They're Here

( Lucy's pov)

As I wake to greet our new Russian visitors, most of France wakes for a long day of work. Possible bombings and attacks coming from Great Britain , and possibly the Cleet. The Cleet are the rebels, they don't like us, the royals. We also have the guests from America, Alex Warren, The Prince of America, The Flirt. Good alliance, not so good man. And I could live without both. But, I do hear that the Prince of Russia, Clayton Mann, is quite the bees knees. Supposedly every princess in Europe wants him. Not only because he is one of the heirs to the biggest empire in the world, but because he is quite handsome. I personally hope he is at least nice.

" Lucy, they're here!" yells my mother. You'd think she would send a maid to get me, but too much time would be at waste, in her opinion.

" I'm coming!" I'm forced to yell back, even as she keeps yelling my name. I take one last look at myself in the mirror. My corseted deep blue dress, diamond earrings, and my long blonde hair, pulled into a tight, beautiful bun on my head.

I walk down the corridor with a quick step. My mother and my brother have already lined up, and I quickly squeeze into my place as the enormous front gates open.

My brother leans over to give me a wry grin.

"You gonna try and steal Clayton for yourself?" he says

A smirk plays on the edges of my lips, " Yeah right," I say, " as if I would ever want someone that is already wanted by everyone else in Europe." we both laugh quietly.

As the broad daylight shines in through the now open gates, I can see a lovely family of three, fashionably dressed, in... Is that... French attire? How could they have done that I wonder?

They climb the steep steps, and line up in a similar row in front of us.

"Nice to meet you Cole" says the older man, introducing himself to my brother

The female greets my mother with, " Isabella, nice to finally meet you," Isabella being my mothers name. And I can't catch the others names, because a, uh, very, very, attractive man comes up to me and introduces himself to me with,

" Miss. Nice to meet you," he gives my hand the most careful kiss. Barely touching, but enough to confuse me. I don't know how to feel, his light brown hair uncovers his bright blue eyes to meet my green. " You must be Lucy Sherrin."

I gather myself enough to say, " That means you must be Clayton Mann" I hope my face shows that I'm seemingly unfazed by his little show, things like that are irresponsible and reckless.

As we lead them down the halls, past the gardens and the dining areas, Cole leans close and asks, "Have you made any moves yet on pretty boy?"

I sigh, and elbow him in the arm. " No. And if I did,I wouldn't tell you." I reply. Even if he is taller, he was also born second. It's my job the lead the nation, and yet he has the bigger shoulders. Quite unfair if you ask me.

Finally we reach the rooms. Cole walks off to talk to some of the maids, probably about getting some room snacks and personal maids for the three. This leaves mom to take the King and Queen to their room thus leaving me and Clayton alone. Oh gosh. Nope. Never been alone with a guy. It will be fine, just show him his room, then leave.

I muster up the courage to say," I'll be showing you to your room"

" Call me Clayton, if you will. Unless it's too informal for you. I hear about how strict France is on formality." he replies, giving a little chuckle.

"Sure. But only of you call me Lucy. There will always be equal status in a room of officials." I say jokingly, and he laughs along.

I finally get him to his room, and as I start to leave after talking to his maids, of course they're new on the job, he catches me off guard completely. He just... Grabs my hand and brings me back slowly. So gentle, yet startling, I am completely confused as to why he would do this. Does he think I'm into him? Ew, never. I don't even plan on getting married. Much less dating a guy that is so popular among Europe.

" Sorry, I can't remember if you ever told me there was a garden." his voice so soft, like the rugs in the sitting room. Quite a weird comparison, but it's all I could think of.

" Yes, they are over by the Front Staircase." I reply, forcing a blank expression on my face.

" Thank you." he says, in a sort of sad tone. I would ask why he sounded so sad, but I need to leave and figure things out. Why does he make me feel this way? Unsettled because I don't know him, yet safe. I can't think to try to explain what is happening. I have to get out. I have lessons to attend to.