Chapter 554) Between Crown and Heart

Henfordshire
Kershaw Farm

Feeling watched, Jack straightened up, yet it still startled him a little when his feeling was confirmed. A young girl, a tender 13 after a very recent birthday, stood there watching him, now smiled.

“Hi Jack.” she chirped, the smile lighting up her eyes.

“Holey moley, ya just about gave me a proper scare, Yer Highness. Where in the world did ya pop out of all of a sudden. And mah dang dog is having a lovely nappy in the warm house. Great guard dog, that dang mutt!” Jack implied a bow, making her laugh.

“You’re so silly. Since when do you bow or call me that when no one is around? You used to carry me on your shoulders and showed me how to catch lightning bugs in a glass jar. Guess I am a little too old for that now. I grew again. Mama says I will be tall. Do you think I will be tall? Tall and pretty, like a runway model? I’d like to be tall. And most definitely pretty. Like Mama.”

“Ain’t a doctor, Vic. Probably, I’d say, seein’ how you’re mighty purdy already and pretty tall for yer age. And I was told that I had to treat ya like a young lady now, since you’re the Princess Royal. Guess I shouldn’t be goin’ round callin’ ya Vic anymore either. Just like yer brother, ain’t seen him since Cyrus’ funeral, may he rest easy. When was that? A week ago? Two?”

“Three weeks, Jack, and one day. William wanted to come with to see you, but he has so much tutoring now, the most boring political things, and then Papa felt compelled to have him join for his meeting with some ministers downtown, to teach William how to properly handle such meetings, even though he’s barely 14. Your daughter obviously wanted to come, but Vivienne is hopeless and her inability to keep her thoughts to herself got her into another quagmire–again! She talked back to the tutor–again–and as a punishment has to take two more hours of court etiquette right now. Brain boggling and boring. I couldn’t sit through that, so I left without them. I would have brought Veronica, but Mama has her with the palace tailor for some new outfits. Not a chance. How’s Cody?” the young princess chatted on.

“Asleep. Thank GOD! Whatcha doing here, kiddo? Shouldn’t you be in school too?”

“I was already dismissed. Turns out I am smart. Finished everything early and was released with praise to do as I wish. I wished to come here. Can we go inside?” she said, looking at him around Sorrell.

“I ain’t done yet, them horses don’t clean themselves, and the rest of the work don’t do itself round here, not like at your palace with all your little helpers buzzin’ about.” Jack’s drawl made her giggle a little.

“Why don’t I have some of those helpers come here and do all this, so we can spend some time together like we used to.” Victoria pulled out her cell phone, so Jack grabbed her hand.

“Dontcha dare! Your mom would strangle me and yer dad would kick my a**–umm–butt. That’s what he would kick, swiftly at that!” Jack corrected his almost cursing.

“As if I’ve never heard a person curse before. Just because Liam and I aren’t supposed to do that, doesn’t mean we don’t know all the words. Even the really naughty ones. Especially those. I’ll tell you a secret: whenever Great-Grandpa Blaine comes to visit, Liam and I sneak off into one of our rooms with him and make up new cursewords, but then we can never ever say them again in front of anyone else, we can only ever curse with Great-Grandpa. It’s a game he came up with and Liam and I love it, so much fun and we are always in stitches. But don’t tell, please. Swear you won’t!”

Jack had to laugh. He wasn’t Blaine’s biggest fan, but the man’s idea to keep his royal descendants from cursing was brilliant.

“Yer secret’s save with me. Who’s Liam? Ain’t that yer grandpa?”

“It is, but also my brother. William sounds so formal. To me, he’s WIlliam when we attend an event, or when the aristocrats come for afternoon tea, and of course if ever speaking to or about him in public. But when it’s just us, he’s Liam. He’s not a prince when he’s Liam. Just my brother. We have aliases for each other, you see, sort of like codenames in those movies. Since he was named after our Grandpa Liam, might as well call him that. Suits him too, I think.”

“Codenames: Liam and Vic, got it. Do I need a codename now too in case you two need me for one of yer secret missions?” Jack snickered.

