragement. How can you possibly tell him that the only person you’re worried about falling for you is him?

______

Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @katheriner1999 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @hardc0rehaylz @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri

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#Charlie Hunnam #Charlie Hunnam fanfic #Will Miller #Will Miller x reader #Will Miller x you #Will Miller x female reader #Triple Frontier #Triple Frontier fanfic #Princess Diaries au #Royalty au #William Ironhead Miller #Freidlych for Life #Freidlyn #arranged marriage

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wardenparker · 3 years ago

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Necessary Arrangements: ch 1

Will Miller x female Reader A Princess Diaries inspired Triple Frontier AU Co-written with @steeevienicks

Rating: Mature Word Count: 4.3k Warnings: Cursing, family death, but no other real content warnings for this chapter. It’s early days yet. Summary: A woman from a country Will has never visited shows up on his doorstep with the news that his father is dying and his entire life is about to change. (Please note, reader does NOT appear in this chapter!) Notes: You guys, Holly and I are LOVING how excited everyone has been to start this journey and here it finally is! The Freidlyn Fun Fact Ask Game is still going on and you can drop into my asks any time to chat about that the country Will is headed to or anything about the story at all! Just remember that we love questions because they help us world-build, but this is something that we’re doing purely for fun. Please leave your real-world politics at the door and embrace the fiction. 💖

There is no such thing as relaxing when one is forced to spend twelve straight hours traveling, regardless of how luxurious the airplane or car may be. Food never tastes right at forty-thousand feet and there is inevitably no chance to get truly comfortable. In Mademoiselle Minna Thorn's case, there had also been far too much work to do. Endless paperwork and communications, files to read and faces with which to familiarize herself. From the plane then to a hired car - a large and imposing thing with blackened windows and no sound inside such that the frame seemed to ride on an armored cloud. The two men with her, silent and formidable in their own rights, never spoke except to confirm the occasional detail in only as many words as necessary. Their tailored, black suits cut out any appearance of individuality in precisely the opposite way that Mlle Thorn's own black suit was very intentionally full of individuality.

The house on Gordon Street, in the small American town of Clinton, North Carolina, is nothing terribly remarkable. There is a lot of land here. Land to be built on and cared for. And a charming little house all made up in caramel wood tones and neat, white trim. It is modest and unassuming. A far cry from the palace she departed late last night to come here. Climbing three steps to the porch, Mlle Thorn smooths one hand down her skirt and takes a very deep, emboldening breath before pressing the doorbell. The truck in the driveway says the man she has come for is at home. Hopefully this will go much more smoothly than she fears. But probably not.

After a few moments, the door has still been unanswered. She tries once, twice more before a mumbled shout of "I'm coming!” is heard from beyond the front door. A tall, handsome, blonde man answers in nothing but a pair of plaid boxer shorts, a thin shirt and a scowl. “Can I help you?” He spits out harshly. It was too early for company, especially when he was expecting no one. The woman that had rung his doorbell looked shocked, to say the least, and he had no idea what she could have been trying to sell so early in the morning.

"Mr. Miller?" Mlle Thorn nearly hiccups, not expecting such an unruly greeting. "Monsieur William Anselm Miller?" He is exactly like his picture except for the goatee, which she has to admit becomes him nicely. Although the scowl it adorns is less than pleasing.

He’s confused by the formal greeting, but this poor woman did not deserve the rude introduction he gave as soon as he opened his door. “Uh, yeah…that’s me. I just go by Miller though. What can I do for you?”

"My name is Minna Thorn." Straightening even to her full height brings her nowhere near his, but the men flanking her on either side meet his bulk head-on. "This conversation is better had in private, sir. If you would be so kind as to invite us inside, my colleagues and I will be glad to explain to you the reason we have interrupted your morning." And the rest of your life, as well.

Suddenly panic-stricken at how serious she sounds and the memories of Colombia at the forefront of his mind, Will steps aside to let all three of them into his modest home. “Shit." His voice cracks. "Yeah, I can make more coffee and should probably put some pants on but come in. Did I…do something? Am I being arrested or questioned about something?"

"Very much the opposite, Monsieur Anselm." Though in America his name is legally Miller, that is not at all the name on his birth certificate. Inside the living room of his house, she takes her briefcase from one of the security personnel that has been standing just behind her and extracts a thick file folder. "You will, no doubt, recognize the name Klaus Anselm." If he does not, she will have a much longer conversation on her hands.

“Sure yeah, not a name I’ve heard in a while though.” He says as he quickly disappears into the tiny laundry room adjacent to the hallway and returns a moment later with a pair of gym shorts and Delta hoodie fresh from the wash. He has no idea who these people are, or why this woman has such an intimidating briefcase and more intimidating set of security guards behind her. “I’m sorry, but what’s going on?”

"Your father was involved in an automobile accident yesterday afternoon, at 16:00 local time." Mlle Thorn hesitates, swallowing a bit of bile at the words she has to say. It is...unthinkable. The measure of the tragedy that she has had to relate to multiple people since it occurred. She has barely had time to process it herself. "Also involved was your half-brother Frederick. Frederick..." Her voice waivers and she has to close her eyes momentarily to steel herself, but goes on. "Died on impact. But your father remains in hospital under close observation. Though you may guess, from our sudden appearance here, that the outlook is not a positive one."

Will chuckles, whether it’s from shock, confusion, or disbelief he isn’t sure. It takes a moment for him to gather his thoughts, “That is…not how I was expecting this morning to start, but I appreciate you coming to tell me.” He chews on his lip in thought before continuing, “but I didn’t have a relationship with either of them, and if I’m being totally honest, I didn’t even know Frederick existed. Mom never mentioned him and rarely talked about my dad. I’m confused.”

"In short?" Mlle Minna Thorn, all 1.6 meters of her in heels, looks up into the face of this very confused, very tired looking man and sighs gently. She feels that weariness down to her bones but for a very different reason. "Your father's physicians expect that he will pass out of this life before the end of today. So we have come to bring you home to Freidlyn. To your rightful place."

“My rightful place? Freidlyn? That tiny European country? Did the old man leave me a house there or something?” The more she speaks the more stress he feels. “Look, miss, I’m not trying to be disrespectful but what the hell is going on?”

"That tiny European country is without its crowned prince and within hours will be without its king." Mademoiselle Thorn does not have patience for beating around the bush if he is going to be rude, regardless of the apology. She can be straight to the point when the need arises. And it clearly does. "Like it or not, Monsieur Anselm, the job is yours." From the file she has placed on the counter, she extracts a piece of paper written in formal English, clearly detailing the line of succession and signed by the still-living King Klaus V. It was put into her hands just before she boarded the plane to fly to America, and she spent the better part of two hours simply staring at it after take off. "I have been in the service of your father the King for ten years and can tell you that this decision was made with sound mind, however ludicrous it may sound to you in this moment."

Will sighs. She’s joking. This is a prank. Pope and Catfish are behind this I’m sure. He smirks as he thinks about past pranks between his group of friends. He lifts his gaze to her eyes - stone cold, serious and piercing his soul. “Please tell me this is a joke. Me? An heir to a throne? Isn’t there like a cousin or something that can take the job? Ma’am I don’t know what you know about me, but I’m a vet that lives in North Carolina and works as a personal trainer. There is nothing about me that would make a good king. I don’t know shit about being a royal. I just found out I had a half-brother five minutes ago and now you’re telling me I’m supposed to be a king? Of an entire country.”

"If this were a prank, Your Highness, it would be in very poor taste." With a slight huff, the woman begins extracting and arranging a series of photographs from the file folder showing the royal family at different events, a photograph of a very young Prince (at the time) Klaus with his American college sweetheart, the same couple's wedding photograph, and another of that same young couple with their blue-eyed baby boy on the day he was born. William Felix Rainier Auguste Anselm. b. 24 July 1986. Hôpital Royal du Matin, Estligers, Freidlyn. the caption reads. "And since you asked, the next in line to the throne is your twelve-year-old cousin who only recently experienced his voice breaking for the first time."

If he didn’t know for a fact that he threw his alarm clock so hard this morning that the face cracked, he would have been convinced he was dreaming “Well, fuck,” he glances at all the photos - some of himself that he recognized from his mother’s mantle, others were completely new and intimidating to him. “What do I do? Do I just sign a dotted line and pack my stuff? Does Ma know this is happening? I have so many questions, and I’m still not fully awake, and I’m sorry if I was being a dick but you have to understand how weird and not normal this is for Americans. No one just knocks on someone’s door and says ‘hey you’re a king now!’”. He rambles, clearly overwhelmed. “First voice crack though, huh? Sucks for the little guy.”

