Ari headed toward the entrance of the women's boutique when flashes went off, nearly blinding her. "How did you and Prince Grayson meet?" a reporter asked."Did you know that your sister is dying of leukemia?" another member of the paparazzi demanded.A bodyguard was shielding her, helping her through the crowd that was quickly gathering. She had no idea where they came from. They were like roaches, sniffing out their next meal. Her head snapped up. "Dying?" Ari asked. "I can assure you she isn't dying." "Then you admit that you know she has leukemia, but you still left her and married the prince?" Then the reporter fired another question at her, not waiting for an answer to the first. "Is that the reason why you married the prince? To get money for your sister's treatment?""No comment," Ari replied, tears filling her eyes."Are you responsible for the murder of Dima Franz, the prince's ex-fiancé?" another reporter asked.Ari stopped and stared at him in disbelief. "Now, wait a min
When Ari entered the townhouse, Grayson was waiting for her, standing in the middle of the room. As soon as he saw her, he closed the gap between them and pulled her into his arms. "Are you okay?" He pulled back and looked into her eyes. She nodded. "I'm fine... thanks to Arnold." Then she explained what had happened."I'm so sorry, Ari." Grayson took her hand and raised it to his lips. "I'll hold a press conference today and tell the paparazzi to stay away from you or there will be consequences."Ari hated for him to hold a press conference just for that, but she appreciated it. "Thank you."Grayson nodded. "I'll keep you safe."Behind them, Arnold cleared his throat. "Where would you like these, Your Royal Highness?" He was holding a laptop box and Ralph was holding the printer.Ari turned to Grayson. "Would you mind if I keep my laptop and printer in the spare room?"Grayson shook his head, smiling. "No, but you can use the office, if you like.""Great!" Ari replied, taking the box
Ari watched the television in horror as tears streaked down her mother's face. A short distance behind her, the camera caught a glimpse of her sister, Henley, now bald, her skin pale. Her hair that had once reminded Ari of the sunset was gone.A reporter shoved a microphone into her mother's face. "Would you like to comment in regard to the goings on of your daughter?"Her mother's mouth opened wide, along with her eyes. "My daughter is sick!" She motioned behind her. "How dare you?""No, I'm speaking of your daughter, Ari," the reporter corrected. Ari watched in horror as her mother's eyebrows rose nearly into her hairline, confused. The reporter sighed. "She just married the Crown Prince of Estrea.""Australia?" her mother asked, confused. "Australia has no Royal Family!""No, Estrea—"Without another word, her mother stepped into Henley's room and slammed the door closed.Grayson walked over to the television and turned it off. "Ari, darling, I'm so sorry—"She startled, not havin
The next day, Ari and Grayson were on the Royal Family's private jet headed for New York, when Ari gave Grayson's hand a gentle squeeze."Thank you for this... for everything." Ari knew how lucky she was to have found Grayson... or for him to have found her. She didn't know what she would have done if she hadn't met him, and if he hadn't given her enough money to pay for Henley's treatments. Of course, that was what they had agreed upon when they married. But still, Henley was able to receive her treatments because of it.Grayson patted her hand. "No need to thank me. We're married now." His eyes were filled with sincerity. "Your problems are now my problems. I'm here for you."Ari nodded. "I'm here for you, too."Ari looked out the window, wondering what Henley would say about her having left in her time of need. Ari couldn't tell her why, but she just hoped that Henley would understand with little to no explanation.Since Christmas was coming soon, Ari wondered what she was going to
After they left the hospital, they drove to their hotel. Come to find out, Grayson had already made reservations at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. She had always dreamed of staying there but had never thought she ever would.Ari had her life as a college student in New York, and her life as a princess as the wife of a prince in Estrea. Now, her two worlds were beginning to meet.The next morning, she got up early to see her mother, not bothering to call. She wasn't sure how her mother would receive her, so she needed to see her in person. After all, she had left with little explanation at a time when her mother and sister needed her the most. Now, it was time to face the music. But she was glad that seeing Henley had went so well. As a result, Ari had slept better that night than she had in a very long time, more at peace with her decision. Now, she just hoped her mother felt the same way.But she had visions of her mother doing everything from slamming the door in her face to welcomin
Grayson scrolled through the channels, trying to find something to occupy himself while he waited for Ari, but couldn't find anything. But he was glad that Ari and her mother were talking. It was a step in the right direction, at least. And no matter what happened, the line of communication between then was now open once again. He turned his attention back to scrolling, when a video of him at his press conference flashed on a channel, just as Ari walked out of the bedroom with her mother.He quickly turned off the television. He had hoped that maybe they could come to America and temporarily leave the past behind, but Grayson knew that wasn't going to happen. Grayson stood. "How did it go?" he asked, taking her hands into his own."Good." But there were tears in her eyes, no matter what she said.Grayson raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"Then a broad smile spread across her face as she nodded. "Yes, of course.""That's my girl," Grayson whispered and then kissed her forehead, pulling
