The phrase "you get more by giving" comes up more often as you age. It sounds like an excuse people offer to rationalize why there won't be as many presents for you during the holidays. Someday, you notice the "joy of giving". Giving up your time, material things, or both will repay you with grins, laughter, and an overall feeling of happiness. An understanding comes over you and you appreciate why giving is better than receiving, thus it becomes this whole new message and lesson to live through.
Of course, this cannot apply everywhere. You cannot approach a homeless man on the street asking him to contribute money to help fund your school dance. They need the money for something more essential, and it becomes inappropriate. In the same sense, you cannot ask a single parent working multiple jobs to take part in a bake sale when they spend most of their time working. It just depends on your viewpoint.
I am seated in an SUV with Charles driving, my father in the passenger seat, and me and Liam in the back. They all wore a 3-piece suit as we drove to the palace. The only thing I can do is watch our surroundings through the window as my brothers and Father talked business. I can hear Sunshine's voice in my head giving me a pep talk. She'd kill me if I backed out of this job. One reason is that she is delusional and sees the jerk the kingdom calls a prince and I ending up together in a fairytale ending.
I don't know what agreement the royal family and my father have settled on, but I look to be the one with something to give. Is being a bodyguard be something I can do, or will I fail this position? Failing means someone hurts the king's grandson, and as much as I dislike him, that is not the way. I cannot even protect myself from getting stalked, and then life has to add another person for me to protect, a public figure no less.
Fudge and Sprinkles.
Why am I worried about something as inconsequential as seeing my childhood crush? I should not carry any more feelings for him. That ship has sailed. A stalker out there knows my actual identity is what should concern me. No one knows I have a stalker, not even my best friend. I realize I tell her everything, but I prefer not to drag her into something I do not know of.
As I ran through the events in my head, I picked up my phone and started typing the information I know regarding Hooded Stalker. Someone left a note addressing me by my actual name at my locker in school. Then a woman who looked familiar came up to me, calling me Adelaide, and said I looked like someone she knows. She is someone I have met before. I need more time to play detective and find out who she is. The thing is, I don't think I have the time. I have to babysit a spoiled prince and go to school. It is also risky going out because who knows who else can recognize me. I might actually need to bring in reinforcements.
Before I could start overthinking my plan, Liam gave me a nudge. I looked up from my phone to see the enormous gates of the palace opening up. I took in a deep breath. We went through a long horseshoe-shaped driveway. As we stopped directly by the front door, there was automatically an army of servants rushing towards our direction. A chauffeur quickly came around to the driver's side as Charles stepped out and tossed him the keys. A footman opened my father's door as another one opened Liam's door.
Once Liam was out of the car, I scooted a little and tried to remember the proper etiquette for exiting a vehicle. I misstepped and was about to take a tumble before Liam caught me. I silently cursed my ridiculously high heels as Father glanced our way. His look held a silent warning for the both of us to behave. Liam was about to let out a laugh when a guard came up to us.
"As you enter, the maids will take your coats and gloves. Please place all weapons on your person in this safe. You can have it back as you leave." The guard stated as he gestured to a safe next to a desk.
I took off my coat and contemplated giving up my knives. They were practically my babies, and I went nowhere without them. When I handed my coat to the patiently awaiting maid, it was as if a light bulb turned on above my head. I had to stop myself from grinning as wide as the Cheshire cat as I went ahead into the foyer. My father and brothers were still surrendering their handguns and pocketknives to the guard. I was about to make it further into the room when someone cleared their throat.
"Adelaide, where are you going? Hand over your knife." My father's deep voice bellowed.
I forgot, they know I never leave the house without my knives. With a huff, I walked back to them and stood in front of the desk. I lifted the skirt of my dress strategically and pulled out a knife from its holster. I made sure that they only saw the one knife and not the others strapped to my leg. The guard's eyes widened as I placed my knife into the safe. I held back a laugh as I made my way back into the foyer.
"All of it, little sister." Liam called out.
Turning around, I gave Liam a salty look and reached the desk within a few paces. Charles tapped his foot impatiently and let out a sigh as I lifted my dress more and unclipped the whole holster. The dumbfounded reaction of the guard was too hilarious when I tossed my whole holster on the desk. My father started giving me a lecture on why proper women like me should not carry that many knives. I rolled my eyes and was about to be on my way when the guard stopped me.
"For safety, protocol calls for us to frisk you, Miss Isla." He recovered from his momentary shock.
Liam and Charles barked out a laugh, and my father rubbed his temple. I let out a defeated sigh. I could not fight them on this. It would just lead to more trouble than it was worth.
"Fine." I gave in and held my arms up.
A female guard came up and patted me down. When she felt nothing, she let me go with a strict warning. If I were to do this again, who I am won't matter. They would deny me entrance to the palace or throw me in jail.
When we finally went in, a butler led us to a drawing-room. We had to wait for the royal family in here. While waiting, they briefed us on proper etiquette when meeting the royals. I paid little attention as I was more focused on my nerves, not getting the best of me and sitting still.
After a couple of minutes, Queen Louisa and King Alexander came in. Behind them was Crown Prince Robert and his wife Caroline. Their son Leopold was not yet here. I stood from my seat and curtsied as gracefully as I can in my heels. Charles partially covered me as I was situated more towards the back of the room. From the view of the royal family, you can barely see me.
"No need to be so formal, old friend." Prince Robert said, shaking my father's hand.
The room did not feel so stuffy like I thought it would. The men had seated off to one side of the room and started talking animatedly about the economy and business. Queen Louisa and Princess Caroline were engaged in conversation as they sat elegantly on the couch situated across their husbands.
I didn't feel like joining any discussion, and nobody seemed to notice me in the room. I moved towards the large windows that overlooked the garden. The door quietly opened and closed. I hoped it was not who I thought it was. Yet, once he spoke, I instantly recognized who he is.
"Sorry, I am late." A deep fruity voice cut through the hushed exchanges.
With a few hushed greetings passed, everyone went back into the rhythms of their previous conversations. The sound of footsteps got louder until it stopped and I felt a presence next to me. I rolled my eyes, never looking away from the beautiful garden. It seemed so much more interesting than having to talk with the person next to me.
"I honestly wished you just wouldn't show up." I mumbled under my breath.
"Nice to see you too, Addy. I've been well. How about you?" Prince Leopold said sarcastically.
I turned my head to give him a disdainful look, and he returned it with a big, toothy smile.
This is going to be a long night.