ONE

Chapter 29

The people around here wasted no time and zero expense in organizing king James' funeral. By the time Derek and I got up for breakfast the next day, the ballroom was all set up with chairs and food for the funeral service. The town's folk were all slowly taking a seat - dressed in black - as I held onto Derek while we watched from above. When everyone was seated , I gave him a comforting hug before it was our turn to enter. Everyone bowed their heads in respect while we passed them as I tried to be strong for Derek , not knowing what he must be thinking right now.

I tried my best not to cry too much while Derek gave a beautiful speech, sending a wave of sadness and remorse through the crowd. We all gave a moment of silence before Cade and some of the other guys carried the casket to the royal family burial site deep in the garden. This was where the royal family usually said their last goodbye while everyone else left. I watched as Derek stood by while they covered the casket with sand as he motioned me over . I held onto his side as he gave my arm a gentle squeeze - his way of saying he was hurting and needed me - while I layed my head on his shoulder , trying my best to be his rock right now.

"Where are you going ?" I said as he turned around and walked back inside.

"I forgot something,I'll be right back" Was all he said before disappearing up the stairs. Taking a seat on the bench I watched as the wind blew the grass around the other royal graves as  silence surrounded me.

"I'm so sorry. I thought no one was here." Penny said taking a step back .

"Go ahead, it's just me." I said while I watched her place a bouquet of dandelions on the new grave before kneeling next to it . I tried to keep a blind eye to give her some privacy so instead,I looked down at my belly while I stroked my hand mindlessly over it.

"I'm sorry he treated you like that for all those years..." I heard Derek's distressed voice making my head shoot up and Penny quick to her feet.

"I'm so sorry . I didn't mean to-" she said , dusting her skirt down as Derek gave her a kind smile.

"It's okay Penny. You're... You're my sister. And deserve just as much of a chance to say goodbye as I do." He said with great difficulty as my heart melted at the fact that he just accepted the truth. It's sad that it had to be under these circumstances but it's a small victory nonetheless.

"Thank you so much king D-"

"Just Derek. Please. " he pleaded as she nod her head and stepped aside while he placed a picture of his mom and dad next to the tomb stone.

"She was really pretty..." Penny said while Derek put his hand in his pockets.

"She was. I wish you had the chance to know her..." he said looking over at his mother's tomb that's gotten old and dirty .

"Me too..." She said doing the same.

I watched as both of them grieved the loss of their father, now having no one left but eachother. It was a bittersweet moment that brought me to tears. They didn't need to say a word , I think they appreciated the presence of blood even more.

"I'm sorry we had to talk under these circumstances but I'd really like to get to know you more Penny. Would that be something you'd consider?" He said looking over at her.

"Of course. Thank you king- I mean , Derek." She said with a smile , earning one from him too.

"You're very welcome Penny. We're family and I'm intending on correcting the mistake our past family made. I'll have your things moved into a suite on our floor. We can start over breakfast tommorow morning. Sound good ?" He said while I could see she was bursting with joy on the inside but tried to contain it like the lady she was.

"Sounds lovely. Goodnight to you both. " she said disappearing inside while I walked up to him , looking into his eyes.

"That was a very nice you thing you did." I said adoringly.

"Yeah ? Nice enough to deserve a kiss perhaps?"

"Aren't you supposed to be a nice guy even when there's nothing in it for you ?" I said teasingly.

"Of course. I'm always the perfect gentleman. But I think you still wanna kiss me regardless. " he said putting his hands around my waist.

"I do. " I said with a smile." But , maybe not infront of your parents." I said with a giggle as he let me go.

"Then we'll go inside!" He yelled through a laugh before picking me up bridal style and carrying me up the stairs.

****
While Derek and I anxiously sat at the table waiting on Penny, I could see he grew nervous with each passing minute.

"Maybe she's not coming. Was this a bad idea?" He said much unlike himself as I covered his hand - that was anxiously tapping against the table - with mine gaining his attention.

"No " I said softly " Look , She's here." I said while his head shot up to a nervous Penny standing in a gorgeous blue dress.

"Sorry , I wasn't sure how I should dress. Is this too much?" She said equally as nervous , taking a seat at the right of Derek.

"You look beautiful Penny ." I complimented as I could see a small blush rising to her cheeks . She seemed much like I did the first time , nervous and uncertain.

"Yeah , uh , very appropriate " was all Derek managed to get out while I almost face palmed myself  at his idea of  a 'compliment '.  It was like he's never spoken to a woman before. 

"Anyway ..." I said changing the awkward topic "Is Penny your given name ?" I said while the staff started serving us.

"Uh , no actually. My fath- the  father that raised me said that my real mother named me before she gave me over to the one that raised me." She said uncomfortable while Derek and I tried to be supporting and listen.

"What did mom name you?" Derek said ,taking both of us by surprise.

"My birth name is actually Penelope."

"That's such a beautiful name !" I said gushing.

"Very royal." Derek said while I kicked him under the table. " I mean , it's beautiful Penny. Which do you prefer to be called by ?" He said changing his tune.

"Any one is fine. " She said with a smile while Derek did the same and I could see he grew more comfortable around her.

"Penny, can I ask how old you are ?" He asked carefully, taking a bite from his omelette.

"Sure ! I'm 20 and you're ... 25 , right?"

"I am." He said while I took in the precious moment they've probably been waiting for their whole lives. I watched as they laughed and shared stories, it was like they weren't even separated in the first place. It was truly a magical moment to witness and it made me so happy to have been a part of it.

Yayy !!! They're finally family ! What do you think !? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. Thank you so much for reading. Until next time,keep howling my wolves 🐺❤