San Myshuno, downtown area
It was a crisp autumn evening in San Myshuno, the city lights twinkling like a million stars.
Amidst the unsuspecting urban crowd, Crown Prince William Cromwell strolled hand in hand with his fiancée, Princess Wilhelmina ‘Mina’ von Ahrensberg. Beside them was his sister, Princess Victoria Cromwell, accompanied by her evening’s consort, Duke Hendrik DeWinter. Their cousin, Ryan Cameron, and his girlfriend, Camila Reynolds, meandered through the lively streets, immersed in the dynamic nightlife. All aged between 18 and 21, they comprised an animated and youthful ensemble.
William, despite his engagement to Wilhelmina of Windenburg, couldn’t shake off the persistent tug at his heartstrings whenever he thought of Grace. And San Myshuno always made him think of her.
Ryan, ever the life of the party, was recounting a hilarious yet slightly inappropriate story, his words peppered with a few choice phrases. Camila giggled, nudging him to keep it down.
“What babe? They’re both genetically Camerons too, I don’t care how royal they are, it’s in their blood and it’s called sentence enhancers for a reason. Plus, they and I have the same grandpa, ’nuff said! Seriously, my dudes, you should’ve seen the look on that guy’s face after my dad said that! I couldn’t breathe for laughing,” Ryan said, laughing.
William heard his sister and Hendrik say something, but missed it, while he smiled politely, but his mind wandered. As they turned a corner, a familiar sign caught his eye—the old bookshop owned by Grace’s grandmother. It had been about a year now since he last saw Grace, and the memory of their final encounter, where she hid away, still haunted him.
Victoria, noticing his distraction, nudged him. “Where are you tonight, Will?”
He sighed, glancing at the bookshop’s sign. ‘Timeless Tomes & Treasures’
“Just… wading in old memories,” he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
“Isn’t that the bookshop where your … umm …. friend worked?” Mina asked, purposely treading lightly. William nodded. “Yes, Grace. Just some memories, that’s all.”
Ryan, always quick to lighten the mood, clapped a hand on William’s shoulder. “Hey, man, just move on, what’s done is done, can’t be changed, you tried to fix it, she had her grammy kick your majestic ass out, case closed.”
William nodded sadly, glancing at Mina, who smiled encouragingly. “Just give it a go. We’re almost at your grandparents’ home, nothing to lose, everything to gain. I’ll go with you, if you like.”
“Oh, I don’t even know if she would be working today, and if she would even speak with me. But I think I do want to go and see if she might, if you don’t mind it.”
“Of course I do not mind. Just promise me you don’t come back to me wanting to break us up.”
“Never! You and I have a different kind of love. More mature. No worries,” William smiled, when Ryan started laughing. “Oh yeah, you two have all everyone dreams off. Nothing like Mina’s royal daddy’s proverbial shotgun barrel to the head to wake up the really deep emos, huh, cuz?” Ryan nudged him, winking at Mina, making both smile.
Duke Hendrik, ever the diplomat, chimed in. “Mina’s right. Sometimes, confronting the past is the best way to move forward. If she sees you, we might get the closure you want, if not, you are no worse off than you are now.”
With a deep breath, William made his decision. “Yes, you are right. I think I’ll just step inside for a moment and see if she is ready to speak with me now, it’s been a long time. You all go ahead. Shouldn’t be long and I have the security hiding in the most conspicuous ways all over.”
The group continued down the street, leaving William at the door of the bookshop. He took a deep breath, then pushed it open, the bell above tinkling softly. The familiar scent of old books wrapped around him like a comforting embrace. He approached the counter, and there she was—Grace’s grandmother, who looked up with a hint of recognition in her eyes.
“Good evening, Your Highness,” she said, her tone cool but polite. “Good evening, Mrs. Harper,” William replied. “I was hoping if Grace might be here.”
The old woman hesitated, then nodded. “She’s in the back logging new inventory. Just go on. But please, William, tread lightly. Whatever happened was very hard for her.”
“Of course,” William nodded, gratitude and apprehension mingling in his chest. He stepped toward the back room, his heart pounding. As he reached the doorway, he saw Grace, her back turned as she sorted through a stack of books. “Grace,” he said softly. She froze in mid-movement, then slowly turned to face him. Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, the air between them was thick with unspoken words. “William,” she whispered, her voice a mix of shock and something else—hope, perhaps.