"Your mother has been contacted. She is being offered the chance to return to Freidlyn temporarily if she chooses. To say goodbye to your father and to attend your brother's funeral." Grateful to see his exterior crack, Mlle Thorn slips a sheet of paper to the side of the landslide of photographs and pulls a pen from her briefcase to set on top of it. "Signing this paper will signify that you understand what I have told you today, and that you will be returning to Freidlyn to learn what is expected of you. Nothing more. God willing, we will arrive in the capital before His Majesty's passing and you will be able to speak with him yourself."

Will picks up the pen hesitantly before taking a deep breath and signing his name. “What the hell, let’s do it.” He laughs to himself, feeling nervous and unsure. “The guys are never gonna fuckin’ believe this.” He gently hands the expensive looking pen back to Miss Thorn. “There it is. I guess I pack my stuff now? Let Ma know we’re doing this and call out of work…forever.” He looks around the room for his cell phone, spotting it laying on the counter. A king. When Will was a child and was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he never imagined himself as a king - astronaut, stunt man, president? Sure. King? Never in his wildest dreams…but now his absolute reality. “Will I be getting some formal king training or something?”

"So to speak. There are historical and civic publications on the jet for you to familiarize yourself with some of your own history before we land, and of course I will answer any and all questions to the best of my knowledge and ability." Mlle Thorn signs her own name with a flourish underneath before handing the pen to one of the men still flanking her, who will sign as a witness to the first two signatures. Everything has many, many signatures. "Does your Highness own a black suit?" The question is hesitant, considering the incredibly casual clothing he is wearing, but she needs to know what she is working with here. "All black is required for the royal family during a period of mourning." It should be a relief to hear him accept the situation so easily, but she can tell the reality of the thing has not settled on him yet. After all, how could it? He had no idea... "With your permission, I can help you pack what is necessary for now, and embassy personnel will be given that same permission to pack the rest of your belongings in due time. From here on out, you will have as many helping hands as are required."

The idea of unlimited help intrigues him. “Cool, so you won’t just expect me to rule without having any formal training. Good to know, good to know.” Will is at a loss for words. Is he doing the right thing? What does he really have to lose? He already had so many missed opportunities, a failed relationship, among other disappointments he did not even want to consider - did they know about these? Did they know everything? Maybe this would be his chance to make up for the things he felt he couldn’t possibly amend for at one point or another in his life. “But, to answer your question about the suit - I, uh, no. I don’t. I have blue slacks and a few different button ups. I’ve never been a fancy type of guy, you know? This,” he gestures to himself, “is a typical look for me. The truck in the driveway has to come though. That’s my baby.”

"Arrangements will be made, your Highness." With the news given and that part of things out of the way, she can breathe slightly easier. The sleek cell phone from her pocket is instantly in her hand and her thumbs tap away gently. "I can have appropriate attire waiting on the jet and at the palace if you can provide me with your measurements. Please. The sooner we have you in the air, the smoother this will hopefully go." Hopefully. Hopefully.

Your Highness. That would take some getting used to. “Great," he smiles. "Well, here’s to the future king of Freidlyn, then.” he said, raising an empty coffee cup to toast.

"Long live Prince William." The words taste dry in her mouth, no matter how she should be proud to say them. Prince Frederick was an affable young man and the king is a well-intentioned, fatherly sort when the situation calls for it. To be of their same blood, this man surely cannot be so far off, but wishing long life on one brother when the other is not yet buried feels suffocating. Nevertheless, "Long live Prince William!" is echoed heartily by her two escorts, and she forces herself to smile briefly. "Your measurements, sire?"

******

By some unlikely miracle, when the helicopter touches down on the roof of Hôpital Royal du Matin and the final leg of their journey is completed, the king is still drawing breath. "This way." The petite Mlle Thorn leads the way through a mass of security personnel to the roof entrance of the hospital, knowing the route to the king's bedside will be lined by more armed men in black suits than even when she last left here. "Stay close to me or we may be separated." And lord what a disaster that would be.

If Will was overwhelmed before, this did not even compare. He had spent a majority of the flight learning the history of his family, his country, and what he should strive to be as a king, but nothing could prepare him for the frenzy of security detail and personnel as soon as he stepped off the helicopter. Before stepping inside the hospital Will paused and laid a tentative hand on Mlle Thorn’s arm. “What do I even say to him?” He’s nervous, knowing he doesn’t have much time, but wanting to know so much about who his father is on a personal level. He had asked his mother about him when he was a boy, but her avoidance had stifled his curiosity as he grew older and he just assumed it was not a civil separation. But now, after his extensive reading and the sights before him, he felt a sense of guilt for assuming the worst. His father was clearly loved and admired and now his time was rapidly dwindling. How could he possibly make up for thirty-five years of not having his father in the minimal time left?

Stopping in her tracks, she looks up at him with a soft near-sadness and sets her lips in a line that is neither a frown nor a smile. "I cannot tell you that." She admits quietly. "But...if he is able, please listen to what he has to say."

“Miss Thorn, I know we started off on the wrong foot, but thank you for this. That plane ride made me realize how much was kept from me, and now I can’t really blame my mom for keeping it a secret. I mean, knowing me I’d have told everyone and acted like even more of a dumbass.” He brushes his hands off on his thighs - not used to the new clothing. “I guess this is it.” He says as he stares at the daunting hospital suite door before quietly going inside.

"Will!" Sandra Miller has been sitting in this hospital room for hours now, wondering if this moment was finally going to happen. None of this was ever supposed to happen this way, of course, and the handkerchief in her hand is soaked through with guilty, regretful tears, but there's nothing she can do about that now as she stands to wrap her arms around her oldest son. "You...you made it."

“Mom, hey…” He says as hugs her. “What a day, huh?” She looks so small in this room, smaller than she normally does compared to his broad frame. “Look, I don’t want to talk about what conversations we did or didn’t have when I was growing up. That’s not important right now. Everything is changing and my head is about ready to explode with everything that’s happened over the last twelve hours.”

"We can talk about it later." She agrees, too tired from her own grief, guilt, and disbelief to argue the point with him right now. "Just...do you want me to leave so you can talk to your father?" The father he hasn't seen in thirty years and likely doesn't even remember. She hadn't even realized how much Will is the spitting image of Klaus until just now, in the moment she turns to look back at the man lying in the hospital bed whose hand she has been holding for the last four hours.

“I don’t know,” he whispers, looking at his mom with a sad, confused expression. He had truly never considered facing this moment in his entire life. At one point he had just convinced himself that his absent father had died already, but now here he was in the same room preparing to say hello and goodbye to the man he never knew. “Could you maybe wait outside? I don’t really know what to say, or how to even address him. I guess I just need a minute.” He says as he grabs the chair closest to his father’s bed.

He sits down slowly and stares at his shoes - shiny and new and elegant - three things he would not use to describe himself at all before looking at his poor father while he waits for his mom to leave the room. “Hi dad…it’s Will…”

"William..." The older man's accent is thick, having lost its crispness and sophistication over the last day and a half. His hand, attached by wires to one of the many beeping machines beside his bed, meekly reaches out but does not make it far. That he is losing his strength quickly now should be abundantly obvious to anyone who walks into this room - thankfully that number is limited. For now, all he can do is look at his elder son, his remaining son, with regret and sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry, William."

“You don’t need to apologize. I spent my life not knowing you and I should have been more persistent with asking,” Will’s chest feels tight and he can feel the tears welling in his eyes. He’s never felt this sense of longing and sadness before. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for giving up and cursing who I thought you were. I will do right by you and do my best to live up to everything you’ve done here. Miss Thorn is great, by the way. I can see why you chose her to work for you. She…definitely knows her shit, and is going to keep me in line. I’ll make you proud.”

Klaus half-chuckles, making himself cough in the process. "Minna is a treasure," he admits readily. "But you - my son - you should not be sorry." Shaking his head, he adjusts slightly in the hospital bed and reaches for his son's hand, this time finding it more easily. "This was never to be your burden. Though it seems a destiny you could not avoid."

“I will not disappoint you, Dad. I will carry on your legacy with honor,” Will says as he squeezes his father’s frail hand. “I wish we had more time. There’s so much I want to tell you and so much I want to ask.”

