Chapter 1 : Landing in Boldova

*Genevieve*

The clouds were painted orange, even from this high up. The wings of the plane stretched like open arms, welcoming the ground beneath us as we started our descent. I turned to look at Aurora as she peered out the plane window. Her golden hair fell in waves over her shoulders, and her brilliant blue eyes lit up with a childlike wonder as she took in the scenery of the island below.

"It's beautiful, Genevieve," she breathed, turning her perfect face to look me fully in the eyes.

"I think we'll be happy here," I told her, ignoring the pit in my stomach.

The Duchess was the kind of beauty that men go to war for–a perfect figure, a perfect face, a perfect personality. She never said a wrong word, and she was clearly born to play the role of a royal.

We were opposites, I supposed. Her blonde hair was a bright contrast to my straight, black hair. Her fair skin and rosy cheeks made my tan skin and ruddy cheeks seem darker. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled, making my dark brown eyes seem dull. She was full-figured and petite, whereas I was tall and lean, and without many curves at all.

It was probably better that way. I didn't suppose distractingly good looks would serve me very well as the captain of her guard. I'd worked hard to get where I was here, scrambling up from the slums. I wasn't sure how I felt about leaving my home country of Reyna forever, but Boldova was a neighboring country and business would probably allow me to travel back and forth between the two often enough. I hoped.

There was a grinding sound as the landing gear of the plane came down, and I sat back in my seat. I hated this part of plane rides. I hated plane rides in general. If we had been coming from Reyna, we wouldn't have had to take a plane at all, but Aurora had insisted on refreshing her wardrobe by shopping in Spain.

The plane kissed the runway, the landing causing the plane to jolt. I gritted my teeth as it slowed to a stop on the tarmac. I stood as soon as it was no longer moving, preparing to clear the scene to ensure it would be safe for the duchess.

The pilot nodded to me as I surveyed the plane, waiting for the door to open and the long flight of steps to be wheeled up to it. I turned to look back at Duchess Aurora, who was admiring the massive diamond on her engagement ring. I guessed it was time to get moving.

The door swung open and I studied the tarmac. There was a security team there to meet us which consisted of several soldiers from the Boldovan army. Something hadn't sat right in my stomach about this whole situation since I received this assignment, but I brushed the feeling aside. I assured myself it was my hesitation to move from the country I loved so dearly, and that was all.

Aurora joined me in the doorway, a small gasp escaping her red-painted lips as she took in the sight of our new home.

"Oh, it's going to be lovely. Can you believe it? Me, soon to be a princess, and someday, a queen," she practically squealed. I gestured for Arthur, one of the other guards, to follow behind us. The scene seemed as safe as possible, but I didn't like taking her out in the open this way. This was a delicate and vulnerable moment.

"You'll make a wonderful queen," I assured her as we began descending the stairs.

"Captain Teague," one of the soldiers greeted, extending a hand.

I took it and shook it. "At your service," I answered.

"I'm Sergeant Duvall. This is Private Palmera and Private Trejo. They'll be a part of your Boldovan security team. I assure you they're quite capable. Prince Rowan will be meeting us all at the palace. We've arranged a cavalcade to get your team there," Sergeant Duvall explained.

I nodded. "Thank you. Allow me to introduce you to Duchess Aurora." I stepped aside, and Aurora moved forward, flashing a million-megawatt smile.

Duvall dipped his head in a respectful bow, the two privates following suit.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Aurora greeted, lilting voice carrying like music on a breeze.

"And for us to meet you," Duvall agreed.

We all moved to the cavalcade, filling the black SUVs with luggage and gifts for the royal family and extra security.

I had to admit that Boldova wasn't all that different from Reyna, at least topographically. We were neighboring island nations off the coast of Spain, so I shouldn't be surprised. There was plenty of island vegetation, craggy rock, and views of the glittering blue ocean.

It wasn't a long drive to the palace–after all, the island wasn't very large, no more than twenty miles from one end to the other. The palace was stone and brick, with enough windows to make it shimmer like a jewel in the setting sun. The massive gates swung open to allow our procession of vehicles to enter. Guards in royal uniforms stared unsmiling from guard shacks and patrol routes. Good. I liked that they took their jobs seriously.

We were let out in a massive circular drive in front of the palace, greeted by more guards and what felt like an excessive number of servants. I wondered how many of them were there out of necessity, and how many had just come to gawk at the prince's new fiancée. I scanned their faces, watching for anything shifty or strange, trying to memorize them all as quickly as possible.

"My darling Aurora, what a pleasure it is to finally meet you," a voice called from the top of the stone stairs that led to the main entrance to the palace.

Aurora inhaled sharply, head snapping up to see who was speaking to her.

I followed her gaze, eyes falling on Prince Rowan himself, notorious playboy and irresponsible spoiled royal brat.

