Part 12. Meeting the Queen

Jane felt a hand on her hand as she tried to move out of the car. She jerked at the sudden touch, turning around only to notice Tristan staring at her with his eyes narrowed. What did he want? The bartender patiently waited for him to continue, sliding back in her seat. 

“What now?”

He cleared his throat, “My mother is very particular about certain things, so please keep your mouth shut. Don’t take her name but instead address her with Your Royal Highness. Only talk when you talked to.” 

Jane blinked at him, hoping that he was joking, but from the serious look on his face, it was clear he wasn’t. 

“Oh, you are serious.”

He sharply inhaled, “This is very serious, Jane. I can lose my throne.” 

“Because we slept together?” She frowned. The bartender had no idea that it was that serious. Are royals not allowed to sleep with others? It was so confusing. When she saw him at the bar, and he seemed interested just like her, Jane had no idea what she was getting into. 

“No because of the news articles.” 

Jade bobbed her head, “Right.” 

“Please behave and don’t run your mouth.”

“I’m not a kid. How many times are you going to explain the same thing to me?” She crossed her arms, raising her brow at him. 

“This! This is why I want you to stay quiet. Let me do the talking. Alright?” Tristan looked at her expectantly. 

She thought about it. He was right. Jane had the tendency to speak her mind, and she was pretty sure the Queen won’t appreciate that. After all, she was a Royal person, and their kind wouldn’t want someone else to speak over them. 

“Fine. I won’t say anything.”

Tristan shook his head, “You don’t have to stay quiet. Just talk when you are asked something.”

“I got that! Can we go inside now?” Jane asked pleadingly, her eyes already looking out of the window. They were parked in the underground parking lot which had censors and automatically opened on their arrival. She thought it was very cool and even told Tristan about it. 

“Sure” Tristan mumbled, stepping out from the other side of the car. 

Jane held her breath, her palms clammy as she tried to grip the handle. It must be sudden nerves. She raised her head only to notice the Prince standing outside her door. He opened the door for her. 

“Thanks” She shyly said, taking a step towards him. 

“It’s okay. Let’s go.” 

***

The moment Jane stepped out of the parking, she couldn’t help but gawk at the building in front of her. It was a castle just like the ones they show in movies. She had to tilt her head to see the rooftop, a cone line shape at the end—tall and robust tower by both sides and a building nestled in the middle. The soft cotton clouds behind made the scene complete. 

“You live here?” She whispered, her mouth parted open. 

Tristan laughed, “You’re asking as if you have never seen the Great Palace of Walsh before.”

“I haven’t” Jane shook her head. 

“You’re joking, right?” 

“No! I have never been here” The bartender shrugged, tightening her grip on the sleeves of her overcoat. She did think of carrying a tiny sling with her but thought against it at the last moment. 

Tristan made a sound, “How is that possible? You live in Walsh but never saw our Palace.”

“I actually moved to Walsh a year ago, but I learned about the Royal family. Krista keeps up with them” Jane smiled, continuing, “I had no idea that there was a Palace here.” 

Tristan raised his brow, “Oh, I had no idea that you are not from here.”

“It took me a while to blend in” Jane proudly said. 

When she first arrived in Walsh, everything was new for her. Krista, Rebecca and her best friend Astrid were the ones who guided her. It was all of them.

“You’re doing a great job then.” 

***

Tristan guided her inside through the crystal transparent staircase. She had her mouth parted in awe at every single thing. It was impossible for her for not fawn over each and everything. 

They were done with so much thought and effort that it was difficult not to admire them. 

Jane walked through the tall pristine white pillars, admiring the paintings on the wall as she passed by. As much as she wanted to wait and stare at the details, they did not have time. 

“My Prince” The voice made her jump. She stared at the person standing in front of them. He had his head bent down.

“Your Royal Highness is waiting in the tea parlour.” 

“Thank you” Tristan dismissed him. 