Grayson walked purposefully toward the elevator as everyone stared. Then he hit the button, when he heard steps coming up fast behind him. He turned around and saw that it was Ari. He turned back toward the elevator, turning his back to her. "Go back to your family."She pulled on his arm and turned him around, forcing him to look at her. "You are my family!"He shook his head. "Family comes from years of bonding and acceptance." He nodded toward the direction of Henley's room. "Clearly, I'm not one of them.""Bullsh*t," Ari replied. "You're a part of me now, and that makes you a part of them, too. If they want me, then they have to accept you."Grayson shook his head, and then kissed her forehead. "I don't want to come between you and your family." The elevator doors opened, and he stepped inside and faced her. "I'll give you a divorce as soon as we get back to Estrea."Ari jumped into the elevator before the doors closed. "What if I don't want a divorce?"Grayson sighed. "Ari, don't—
Despite everything that had happened, Ari and Grayson had a wonderful evening alone together that night. Ari remembered thinking that if it could be just her and Grayson, and the rest of the world would just fade away, then maybe her and Grayson would have a chance. When it was just them, everything was perfect. But it seemed that the outside world was determined to tear them apart.But Ari was determined not to let that happen.After all, she was Grayson's wife, for better or for worse. There was no choosing the parts you cared about. You either accepted the whole person for who they are, or not at all.Ring! Ring! Ring!Feeling disoriented, Ari woke in the middle of the night to the sound of her phone ringing on the nightstand. When she realized what it was, her heat sank. No good news came from a phone call in the middle of the night."Hello?""Ari?" her mother said, with a catch in her voice as if she had been crying."Mom, what's wrong?" She sat up, immediately wide awake.There w
Grayson was proud of his father's efforts to unite Estrea once again. It was clear that the old ways were no longer working. It was time for a fresh start. And King Maxwell of Estrea was determined to do just that.The election was held the next month, as King Maxwell promised, and the Royal Council was selected. But through it all, the feeling in Estrea had been one of new hope. In the news, King Maxwell was praised for his bold initiative to bring the realm into the Twenty-First Century.A few weeks later, the first meeting of the Royal Council was held on April 1. The board voted to continue holding the meetings twice a month, on the first and third Mondays, to keep the council abreast of the happenings of Estrea. The king then promised to make the proceedings and decisions made by the council known to the public in the interest of full disclosure. There was also a procedure set in place for grievances, ensuring that everyone's concerns would be heard. "So, what about the name Maso
The next day, Grayson was working in his office at the castle when Xavier walked in. Without a word, he crossed the room to the television and flipped it on. Then he stood back and folded his arms across his chest."And in the news today," Ella J. Scott said to the camera. "The body of Prince Marcus Pierce was found in an old abandoned warehouse, along with the bodies of other men. One of the men has been identified as Piers Wingfield, former head of security for the Crown. King Maxwell Pierce and members of the Royal Family have made no comment as to the cause of death. In other news—"Xavier sighed, folding his arms across his chest. "I don't think you have to worry about paying Piers now.""Let's speak with Father," Grayson said, already headed toward the door.Xavier followed. "What should we tell him?"Grayson sighed, turning around to face him with his hand on their father's door. "The truth."Xavier looked at him for a moment, and then nodded his agreement.Grayson knocked on th
A week later when Ari was feeling better, she finally had that meeting with the hospital administrator about Henley's House. This time, Henley, her mother, and Vickie attended. Grayson had wanted to go, too, but Ari had to persuade him to let her go without him. After all, she couldn't live in fear for the rest of her life."This is a wonderful idea. I appreciate you bringing it to us," said the hospital administrator, Dr. Sienna Gallagher. "We look forward to hearing more about it. And please be sure to tell His Majesty King Maxwell Pierce and His Highness Grayson Pierce how much we appreciate it. Cancer patients, and their families, will be very appreciative."After speaking with Dr. Gallagher, and at Henley's insistence, Ari had decided to expand Henley's House to include all cancer patients treated at Estrea Medical Hospital, not just leukemia patients.Ari held out her hand. "The pleasure is ours. Thank you for offering us the land on which to build. I'll speak with my husband and