He moved a step closer. “Grace, I… I came for closure. To apologize for the way things ended. I don’t want any bad blood between us; you are such an extraordinary person,”
Grace looked at him through her large, round glasses and sighed, a faint, melancholy smile on her lips. “Yes, I think we both need that. Closure. I’ve missed out long chats about books and the meaning of life, and I missed you. Don’t worry, I am not trying to come on to you, I’ve moved on as well. There’s someone else, a dork just like me. He cultivates plant-based meat in the garden. Oops, too much information, I suppose. I know it’s of no interest to you,” she said, her cheeks coloring, but her attention quickly returned to William as he spoke.
“I do care,” he said with sincerity, observing the whirlwind of emotions on Grace’s face.
“There is this new place I found, hole in the wall really, but best coffee in town,” she told him, tilting her head and he understood the invite, nodding. “Lead the way!” Silently, she guided him out of the bookstore and through the lively streets of San Myshuno. They continued their quiet walk until they arrived at a quaint, inviting café. After ordering their beverages, they settled into a secluded corner. William discussed his academic pursuits, the duties of being an heir, and the ordeal of his sister’s kidnapping. Grace provided a silent, consoling presence as she listened.
Abruptly, Grace leaned forward and kissed him. The kiss was fleeting but laden with silent messages. William gazed at her, astonished.
“Don’t worry, that was a farewell kiss,” she whispered. “For closure. I needed that.”
“I… I … thank you,” William stammered.
Grace exhaled deeply; the sorrow evident in her gaze. “You know, for a while I hated you for what you did. The pain made me crazy.”
William’s heart sank. “Grace, I—”
She stopped him with a raised hand. “No Will, I understand now. You had your reasons, and given your situation, they were justifiable. I couldn’t understand any of this before, but now I do. That’s why girls like me don’t date princes like you. It just can’t work. There are too many things that set us apart. Frankly, I’m relieved to avoid the royal turmoil that seems to follow you. Kidnappings, guards, paparazzi, that’s just not me. I could never. And all that secrecy and sneaking around you and I had to do, I don’t want to.”
She scanned the area, noting the security personnel subtly positioned throughout. Before meeting William, she might have never even noticed them, but now she couldn’t help it. Grace counted at least seven, remembering his words that they always arrive in even numbers.
William nodded. “I understand that more than you might realize. My siblings and I were also frustrated with the guards, which led us to master the art of slipping past them, almost like a game. However, the incident with my poor sister taught us a harsh lesson. Without delving into specifics, it was a heinous act, and shockingly, our own aunts were the culprits… I’m close to my cousin, the son of an uncle in exile. He’s sensible, and his embarrassment is palpable. Simple activities, like going to the market, are difficult for him. Our family has confirmed both his and my cousin Eloise’s innocence. Yet, they remain disheartened. After her time with us, Eloise started to recover. My sisters, Mum, Auntie Bee, Maeve, and Lady Claire have promised to indulge her in a shopping spree and a makeover. It might be precisely what she needs.”
They both smiled, a quiet understanding had been reached, then they started sipping their coffee while exchanging light-hearted stories and laughter. A shift was palpable. Both William and Grace sensed it.
As they parted, a mutual feeling of relief and newfound tranquility enveloped them. William headed towards his family’s penthouse, thoughts of Grace and their poignant goodbye lingering in his mind but now on a much lighter note than before.
San Myshuno, Senator Suites Penthouse
As William opened the door, he was met with the sight of Victoria and Hendrik in a tight embrace. They parted quickly, their cheeks tinged with embarrassment.
“Will!” exclaimed Victoria.
“I beg your pardon, Your Highness,” said Hendrik, bowing, his ears red with shame.
“Why apologize, Henk? You weren’t trying to get close to me, or even more yet and my sweet sister didn’t seem to be complaining, quite the contrary, you might have taken her breath away in the best way,” William joked, arching his eyebrows at them and giving his sister a wink. She returned a knowing smirk, her blush intensifying as she nudged him playfully.
“For your information, we didn’t kiss. We just… hugged. It’s none of your concern.”
“On the contrary, it very much is my concern, dear sister. As the future king, I reserve the right to vet your… companions. Jesting aside, why are you both lingering by the door? Where is everyone else?” William inquired.