"Tell me whatever you wish." Klaus squeezes back but barely, with what little strength he has left. Hours ago - hours and hours ago - from this very hospital bed, his staff helped him record words of advice and protocols in video recordings for William's use. He dictated memos and drafted declarations. He left things in as good a working order as he possibly could for the son he should have taken better care of. "But let me tell you first...that you do not have to do this alone."

“I haven’t been the best person. There are probably files about what I’ve done, people that I’ve hurt, and I regret all of the mistakes I’ve made. I’ve caused pain of horrific amounts for my own gain, but I won’t do that here. I just…want you to know that I’m going to try. And I’ll make sure mom and Miss Thorn whoop my ass if I mess up.” He chuckles through his tears, trying to lighten the mood.

"William, if you think kings are pure men, you are about to be rudely awakened." Klaus shakes his head slightly. "Yesterday is a lesson that teaches you what not to do tomorrow. What matters is that we try, each day, to be better. But–” When he coughs again he reaches for the small cup of water beside his bed. "Do not waste time. It is far too precious."

Will helps his father sit up a little and assists with holding his cup. “That makes me feel better, Dad. Thanks.” While Klaus gets comfortable, Will takes a long look at his father - at the man he wished he knew, and the man he would make proud, even after death. He sees the resemblance clearly, wondering what else he had inherited from him.

Dad. It almost breaks his heart a little to hear that one small word. Such an American title and one he entirely missed out on. Though he does not blame Sandy for being overwhelmed with royal life, he does wish he had been able to share more of it with his older son than simply sending gifts twice a year. "Surround yourself with people smarter than you, and listen to them." It was the best advice his own father had given him and he lived by it. By his own estimation - it was that philosophy that helped him find William's mother so many years ago. "I have left you as much as I can to...to help you."

The idea of being left a dying man’s advice tears at him, and Will pinches his eyes shut. “I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t want you to go. I just got here.” He openly cries now, a few tears escaping as he no longer sees the need to hide how he feels on top of everything else that has happened since he crawled out of bed this morning. “I think…I think I need mom to come back in if that’s okay,” he swipes at the tears in his eyes. “I think we need to be together right now…as a family.” He gently places his father’s hand down before carefully getting up and moving to the door. He peeks his head out to see his mom standing still against a wall, waiting. “Mom…I need you.” He cries softly, opening the door wide enough for her to come back in.

"Will, honey..." Sandy knows well enough that he can't be seen crying in a hospital or it will tip someone off as to what's happening, and she doesn't want reports of Klaus's death leaking prematurely. Nudging her son back inside the room, though, she realizes they would not be premature at all. The machines previously monitoring the weak readings of the Freidlych king's life have gone silent in the space of just a few seconds.

A rush of movement overtakes the room as a small handful of doctors and nurses flood the space and Minna Thorn is at the back of the group, shutting and locking the door behind her with a look of despondent sadness drawn over her features. A demonstrated effort to save the king's life must be made. It is not just a show or a tradition, but the law. Doctors and nurses - four professionals who know that what they are doing is hopeless - set to work trying to revive the man who has been slowly dying of sustained injuries for the last thirty-six hours.

When time of death is declared, Minna Thorn's slight frame shakes a little, but her voice is the only left in the room: "Long live King William."

______

NA: @absurdthirst @peachtreemoonshine @xoxabs88xox @luminescentlily @babypink224221

My Masterlist!

#Charlie Hunnam #Charlie Hunnam character fanfiction #Charlie Hunnam fanfic #Will Miller #will miller x reader #Will Miller x you #Will Miller x female reader #William Ironhead Miller #Triple Frontier #Triple Frontier fanfic #Triple Frontier au #Princess Diaries AU #Freidlych For Life #Freidlyn #tw parent death

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wardenparker · 2 years ago

Text

Necessary Arrangements: ch 4

Will Miller x female Reader A Princess Diaries inspired Triple Frontier AU Co-written with @steeevienicks

Rating: Teen, but as always this blog is 18+! Word Count: 9.9k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this series include family death, cursing, and food descriptions.* The usual cursing, food, and fluff here. Mention of break ups and of Frankie’s addiction issue, but nothing too heavy. Summary: The Delta boys descend on the royal palace, and some of them might start to get comfortable in Freidlyn a lot faster than they ever thought. Notes: Love is in the air and we are making absolutely no apologies for it 💖

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3

The next day feels like an unruly marathon despite how orderly it is. The morning church service ended up being a free-for-all of paparazzi trying to get photographs of the new king, and when Will had instinctively reached for your hand to bring you inside the building away from the flashing bulbs, chaos had ensued.

At least his friends’ travel plans had all gone steadily. The private jet normally reserved for diplomats or special visitors had been dispatched last night so it could land in North Carolina and refuel before the morning. All three men and little baby Xiomara Morales were safely on board and on schedule. Almost all of Will’s day after arriving back at the palace has been spent with the royal tailor being precisely measured and fitted, or with the palace interior designer, saying yes or no to the hundreds of tiny decisions about what the redecoration of his suite will look like. It is immense, and by the time you appear in his sitting room at half past five, he looks like his eyes are about to cross from being overwhelmed. “I’m very sorry to interrupt, Madame Tetroux, but his Majesty needs to change for dinner. His guests will be arriving soon.”

Will perks up at that. This day had been a lot for sure, and while he was prepared for paparazzi that morning, he was not prepared for that many. Will gets up and goes over to the closet, his suit hung up and ready to be worn to dinner. It fits like a glove, and he can’t help but admire how it looks in the full-length mirror. The pants and jacket are black and the white button up and green tie complete the look. This is definitely the most expensive thing he has ever put on his body. He grabs the emerald cufflinks from a little wooden box and walks out of his closet to where you’re sitting. “Could you help me with these?” He asks timidly.

“Of course.” Cuff links are easy enough for a second person, and you settle them in place quickly. “You know, it might make your life easier if you took on a valet sooner rather than later,” you hum, straightening his tie just a smidge. “Let someone else pick out your clothes and make sure you don’t have a tag sticking out by accident? It’s one less thing to worry about.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” He chuckles. “Do I look okay? I like the suit, but I’ve never worn anything so…perfect before. So I feel a little…I don’t know. Uncomfortable? No, that’s not it. Out of place, maybe? Which, ha, I shouldn’t be considering all of this.” He thinks once he sees his friends, he won’t feel so strange, like having familiar faces will put him at ease. “You look beautiful, by the way.” He glances up and down noticing the dress you have on for the evening. Fitting perfectly and the shimmer of your jewelry suiting your skin tone and eyes beautifully.

"You look very handsome." And that is the absolute honest truth without a hint of embellishment. "If it helps, try to think of these clothes as your uniform, for now. I'm sure you were uncomfortable in your uniform when you first joined the military, but you grew used to it. This is no different." With a small smirk, you lift up your ankle a little to show him your high heeled shoe. "These have been a part of my uniform for so long that I barely ever feel pain from them anymore."

“I don’t know how you ladies ever get used to those death traps, but I have to say they look very good.” He’s always admired a woman in heels, no matter how much it hurt his ankles just looking at them. “That’s a good point though. I was uncomfortable in those scratchy uniforms at first but after a while you just kind of forget about it. See, this is one of the many reasons I need you around – you just make things make sense to me.”

"Probably the most uncomfortable you'll be in your own clothes from now on is when you have to wear a dress uniform." There is a small piece of lint on the lapel of his suit that you pick away easily, offering him an encouraging smile. "Although that will be at both our wedding and coronation, so I promise in advance to make sure you have your favourite things to sleep in when you finally get to sleep those nights." You have no intention of breaching the topic of sharing a bed, but you can at least make sure he is taken care of. Consummation will happen whenever it happens. You've only known each other for two days.

“What would I do without you, Plum?” He asks. He has also thought about sleeping arrangements, but isn’t sure how or when to bring that up to you. Ultimately deciding that it would be your choice whether or not the two of you would share a bed. “Seriously, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough for how kind and gracious you’ve been these last few days. I probably seem like a fuckin’ idiot, but I’m trying, and I’ve actually been learning a lot.” He grabs your hand from where you’ve been picking the small pieces of lint off his label and brings your hand to his lips, leaving a lingering kiss there. There’s a moment where the two of you are quiet, just looking into each other’s eyes; a peaceful moment in the chaos of the last two days…which is interrupted by a brisk knock on his door.

“Sire? Your guests have arrived.” It’s Minna.

