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However, the truth lingered in my gut, a silent whisper reminding me I was digging myself deeper into a hole that I might not climb out of.
Chapter Fifteen
GRACE
After checking in to the Atomic Adventures Hotel and leaving our overnight bags in our rooms, the private shuttle took us to the amusement park located on the same property. During the short drive, I contemplated the bewildering unpredictability that had woven itself into the fabric of my existence.
Arriving in Verdana with aspirations to rejuvenate my career, I now found myself marked as public enemy number one by none other than the queen. Adding to the intricacies of my situation was the uncharted territory of harboring romantic feelings for her son, emotions that surpassed the bounds of possibility.
There was no doubt the queen wanted me out of her perfectly coiffed royal hair, and frankly, I could use a break from her as well. I gave myself permission to enjoy some time away from all things wedding-related, although a dark, not-so-proud part of me just wanted to sabotage the darn thing and ask Oliver to run away with me. A ridiculous fantasy, I know, but it was hard to not wonder what might have been if he weren’t in an arranged marriage, or didn’t belong to royalty.
As the driver passed through a private entrance into the back of the amusement park, my attention shifted to the imposing bodyguard with the serious face seated at the front of the shuttle. He was dressed in black from head to toe, with matching sunglasses to boot.
“Has that guy ever cracked a smile?” I whispered to Oliver, who was sitting next to me in the same incognito outfit he wore in Los Angeles, a blue Santa Monica T-shirt, an “I Love LA” baseball cap, and dark sunglasses.
Oliver smirked. “Mr. Stoic? He only smiles after he’s taken down a man.”
“Excuse me?” I exclaimed, turning my head toward the mysterious security guard. “Are you serious?”
Oliver burst into laughter, and I realized he was merely joking.
“No,” he reassured me, flashing a playful grin. “Or at least, as far as I know.”
Disembarking the private shuttle, we were promptly welcomed by an Atomic Adventures employee dressed in a light-blue polo shirt, khaki pants, and brown shoes, proudly sporting the amusement park logo on her chest. Standing alongside her were two men in dark suits, their expressions mirroring that of Mr. Stoic, who was now standing off to the side monitoring the area.
“Welcome to Atomic Adventures, Your Highness,” the employee said with a respectful nod. “It’s a genuine honor to have you and your guests here with us today.”
“Thank you,” responded Oliver. “We’ve been looking forward to it.”
“That is wonderful,” she said. “My name is Janice, and I’ll be your contact at the park throughout your visit. Should you require anything, and I mean anything, call my direct and personal number, conveniently provided on my card. In addition, you can use these VIP cards, granting you and your guests unlimited complimentary meals and drinks at any park location. These cards also entitle you to skip the lines at all our attractions.”
“Thank you,” we chorused appreciatively as we accepted the VIP cards from her.
Janice unlocked the side gate with a metallic click, swinging it open to welcome us with a broad smile. “Enjoy your day at Atomic Adventures!”
We thanked her and strolled through the gate into the amusement park. Colors popped everywhere, from the rides to the food stands. The air was thick with the wonderful scents of buttered popcorn, funnel cakes, grilled hamburgers, and cheesy pizza. Laughter, screams, and upbeat music filled the air. The weather was perfect, warm, but not sweltering.
“Ready for some fun?” Oliver asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Aunt Honey drawled, her eyes scanning the map she held in her hands. “What’s first?”
Enzo didn’t hesitate with an answer. “A rollercoaster! That one.” He pointed to the towering, twisting metal behemoth in front of us that seemed to reach the sky.
“Sounds like a plan,” I agreed.
Oliver glanced up and grimaced. “Have fun—I’ll wait right here for you.”
“Nice try,” I said, laughing and tugging his arm toward the entrance.
Oliver and I sat next to each other at the very back of the rollercoaster, while Mr. Stoic sat in the seat in front of us, monitoring the surroundings. Luckily, the vast majority of park attendees were tourists from other countries, so there was less likelihood of him being spotted.
“I guess this would be a good time to say I’ve never been on a roller coaster before,” Oliver admitted, surprising me.
“Never?” I asked incredulously as the security bar lowered across both our laps. “In your entire life?”
“Never,” he confirmed.
“This should be fun to watch,” I teased, earning a playful glare from him.
