A Thief's Kiss

12| Time

Chapter 12: Time (Alexander's POV)

I'm running out of time. The engagement party is tomorrow night and if I don't convince her to call it off, I'll be stuck with her forever. 

I don't have enough time. I need more time.

This whole time, in the four days that have gone by, my parents have been thinking that we're 'getting to know' each other. When in reality, we've been trying to kill each other. What makes it worse is that for some reason, my parents somewhat adore her. Especially my mother. Her aunt came down to the palace herself to drag her back, and my mother went and spoke to her on her own. Aria's very smoothly working her way into my family. And I can't let that happen. 

"Mr. Harry!" I called out as he passed me where I sat on the couch in the living area. 

"Yes, sir?" 

"Have you seen my mother?" 

"She's in the backyard, sir." 

"And Aria?" 

He looked at me, surprised. "She's with the queen, sir," he stammered. 

"Why were you so surprised? And why did you stammered?" I asked as I stood up. 

"You haven't asked about Ms. Aria until now, sir. I merely wasn't expecting you would." 

"Why not?" I inquired. 

"Well, you seem to have um... a..." 

"A what?" 

"A cold shoulder towards the... the young lady. Please excuse me." He bowed his head before scurrying. 

"Cold shoulder?" I mumbled under my breath, utterly confused. I ignored it and headed to the backyard. I first saw my mother who was giving directions to the people that are here to decorate the backyard for the party as it is being hosted outside. Then she turned around, grinning. I stepped outside, confused. My mouth fell open and I blinked in confusion. 

There, I saw Aria wearing heels. She was walking along the pathway that we have amidst the grass and trying to balance a pile of books in her hand. At least it's not on her head. Yes, some princesses really do that. 

"Alexander, there you are!" My mom noticed me. 

Aria gasped before stumbling, falling onto the floor. She whined, rubbing her ankle before getting herself up. "Mrs. Phoenix," she mumbled, dusting her jeans. "Why do I have to wear heels? My feet can't even be seen in the dress." 

"It's just not about attire, my dear," my mother said while pulling me over. She made me stand next to Aria and sighed in content. "It's about the height and how you look with your partner." 

"I know I'm short but... I didn't think I was that short," Aria said under her breath. 

"You carry on practicing. Once you're confident on the concrete, get on the grass," my mother instructed before going to where the staff was decorating. 

"What the hell are you practicing for?" I asked, glancing down at her heels where the strap was starting to come undone. 

"Walking in heels," she grumbled, staring down at the heels. She sighed before trying to squat down to fix the strap but she stumbled, falling on her butt again. I rolled my tongue along the inside of my cheek, trying not to laugh. She didn't even glance at me and brought her foot forward, adjusting the strap before standing back up. I moved off the concrete but stood there watching her as she walked back and forth. 

Around five minutes later, she started humming to herself. 

"Why are you humming?" 

"It helps me focus. Don't talk," she said, staring down at the floor, watching every step that she took so she didn't fall.