“No, you will always be Jack, and usually, you are the secret mission. Take today, for instance. You were my mission and mission has been accomplished. My alias is Lotte, not Vic—that would be far too conspicuous. You see, I am Lotte, akin to the Vicomte de Chagny’s endearment for Christine, ‘Little Lotte.’ Liam believes I bear a resemblance to her, not only because I share her vocal talents but also her sweetness, mirroring the heroine of my most cherished drama. Such tragic romances captivate me, including ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ However, that’s the extent of my fondness for beastly tales. The notion of a protagonist’s lips meeting an animal’s, particularly frogs, is quite distasteful to me. Yet, your narrative with Mama is different; it’s one I hold dear. After all, you both discovered genuine love—Mama reunited with Papa, and you found Izzy. It’s my fervent wish to encounter a love as profound. Not to be presented with a parade of insipid suitors of suitable rank, devoid of fervor or soul-stirring affection—they’d likely lack appeal, and neither Mama nor Papa would approve. We’d be obliged to feign contentment, fully aware it’s a reciprocal squandering of time. That’s not my aspiration. I yearn for what you share with Izzy, what Mama has with Papa. A love reminiscent of Eric, Christine, and Raoul,” articulated the young royal, her arms moving with fervor to emphasize her sentiments.

“Who? What?” Jack wondered, confused.

“The Phantom of the Opera lead characters, Jack. Never mind, though speaking of phantoms, I would really like to go inside now, please.”

“Then just go in, if ya gotta pee, you know where the bathrooms are. I’ll finish up and join ya when I am done. Just be quiet, the baby is asleep and probably Izzy too.” Jack told her and went back to tending to the horse’s hooves.

“I don’t have to use the facilities, Jack. Just need to get out of clear view, but I want to speak with you, after all, that’s why I came here. I don’t care about what, anything you like, really. I like your drawl, so anything you says sounds delightful and you tell the best stories. But I must not be seen. I might have been told not to leave the castle grounds, and I might have snuck out anyway to come see you.”

Jack shot back up to standing, turning to the young princess, now realizing that none of the usual detail of guards was distributed around a parameter surrounding his house, like normally when AG or one of the kids came over.

“You did WHAT?! Oh, sweet, dear baby Jeezes! How in the world did you get past all those guards and security crawlin’ about everywhere?! One can’t scratch one’s nose without it bein’ on camera and watched live by someone in some sort of uniform! Can ya fly or didcha turn into one of those vamps with the portin’ and such?! Not to mention it’s quite the walk, especially in yer fine outfit and them cutesy shoes you is wearin’, that clearly ain’t meant for crossing fields, hills and the woods! And above all, it’s unsafe. What on God green earth were y’all thinkin’, princess?!” Jack ranted at her, as usual his drawl intensified when he was excited.

“I grew up at the palace, Jack. I know every nook and cranny, and how to get in and out unseen. So does William. Even Vivienne knows, obviously, that is how she keeps coming to see you, including the times when she skips school to come and take the horse you gave her without telling you. Liam and I both told her that’s too dangerous, but your daughter won’t listen. I told her so many times that the old adage is true, you do catch more flies with honey, just tell them what they want to hear and smile politely until they don’t pay you any mind anymore, then just do what you want, but covertly, if you get caught you cry, like I do, works every time, but she has to be loud and direct about it. Silly girl. You should have a fatherly talk with her.”

Jack chuckled, shaking his head. He wrapped his arm around the young monarch’s shoulders like a father would with his teen daughter, as he led her into his home, where he helped her out of her coat.

“Suggests me havin’ a fatherly talk with Vivienne, while you are right here tryin’ to get me in trouble, huh? Thinkin’ I should have that father-like talk with you, maybe, and I should be callin’ yer mother right this second now. She’ll tear my head off if she knew I am harboring a palace fugitive here,” he laughed.

“Oh, you have nothing to worry about, I can handle Mama. And if not, there is always Papa. He’s easy. At least for me. Poor William is getting the strict treatment now, no matter what he tries, and crying won’t work for him, because he’s a boy. Oh well, that’s what he gets for being a future king, I suppose,” she smiled, shrugging.

“Does that bother you?” Jack said, taking the coffee package from her hand to go about making the beverage for them.