“Thank you, Mlle. Thorn.” The spell of the moment is broken just like that, and you offer the other woman a grateful smile. She has been working herself ragged since the car accident and you are more appreciative of her help than you can say. “We’ll be down directly.” If you can have just one more stolen moment of his sweetness, you will certainly take it.

“Are you ready to meet my brother and friends?” Will asks, squeezing your hand one last time before letting go. Out of habit now he offers his arm for you to take, smiling when your arm loops through his perfectly. “If they ask something you don’t feel comfortable answering, please just tell them to fuck off. They’ll be fine.”

“I’ll be slightly more articulate than that, but I don’t have any trouble expressing myself.” You tease, offering him an encouraging grin. The walk from the residential wing of the palace to the formal dining room takes a few minutes but you and Will are both brisk walkers when you have reason to be. He’s excited to see them, that’s obvious, and to be honest you find it very sweet. Now all you can do is pray they like you.

Benny, Frankie, Xi, and Santi have been escorted to the dining hall – all of them, except Xi, who is passed out on her father’s shoulder – are looking around with wide eyes. None of them have ever seen anything like this in real life before, and never imagined a place like this actually existed.

“I told you I wasn’t bullshitting.” Will laughs as he walks up and hugs each of his friends and brother. “Thank you for coming. It’s good to see you all.”

“This is—” Benny would normally whistle but he doesn’t want to wake Xi, so he just blows out a long breath. “This is un-fucking-believable. No wonder Mom was always so cagey about your dad when we used to ask. Jesus…”

“Yeah, can’t say that I blame her.” Will laughs, patting his brother on the back. “I don’t think either of us would have kept quiet about this place had we known when we were kids. How was the flight?”

“Beat the hell out of every bare bones transport we ever took,” Frankie laughs. “Xi didn’t like take off, but we took turns reading and playing with her and she knocked out somewhere over the Atlantic. Woke up again over England and we started the whole thing again. Now she’s…” He shrugs a little bit but is careful not to disturb his sleeping angel. “She always falls asleep on a car ride. It works like a charm.”

“I’m glad little miss got some sleep. Hope you did too.” Will smiles as he holds his arms out for the small baby. A gesture that makes your heart flutter. He takes Xi in his arms and cuddles her against his broad chest – he looks like a natural with her, and she settles into him quickly. “Someone missed their Uncle Will.”

The quiet moment is the right one, you decide, and extend your hand to Will’s younger half-brother, introducing yourself informally and knowing that formalities will come later. “I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you,” you tell him honestly.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Benny says as he steps forward to hug you. He wraps his arms around you like he’s afraid that if he squeezes too tight, you’ll break and says your name. “You’re stunning. My brother is a lucky guy.”

“That’s very sweet of you.” The fact that he ignored your hand and hugged you instead speaks volumes to you about his willingness to embrace his brother’s new roll and you give his shoulders a slight squeeze in return. “I’m afraid you’ll be seeing rather a lot of me in the weeks to come. Your brother and I have quite a lot to discuss with you.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Benny chuckles. “I’m looking forward to getting to know all about you and,” he gestures around him, “all of this. This is so cool.” He turns to Frankie and Pope. “These are our friends – Frankie Morales and Santiago Garcia.”

Both men offer their hands to shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, su Majestad.” Santi winks. “You’re beautiful.”

“It’s still your Ladyship until next month.” You tell him with a grin, so very thankful that they seem to be excepting and embracing everything with ease now threat they know it isn’t a prank. “I’m afraid there is rather a lot to talk about, but I’m so glad you could all come.”

“I’ll be honest, Will and Benny had me for a while.” Santi admits. “But after being picked up in that plane? Wow. Sorry for doubting you, hermano but to be fair they’ve pulled fake wife pranks before when we were in basic together, so…” He laughs.

“I’m afraid there’s nothing fake about me.” The friendship they all have is something that will be to Will’s great advantage in the coming weeks, you’re sure of that. He will need their support.

“Excellent. Frank, you gonna say hi or are you going to keep looking around like a lost puppy?” He teases. “Frank’s the quiet one of the groups so he shouldn’t give you much trouble.” Santi squeezes your shoulder before stepping back and nudging Frankie forward.

“Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Frankie says quietly. He’s overwhelmed, it’s easy to see, but he’s trying his best to make a good impression.

“Thank you for making the trip.” You shake his hand firmly, something he seems surprised by, but you find out a moment later that it’s only a surprise because he, too, is a hugger. “I know travel with a child isn’t easy, but please if there is anything you or she needs, do not hesitate to ask. I’ve arranged for her to have a place in the palace daycare whenever it is needed for as long as you are here.” When the door to the sitting room opens once more, Will’s mother and Elsie are announced, and you practically grin at your friend. She loves the rare occasion of a formal dinner because the kitchens are amazing, and also because she gets to pull out her best dresses. Even with the palace in mourning, a simple gown is always beautiful. “You’ll all know Sandy Miller,” you guess, watching Benny light up and give his mother a hug. “Elsie is the palace’s head librarian. And my best friend, so if you want the truly silly stories of my youth, she is where you get them.”

The boys all flock to Sandy, wrapping her in their arms and offering condolences and forehead kisses. As far as she’s concerned, these are all her sons and she’s so happy to see them. “Thank you for coming, boys. It means a lot to us that you were able to drop everything and make it all the way out here, now give me that baby.” She makes a silly grabbing motion at Frankie holding his daughter.

Frankie looks away from Sandy and Xi and notices Elsie standing in the background near you. Even in heels, she’s short and her soft black dress fits her wonderfully. She has dark hair, big green eyes and the prettiest smile he had ever seen. She looked as nervous as he felt. “Hello, everyone.” She raises her hand in a small wave. “Welcome to Freidlyn.”

“Put your tongue back in your mouth, Fish.” Pope chuckles under his breath as you lead his friends further into the room, exchanging words with a man in a uniform as you go.

“Let’s all go through to dinner,” you suggest, knowing that talking over food is always infinitely less awkward. “I’m sure our travelers will be happier once they have a glass of wine and a solid meal in their bellies.”

They all agree – they had been offered food on the plane, but that had been hours ago and they were starving. They follow you to the main dining room, eyeing the ornate carvings and decorations along the walls.

“So how are you feeling?” Benny asks as he walks a few steps behind his brother.

“Surprisingly okay,” Will says. “There’s still a lot that needs to be done and I still feel like I’m in over my head, but Plum here has been such a big help.” He smiles at you.

“Plum, huh?” Benny chuckles.

“When he was four, Klaus and I took him to see the royal ballet perform The Nutcracker.” Sandy explains, a melancholy smile softening her features. “He told me he wanted to marry a fairy one day.�� The kindness in her eyes turns to you and her smile deepens just a little. “So I think Sugarplum is a very fitting nickname.”

“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.” Elsie giggles, imagining this giant, broad man as a small boy, eyes alight with wonder and the magic of the Nutcracker. “I’ve always thought you were a fairy princess.” She says to you, nudging you with her shoulder gently. “We all think it’s a good nickname.”

“Who’s ��we all’?” You ask Elsie, raising an eyebrow when you look down the table at her where she is sitting in the other side of Will’s brother.

“Oh, me, Minna, Lisette, Sandy.” Elsie lists off. She gives you a smirk, “And apparently everyone else at this table.” She says as she lifts her wine glass to her lips.

“I knew you would get Lisette in on this.” You groan softly, offering Will an apologetic expression. “Our other close school friend is one of the palace pastry chefs. Those amaretti cookies you loved last night? They are one of her specialties.”

“My compliments to her.” He says. “So if at any point I wanted more…all I’d have to do is ask her? And she’d just make them?” He laughs, taking a bite of the first course.

“Yes,” Elsie says as she spreads the cloth napkin over her lap. “She’s always willing to bake treats for anyone at the palace. I think she’s more passionate about baking than I am about books, and I love books. Clearly.”

“Good, I think I’ll want another batch soon.” Will smirks.

“She made the petit fours for tonight’s dessert course,” you tell him, grinning when Will lights up with excitement. “And truly, you know all you have to do is ask for anything and it will be provided. I know you’re still getting used to that, but it’s true.”

******

Dinner continues to go well, everyone laughing and exchanging stories. Will had learned that you had quite a wild streak in your early teens and had snuck out multiple times with Lisette and Elsie and another friend when you should have been studying for exams. You had flushed wildly when Elsie told the story, reliving the memories with your friends. Minna had joined later in the evening after the final course to remind everyone of where their rooms would be located and offered to take them herself if need be.