I had done my research.

He had golden tan skin, jet-black hair, and striking blue eyes. His square jaw was covered with delicately trimmed stubble, a carefully manicured suggestion of a relaxed nature, even though it was clear that he had someone to keep it immaculately groomed each morning. He wore a white linen suit, the top few buttons of his dress shirt open to reveal more of the golden skin of his chest.

Rowan was gorgeous, almost dizzyingly so. Disgusting.

He practically danced down the stairs, his easy stroll rhythmic and relaxed. I couldn't stand to watch him as he made his way to Aurora, so instead I turned to study her reaction.

Aurora was beaming at him, enough shine in that smile to light a small nation. As a matter of fact, she probably drove off the dusk for an extra few minutes with that smile. She held out her hand to him, tipping her head toward him.

"I'm enchanted to finally make your acquaintance, Prince Rowan," she tittered.

Rowan took her hand, kissing it. I watched the interaction with schooled indifference, trying not to show my disgust. The royal family of Boldova had a reputation for flippancy, dismissing the plights of their own people in order to live lavish, ignorant lives. I prayed Aurora could bring some care and concern to the family.

As Aurora placed a hand over her heart and dipped her head lower, I could have sworn that Rowan looked at me and winked. I wouldn't be surprised, the man was known for being a flirt, but I couldn't think of a single reason why he would take any notice of me. That's why I knew I had imagined it, and scolded myself for letting my mind wander to such a place.

I didn't want him to notice me. I most definitely, absolutely, did not want him to notice me. Who cared that he was devastatingly handsome? He was a royal pain in the ass, and nothing more.

Rowan took Aurora's hand and led her inside. I followed dutifully behind them, my security team and our new Boldovan teammates obediently falling into formation, keeping a constant eye on the couple.

We toured the castle. I tried not to gag at the over-the-top lavishness. I wasn't unfamiliar with royal families and palaces. It was normal for there to be centuries' worth of family heirlooms and expensive treasures. This palace went above and beyond that though, no expense spared. All of their amenities and technology were up to date, the latest and greatest of everything the world had to offer. It was a gross indulgence when the economy here was on the verge of collapse.

That had been part of the reason for this whole arrangement after all. The duchess would marry the prince, joining our two nations in a marital alliance to keep the two of us from falling into economic disrepair. Our king was intent on encouraging tourism to boost Reyna's national income and believed that a royal wedding would attract tourists to both islands. He felt that if we could just encourage the first wave of people to come and see the beauty and the culture that our countries had to offer, it would draw a whole flood of people.

I thought it was a great idea. I admired that the king of Reyna cared so much about ensuring that his people could adapt to the changing world we lived in. I was shocked that the King and Queen of Boldova had agreed and offered their son to be the groom for this alliance. They seemed so uninvested in the success of their citizens. I was honored to be selected to be the captain of the duchess's guard, but the idea of leaving Reyna long-term like this made me sick to my stomach. It was a country that I owed everything to.

I shook those thoughts aside, trying to pay better attention as the prince droned on and on about the history of the castle and all of its modern amenities. I had mentally mapped most of the castle by the time he led us to Aurora's quarters, making notes of areas I'd need to return to in order to explore better later. I wanted to be sure I knew every entry and exit like the back of my hand by the end of the week.

"I'll leave you to get ready for dinner. We have a big night tonight, and I'm sure you'd like a little time to rest before the announcement," Rowan explained to Aurora.

"Thank you. I'll see you in a couple of hours," Aurora replied, cheeks turning a soft pink as she blushed.

She disappeared into the room. I'd already had some of my men sweep it, stationed inside to ensure she stayed safe and adjusted well. I would need to set up a command post, so I couldn't stay with her right now.

"I'll show you to your quarters," Rowan offered.

I nodded. "Thank you, Prince."

"Yuck, not Prince. Just Rowan, please," he scoffed.

I rolled my eyes internally, keeping a carefully respectful expression on my face as I repeated myself. "Thank you, Just Rowan."

He chuckled. "You know, I was expecting you to be a grumpy old man. Maybe former special forces. I don't see a lot of lovely young ladies as captains of anyone's guard."

"I like to keep people on their toes," I responded, ignoring his compliments. I wasn't going to get caught flirting with my boss' fiancé. And I wasn't interested in flirting with him anyway.

"I like that. I don't get surprised very often anymore," Rowan continued.

I slowed so that I was half a step behind him now. I didn't want him to get too friendly, or have any ideas. I should stay a little behind him out of respect anyway.

"This is you. Halfway between my room and Aurora's. I'm just inside that door over there if you need me," he explained, gesturing over his shoulder. He winked at me, and I ignored the way it made my heart skip a beat.

I didn't like him. I loathed him. I wasn't attracted to him. I was abhorred by him. I would repeat that mantra forever if I had to.