The official beverage served and consumed at the palace was obviously fine tea, but Queen Aria-Grace loved coffee, so it had become the beverage of choice for most members of the royal family as well. Especially when visiting family–or Jack.

“Maybe a little, but then again, no, it does not. Too many rules and restrictions for the heir apparent. Just think, if I were the oldest it would be me at that boring meeting with Papa and those boring old, fat ministers now, who mostly speak to hear themselves talk. And William isn’t allowed to travel with Papa anymore, so if anything terrible were to happen, one leader would always still be there. How gruesome even having to consider this. I prefer it the way it is, I prefer traveling with my parents. But Liam is sweet, very smart and kind, like Papa. And like him, he will make an excellent king one day. If I were to be queen, I wouldn’t bother with boring politics, but probably just make it mandatory for everyone to own at least one fine horse and go riding at least one hour each day. Oh Jack, can we go riding again? I so want to. You must teach me western style, you promised you would. I love the way you ride, especially when you go fast. So, liberating.”

“It’s winter and really ain’t the right weather for ridin’ lessons. I am tryin’ to get some hot coffee in ya to warm ya back up from your winterly stroll, not deep-freeze ya by riding hard out in that cold yer not dressed proper for. Didn’t ya just tell me you can’t be seen? Think a little joyride would be the best idea then, princess?”

“Well, if any guards were to see us, they’d still be on foot, no way they can outrun the horses. May I ride Trapper this time? He’s so fierce, the old boy. I like that. I am a very skilled rider, my instructor says. Papa agrees. He promised to let me compete come summer. You must help me prepare for that; I insist on it. You simply must.”

“Tell ya what, finish yer coffee and then ya can ride Trapper, shotgun style, sittin’ behind me as I take ya back to the palace and ya betcha I will be ridin’ fast for that. Which I should be doin’ now. It’s dangerous for ya to sneak out. If someone with nefarious intentions were to see ya and recognize ya, we’d all be in a world of hurt! Your momma could tell ya stories, from when she was a lil girl, her momma Vivien was so famous as ‘ViVa’, and bad people tried to kidnap her and your poor momma several times, even tried to snatch her from outside her school when she was about Vivienne’s age, from then on she had to have guard with her, all throughout school and college. Bein’ famous ain’t no joke, no matter if it’s entertainment biz or monarchy, Victoria. I know I ain’t got no right to tell ya anything, but I will anyway, cos I don’t want ya in serious trouble! It’s dangerous to sneak out, so don’t ya do it no more, promise!”

“Yes, yes, I know, I know. Uncle Nick and Uncle Rohan went on and on about that last time they were visiting which unfortunately coincided with my rather ill-timed attempt at a discreet exit right as they returned from a morning run together. I am familiar with the cautionary tales, yet this is neither Del Sol Valley nor San Myshuno. Here, the populace is sparse and the hills stretch far and wide; visibility is mutual. I assure you, I am not so easily deceived. Would you be sad if anything were to happen to me, Jack? I know we’re not blood-related, but I do like you so. I would dare call it love. Like another daddy. Like Vivienne has. Two daddies and she loves both equally. I think I do too. Do you love me as well?” Her demeanor was that of a young girl, her innocence unmistakable. At the tender age of thirteen, she teetered on the cusp of womanhood and childhood.

“Well, flattered, but considering we ain’t related, me standin’ here hollering out confessions of love for ya may leave a strange aftertaste for some folks, princess, cos with ya slowly becoming a young woman that can easily be misconstrued into something unsavory, which it ain’t. But yes, I do care very deeply about you ya too, princess. Like my own daughter, of sorts. You’re such a sweet thang, people can’t help lovin’ ya, I ain’t no exception. No matter what one may think of monarchy in general. You’re special, all right, no denyin’.”

Princess Victoria’s young face with the still rounded properties of a child lit up with a smile, as she stepped towards Jack and planted a kiss on his cheek. Soft and gentle, almost polite and careful, not the wet, enthusiastic smooches six-year-old Vivienne gave her daddy.

Jack’s cozy cabin enveloped them in warmth as Victoria settled into a chair, her eyes wide with excitement. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee now filled the room, and she took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scent as Jack now pouring the steaming coffee into mismatched mugs, placing them on the table in front of Victoria, along with fresh milk from Izzy’s parents’ cow, sugar and freshly baked cookies.