“I will take you up on that.” Santi smiles at her. You noticed the look on her face when she saw Santi and smiled, raising your eyebrows and nodding at Elsie to see how he had seemingly affected her.

“Great, I will be right outside when you’re ready.” Minna offers Santiago Garcia a smile perceptibly warmer than her usual.

“Bro…she’s cute.” Benny jabbed his side. “Don’t be a dickhead.”

“Me? I would never.” Santi huffed.

“She is also his Majesty’s personal assistant, so please be on your best behavior.” The last thing Will needed was to lose a remarkable assistant like Minna because of a temporary affair, but you’re also not their – or her – mother. “That being said? Her favorite flower is tulips and sending an occasional snack to her office with a note would do wonders for someone interested in her.”

“She has never said no to chocolate.” Elsie pipes up. “I have a stash of cute little greeting cards in my desk if you’d like one.”

“Chocolate, snacks, tulips. Got it.” Santi says as he snaps his fingers and looks to where Minna had walked away. “Anything else?”

“Just be kind. She works very hard and deserves nothing but the best.” Elsie responds. “She also appreciates people being direct – she doesn’t care for…what’s that phrase? Oh! ‘Beating around the bush’.”

“Behave yourself, Santiago.” Sandy pats his arm in her most maternal fashion. “Will needs that girl. She’s been invaluable.”

“I really, really do.” Will says. “So please, for the love of this kingdom and my sanity, do not fuck this up.”

Santi rolls his eyes and crosses his heart. “You guys really need to have more faith in me.” He laughs.

“Well, we would, but…” Frankie chimes in, leaving the sentence hanging in the air. “We like giving you shit too much.” He decides to leave Colombia out of this. This is a time of celebration and starting a new chapter. For more than one of them, potentially.

“If only all of us could hang out together, outside of this.” Benny said absentmindedly, bringing his fork to his mouth. “Could be fun to let loose with you all.”

“We have a hard week ahead of us.” You tell him honestly, sipping the glass of port that was served with your dessert. “Once we’ve passed the funeral and Parliament’s formal announcements, then I’m sure we can arrange something.”

“Sounds good.” Benny says. “Can’t wait to do some exploring. This place is incredible.”

“I can arrange for someone from the palace staff to give you all a tour tomorrow morning, if you would like? After breakfast?” If you knew more about the history of this particular palace you would do it yourself, but there are literal professionals who have dedicated themselves to the study, so you won’t insult them by trying. “The king will be occupied for about an hour with the royal portraitist, but at least it’s just photographs for now. Sitting for a painting is excruciatingly boring.”

“I can do it!” Elsie volunteers. “I have two hundred years’ worth of knowledge tucked away and I have time tomorrow morning. A lot of the staff will want to be present for the portraits so they can get a glance at the new king, and I already know what he looks like so…” She offers, hopeful for this opportunity to get to know Will’s friends better, especially Frankie.

“King.” Benny shakes his head at his brother. “I still can’t believe that.”

“Thank you, Els.” If she weren’t so far away, you would reach to squeeze her hand, but you still offer her an appreciative smile. “I have a round of interviews tomorrow that I already wish was over with, so unfortunately I won’t be able to join you.”

“It’s no problem, really.” Elsie puckers her lips and blows you a kiss. “I figure we’d do the rose gardens, orchards, and the main throne room as well as my library. That should take up a good amount of time during the portraits and interviews.” She glances at her phone. “If you’ll excuse me though, I have some reports to prepare for this historic event. Goodnight, everyone.” She gives a smile before turning and leaving the dining room. Elsie always was a busy body, ever since you could remember.

“She is adorable,” Santi comments. “Bet she has a lot of great stories about this place. So," he hums your name. "What do you think of our boy so far?"

“I’m assuming you mean as a man and not as a king?” You raise an eyebrow in Santi’s direction. He’s a straight shooter – as the phrase goes – and you appreciate that about him. It would be easy to just suck up incessantly and heap overt praise on his friend, but his compliments are never empty and his praise always accompanied by anecdotal evidence. “I know the concept of an arranged marriage isn’t easy to wrap your head around in the twenty-first century.” You tell the group of Americans. “But please understand that Will has my absolute loyalty and support. They say that a successful marriage of any kind is built on trust, and a successful arranged marriage is one where you become close friends, with a bond greater than any temporary passion.” The man in question sits to your left at the head of the table, and when you look back over at him you can see the smile on his face. “I don’t think it is a stretch to say that we are friends already. And that bond can only get stronger with time.”

“I have full confidence that this girl right here is going to be the greatest friend I’ll ever have in my entire life,” he reaches for your hand. “Sorry guys.” He hopes it will be more one day, he really does, but he won’t push it – Will would never dream of making you uncomfortable.

“You’re saying all the right things, sweetheart.” Santi smiles at you and raises his glass. “While I can’t say I understand it, I do support this. Will, you know I love giving you shit but I can honestly say I know you’re a great leader and that you’ll do great things. To you.” He toasts. Everyone else raises their glass as well. Even Xi sees her father raise his and follows suit by slightly raising her little fist in the air, making everyone laugh.

“Long live King William.” Is your reply, with your glass raised in the air. It is a toast you will be making for many decades to come – hopefully – and you will never miss the opportunity for it.

“Long live King William!” Everyone toasts. Will smiles, feeling the love flow through the room. With you and the people he cherishes the most in the room, he’s confident he can do this.

******

Breakfast the next morning is an event, the informal serving in the small dining room apparently a much more comfortable time for the king’s friends. The late king’s valet had agreed to return to his position under King Klaus’s son, so wardrobe was no longer an issue to be dealt with, and the housekeeper had menus for the rest of the week laid at your place at the breakfast table to be approved. “I’ll be approving the menu for the state dinner after the funeral tonight.” You tell Will as his friends begin to chat amongst themselves and coo over baby Xi. “Unless you have any objection, I’d like to make it a menu of your father’s favourite things.”

“I think a menu of all his favorite things is a good choice. A small way to honor him.” Will smiles before yawning. He had stayed up late with his friends last night, catching up and playing cards. You, of course, were the hot topic over the many games of poker. Everyone had been thoroughly impressed with you and were excited that you would be at Will’s side.

“Stayed up late with your friends?” You glance around at the trio but don’t make it obvious that you’re talking about them.

“Oh yeah. I won so many pretzel sticks though.” He chuckles. “I’ll be sure to share the wealth with you if you ever find yourself needing airplane baggies for a snack. How was your night?”

“I went through Elsie’s coronation research, reviewed applications for a lady’s maid and an assistant, and signed off on having the things from my apartment moved into my suite. I’m leaving all my furniture with Elsie in the apartment, so it won’t be as much of an ordeal.” You had been exhausted by the time you got into bed, but getting the work done was essential. Your own assistant starts today and you’ll need them just as much as Will needs Minna.

“Wow. That’s…way more than we did. If you need stuff moved over me and the guys can help.” He offers, knowing they would not say no to helping you out. “Santi had a lot of questions about Miss Thorn and Frankie blushed like crazy when their tour with Elsie was brought up, so, that should be interesting to see if anything happens there. That’s allowed, right? Or are there rules for staff and…regular people?”

“There are rules of conduct for staff and royalty, but nothing otherwise. Your father lifted most of the remaining rules when his valet – your valet – fell in love with the prince’s governess. It would have been a scandal if the king hadn’t blessed the marriage.” And even that was fifteen years ago. Attitudes have greatly relaxed since then, thankfully. “It all has to do with the ability to balance life and work. It just so happens that Minna and Elsie have more demanding jobs than most.”

“I can’t imagine what that’s like to have those roles, but I can tell they love their jobs. I’m glad they’re on our team.” He pauses, “Pope will definitely shoot his shot with Minna but Frankie? I’m not sure. He’s shy and embarrassed about what’s going on with him, so I’m sure he’ll just pine from afar.” He shrugs sadly. Frankie didn’t deserve what he had gone through after Colombia. “If it works out though, I’ll be happy for them. If not, I’ll make sure it doesn’t affect anything going on here.”

“I admire and fear Minna in ways I cannot quite say.” You laugh softly, shaking your head. “But Elsie is my best friend in the world. Frankie seems like a nice man, and whatever they choose to start is up to them, but I will protect her to the ends of the earth.” The way you tilt your head at him is an honest question and nothing more. “Is there anything she should be aware of? A divorce is nothing to be embarrassed by.”