Ari had fallen asleep on the way home, despite her best efforts to stay awake. But the lack of sleep and the continuous motion of Grayson stroking her hair, made sleep inevitable. But now that she was with Grayson again, the world could fall apart, and she wouldn't care. Her stomach hurt a bit, waking her."Are you alright?" Grayson asked, his voice filled with concern.Ari nodded. "My stomach's hurting just a bit, but I'm fine. I just need to rest.""And eat," Xavier added, looking at her in the rearview mirror. Ari laughed. "Well, that's a given." She thought for a moment, wanting to word it correctly. "Xavier, Grayson, thank you both for coming to my rescue.""It's my pleasure, my lady," Xavier teased."You know I would move heaven and earth to get to you," Grayson replied, his voice low and husky.Xavier nodded. "And he is not exaggerating."Ari laughed. "Well, I truly appreciate it." Then she thought of something. "I had to do something that I'm not proud of." She bit her lower
Ari ran through the forest as quickly as she could, headed toward who knew where. She remembered that there was a road that lead back to the village, and she had to find it. She couldn't follow the beach; she'd ever get home.Home.A small word that held so much power. As she ran, all she could think of was Grayson and going home, their home together, at the castle. Then she fell, stumbling over a root protruding from the ground, but caught herself with her hands. But she got up and started running again. After a bit, she looked behind her to see if anyone was following... and ran straight into something. When she looked up... it was Piers."No!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, her knees buckling under her. But to her surprise, he caught her in his strong arms."Quiet!" Piers said, holding a finger to his lips."Hold it right there." When she looked up and saw Grayson holding a gun, her heart leapt with relief and joy."Grayson!"Piers quickly pulled her in front of him. "I want
Grayson rode with Xavier into the night toward the shore. Although the chances of finding her in the dead of night was slim and none, he knew he had to try. And from the moment Xavier had heard, he was along for the ride. Without question. "Thank you for this," Grayson said, looking over at him.One corner of his lips curled into a smile. "You don't have to thank me. You would do the same for me, if the tables were turned.""Without question."Xavier shrugged. "But then again, I'd do it for Ari, anyway."Grayson chuckled. "Of course, you would," he teased. "I'm glad that you two get along so well.""What can I say? She's a nice girl...." Then he grinned. "and I'm a nice guy."Grayson laughed. "Yes, you are... but I didn't say that.""Of course not." Xavier looked over at him and smiled. "So, have you seen anything suspicious?"Grayson shook his head. "No. Nothing that could be used as a fortress or a hideout.""The shore is farther away than I thought." Xavier sighed."Which is why I
Ari looked around the warehouse, taking everything in. Maybe she would find a clue as to where she was. She kept hearing the crashing of waves, as if she were near the ocean, which meant that she was a few hours away from the castle. Either way, it would be a long walk back.One thing was certain: she couldn't just run back down the road to the castle, even if she did manage to escape. But then again, if she could just get out, then she could easily find her way back to the castle. Surely, someone would know the way and could give her a ride. Although she had no idea what time it was or how much time had lapsed, she knew she had much less than twenty-four hours now and, although there were no windows, she knew it had to be dark—or close to it—making it the perfect time to escape. But she was also getting hungry and she knew she had to eat soon. Also, when she came out of the restroom earlier, Piers had put another zip tie around her wrists again. So, she had to escape when the Zip tie
Grayson called Xavier, knowing he couldn't just sit there and wait. At that moment, he would give anything to have Ari back."Yeah," Xavier answered on the first ring. "Find anything?" Grayson asked, pacing the floor in his office. "Yeah, I think you'd better get down here." From the sound of it, Xavier was pacing, too.Grayson sighed, fearing the worst. "I'll be right there." He clicked off and was ready to walk out when the door slowly opened. "Where's Ari?" Celeste asked, slowly walking in, obviously having overheard something. "Do you know where she is?"Grayson sighed, biting his lower lip. "Please, sit down." He knew he had to go, but her mother deserved to know the truth before he left.Celeste said nothing but slowly walked into the room and folded her arms across her chest. "Where is she?"Grayson looked directly into her eyes, pain ripping through his whole body, as if someone had physically shoved their hand into his chest and ripped his heart out."Ari's been kidnapped."
Ari looked around the warehouse and all eyes were on her. Marcus gritted his teeth as he walked purposefully toward her and slapped her across the face. "How dare you say that about me?" He raised his hand again, but Piers caught it.Piers shook his head. "You gave your word that she will not be harmed for twenty-four hours."Marcus glared at him for a moment, and then ripped his hand out of his grasp. Then he turned his attention to Ari. "Kill me, will you?"Ari raised her head and glared at him, staring daggers into his eyes looking through her hair covering one eye. "Mark my words. You will never get away with this. You should have taken the deal that King Maxwell offered you. It's as good as you're going to get." She shrugged. "It's more than I would have given you.""Why you—" Marcus made a move toward her again, but Piers stood in his way and shook his head in warning."Not while I'm here," Piers replied. Quicker than Ari would have thought possible, Marcus whipped out a gun an