The plane lands in St. Albans, and I bounce in my seat, anxious to get off the plane. That was a long ass flight.

I don’t have much in the way of luggage since I took the first flight I could find out of New York, so I bypass baggage claim and go straight to the taxi stand. So far everything in the airport is just like in America. They even speak English here, even though they have the same stilted accents that Derek has.

A combination of nerves and excitement flutters in my stomach as I climb into the cab and give the driver the name of my hotel. I can’t believe I’m doing this. It’s so crazy and impulsive. What if he doesn’t want to see me?

I look down in horror and realize I’m biting my fingernail. I can’t have ragged nails when I find him. How embarrassing. I may need to get a manicure before I begin my search.

Folding my hands in my lap, I look out the window, wanting to take in all of Derek’s homeland. Surprisingly, everything looks just like New York, but better. It’s super modern with tall, sleek buildings, lots of glitzy stores and restaurants, and I even see a few strip clubs.

At least I know I can find a job here if things don’t work out with Derek, though I immediately push that thought away. That just can’t be possible. I have to focus on that night we had together and remember that connection we had. After all, he came back to the club to ask about me. He was trying to find me, desperately, according to Misti.

I smile, thinking about how romantic that is. He came back for me when he realized something wasn’t right. That means there’s definitely something there between us.

The cab goes over a tall bridge, crossing a river that sparkles and shines in the sunlight, looking picture perfect. Then we’re winding through the busy streets, passing official government buildings and huge skyscrapers. Off in the distance on a little island, I see the palace.

Wow. It’s breathtaking. I’m shocked all over again that Derek is actually a prince. He lives there. It’s too crazy. I wonder what it looks like inside.

The cab driver weaves in and out of traffic at a terrifying clip, jerking me around in the backseat. Finally pulling up to my hotel, he waits for me to pay the fare, then takes off as soon as I’m out of the door. I shake my head. It’s amazing how, except for the palace, this place is almost just like Manhattan.

Making my way inside the sliding glass doors of the hotel, the ornate lobby takes my breath away, the glittering chandeliers and marble floors making me smile. At least I’ll be in luxury.

At the check-in desk, I ask for a room with a balcony overlooking the city and ask questions about St. Albans while I wait for the woman to finish checking me in.

“First time here?” she asks.

“Yes. What are some of the places I just have to see?”

Her fingers click away furiously at the keyboard. “The palace, definitely. I’d also recommend taking a ferry down the river. The view of St. Albans is great from the water.”

“What about the royal family?” I ask, trying to sound casual. “Are they around?”

She looks at me strangely. “Well, they live in the palace, naturally. They make public appearances occasionally. Why? Are you interested in the prince?” Her eyes narrow suspiciously, like it’s her job to protect Derek from crazy stalkers.

I want to roll my eyes and tell her I’m not just interested in the prince, I’m his fucking soul mate, and his cock was buried so deep in my pussy last weekend that I simply know it’s true, but I keep that to myself. Something tells me it won’t go over well.

Instead, I say, “I’m just unfamiliar with royal customs. I don’t really know anything about St. Albans.”

She nods, handing me my key card. “Well, St. Albans is one of the oldest island nations in the world, and has been under the same monarchy for fifteen hundred years. All the same bloodline.” She says this very proudly. “We are independent, but one of the richest countries in the world, thanks to our wonderful king.”

I make a humming noise. “You said something about a prince, though.”

“Yes. The Crown Prince Derek is next in line for the throne. If he’ll ever settle down and marry.” She smiles and blinks. “You’re in room eighteen-eighty-four. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

I shake my head and turn away, heading for the elevators, thinking about what she just said the entire way up to my room. So, Derek has to get married before he can take the throne. It’s hard to reconcile the man I was with at the club with my idea of a ruler of this little nation.

A laugh bubbles up. But I can definitely see why he hasn’t settled down and married yet. The man just screams wild and untamed party boy. Naughty and bad and oh-so-dirty. I feel a shiver race through my body remembering just how naughty and dirty Derek is.

Inserting my key card in the door, I go in and look around the opulent room. So maybe I went a bit overboard, but a girl’s entitled to a little luxury, right? I cross to the double doors leading to the balcony and go outside, leaning on the railing and looking out over the kingdom of St. Albans.

Derek is out there somewhere. My soul mate. I just know he is.

Is he thinking of me? Is he sad? Does he miss me as much as I miss him?

The sun is starting to set, and the sky is alight with a rainbow of colors. A perfect backdrop for finding true love. Turning to go back in, I start formulating my game plan.

It’s time to go find my prince.