“You’re a good friend, Plum.” He takes your hand. “Frankie’s situation is…tough. We kind of think he only married Jess because he felt like he had to. She gave him an ultimatum and then she got pregnant, so he felt like he was doing the right thing for the baby. I think what bothers him the most is that she up and left while he was gone, and he came back to a completely empty house. Jess just…packed her shit and dropped the baby with Frankie’s mom.” He sighs. “He’s had some addiction stuff too and lost his pilot’s license because of it so he’s not working right now, but he’s trying. That little girl is his entire world and…I don’t know, I think he’s embarrassed because he’s 42 and just lost everything. He’s a good man, he just feels lost right now. I don’t know Elsie’s situation, but I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he’s looking at her.” Will smiles sadly. “That was a lot, I’m sorry. Short answer – yes, but he’s working on it.”

“Els hasn’t had it easy, romance wise.” Holding your coffee cup delicately in front of your mouth to keep the conversation discreet, you turn to give Will your full attention. “She was engaged after college. The wedding was half planned, dress bought, invitations sent, everything. And then she caught him cheating. It pretty much destroyed her confidence for romance for a long time. She’s only just starting again.”

“Poor girl,” Will hums, adding some sugar into his coffee. “All Fish wants is a happily ever after. I know he can seem tough and grizzly looking on the outside, but that man just wants someone to come home to every night. He’s always said that caring for him is a chore, and he needs someone that won’t make him feel that way and now with the baby…it might be harder for him, especially because she’s so young.”

“She’s young, but doesn’t lack maturity.” Twenty-eight must seem forever ago to Frankie – possibly even to Will – but you don’t let that stop you from running your thumb reassuringly over the back of his hand. “And Xiomara is a delight, not a chore. Anyone who would leave that little girl behind doesn’t deserve her, or her father.”

“She’s precious and deserves absolutely everything in the world. Really the only good thing to come out of that relationship. Jess was just…cruel to him; used to hold Xiomara over his head constantly. I can see him and Elsie together, but they need to figure that out for themselves.” He smiles again. “When the time for children comes for us, I will love them unconditionally. They’ll never go a day doubting they have their daddy’s whole heart.”

“How odd do they think it is?” You ask him honestly, glancing at his friends again. They must have talked about you last night – if you had sat up with Elsie and Lisette, he certainly would have been the main topic of conversation the whole time, too. “For your sake I would truly prefer that they not dislike me…I’m just not quite sure what to do besides show them you have my loyalty.” If one day he was also to carry your heart, it would be a miracle worth celebrating in marriages like yours. That he already has your affection is more than you could have asked for.

“They do think the situation is strange, but they have nothing but good things to say about you. They think you’re wonderful and so do I.” A lightbulb goes off in Will’s head. “…Would there be any way for all of us to spend some time together off the property after the funeral? Like go to a pub or something? I think they’d really enjoy that.”

“If Minna finds out I helped you sneak out of the palace, I am toast.” Frowning at the idea of disappointing him has far more to do with the fact that you’ve finally admitted to yourself that you’re smitten with the man than saying ‘no’ to a king. “Give me a little time to work on her…pitch the idea as letting you get to know your people informally. I don’t think I can manage to have us free of guards, but I think I can talk her down to a couple of guards in plain clothes. Would that…be something you might enjoy?”

“Well, I don’t want to risk you getting in trouble, so whatever you think is best for us.” He agrees. “Just let me know where to be and when and I’m your guy. Got something in mind?”

“What are you two whispering about?” Frankie asks, as he sways Xi in his arms. She sometimes hated sitting in one place for too long so he often times had to walk in circles to get her to keep calm. This morning was a bit of a struggle though with her sleep schedule being disrupted. “Shh, mija it’s okay. Do you want Uncle Will?” Xi looked at him with her big brown eyes. “Guess that’s a yes,” He chuckles, handing the baby over. “He’s a natural.” Frankie winks at you.

“We were debating the merits of a little social outing for all of us.” You tell the older man, choosing to ignore the way your stomach flip-flops at the image of Will with a baby in his arms. “After this week is over he’ll have more free time at night, and he thought you might all enjoy something less formal.”

“Yeah. Yeah, that would be great. As long as someone can watch Xi? I guess I could ask Sandy. Would um, would Elsie be going too?” He asks shyly, reaching out and adjusting the lopsided bow on his daughter’s head. “Not that that’s a deal breaker or anything…”

Will laughs at his friend. Frankie was a lot of things, but subtle was never one of them. “Fish…calm down. We’ll hash out plans later.” Will says as he adjusts the baby in his arms.

“The daycare is attended twenty-four hours a day, but I’m sure if you asked Sandy to look after Xi, she would not mind.” Will’s mother had elected to have her breakfast on a tray in her suite this morning, and you would have to remember to check in on her later and make sure she’s not feeling ill. More than likely it’s just a bit of melancholy or a headache, neither of which would surprise you. Losing her ex-husband cannot be easy on her by any means. “And I’m sure Elsie would be glad to be invited.” You’ll also be checking in on her, of course, to see what sort of interest she has in Frankie. A lot has happened in a very short space of time. “But gentlemen…” Turning slightly lets you address the whole group. “I do have a bit of a favor to ask of all of you, if you don’t mind.”

“Anything, Plum.” Will says quickly – chubby little hands suddenly on his face. It melts your heart to see him with Xi, and how easy it seems to come for him. How despite there being no relation, the two of them had a close bond already.

“Yeah, whatever you need.” Santiago sits up a little straighter in his seat and Benny nods in agreement.

“I’m sorry to have to insist.” And you really do have to insist, if you want things to go perfectly this weekend. “But the royal funeral, state dinner, and the parade are all official functions of the crown. It is a nuisance, but my assistant is having some suits brought in and a tailor, to make sure each one of you has appropriate clothing for official events. As I said to the king last night, think of them as a type of uniform. Formal attire like you once wore in the military.” Many eyes will be focused on the new king’s closest friends, and you trust them to understand the importance of propriety. If Will is seen as wanting in any way, it will severely hinder the peoples’ embracing him and that would make his first year on the throne unnecessarily difficult. “I’ve even asked for a few things for Xi, in case she was feeling fussy and needed to be near her Papa.”

“You’re having suits made for us?” Benny asks. “Like real, fancy suits? Hell yeah. I promise not to spill anything on it.” He salutes you. The other boys agree – most of them had never worn anything fancier than their dress blues, and aside from that really only considered khakis and a button up to be their best clothing.

“Not precisely,” you admit, a little sheepishly after their enthusiasm. “I’ve reached out to a Freidlych designer with a studio here in the city and asked him to bring a few ready-made suits and tuxedos that he will then tailor to fit each of you. It’s normally something we would ask the royal tailor to undertake, but his Majesty is having an entire new wardrobe made, so he is understandably busy.”

“Still,” Benny replies. “That’s pretty fucking cool. Can we keep them?”

“Benjamin, please.” Santi laughs, placing a hand on Benny’s shoulder. “Try to stay calm.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just really excited. Not for the funeral, but if anyone deserves this kind of life, it’s my brother, you know? I’m really excited for him to have this life.” Benny had always looked up to Will since he was small.

Will quickly hands Xi back to Frankie and wraps his little brother in a tight hug. “Thanks bud, I love you too.”

“Forgive me for interrupting, your Majesty.” Minna’s appearance in the doorway is quiet as a cat and just as quick. “The photographer will be arriving any minute and I’m afraid Lady Rochegnac is wanted in the Morning Room.”

“No interruption at all, honey.” Santi smiles. Minna tries to keep a neutral expression on her face, but you can see the tint to her cheeks, know Santi has her attention.

“Right. We should go.” Will says, offering his arm.

“Have fun you two.” Santi smiles before waving at Minna. He watches the three of you make your way to where the photographer will be set up shortly. He bites his lip and turns to his friends. “God she’s incredible.”

“Leave it to Pope to be sexually attracted to organization.” Benny laughs, nudging Santi the way only a little brother really can.

“Can you blame me?” He deadpans. “She looks like she’d steal my soul in all the right ways and then organize my entire life. Who wouldn’t want that?”

“She could step on you in those high heels of hers and you would thank her for it.” Frankie laughs, gently bouncing Xi in his arms. “I’d rather be snuggled than stepped on.”

“She does and I would.” Santi agrees. “Elsie and those sweaters? Girl looks like she’s begging to be snuggled. Go for it, Frank. Bet she’d let you lay your head on her lap and she’d read to you.” He waggles his eyebrows.

