Washed Up Royal Read online

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  From New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr comes a dashing new, sexy standalone royal romance.

  A simple notification turns my world upside down…

  The tabloids are reporting,

  I’ve taken the crown and run. (Not entirely true)

  As you might have guessed,

  I’m not an ordinary girl and I don’t lead an ordinary life,

  But that doesn’t mean I always follow the rules.

  This time, though, I feel compelled to obey.

  Which means I have to find a king,

  To sit alongside my throne,

  Or lose it all.

  With only the clothes on my back,

  I head to the land of majestic playboys,

  Where a royal rebel strides right into my life.

  With his sultry eyes and sinful lips,

  He turns my world right-side up.

  The press is calling him washed up. (I think he’s anything but)

  Gorgeous, sexy, irresistible,

  And utterly charming,

  He’s exactly what I’m looking for.

  Everything is almost too perfect,

  Too easy.

  Until I discover,

  This hot-blooded royal has a reason for being here.

  And it’s more than just me.

  That thing I said about easy,

  Turns out…

  Nothing ever is.

  My royal rebel has a name,

  It’s Prince Adrien Laurent.

  My name is Princess Victoria Blanchette.

  And this is our story.

  Copyright © 2019 by Kim Karr

  All Rights Reserved.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. Resemblance to actual persons, things, living or dead, locales or events is entirely coincidental.

  All characters are 18 + years of age and all sexual acts are consensual. Reader discretion advised.

  www.authorkimkarr.com

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  BOOK CREDITS

  Cover designer: By Hang Le

  Cover model: Christian Perez Lorente

  Photographer: Rafa Catalá Photography

  Editing: Insight Editing Services

  Formatting: Champagne Book Design

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  TITLE PAGE

  COPYRIGHT

  EPIGRAPH

  PROLOGUE: ISN’T THERE a P.S.?

  1: THE THRONE IS VACANT

  2: HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

  3: MAN OVERBOARD

  4: NOT HIS HEAD

  5: A ONE-NIGHT WHAT?

  6: MY ROOM OR IS IT HER ROOM?

  7: THE F WORD

  8: IT'S EASIER THIS WAY

  9: A ROYAL FLUSH

  10: NO GLASS SLIPPERS

  11: OVER THE BRIDGE

  12: SPOTTED

  13: BEHIND DOOR #1

  14: MISTAKEN IDENTITY

  15: YACHTY LA-DI-DA

  16: A MEETING OF THE MINDS

  17: HE DOESN’T KICK A BALL

  18: BAD BLOOD

  19: OH, WE’RE RICH

  20: UNFOLD YOURSELF

  21: PRINCESSES DO KNEEL

  22: TWEET-TWEET

  23: RED

  24: DID ANYONE SAY DIVOTS

  25: POOR THING

  26: ANCHORS AWEIGH

  27: COUPS

  28: DID SOMEONE SAY PUNCH?

  29: WHO NEEDS A LICENSE?

  30: COHORTING

  31: WHAM-BAM!

  32:THAT DAMN 4-LETTER WORD

  33: WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER?

  34: RESTRAINT IS KEY

  35: TROUBLE

  36: HISTORY LESSONS

  37: PRICELESS

  38: SILENCE IS GOLDEN

  39: BLONDES HAVE FUN, TOO

  40: FOUND BUT NEVER LOST

  41: THE TIME HAS COME

  42: A ROYAL FLUSH

  43: VICTOR-IEN EMERGES

  44: OFF THE MARKET

  45: RED OR BLACK?

  46: NO DICE HERE

  47: RIP

  48: ODE TO JOY

  49: BEST OF WISHES

  50: SYMBOLS

  EPILOGUE: P.S.

  A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

  YOUR WHO’S WHO GUIDE

  SNEAK PEEK OF WOULD BE KING

  PREVIEW: REWINED

  ALSO BY KIM KARR

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

  “You have no idea how hard it is to live out a great romance.”

  ~Wallis Simpson

  ISN’T THERE a P.S.?

  The letter states my intentions clearly.

  Dear Parliament:

  I am writing to inform you I have broken my engagement with Prince Maximus of Casanovia and upon your return, I will be ascending to the throne without a man by my side.

  Sincerely,

  Princess Victoria

  Crickets.

  I get crickets.

  My addressees have adjourned for the summer, but still, most certainly they check their email. When I finally see a response, I sigh. I had carbon copied my uncle, who also happens to be the Prime Minister, and he gladly replied. Too bad his response doesn’t leave room for any incorrect interpretation.

  Dear Princess Victoria,

  I’m sorry to have to inform you that the Alexandrian Royal Marriages Act mandates all princesses be wed to a suitable mate before they can be crowned Queen.

  Best of Luck,

  Sir Isaac Brantley

  Suitable is subjective but after doing some research I discover it means of royal bloodline.

  I am so screwed.

