Once Upon A Drunken Mistake

26. The Queen of the People

       "I tried my best to get the death penalty, to avenge my king, but the royal family had other plans. Believe me—" Flora paused the video of Prime Minister Marino's interview and rolled her eyes.

"It has been a week and he is still talking about that?" Zander's voice asked.

Flora turned to face the blonde boy with a small smile and noticed the suit cases next to him. "You are leaving?"

"Yeah, I have left New York alone for too long now," Zander joked. "That and Daniel keeps calling me to get back to work."

"I bet you he is ready to hear all about the hottest inside-scoop of the year." Flora replied causing Zander to chuckle.

"How are you though?" Zander asked, his tone turning serious.

The royal family did receive some backlash on the final verdict, mostly from Marino's followers, but the large majority of the population remained loyal to the crown and accepted their decision. However, Flora knew that wasn't what Zander was referring to. Due to all the chaos that Lorenzo's capturing brought, Flora was not able to accompany her parents back to Boston in time to see her brother being released. She was saddened by the fact that she could not be there for her brother, but she also had a country she had to take care of now.

"I am hoping to visit him in a few days," Flora replied. "I just have to get some stuff done beforehand."

"How do you think he'll react to the fact you're a literal queen now?" Zander questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"He'll be shocked," Flora said before she looked down at the blue sapphire around her ring finger. "But he'll be more shocked at the fact that I am actually married."

       "He'll be happy for you though," Zander grinned down at Flora who returned a small smile.

       The clicking of Indiana's heels against the tile floor drew the pairs attention. "You vehicle is awaiting," Indiana chirped. "I am sad that you have to leave, but it was nice to see you after all those months."

"It was nice to spend time with you again and thank you Flora for permitting me to come." Zander said.

"Despite what happened, you are my friend and I do want to give our friendship another chance." Flora replied. "If you ever need anything, we are here for you...I am here for you."

       Zander walked over to Flora and embraced her in hug. "Thank you," Zander whispered.

       The two pulled away and Zander walked over to Indiana, bidding her farewell with a hug. Indiana led Zander out toward his awaiting vehicle and Flora walked over to the laptop before closing it.

       "Your majesty, your vehicle is ready." Stephanie announced. "Queen Mother Guilia is awaiting for you."

       "Perfect, let us go." Flora replied as she grabbed her beige blazer. Stephanie awaited for Flora to walk first and the blonde followed after her.

       "Good morning, your majesty." Benjamin greeted with a grin as Flora approached the vehicle and he held the door open for her.

"Good morning," Flora chirped.

Stephanie stepped into the passenger seat of the vehicle and after closing the door, Benjamin walked over to the driver's seat. Usually, Indiana would be accompanying Flora, but today her lady-in-waiting had a tea party to attended with other ladies of the court.