“Will’s fiancée’s best friend?” The way Frankie winces is fully dramatic but not insincere. “I don’t have a death wish, man. I mean she’s completely my type but that is a whole messy situation that—” He shakes his head, refocusing on his little girl. “She’s outta my league, hermano.”

“Oh come on, I saw her looking at you during dinner last night.” Benny says. “Frankie, I know you’re dealing with a lot right now with Jess being a massive cunt, but you can’t let her continue to dictate your life. What if this girl is the perfect match for you and you just let it slip by because you’re afraid? That’s not fair to either one of you.”

“He’s right,” Santi chimes in. “What if…what if all of this happened because all of us were supposed to be here? Will is obviously where he’s supposed to be and with who he’s supposed to be with. I’m convinced those two were made for each other with how they act. If I didn’t know the situation, I wouldn’t believe that they’ve only known each other for three fucking days. It’s insane.” He says as he sits on a loveseat.

“You would just pack up your whole lives for this place in a day?” It’s not that Frankie doesn’t see how good this place is. Or how well matched you and Will are. He gets that. But it feels a hell of a lot like rebounding with the cutest girl at the bar after getting dumped. “Look, I’m not saying the Palace and new clothes and gorgeous women aren’t nice. I’m just…just not counting any chickens before they hatch, that’s all.”

“Just be open to it, that’s all.” Santi insists. “And who knows, if I had a reason to stay, I’d sure as hell take it.” He shrugs. They all sit in silence for a few minutes before Elsie comes in. “Good morning,” She smiles warmly. “Minna is busy with the photographer currently, so she asked me to let you all know the tailor is here. We’ll have to reschedule my tour, unfortunately, but that’s alright because evening is the best for a tour of the rose garden anyway.”

“Do we stay in here for do we need to go somewhere else?” Benny asks.

“The tailor is setting up in an empty suite that is big enough to accommodate everyone.” She says. “Oh, and I have a few dress options for the little one.” She said as she lifts up the tiny garment bags in her hand. “If you’ll follow me, please.”

“Where are the portraits being taken?” Santi walks alongside Elsie easily, wanting to keep her chatting and let Frankie relax a little.

“The throne room. Every king and queen have been immortalized in that room for the past two centuries. If you get a chance to look at the portraits you’ll notice the similar art styles up until 100 years ago. They stopped the oil portraits with King Edwin in 1920 and moved to photography since it was easier and the royals didn’t have to sit for so long, but the frames are all custom made by the family that made the originals! They’ve been making ornate frames for the palace for so long, it would feel criminal to go with anyone else.” She smiles. “The garments chosen are all created by a long family line too. Freidlyn is filled with creatures of habit, I suppose.”

“So they’ll have to take more once the coronation happens?” Benny already feels like this royalty stuff is going to make his head spin in circles, but he wants to get it right for his brother. “Once she’s queen, I mean? Like a portrait of both of them?”

“They will! After these initial portraits as well as the wedding portraits, they’ll need one more set, until they have children. The post-coronation portraits will have them with the royal jewels and crowns of Freidlyn. Those portraits will be used on our postage and displayed in government and official buildings here as well as souvenirs, kind of like how England has the royals on those decorative plates and teacups. It’s silly, but the tourism board thinks it’s good for us.” She shrugs as she continues to lead the men to the designated suite. “Oh, I took the liberty of getting a playpen and some toys from the daycare center for the baby so you can have a break.” Elsie tells Frankie.

“Thank you.” Frankie still isn’t totally okay with leaving Xi with strangers yet, no matter how well trained they are, and he’s grateful that Elsie spared the extra thought for him and his daughter. It’s more than her own mother would have done.

“Mademoiselle Poincaré, thank you for delivering these gentlemen safely.” An elegant-looking person in an expertly tailored black suit with a black silk shirt underneath and spiked-heel black leather boots bares the same authority holding a clipboard than Minna Thorn does, but with several extra inches of height. “My name is Jules Sorten, I am Lady Rochegnac’s assistant, and there is lots to do, so I thank you for arriving quickly. Monsieur Miller first, s’il vous plait?” He gestures to a slightly older man picking his way through a variety of suits. “This is Monsieur Ronan. He will be fitting all of you today.”

“My pleasure, Jules. I’ll be over here if you need anything.” Elsie says.

“I am ready. Measure me.” Benny walks up to Monsieur Ronan with his arms open. “Make me fancy.” It’s almost adorable how excited Benny is for his new suit, and he’s determined to take good care of it.

Frankie places Xi in the playpen and she’s instantly enthralled with a canvas doll dressed as a princess. Elsie sits near the playpen, but far enough away to not interfere with Jules’ work. She thinks of what could have been had her fiancé stayed faithful to her – maybe she’d have a little girl of her own to dote on. She smiles at the small baby patting the doll to her chest and Santi notices with a smirk on his face.

“Looks like your alterations will be minimal.” Ronan says with a pin between his lips once Benny is in the suit picked for him. “This is good.” A few pins in place and Benny’s suit is nearly perfect – the alterations would be done quickly and easily.

“Hear that guys? Minimal and good.” Benny laughs, standing as still as he possibly can.

“I could make a joke…” Santi says, “but there is a lady present, so I’ll hold off.”

“Monsieur Morales?” Ronan beckons the next man forward while helping the king’s younger brother out of his carefully pinned jacket.

“That’s me.” Frankie says, stepping around Santi and onto the little platform that sat in front of the three large mirrors in the suite. He slips on the black jacket easily, standing still while Ronan puts the pins in place.

“So,” Santi sprawls out in a chair beside Elsie while he waits his turn. “What exactly does a state dinner entail? Am I going to have to keep these monkeys in line by force?”

“Well, the king and the future queen will be at the head of the table and parliament will take this time to introduce the future king to everyone as well as go over what his duties will be, and which of King Klaus’ business he will have to continue. It’s fascinating, really, and there will be so much food you won’t know what to do with yourselves.” Elsie pauses. “…do you think you’ll need to keep them in line?” Will’s friends had seemed well-mannered and nice so far, but would there be an issue?

“A gentle reminder that whooping and pounding the table probably isn’t appropriate in a palace,” Santi smiles reassuringly. “We’re fairly informal guys, and we want to make sure everything is perfect for Will, that’s all.”

“Oh, yeah I don’t think Parliament would particularly care for anything other than polite applause or an ‘allez’ during a toast.” Elsie stands quick to check on Xi, who was still enthralled by the little doll. “So maybe letting them know that would be a good idea.” She says, reaching down to brush back some of Xi’s wild curls - definitely inherited from her father.

“Frankie’s a pretty good dancer.” Santi throws it out there hopefully, watching Elsie dote on his goddaughter with a smile. “His sisters made sure of that. I don’t know if there’s dancing at these things, but he can hold his own.”

Elsie blushes, “Oh, I mean there will be some musical accompaniment but it’s not often that people will get up and dance, but maybe?” She giggles. “Why? Did he say something about wanting to go dancing? I can recommend some places nearby.”

“Not exactly.” He admits, clearing his throat a little. “But I know that if you wanted to show him some places, he’d love to go.” There’s just no way Frankie will get his ass in gear and actually ask Elsie out unless they’re here for like six months, and Santiago Garcia considers himself an excellent fucking wingman when his buddies need him.

“I could definitely think of some places to show him.” She smiles shyly. Frankie was handsome and she wanted to get to know him better. “You know, if he wanted to find a job out here it would be so easy for him…” Elsie glances over at him. “All of you, actually.” She adds quickly before getting flustered. “Just, you know, if you found it difficult to leave after being in such a beautiful place for a while.” She chuckles.

“Honestly?” Santi shrugs and places a kiss in his goddaughter’s hair. “Most of us don’t have a lot to go back to when we leave here. Benny’s lifeline is his brother, and Frankie’s whole life is this little bebita. My family is all over the world and I’m already at my fuc—sorry,” he grimaces. “At my wit’s end with this new job. We could stand a little bit of all this Freidlych goodness.”

“Well, should you all decide that Freidlyn is where you belong, I can help with housing. The palace owns some cottages on the outskirts of town that are meant for noble and royal family members, but I think Minna and myself can talk parliament into letting you move into them, if you’d like. They’re all fully furnished and have solar panels. Actually, here.” She pulls out her phone and opens up an album. “I have photos on my phone if you’d like to take a look.” She hands the device over to him. “They’ve all been maintained really well since they were built in the early 1800s.”