“Jack,” she began, her voice soft, “Sorry to just show up like I have without asking, but I’ve missed this place. I always do when it’s been a while. I just love the simplicity of it all—there is a certain beauty to behold in creaky floorboards, the crackling fireplace, and your Southern drawl echoing through the walls. Nobody else in my family has a home like this one and I rather like it. I even told Papa about this and he said he understood. I don’t remember this, I was too young, but back when William and I were little, when they abolished the monarchy here, we lived in a smaller home in Windenburg and he said it did feel nice and cozy and warm, in an emotional way, and that we all need a place like this. A secret place, one only we know. I think your home is my ‘place only I know’. Even though all my siblings come here too.”

He chuckled, thinking how much Princess Victoria sounded and looked like her father, King Maximilian, and his sometimes uber-polite and flowery ways to speak. “Well, it ain’t Cromwell Palace, THANK GAWD, but it’s home and as good as it’s gonna get, I s’ppose.”

Victoria took a sip, her gaze lingering on the worn furniture. “Home,” she repeated. “You know, Jack, I envy you sometimes. Your life here, away from the spotlight, the expectations. It’s… liberating. Mama often talks about her time away from it all, in Brindleton Bay, just by herself with her horses, and how liberating it was. And she talks about your visits. Oh, if your and her and Papa’s story were a book, I would read it. If it were a film, I would watch nothing else.”

He leaned against the back of the old kitchen chair, which creaked suspiciously, while studying her. “Well, it really ain’t been like all that, little majesty,” Jack inhaled, wondering how to make his feelings on topic palatable for the young ears of a romantic who still saw the world through rose-colored glasses without making her sad. He continued, his voice soft,

“There were some amazin’ moments, yer momma is one of a kind, I won’t deny that, but there was a lot of heartbreak, sadness and loss along with it all. I remember feelin’ desperate a lot, lonely and lost. And I know for a fact yer momma felt the same, not to mention yer daddy wasn’t havin’ the time of his life. He still loved her, all throughout, I could see that, everyone could, which didn’t make me feel so good. And yer momma was lost, I think, but neither of us saw it then. She is exacly where she was meant to be, a real-life queen at a real-life castle, with yer daddy, and I am just where I needed to be. You’re so very young, princess, you ain’t got nothing but time. You and yer brother were born into all this fancy stuff. Figured you didn’t mind it, since y’all don’t know no better.”

“But what if I want more, Jack?” she whispered. “I know I am still very young, I am reminded of that a lot, but I can’t help thinking about my future. What if just biding my time roaming the palace isn’t enough for me, what if one day I want passion, adventure, love? Like in the stories. Like in Phantom, where the Vicomte fights for Christine, and she sacrifices for him, but then the phantom realizes it’s true love and let’s her go. Oh, something like that. So romantic.”

Jack raised an eyebrow. “Love, huh? Ain’t you a bit young to be rackin’ yer brain ’bout all that? And I don’t know much, but I do know love ALWAYS comes at a price. Never the same, but ya always end up payin’, one way or another. True love does require sacrifice. There ain’t no perfect love stories, Vic, that much I can promise ya. If you want passion, there’ll be heartbreak. Ain’t no gettin’ ’round it.”

She blushed. “Yes, but it’s worth it, isn’t it?! Passionate, intense love. Not some arranged meeting with a seemingly endless parade of stuffy nobleman, all of them somehow the same, just the names change, all of which marionettes who would bore me to tears. I saw it with poor Lord Jake. He came to see his parents during semester break and they dragged him from one debutant ball to the next, hoping he’d like one of those ladies enough to want to pursue them, but he told me he already has someone special but we were interrupted before he could tell me who, and now I have been dying to see him again to ask. He doesn’t want to be presented with girls, and neither do William or I. Just like Papa didn’t. He had been introduced to so many young aristocratic ladies by the time he met Mama, no wonder he was so enamored with her instantly, because she is graceful and special and beautiful, but also so very different that the noble and royal girls. I am one of them and they still bore me to tears. I don’t want to be like the other girls from royal families. I want to be like Mama. And I want a man like Papa to find me. Or a man like you, Jack, but then he would have to find a way to stay with me, no offense or criticism intended. Or I would have to be Izzy in my story, that would work too. I don’t really want the complicated parts of Mama, Papa and your story. Just the special, the unique ones. Not ever will I date, let alone marry someone just because it would look proper. I but if I do find someone, it will be grand, special, passionate, romantic and real, or it won’t be at all!”