  THE THRONE IS VACANT

  The Alexandria Gossiper

  Breaking Royal Watch News

  Also found on royalgirl.net

  A ROYAL SCANDAL OF EPIC PROPORTION

  By Ophelia Heart

  Hey Royal Lovers!

  O here, and I’m back with some breaking news, and this is no rumor. I’m sorry to say the breakup of Princess Victoria of Alexandria and Prince Maximus of Casanovia is real, and I for one, couldn’t be sadder.

  The Vespa Isles will be much lonelier without having my favorite couple to report on.

  And to think, we have been led to believe the Princess of Alexandria and the Prince of Casanovia have been madly in love for years. That their romance is what fairytales are made of. White horses and carriages and a sprinkle of magic. And all of that.

  But was it all a lie?

  Sadly, I believe so.

  The road to their happily-ever-after has come to an abrupt end. Only weeks after King Stephen of Alexandria’s funeral, the royal wedding planned for next month has been officially canceled and the couple has announced they are calling it quits.

  No details have been given as to the reason for this breakup. A former Palace equerry states, “That in the wake of the King’s death, the Princess is not thinking clearly.”

  True?

  Maybe. Maybe not.

  Eager to escape from the Alexandria scene, the would-be-king was seen with his fellow royals causing a commotion at a local bar back in Casanovia. Whereas he seems to be celebrating being single, her Royal Highness has taken her jeweled crown and run.

  This massive royal scandal may change the line of succession for Alexandria forever. For the first time in the history of any monarchy, both the Kin
g’s and the Queen’s thrones are vacant and will remain that way for at least the next two months.

  The executive branch of Alexandria’s Parliament has adjourned for the summer, but we have been assured their first order of business upon convening on Sept 1st will be to fill these heads of state vacancies.

  Sir Isaac Brantley, Alexandria’s Prime Minister and also Princess Victoria’s maternal uncle, wants to assure the people he will make any decisions necessary to keep the country running smoothly until the Princess can assume her role as Queen, or until other actions can be taken.

  Also to note: King Rutherford of Eastwood has offered his services in any way needed.

  How very kind of him. Don’t you think?

  To be honest, I don’t think his assistance comes from the bottom of his heart. I mean, after King Stephen banned him from Alexandria following their heated argument last year over legalizing gambling in Alexandria, I would think he’d be the last one Alexandrians would seek assistance from.

  It appears we have three of the five Vespa Isles in the news this week. Eastwood, Casanovia, and Alexandria all have major events taking place. That leaves two of our precious Vespa Isles—Wimberly and Catalina keeping hush-hush. Hmmm…I wonder what they’re up to? Perhaps King Rutherford is paying them a visit as well? You didn’t hear that from me.

  Tweet me with your thoughts.

  HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

  When I walk through the automatic doors of the Air France Salon La Première Lounge at the Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris, I feel like a new woman.

  Two steps inside, though, I can see all the people in here either have newspapers held high in front of their faces or are staring at the apps open on their phones just waiting for an alert, and I’m that same old sad princess.

  The royal scandal of Alexandria seems to be everywhere, and no matter how much I want to escape it, I don’t think I’ll be able to. Everyone seems so wrapped up in it.

  Rachel Smart, my private secretary, is beside me. My father hired her after I finished University to help me with my charity work. She’s become so much more than my secretary, though. Although my father would never have approved had he known, she’s become my best friend and closest confidant. I rely on her for so much more than her duties. I lean on her for advice and guidance. She might be my age, but she’s so much worldlier than me.

  Up until the death of my father, she reported to his private secretary, who was the principal channel of communication between the monarch and the government. Now though, she reports directly to me. At least until the monarch itself is straightened out.

  A quick glance at her tells me she’s whipped her phone out as well and is reading royalgirl.net. “For heaven’s sake,” I tell her, “Please stop looking at that trash.”

  As we fall into step together, she lowers her phone and frowns. “The article says you’ve taken the crown and run. The crown isn’t even yours yet!”

  All I can do is shake my head. “Please make a mental note to explain the difference between tiaras and crowns to the media the next time we hold a conference.”

  Rachel heaves a sigh. “You mean if we ever hold another press conference.”

  Red leather chairs are scattered throughout the lounge, and I point to the closest empty ones in the corner. “Oh, we will. This is going to work,” I assure her as I take a seat.

  The doubt on her face is evident, but she refrains from making any more comments about my absurd plan. Not that she hasn’t had plenty to say on the matter, because she has. Nothing, though, is going to change my mind.

  Before she sits, she licks her finger and swipes at my forehead.

  “What are you doing?” I ask, staring at her dubiously.

  Biting her lip in worry, she tells me, “You have a little…you know…dye on your face.”

  Right, the dye job we did in the bathroom on the flight from Alexandria to Paris where my blonde locks were transformed into dark brown like magic.

  Who knew a box could do such wonders?

  “Is it noticeable? Should I go into the bathroom?” I whisper, suddenly wondering if my disguise conceals my identity as well as I thought it did.