He turned to look over his shoulder, a forced smile on his face. Jane raised her brow at that. What was going on with him? Why was he so pale and worried all of a sudden? 

“You heard him. Let’s move.” 

The bartender followed Tristan, trying not to grip at his jacket as they passed several maids. They have all dressed alike and staring at Jane like she did something. 

As soon as they were standing in front of the closed door, Tristan turned towards her.

“Remember what I said”

Jane controlled her urge to roll her eyes. She bobbed her head instead. 

The Prince pushed open the door, walking inside in long strides. She quickly followed him, training her attention at the couch in front of her. 

The Queen was seated in the middle of the couch, her legs folded together. She had a powerful aura around her, clad in a heavy royal blue silk gown. A large tea tray was kept in front of her. Jane licked her lips nervously. 

“Good evening, mother.”

Jane squeaked, “G-Good evening, Your Royal Highness.” 

The Queen stared at her for a few seconds before nodding her head, motioning them to sit in front of her. Jane slid in beside Tristan, wiping her hands on the overcoat. 

“What brings you here, Prince?”

Tristan cleared his throat, his hands folded together, “Uhh...I’m sure you have questions about those articles, mother.” 

The Queen laughed bitterly, her slender neck exposed, “Not questions my child but feelings. A lot of them. Do you know what you have done?!” 

Jane flinched at the tone. 

“I can explain-” Tristan started.

“I’m sure you can, but I’m tired of hearing your stupid excuses. You have put the reputation of the Crown on stake, and for what?” The Queen sneered, staring menacingly in the direction of Jane. It made a shiver run through her spine. 

“But mother-”

“Do you know the amount of damage control we have to do now?! They are focused on both of you. Two articles in two days. All your past relationships are being questioned. The public has also taken an interest in both of you, which doesn’t happen that often. Your entire reputation is at stake, and you know what that means, Prince” The Queen frowned, staring at her son. 

Jane felt her eyes widen at that. She had no idea how difficult it was for Tristan as well. He was in hiding for the past two years, and suddenly being in the spotlight must be painful. Not to mention he was photographed with her panties of all things. The image flashed in front of her eyes, and she felt her cheeks redden again. It was so embarrassing. That’s the sole reason they were in the situation. Only if she had noticed earlier, it would have saved them a lot of articles and speculations. 

Tristan nodded his head, “I know, and I understand that it’s going to take a lot of effort-”

The Queen held her palm up, interrupting her son midway, “Tell me one thing, and I’ll ask this only once. Who is she?” 

Jane blinked at that. What was the Queen getting at? She stared at Tristan, waiting for him to answer, but he was blank for a few seconds. 

“Huh?” That’s all he said.

The Queen pursed her lips, “I’m asking who she is to you? If this is just another fling-”

“Girlfriend!” Tristan suddenly exclaimed, wrapping an arm around her waist. Jane froze in her seat. 

“She’s my girlfriend, mother. We are dating.” 

“Right, baby?” Tristan nudged her. When she met his eyes, he gave her a pleading look. Jane was not sure about it, but she went along.

She nodded her head, “Y-Yes.” 

The Queen moved her attention between both of them before letting out a long sigh, “Alright. We will talk about it later. You both may leave now.” 

***

“I’m confused,” Jane said. “Actually I’m very confused.”

Tristan gave her a bored look, “About what?”

“What just happened upstairs? Did you forget that you just told your mother- I mean Your Highness that we are dating? Because the last time I checked, we spent one night together?! Are you crazy?”

“It’s really not that complicated,” Tristan turned towards her, a determined look in his eyes. “We will date for a while. I mean fake date for a while so that my mother and the media can get off our back. No big deal. It’s not like you have a boyfriend or anything. Why are you worried?”

Jane wanted to kill him and wipe that lazy smirk off his face. But he was royalty, and she would pretty much be hung for that. It was not worth it. 

***

Facebook: The Scripturient (Join “San_2045 squad”, a private group on Facebook to be the first one to know everything!)

Instagram: San_2045