“Our grandparents, along with Uncle Nick and Aunt Adrianna, went out with their friends. Ryan went upstairs with Camila, allegedly escorting Wilhelmina to the bathroom. But we both know there’s a perfectly good guest bathroom right here, and since they’ve yet to come back, I doubt they’re both waiting outside the lavatory room to help her down the stairs when she can easily spot the below the moment she steps out. It seems our cousin and his girlfriend are caught up in a moment of passion and may be awhile. So, Hendrik and I stayed here, to ensure your fiancée could easily find us, and I showed Henk the view from the window where you can see the airplanes during takeoff and landing, and, well, we found ourselves in an embrace,” she confessed, her blush hinting that their embrace might have progressed further had William not walked in.
“Thanks, that was very … detailed. And unnecessary. You are 18, sweet Vic.” William smiled, she blushed again, underlining his suspicion that this was going to be a kiss.
“Why am I even explaining this to you? You’re hardly in a position to scold me, that would be like the pot calling the kettle black, wouldn’t it? But tell me, how did your day go?” she asked, shifting the focus.
William replied with a wistful smile, “Well, an old tale has come to an end. The chapter is closed, and I feel much better now.”
Victoria gave a knowing nod and a smile, then turned to Hendrik. “Henk, may I trouble you for a glass of water? I’m quite thirsty…” Understanding the cue, Hendrik smiled, nodded at them both, and made his way to the kitchen.
“Things went well with Grace. Not as well as I hoped, but at least my conscience can rest easier now. Guess your beau got tired of waiting and nudged a little …?
“No, it was me who initiated the hug. I wanted to experience it, to see if I would feel anything at all. I’m tired of waiting and wondering. Liam is always so…” she paused, searching for the right words, then gazed intensely at her brother, her fist clenched in emphasis, “so near, yet somehow so distant. He’s always talking about those ridiculous rules for Royal Guards and the threat of court-martial. It’s exasperating! But with Henk, it felt good to be in the moment. I felt something, Will. Am I making a mistake? Should I hold out and keep trying for Liam or count my losses, accept his choices and live my own life? With Hendrik maybe? I like him, Will, I really do, always have, but I think I might like him … more than just riding instructions and a gallant travel companion, so I don’t have to be the fifth wheel. Henk has been more than patient with me,” she pressed, her gesture discreetly pointing towards the kitchen where Hendrik had disappeared.
“How should I know? I’ve only just sorted out my own tangled affairs. I wasn’t the one kissing him, that’s for you to decide, Little Lotte.”
“Wow, you haven’t called me that in a long time. I wish I could still call you Liam, but especially now that would really be iffy. Will, I can’t discern who is my Grace and who is Mina. Liam or Henk? It’s impossible to be certain. How do I avoid an error? I always loved those tragic love stories, but I never wanted to be one of the main protagonists! I need your guidance, Will!” Victoria implored.
“Victoria, I can’t help you with this. Not that I wouldn’t want to, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin. All I could do is guess; this has to be your decision.”
***
Upstairs, Wilhelmina stepped out of the bathroom and almost bumped into a man she didn’t recognize. He was tall and slender, with shaggy hair, wearing a leather jacket, well-worn jeans, and a half-unbuttoned shirt that displayed tattoos on his chest, the most prominent one possibly spelling ‘Scarlett’. Both stopped in their tracks, taken aback by the unexpected encounter.
“Well, you’re not Vivien. Ha,” he said with a smirk.
“No, I’m not. May I ask who you are?”
“Yeah, ya know, funny how that goes, cos I was just thinking the same about you. Time sure as rubberducks flies and everything changes. Went to see one of my kids, got seven of them so that’s a task, and BAM! I find out I’m a great-grandfather. Twins too. Had no clue Bri was even expecting. She used to complain to Letty and me about fertility troubles—guess someone got something wrong there or our Cameron genes are just no match after all. Anywho, on that shock I remembered Ye olde King has the good booze, so, I drop in on my esteemed descendant AG and her fam-damily only to learn Victoria went missing for weeks—would’ve been nice to be informed. Our grumpy old Caelan and his cottonball-colored side-kick son could’ve settled that situation in no time flat. But nooooooo. Well, since her mommy and daddy said she was visiting with my daughter and her brood, thought I come here cos my little fair princess needs a nice tight hug from her ancestor, so here I am, but now nobody else is. Except, evidently, you and I know I ain’t seen my daughter’s family in a hot minute, but you ain’t her, nor any of the other family members, nor their girlfriends. Is this even the correct penthouse? And what’s your story now?”
