The Royal Romance Book 1

Chapter 9: Race to the Finish

Back at the royal palace of Cordonia...

It's the morning of the Royal Regatta, and Bertrand and Maxwell are walking me back to my room after breakfast.

"Ahhhhh... It's nice to be back. Don't get me wrong, I loved our ski chateau adventure, but give me a good beach party any day!" Maxwell raises his head soaking in the sunshine from the windows.

"Is that what's going on today? I thought we were watching a bunch of boats race."

Bertrand gives me an angered smirk and says nothing. I'm not sure what's worse, him saying something snooty or nothing at all.

"Well, the Royal Regatta is a morning of sailboat races..." Maxwell chimes in, "Followed by an afternoon beach party!"

"Hold up. Something is different today... It's Bertrand. He hasn't said anything grumpy all morning."

"Uh....what?"

"Normally, you'd be saying things like... 'it's not a beach party, it's a dignified beach soiree.' Or... 'Don't embarrass House Beaumont, commoner'."

"He does say that stuff, doesn't he?" Maxwell and I cross our arms and stare down Bertrand.

"I suppose I've been distracted lately. I've been dealing with some complicated matters concerning our estate."

"Oh... sorry to hear that."

Bertrand nods at me stiffly.

"...Thank you, I suppose. Now I apologize for being distracted. You have my full attention. I have to ask, is that what you plan on wearing, Riley?"

"And he's back." I say scoffing at him. I look down at my plain black t-shirt and denim shorts. It's not the most elegant set of clothes, but I don't think the fashion police need to be called.

"I think she looks good..."

"Maxwell, be that as it may, you may want something more seaworthy. Not only will you be participating in the first race--"

"Wait, I'm going to be what?" The first race, that sounds important. But apparently not important enough for Maxwell to warn me!

Bertrand continues, "But the Regatta is open to the public, so the press will be there to take photos and do interviews. It might behoove you to wear something more... nautical."

"Can we go back to that part where I'm racing?"

"Anytime a social season involves picking a royal bride, the first race of the Regatta is traditionally one that all the suitors participate in. It's mostly for the show really..."

"Whew. There's no pressure to win then..."

"Oh, there's pressure. The Regatta is one of King Constantine's favorite events. He bestows an honor upon the woman who wins the ceremonial race, so it's an opportunity to get in his good graces. But you needn't worry. I've commissioned a qualified crew to man your boat. You just worry about looking good at the railing."

"So... what you're saying is I should go to the boutique?"

"It wouldn't hurt to look..." Maxwell gives me a compassionate look and I sigh.

Bertrand merely lifts an eyebrow.

"...On it."

In the boutique, I pull together an outfit... A white shirt with black stripes, blue shorts, and a rope belt. Perfect for a day of sailing.

A short time later...I arrive at the marina where I can see grandiose, colorful boats sailing through the water in celebration of the Regatta.

"This is great! The weather's perfect!" Maxwell says as he takes a deep breath of the salty air.