  Cautiously, she looks around, and after tapping her screen, she hands me her phone, which she’s turned into a mirror. “No, I think I got it all, but perhaps you should double check?”

  In my reflection I see dark hair pulled back into a messy bun that doesn’t do a great job disguising the natural wave but definitely conceals my signature blonde color beautifully. Big blue eyes fringed with full lashes that didn’t need to be glued on look back at me and a mouth that glistens with a hint of sparkle smiles at it all. And there is no more wayward color, anywhere. Perfect. “All good,” I tell her, handing the phone back to her once she’s sat down.

  After looking around again, she leans in my direction. “I don’t think anyone recognizes you.”

  The deep breath I inhale is for the two of us. “This is going to work.”

  Her laptop is in her bag, and she’s pulling it out when she remarks, “So you’ve said. Now, do you want to look at the candidates I have lined up for you to interview?”

  “Are they all of royal bloodlines?” I ask.

  She nods.

  As Princess of Alexandria, I’ve never been out in the public as an unknown, and I find it rather thrilling, so I shake my head. Besides, it doesn’t really matter who I pick as long as they fit the bill. “Then, no, I trust your judgment. Go see your mother and you can show them to me on the plane.”

  “Are you sure?”

  A violent rainstorm sweeping through Paris has grounded us for an indefinite number of hours. Although Rachel lives in Alexandria now, her father is American and has residence in the state of New York, Brooklyn, I think, and her mother is French and has a home in Paris. “Yes, I’m positive. Now go. It’s been too long since you have visited your mummy and since we’re here, you should go. I’ll be fine by myself until you return.”

  Her reluctance couldn’t be more obvious. “Do you want me to help you get checked into your room first?”

  Rachel had quickly reserved a room for me at the attached hotel as soon as we landed and discovered the delay. However, I’m not going to lock myself away just yet. Still, her question is valid. The truth is I’ve never really done anything like this on my own, but it’s time I started.

  “No,” I tell her. “If I decide to use the room, I’m sure I can figure things out.”

  The frown she’s been wearing since we snuck out of the palace this morning turns into a devious smile. “You’re going to stay here, alone?”

  Slowly, I nod.

  “You aren’t seriously going to do what I suggested, are you?”

  I glance around at all the single men who I don’t know and who don’t know me. “Probably not, but I won’t rule it out. So maybe.”

  Giving me an impressed look, she shoves her laptop back in her bag faster than I’ve ever seen her turn away from technology of any sort. “Go for maybe. That’s a good start. However, whatever you do, be careful. And if you do anything naughty, please use protection.”

  I roll my eyes. “I’m not entirely illiterate in the ways of the world, Rachel.”

  “I know that.”

  “I’m not so sure,” I whisper.

  “Well,” she says, “Being unwed and having a baby bump is not something the people of Alexandria will take kindly to.”

  Now, my eyes pop with the knowledge I’d be banished for sure if that ever happened. “Hold your tongue.”

  With a nod of her head, she zips up her bag. “I’ll continue to monitor our flight status and keep you posted. Text me if you need anything. And I mean, anything.”

  Text, yes, that is one thing I can do, although my father was never a fan of my cell phone. Refusing to own one himself, he was of the old school ways where royals had someone who handled all that pesky correspondence, otherwise known as social media.

  Getting to her feet, she hoists her two bags
upon her shoulder and looks down at me. “For the record, you are going to rock the crown when you wear it.”

  Thunder echoes from outside and flashes of lightning remind us of nature’s turbulent way, and in the midst of it all, and my own chaos, too, I find myself giggling.

  Yes, I do think that once I become Queen, I will most definitely rock the crown.

  MAN OVERBOARD

  The Eastwood Examiner

  Breaking News

  THE PRINCE GAINS A NEW TITLE

  By Dominick Wilfork

  Talk about power and adrenaline. Performance sail racing is definitely not for the faint at heart. In fact, it turned down-right dangerous this week. Just three months into this round-the-world event, the Volvo Ocean Race has found itself under scrutiny, by none other than a king.

  The country of Eastwood, of the Vespa Isles, entered the race for the first time this year. Backed by King Rutherford himself, the Royal Fleet nearly lost a very important sailor, and the King is furious. News of the tragedy is being reported days after it took place, and still, the events are very unclear.

  This is what we do know. Four days ago the Royal Fleet was sailing high. The vessel’s very experienced crew somehow managed to sniff out a faster route and was in the lead. Because of this, while other competing teams wallowed in light breezes, the Royal Fleet sailed into a corridor of stable winds, but those winds quickly turned and rocketed the vessel in the wrong direction.

  Prince Adrien Pierre Laurent, a world-champion yachtsman, known for his love of speed, his competitive fire, and an instinctive skill for making boats sail extremely fast, took immediate action. The quick turn in direction, though, caused chaos onboard, and when another crew member tried to assist him, he accidently swung the mizzen in the wrong direction and knocked his fellow sailor, the Prince, right off the boat.