“Sir, I am sorry, I am not sure whom you are looking for or who you even are.” Wilhelmina looked even more confused now.
“Blaine. You?” he pointed, eyebrow raised. “You’re not Ryan’s new girlfriend? I mean, man-whore runs in his family, his daddy was one, his daddy before him didn’t say no much, … Look about the right age, but last time I saw him he was still very much into .. umm … what’s her face again? Something Spanish. Carlotta? Carolina? Carmen? Names and me, man, I am lucky if I wake up knowing my own. And people thought I was being sweet when I tattooed my wife’s and all my kids name on myself. Nope, just me avoiding disaster. Joke’s on me, cos now I got the tat and can’t read it, cos mirrors are kinda pointless.”
“No, I am Wilhelmina. Let me see if I can find Ryan. He was just here. With his actual girlfriend, Camila, who is still very much his girlfriend, unless that changed in the past few minutes.”
“Ah, so I am in the right place. Ah, motormouth Ryan, he’s just like his daddy and his daddy before him, but unless you broke in, you would already know that, right? But if you’re not his girlfriend, then why are you here? Don’t tell me Ryan is starting a harem. HA! Well, at least you’re pretty and know how to form sentences. Concerning, my daddy always said the dumber they are the better they … well, fill in the blanks.”
“Excuse me?”
“You’re excused. What got the tires stuck for ya?”
“Everything!” she looked around, then stepped to the banister of the stairs and yelled into the lobby “GUARDS! GUUUARDS!”
Within seconds 4 armed security guards, dressed in all black suits, with headsets on their ears came flying up the stairs, pointing their guns at Blaine, who couldn’t look more relaxed. As he stood there smirking, they halted, lowering their guns, applying the safeties again.
“Hey Blaine …”
“Hey fellas …” grinning he turned to Mina, ” who work for my daughter and son-in-law and know better than to aim at me with guns. Bullets tickle so funny.”
Summoned by the commotion and Wilhelmina’s screaming, William, Victoria, Hendrik came running upstairs, while Ryan emerged hastily from his bedroom … in his boxers.
“Great-grandpa!” William and Victoria almost exclaimed in unison, while the guards covertly headed back downstairs to their positions.
“Oh, it’s just you …” Ryan looked annoyed, making Blaine smirk, while he playfully bowed for the attention.
“Well, doesn’t that just figure. So mommy, daddy, grammy and grampa aren’t home then, you know how I can tell? Cos I wrote the book on your sausage party for two in the bedroom. There’s a girl in there, huh? A nekkid one, amirite. Don’t try to deny it, cos Blaine-y will go peek if you do.”
“Seriously now? Stay out of my room, okay? I don’t burst into your and great-grandma’s room when we are over and you two both have to go ‘check on something’. What are you doing here? You’re always whining about nobody coming to see you, so grandma, grandpa, mom, dad and I went for a weekend in Windenburg last week and drove all the way out to see you in creepy Hollow and nobody was home. Ran into Riordan and he said you were moving? AGAIN!? Where to THIS time? Is this family allergic to keeping the same address for longer than the blink of an eye?” Ryan ranted.
“Ha, right. So, turns out the wifey is tougher than me. Or Del Sol Valley sucks less. Either way, guess who’s moving back to the City of Dreams? That’s right, deez nutz!” Blaine grinned big, revealing his fangs, causing Hendrik and Mina to stumble backwards, until William put his arms around her and she snuggled into his embrace.
“A-ha! So the little scaredy cat belongs with you. Nice, feisty too. Means this young man here goes with my sweet great-grand-princess. My little Victoria has a boyfriend. Dawww! I’d annoy you now with the ‘sitting in the tree routine, but don’t know your name, buddy.” Blaine grinned at Hendrik for the last part, grinning when he noticed him swallowing hard, clearly trying to hide his discomfort of being vis a vis with a vampire.
“Sir, I am Duke Hendrik DeWinter of Windenburg, very nice to make your acquaintance.” Hendrik attempted to be polite, with a smirk Blaine grabbed the offered hand and shook it so hard it rattled Hendrik until Victoria stepped in and pulled Blaine’s hand off.
“Stop it! Hendrik is my … is … my … travel companion. He is very sweet, don’t be mean!”