Jack chuckled at the ultra-romanticized ideas of the young impressionable and unwavering romantic before him, but didn’t have the heart to burst her bubble.

“Well, life ain’t always like a romantic play, Vic. But who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own love story someday. As a matter ‘o fact, I am convinced yer story will be special and amazin’. Just like yerself is. And yer momma is. And my little girl. And of course, Veronica. All y’all are so special, even the boys. Any other man would not have had the grace yer daddy had and has. I gotta tip my hat to that man. And yer brother is just like him, with a little spiciness from y’all’s momma.”

Victoria tilted her head, smiling. “And what about you, Jack? You and Izzy seem pretty cozy. I adore your love story too. Tell me again how you met. I can’t hear it often enough. Especially the way you tell it in your drawl and so funny, but still sweet.”

He blushed, surprised by her perceptiveness. “Same ole story, ya heard it a million times now,” he mumbled. “Besides, I’m not exactly the romantic type nor a good storyteller. Ya best ask Izzy, she tells it better. She should be up soon.”

Victoria’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, you tell it just fine, Jack. Between hearing Mama tell her story and you telling me yours, oh, and Grandmama Vivien and Grandpapa Liam’s is just as exciting, I learned that love has a way of sneaking up on people when they least expect it. So, once I am old enough, I will just pretend to not want it and it will happen. And it shall be grand. And special. And wonderful.”

“Ya sure got your logic skills from yer momma, I’ll say that. Look, princess, the reality is, you can’t will love–or anything else for that matter. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, and it will find ya, but ya can’t trick love by pretendin’ not to want it. And whatcha need, what ultimately makes ya happy, ain’t always whatcha thought that was. Look at me. One upon a time I was spoutin’ big words, how I was never gonna leave Chestnut Ridge, yet, here I am half a globe away and I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is home now.”

“Tell me again about Chestnut Ridge. About those red rocks and the prairie grass in bloom and those … what did you call them again … those fun dances in someone’s barn with other residents playing instruments and singing and dancing together in a row. Will you take me there one day and teach me those dances and songs. I do so want to see it.” she sounded like a child in a candystore.

“Listen, Vic, that ain’t for me to decide and I hate makin’ promises I won’t be able to keep. You ain’t some regular kid I can take on some little trip with me, you are a member of the monarchy. I can’t take ya nowhere. You wanna go see the Ridge, then ya gotta take that up with yer momma. She knows the way to my cabin. If she wants to take ya, she’ll take ya. If she says I can take ya, I will do so in a New York minute. But it ain’t my cabin anymore, it’s mah boy’s, maybe ya gotta ask Jackson when he’s here next. Bet he can’t resist a sweet gal like yerself askin’ him nicely.” he winked at her.

“I know someone else who knows the way to Jackson’s cabin. Bri. Oh, she and Jackson are such a fun couple too. I tried to ask her all those questions but she really didn’t want to say much. But maybe I’ll I ask her to take me there. Bri doesn’t wait for anyone to say it’s okay, she just goes and does things. Like I do. Did it today. I wanted to see you, they said no, but I came anyway because it was right. Do you think Jackson would be surprised?”

“Oh, ya betcha that boy wouldn’t be more surprised if he woke up with his head sewn to the carpet, so much is certain. Whatcha want there? It’s dusty, rugged, rough terrain. It’s nothing like Henfordshire, let alone yer castle.”

“Palace, Jack. It’s a palace, not a castle, if you would, please.” Victoria smiled politely, but determined.

“Palace, castle, what’s the difference?”

“The use. Castles are meant to be defense fortresses, with high walls and weaponry. A palace was only ever met for beauty and delight, to house the royals and their esteemed visitors, but not for war. That is an important difference. We are not war people. We Cromwells like peace. So, it always was and always must be a palace, Jack. It vexes me whenever people get that wrong.”

