Exclusive: A Royal Menage

CHAPTER ONE

Freya

I stared out of the window as the train headed towards Venice, sighing heavily. I knew that I was doing the right thing by going there. My mom lost her store in Paris and needed money fast. I searched for local jobs, but the best opportunity was at this gorgeous castle that overlooked the water. I had a skill with sewing and they were looking for a seamstress. The pay was incredible and if I sent it back to Mama, she could get back on her feet quickly. I could return home and start over again.

I pushed my red hair back, tucking it behind my ear. This was my second trip here, and I considered the elegant castle as I dropped my head back against the seat. I went for the interview and the interrogation with the head chef and then the queen went smoothly. I was nervous around both particularly since the queen was a stiff, formal woman. I acknowledged that her husband was ill, and she needed the help, so I accepted the job. The castle was expansive, and the stone structure has a large staff. I was going to be one of many and I hoped that I’d get along with them.

Things had been hard with Dad dying in a car accident last year. We tried to hold it together but once the boutique was gone, Mom had no income any longer. She was moving in with her best friend until I could move back, and we could start fresh. I looked to the bag beside me that held my most precious belongings and wiped a tear away as I dropped my head. I already missed Mama and leaving home at nineteen hadn’t been a part of my plans. I got off at the train station and searched for a cab to take me the rest of the way to the castle. Once I was secured in the back seat, I took in the scenery. It was pretty with the charming old buildings and rolling hills of green. I hoped to have time to do a little exploring if I wasn’t working too hard and I looked ahead to the massive castle, narrowing my eyes in thought. It was up on a hill and gated all around with tight security. This family was powerful and popular if not a bit intimidating. I’d heard some salacious rumors about the sons, but gossip was rampant among people. I tried not to believe any of it and Mama sat with me after the interview, telling me that she thought this would be a great experience. She assured me not to worry about the rumors and to focus on my work.

I took those words with me once I’d hugged her goodbye and boarded the train. I knew that I needed to do this. I watched as the can approached the gate, rolling the window down to give my name at the gate at the entrance. The iron blockage swung wide, and I sat up as we drove up the round driveway to the entrance of the castle. The head chef was waiting for me and I waved before I paid the driver with the last cash that I had. Slipping out of the car, I rolled my small case towards her with a forced smile.

“Good afternoon,” I greeted her as Helen looked me over. I was wearing a conservative blue dress today, well-aware that there was going to be a uniform for my days here. I wanted to be comfortable and professional and this dress seemed perfect.

“Hello, Freya. I hope you had a pleasant trip back here.” Her gray eyes softened as she looked at me and I nodded. Helen was strict in the kitchen, but I sensed that she was compassionate underneath it all. There was a warmth in the service area between everyone that made me relieved that I’d gotten the job.

“I did. It was beautiful,” I replied as she nodded.

“I am going to show you where you’ll be staying. It’s a large studio type space that is across from the room you’ll be working in. Everything in there is top of the line and should make the job enjoyable for you. The queen loves custom made clothing as much as she likes to shop, so you’ll have your hands full.” Helen sighed as the sound of a car grew louder and we both watched as a red sports car pulled up and into the huge garage. There was music blaring from the windows and I thought I saw two guys driving it. I wondered if they were the brothers and turned to ask Helen before I heard voices.

“Hello, Helen. How are you?” I stared at the first one. He looked to be the older one, and he was tall with stormy blue eyes and tousled dark brown hair. He kissed her cheek as she sighed and gave me a long look. “Hello. Who are you?”

“Braden, behave yourself. This is the new seamstress and you are to behave yourself around her. Freya, this is Braden Morrow.” I stared at him, taken aback by his stunning eyes and charming smile. I offered my hand to him and he took it gently, bending to kiss it as he stared into my eyes. “This is his younger brother. Callin, this is Freya. She is going to be the new seamstress here.” I looked at the other brother, seeing emerald green eyes and a darker blonde hair that was cropped close to his head.

Both of these men were gorgeous and just a few years older than I was. I started to understand the rumors. Braden let go of my hand and Callin was happy to grab it, pressing it between both if his large palms as he searched my face.

Helen cleared her throat as he kept holding on.

“Callin. I already told your brother to behave, and the same goes for you.” Her voice was firm, and he smiled crookedly at her.

“We’ll see you later. Is she in the west wing, Helen?” Braden asked as she rolled her eyes.

“Never you mind.” They hurried by into the castle and I was certain that they took my breath with them. I stared after them and she shook her head and looked at me. “Those boys have my heart, but they are trouble. They’ll flirt with you to no end, but I know that they’re harmless. You’re the youngest girl we’ve had here for some time.”

I blushed and followed her inside, taking my suitcase with me. We turned, and she led me down a long hallway and up two flights of stairs before opening a door to the right. Helen led the way inside and I took a long look around the large room. There was a small kitchen, a large bed against the wall and a lot of windows. I smiled and walked over to take in the view.

“This is gorgeous,” I noted as Helen joined me.

“It is. You’ll work hard here but you can relax in the evening looking at this. The mornings can be nice too assuming you’re not up before the sun.” I looked at her and she smiled ruefully. “The queen loves clothes. Let me take you across the hall and you can see how much.”

We walked across the large space and into another room. I looked around as my mouth dropped open in shock. It wasn’t that the room was huge because it wasn’t even as large as mine here in the castle. It offered many kinds of materials and what looked like storage. The sewing machine was the kind that I’d only dreamed of working on and I walked over in awe. Touching it, my mind raced with ideas. I sighed, knowing that it was my job and not a hobby. I smiled and looked around, knowing that I was in my element.

“This is great,” I remarked as I looked at the material. There were a few gowns hung on a rack, and I frowned as Helen cleared her throat.

“You’ll create as much as you repair. She loved clothes and keeps them as long as possible.” Helen told me as I looked at her.

“Is she nice?” My voice was a whisper as if we’d be heard.

“She’s tough, but she is handling things well. She’s keeping the town in check while dealing with poor Phillip. He has pneumonia, and it isn’t looking good.” Helen looked sad for a moment. “Such a kind man. At least, until the end. He’s been sick off and on for months now. The winters here are cold and long.” Helen shook her head and smiled at me. “I think you’ll fit in just fine here, Freya.”

“What is the schedule like?” I asked, and she tucked a strand of hair into her tight, gray bun.

“I start before six in the morning. I prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the queen as well as cooking separately for the king. He doesn’t eat much but I want him to keep his strength as best he can.” She was a compassionate woman, and the thought made me smile. I was naïve and only knew my life with Mama. I never dated or had any real friends because I was busy helping her at the boutique. I’d never even kissed a boy. I blushed, and Helen frowned at me.

“Are you okay?” She asked as I quickly nodded.

“I was just thinking. I want to do the best I can from the start.” I offered, and she nodded.

“You’ll be fine if you just focus on your work day. The last seamstress didn’t, and that’s why you’re here.” Her shoulders lifted, and she glanced around the room. “Do you have any questions about this room?”

“No. I think I’ll learn it as I go.” She nodded, and we walked across the hall. Helen told me to get settled in and then come down to the kitchen. I could help prepare dinner and then meet with the queen to go over my duties. I smiled and returned to my new home, unpacking the few clothes that I’d brought and placing the picture of my family by the bed. It was already furnished and ready to live in though it was simple. It wasn’t like the rest of the grandiose castle.

When I was done, I looked outside again and took a slow breath in before releasing it. I missed Mama so much, but I was doing this for her. I was doing this so we could be together again in our tiny cottage in Paris. I nodded and walked out of the room, closing the door before I found the stairs to go down to the kitchen.