“Travel companion? Oh jeeze. Since I ain’t noble like all of you, I assume that translates to still testing the waters, has potential but no passionate tearing off clothing yet. Are you even old enough to date? What about you?”
“Great-grandpa, we’re all in college, what do you think?!.”
“WHOA! Okay okay, sorry! But before you get all cranky at me, I have a bone to pick with you both, your highnesses. I heard Victoria went bye-bye for two-weeks and nobody called me, everyone becomes adults, starts dating and all … yet nobody says anything about it to us? You all do realize I am the patriarch of this family, right?”
“Grandpa, it’s not personal. You know why… I asked Mama to invite you to my party, but you know, it’s a white tie event and you are not … you know … And coming to see you is just … scary. And when I was taken, everyone was beside themselves. Nobody even called our grandparents or Uncle Nick until they heard the news.”
“Well, I am glad you are fine, angel. Next time someone goes missing, call us. It would never have been a week, let alone two. Caelan and Connell would have found you in less than 2 days if not sooner.” Blaine said.
His smirk faded into a warm smile at Victoria trying to explain, then back into a smirk as he grabbed her with superhuman speed and was snuggling her against himself, watching Hendrik twitch with the instinct to help.
“You’re a ….” Wilhelmina exclaimed, implying the obvious.
Within split-seconds, Blaine had her in his other arm, pressed against him, where she looked in fear of her life, while Victoria smiled at her.
“Don’t worry, he’s harmless and really nice actually. Sweet even.”
Blaine let go of them, grinning.
“Now don’t you go starting such vile rumors. I am the worst, most fearsome and evil vamp to ever walk this earth. So bad so that out esteemed leader tried to put me to work for him and I failed so gloriously, it’s almost physically painful. Well, actually that’s a lie. In reality yours truly had such a shit time in creepy Hollow that I might have gotten a little depressed and listless, got the wifey worried to the point that Scarlett decided we are leaving. Of course, her big daddy attempted to tell her no … now THAT was fuckin’ funny I tell ya what. Honestly, I heard it all about how ancient and scary and fearsome Cesare is but after seeing him getting folded down so small he fit in a matchbox by his sweet daughter, I do know now why I listen to her like a good hubby. Worked too. Riordan was pulled out of retirement, and I haven’t been this happy in years. Like I said, note the impending change of address.”
“But where are you moving to? I recall Jasper talking about how his father’s investment property is a goldmine as there is just no real estate out there.”
“I own my home there. Blake’s kid and his kid are only living there by our good grace. Now they will have roomies. Fanged ones. They weren’t too crazy about that idea, but ya know, life sure can suck sometimes, can’t it? Anyway, now that we are out of the creepy town, we do expect visits. I know my shed in the hills ain’t a castle, but close enough to bring your royal asses to. And you two as well. Mina and whats-his-nuts over there. Sorry friend forgot your name, nothing personal, but I am well over 100 years old now, and I have a huge family, so sorry, there just too much going on with that title. The only thing I can remember is my wife’s name, songs, chords and how to do the mattress mambo. Anything else is always a hit and miss with me.” Blaine grinned.
“Name’s Hendrik. Or Henk, if that’s more convenient,” he smiled. “Don’t worry about the title.”
“Great-Grandpa, Mina has a title too. She’s a Princess Royale, like Victoria. And my fiancée.” William said. “No worries, there won’t be any weddings until after we both graduated from Britchester.”
“Ha, holy fucking shit then, kid, wax my legs, shave my head and use me for a surfboard! Well, congrats. Can’t remember being invited to that either, but like your sissy said, probably for the better. Well, Mina, welcome to the family. Don’t say you haven’t been warned. Oh, and don’t worry about the fangs, I use them mostly to open beer with, there are a few family members with those, but if we haven’t bothered you so far, chances are, we’re not that bad. Well, I am resisting the urge to go bother Ryan with his bedroom exercise, just because I am a little a-hole, but at least I have already met his girl, so before I can’t help myself anymore, I’ll say goodbye and don’t be strangers now. Don’t make me come back, cos I will.”
With that, only a black cloud settling and four confused young people were left in his wake.
William’s chuckle pierced the stunned silence. “If you found that dramatic, just wait until you meet the rest of the family,” he said.
Victoria’s giggle followed, “Believe me, that’s the most charming he’s been in years.”
EchoesOfLegacy 