“Jesus…Is this where you live?” Santi whistles low, scrolling through the pictures of the gorgeous estate houses. “Ya know…my great-great-great-abuelo a few hundred years back was Spanish nobility. Think that gets me an in?” He jokes, unable to take his eyes off the photos. “I mean, I’m descended from his mistress, but it’s gotta count for something right?”

“Oh, no I have a flat in town.” Elsie says. “I don’t think it would count for you, unfortunately, but maybe Minna can work her magic. That woman can make anyone say yes to her. It’s amazing.” Santi hands the phone back to Elsie and she checks her messages – there’s one from you asking how it was going. She types a quick reply that it’s going well, and the suits are fitting perfectly as far as she could tell.

“Wouldn’t take me much to agree to whatever she wanted.” The line is out of Santi’s mouth with a wink, and he saunters off when the tailor calls his name.

Elsie laughs and shakes her head. Men are impossible, she thinks as Frankie walks over to her. “The suit looked great on you.” She smiles. “I laid out the options for the baby if you’d like to take a look at them.”

“Thanks.” Frankie blushes, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously before looking over at the nicest baby clothes he’s ever seen in his life. Are there designer baby clothes? Because that’s what all of this looks like. “You’re really an angel for helping with all of this.”

“It’s no trouble, really. I enjoy it.” She tells him honestly. “I was just telling Santiago about housing options here should any of you fall in love with Freidlyn enough to stay. “I think I can convince Minna to be on board if you, Santiago or Benny decided to live here…Freidlyn is a wonderful place to raise a child.”

“I’m sure it is.” He’s only seen the airport and palace so far, but if his baby girl’s life included a palace then things would be pretty fucking good. “Santi’s all ready to just pack it in and move. I think the second he laid eyes on Minna, that was the clincher.”

“Oh, I suspect it’s mutual admiration. Santiago is exactly the type of man Minna Thorn goes for.”

“He’s a good guy.” Frankie nods his head, playing with the hem of a black linen baby skirt that had a matching onesie with a cute little collar on it. “They all are. We give each other crap but that’s only out of love.”

“You are too.” Elsie places her hand over his. “I can tell you all love each other like brothers, and it’s really nice to see. Everyone has noticed how much the king appreciates you being here for him. He lit up as soon as he knew you all had arrived.”

“Will’s been there for all of us through everything.” Frankie explains, trying not to stare at the place where she’s touching him but somehow also not able to look away. “Didn’t even tell us when his fiancée broke up with him a couple of years ago because Benny had lost a fight pretty bad and was taking it really hard. He put everything into training with his brother and ended up telling us two weeks after it happened when Pope opened his big mouth to ask if Stacy was coming to the next fight.”

“His selflessness is what will make him a great leader and greater partner. He's so much like his father in that way.” Elsie squeezes his hand. “I have to ask though…he’s fond of her right? I’m not imagining things? The way they look at each other is just…” She looks away with a dreamy look in her eye. “Romantic. I don’t think anyone has ever looked at me the way William looks at her.”

“He was practically moping last night when Benny told him he thought it was too soon to make a move.” Frankie confides. Though Ben Miller wasn’t typically known for his restraint, he had reminded Will that this woman was the rest of his life and he needed to think about the long-term. “He had us brainstorming proposal methods during our poker game.” Frankie sighs, trying not to look at Elsie too directly when he does so and give himself away. “You’re young, Elsie. You’ll find someone worthy of you. And if you don’t, I’m sure there are plenty of unworthy guys who will still line up around the block for a chance.”

“Thanks, Frankie.” She smiles at him. “I’m glad William is taking this seriously. She’s very smitten with him and he’s really good with her, and for her, if I’m being honest…so what were the proposal methods?” She gets up quickly and walks over to a small cart near the door, pouring herself and Frankie fresh cups of coffee.

“Santi said he should do it in bed.” Frankie rolls his eyes after thanking her for the coffee – whatever it is they brew here is seriously amazing. “Which completely goes against the slow-and-respectful theory. Benny said an after dinner walk in the garden, which is sweet, but Will thought he could come up with something more creative.”

Elsie laughs at the look on Frankie’s face. “Hm, well, while the bed idea is interesting, I don’t think it’s probable for this situation. If it were me, I think I’d opt for the rose garden, or up on the lookout point up in the mountains. You can see the entire palace grounds and the city from there. There’s also the option of a carriage ride around the lake, or a nice boat ride…” She pauses. “Sorry, I’m a bit of a romantic and I’ve thought of scenarios like this a lot. She’ll happy with anything though, as long as he asks with his heart. That’s all that really matters anyway, right?” She takes a sip of her coffee.

“Sure it is.” Frankie eyes her with soft amusement over the confession to being a romantic. They could all tell that right away – just from the way she talked at dinner last night – and it cracked his poor, deadened heart in ways he hated to admit. “But you’re her best friend. You’ve got to know her fantasy proposal, right?”

“Yeah, but don’t laugh, okay?” She gives him her best puppy eyes. “There’s a butterfly conservatory not far from here that we’ve been going to since we were little and it has really nice walking paths throughout, and at the very end there’s a big fountain with a waterfall and she always comments about how perfect this spot is. Every time we’ve gone a butterfly has always landed on her shoulder. She thinks this spot is where she’s ‘supposed to see her fate’ so…maybe that’s it. Maybe a proposal in front of that waterfall with all the butterflies and fairy lights is the fate she’s been destined for.” Elsie tells him confidently. “Or Disney World, but there’s no time for that, unfortunately.”

“Elsie, you’re a genius.” Frankie beams at her, striking out on instinct to give the small woman a tight hug. “He wants it to be so right for her. To show how much he appreciates that she’s sticking with him.” He doesn’t let go quickly, the hug lingering for just a moment. “He thinks it should be her on the throne, and he’s determined to make sure she gets it.”

She’s surprised by Frankie’s hug, but grasps onto him tight, not wanting it to end too soon. He’s warm and smells of laundry detergent, cologne, and something just Frankie. “I can make some calls and have it reserved when he’s ready to ask. It’s beautiful at night with all the lights on.” She pulls away but doesn’t break eye contact. “They both deserve to be on that throne.”

“He doesn’t know his own worth sometimes.” Frankie swallows, forgetting for a split second if he’s talking about himself or his friend. “I think the right person will help him remember. Hopefully it’s her.”

“I have a good feeling about it.” Elsie says, and maybe she means about her and Frankie as well. “I think it’s a good match; written in the stars and all that poetic imagery.” She smiles.

“I hope so.” He smiles just a little bit more softly, pulled away by the babbling insistence of his baby girl.

“She’s absolutely beautiful, by the way.” Elsie gets off the couch and kneels down in front of the playpen where Xi is babbling. “Aren’t you?” The baby girl reaches her arms out like she wants to be picked up and Elsie pauses for a second before picking her up and settling her on her hip. “What dress do you think, little princess?” Elsie points to the dresses laid out near her father.

“She’s just lucky she didn’t get my nose.” He huffs, watching as Xi continues to babble and grab at a black romper onesie with lots of ruffles and frills.

“But your nose is wonderful.” Elsie tells him as she grabs the frilly romper for Xi. “This one? Yeah, this is a good one.” She coos at her.

“Are you seeing this?” Benny whispers to Santi, the two of them on the other side of the room sipping their coffee after being done with their fittings.

“I don’t think they have any idea that anyone else is still here.” Santi shakes his head, knowing his friend was just as gone for Elsie as he was for Minna.

“You guys are all gonna get married and ditch me.” Benny pouts, refilling his coffee cup again.

“Never, little man. Never gonna happen.” Santi ruffles Benny’s hair. “I’m sure there’s a stunning girl out here for you too. That can be one of our final missions, yeah?” He chuckles.

“You and your damn missions, Pope.” Benny shakes his head.

“Hey,” Pope smirks. “This will be a damn good one, okay? Benny’s true love is out there somewhere and it’s our job to make sure she doesn’t get scared off too fast.”

______

NA: @absurdthirst @peachtreemoonshine @xoxabs88xox @luminescentlily @babypink224221

My Masterlist!

#Charlie Hunnam #Charlie Hunnam character fanfiction #Charlie Hunnam fanfic #Will Miller #Will Miller x reader #Will Miller x you #Will Miller x female reader #Triple Frontier #Triple Frontier fanfic #Princess Diaries AU #Royalty AU #William Ironhead Miller #Freidlych for Life #Freidlyn #arranged marriage

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