The Royal Love Triangle

9: The Tiara

Callie's POV

The last few hours have been absolutely insane. Last week I was just your average girl, trying to make it in the world and trying to get the attention of the girl that I’ve been madly in love with. Now, my family’s private jet was just about to land at the New Biblica airport where I would be starting my new life as a princess.

Tonight, I get to meet King Franklin, Queen Melissa, my mother and father, and my little brother Prince Marcus. In the morning, I’ll be with Clara, my personal assistant, to get fitted for a dress and get some basic ‘princess lessons.’ Tomorrow afternoon, the king and queen will formally introduce me to the country of New Biblica as their princess. After a press conference, I’ll be whisked away to meet Prince Gabriel Saint-Clair and his family. That evening, I’ll be attending a celebration ball for my return. This just feels insane.

Once the plane had landed, a tall, grey haired, older gentleman dressed in a suit walked into the plane. Without even looking at us, he swept himself down into a bow. “Hello ladies, I’m Chandler Morris, the Bohon’s royal assistant. I’ll be escorting you to the castle. You must be Tessa. It’s a pleasure, my lady. Of course, that means you are Princess Callie. I am completely honored, your highness. Everyone has been eagerly waiting your arrival.” He looked up at us, almost in shock. Tessa and I were in our sweat pants, boots and hoodies. What was wrong with that? Right… I’m a princess now. “Well, first, I suppose we should get you ladies dressed properly to meet the king and queen. Not to fret, we’ll get that taken care of. I’ve instructed Clara to find you something suited for both of you. If you ladies don’t mind following me, we have a very busy day ahead of us.” With that he exited the plane. Tessa and I shared a glance before we both erupted into a mess of giggles. “LADIES, PLEASE!” We both jumped and scurried off the plane.

Tessa and I were ushered into a black limo. We both sat down inside, neither one of us knew what to say. Chandler followed us into the back of the limo and instructed the driver to take us to the castle. Chandler dialed someone on his phone and told them that we have been picked up, to inform the king and queen. He also told them to make sure Clara was waiting for us as we needed to get changed and ready before we met them. He hung up his phone. Tess and I exchanged glances.

“Now ladies, if you look ahead on the right, you’ll see our lovely country of New Biblica. Up on the hill, you can see the castle. We should be arriving in about 5 minutes.”

Tessa and I had our noses glued to the window. It was beautiful! There was a light layer of snow covering the ground. The sky was grey, but you could see the sun tying to peek through. There were little white flakes of snow falling from the sky. I looked all around. There were houses, with big yards and there were a few people standing outside their houses. People were waving as we passed.

“Once we get to the castle ladies, Clara will take you up to your closet and get you both properly dressed. From there, you both will meet the king and queen. Dinner will be served shortly after.” Chandler focused his gaze straight ahead.

Once we had pulled up to the castle, there was a young woman, maybe about 26, standing outside the castle doors. She had her long blonde hair pulled back into a tight bun, deep brown eyes and she was dressed in a red business suit. We were ushered up the stairs where she came running up to us.

“Wow. This is really happening.” She turned to Tessa and did a small curtsey. “You must be Miss Tessa. It’s so great to finally meet you.” She flashed Tessa her pearly white teeth and turned towards me. “Your highness.” She dipped into a deeper curtsey. “My name is Clara Price. I’ll be your personal assistant. If you need absolutely anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me. Your wish is my command. I can’t tell you how long everyone has been waiting to meet you, your highness.” She stood up and flashed another award-winning smile. She looked over at Chandler, who just nodded to her and she nodded back. “Now ladies, please follow me so we can get you dressed and ready for dinner.” She turned and walked into the castle. I stood frozen, I can’t believe that this is really happening.

“Your highness, Tessa, I was informed that both of you love the color purple. I was also given your sizes and told you were in need of proper clothes. Please forgive me, but I already did a little shopping. If there is anything you don’t like, let me know and you will never have to see it again. I did, however, already pick out your outfits for tonight.”

Clara smiled at both of us and lead us into what was basically a walk-in closet. Dresses, pant suits, tops, skirts, shoes, accessories and jewelry all filled the room. Over on the left side of the room were two dresses hanging up. Clara lead us over to them. “Tessa, for you I picked out a lovely royal blue evening dress with black heels. I informed the owner of the boutique what the occasion was, and she made this herself just for you. I hope you like it!” I looked over at Tessa, her mouth and eyes were wide open, and she walked slowly up to the dress. “Your highness, for you I picked out a turquoise evening gown, with silver flats, per your request. Also, I was instructed by Queen Melissa to give you this.” She handed me a gift box. It was wrapped in silver paper with a note reading, ‘love Mom.’ She smiled at us. “Now ladies, I’ll leave you both to get dressed. I’ll be back in 10 minutes so we can get your hair done. I’ll see you both shortly.”

She curtsied and left the room shutting the door behind her. Tessa walked over to me as I held the gift box in my hand. We looked at each other, both feeling a little overwhelmed. She pulled me into a big hug. I needed it more than anything.

“Cal, are you okay?” I smiled and nodded as she held my shoulders at arm’s length. I tried to avoid her gaze. “Why don’t you open it? I know you aren’t thrilled she’s already calling herself your mom, but I’m sure she means well, Cals.” Tessa smiled at me again.

I took in a deep breath and opened the box. Inside there was a tiara. It was absolutely beautiful. It was small, silver to match my jewelry and it wasn’t overly flashy. It was absolutely perfect. Tessa’s eyes locked onto me, watching my every move. Under the tiara was an envelope with my name on it. I set the tiara and inside the gift box and put it next to me. I opened the letter and it read:

“My dearest Callie,

I know that you said you were not ready to call us Mom and Dad, but please know that we love you with everything we are. Before you were even born, and we found out you were a girl, your grandfather and I picked out a tiara just like this one. He passed away about 2 years ago. He loved you without even knowing you, sweet Callie. The day you went missing was the day you two were set to meet. As a special gift and ode to your grandfather, I had that exact tiara made to fit you properly. Please know that we never stopped looking for you. We love you so much and we can’t tell you how happy we are to have you back home with us.”

I could feel the tears well up in my eyes. They really did love me. I had to give this everything I have. I can’t let them down. I wiped my eyes and stood up. I picked up the gift box that held my tiara, closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. I could feel Tessie’s eyes on me, and I flashed her a smile. I handed the note to Tessa so she could read it.

“Come on Tessie. Let’s go get dressed. I have to go meet my parents.” With that, the two of us grabbed our dresses and changed.

There was a quiet knock on the door then Clara entered. “Wow, your highness, Tessa, you both look absolutely stunning.” Clara glanced down at the tiara in my hand and smiled. “Let me help you with that your highness. The queen will be so thrilled you’re wearing this. It means so much to both her and your late grandfather.” She flashed me a smile and fixed the tiara perfectly on my head.

I took in a deep breath and turned around to look myself over in the mirror. I gasped as I took in the sight of myself. Everything still felt so surreal. The turquois dress fit me perfectly. It was an evening gown, so none of it was tight fitting. It hung the whole way to the floor. My eyes made their way to my face. My black hair was left down, and the tiara was made for me, you could tell. I took in another deep breath. I was ready.