“Gotcha and I honestly didn’t know that, so ya just taught me something new. Makes sense now. All right, my old noggin will try to remember that from here on out, last thing I ever wanna do is to…umm…vex ya. But still don’t answer whatcha want at my rugged old cabin. It’s all rough and wood and nothin’ fancy. Winters are cold, so we used to often sleep on the livin’ room couch by the fireplace, summers are hot, so ya often end up sleepin’ outside if ya wanna sleep at all. One summer was so hot, Jackson and I went down to the waterfall and slept in the pond around it.”

“Exactly! It sounds … spectacular! Sleeping under the stars, bathing in a waterfall, now THAT Bri has told me about. Oh, I simply MUST see that waterfall! I must! Promise you’ll take me there one day. And William. He needs to see it too.”

A knock on the door, which Jack answered, to return with the owner of the security firm the royals employed alongside the more customary royal guards, Barrett Security, eying the princess with a knowing glare. That glare, and his hulking stature and usually growly demeanor had earned him is nickname, which had somehow become his only name now. Bear.

“Awww, oh no. You?! Why are you here? Oh no, please please please …” Princess Victoria took Bear’s offered hand as he pulled her up to a standing position, then helped her into her coat, handing her her hat, while stoically and calmly listening to her attempts to charm her way into more time with Jack.

“With all my respect, Your Highness, but I am neither your mother nor your father, all that does not work on me, so I am here to ruin your day, evidently, by trying calm your parents’ nerves. Unlucky for you, I was already in town for a meeting and actually at the palace when your absence came to light. I told everyone to stay calm and that I would handle this personally. I had a good idea where you would be. It’s always you or your little sister Vivienne, the troublemakers. Your brother is such a good kid and the other one is too little. And you both are lucky it’s me you have to deal with, not my wife. Fallon has no patience with repeat offenders and rulebreakers like you, princess, but I am sure your parents will remind you why sneaking out without at least a small security detail is a terrible idea. Your parents do not employ my firm because they enjoy seeing my smiling face around, but for very sound reasons. So, tell Jack goodbye, we’re leaving. NOW.” Bear’s eyes found Jack’s, daring him to try and interfere. Jack refrained.

“Oh, this is just not fair! What good does being a princess do me if I have no agency to decide anything for myself. I wish to remain here. Please kindly leave, Bear. I order you to oblige!” Princess Victoria tried to get her way, but it wasn’t even believable to herself, needless to mention Bear wasn’t impressed in the slightest.

“Well, with all due respect, your mother and father outrank you and they very much wish you back home. Since they are the ones signing my checks, I am sorry to say, we are leaving now. Willingly or otherwise. I am not above carrying you back to the palace, if need be.” Bear’s words made promises which his steeled, athletic body was very much capable of keeping. He had to be in his fifties but could still keep up with most twenty-year-olds.

With a deep, theatric sigh, Victoria set her coffee mug down on the table, turning to Jack.

“It would appear I really have to go now. Thank you for the coffee and for the talk. Oh, I didn’t get to see little Cody yet …” the young princess turned to Bear with an attempt to sway his mind, but one look at him told her it was futile, especially when he just shook his head.

“Your Highness, NOW, if you would, please.” Bear’s words were polite, but his tone left no more room for further discussion.

Partially amused, partially sad to see the sweet princess leaves so abruptly, Jack saw them out, standing in the doorframe watching Bear assist the young monarch to his SUV, while radioing to his staff at the palace, while Princess Victoria looked disappointed about her abrupt departure, so Jack smiled encouragingly, causing her to turn back towards Jack.

“I’ll be back soon, Jack, and I’ll bring Viv and Liam too. And maybe Veronica if she doesn’t have a tantrum that day. And then I will see Izzy and Cody too.” her last words before she was whisked off by the black SUV, leaving Jack to shake his head.

“No denyin’ that’s AG’s daughter, all right. Ya can stick a Cameron in a palace, but ya can’t take that Cameron out of ’em. I sometimes feel sorry for poor Max. He sure’s got his hands full with all of them Cameron genes floatin’ about his palace. And all those girls wantin’ him to turn this way and twist that way for them. I only got two to deal with, Izzy and Viv, and that’s plenty much!” he chuckled, as he waved them off.