𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐬

ɪᴠ || ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴍᴇꜱꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʀᴏʏᴀʟᴛʏ

Astrid watched as Wilhelm raced after Simon once lunch had concluded. She, of course, followed after him, interested to know why he had suddenly decided he had to speak with Simon. The Prince had made it clear to Astrid that he didn't wish to speak with Simon, despite the fact that he still very much had feelings for the boy. 

"I don't understand," Wilhelm was saying, as Astrid stepped back into earshot, "Whoever paid I'm thankful, because I never wanted you to have to leave Hillerska, but I'm telling you, it wasn't me".

"You know, Wilhelm," Simon sneered, surprising both Astrid and Wilhelm; the Prince looked hurt, "I couldn't care what you say. I've heard you lying, and you seem to do it pretty damn well. Stay away from me, and Sara. We don't want anything to do with you, or her-" He nodded sharply to Astrid, "So do us all a favor and leave us alone".

Wilhelm watched with tearful eyes as Simon took his leave, Sara coming to his side as they made their way down the corridor, away from the dining hall. "Maybe we should steer clear of them," Astrid suggested, being genuine. Wilhelm just rolled his eyes and took off to his room.

Dammit, Astrid thought, now I have to fix it.

Astrid had to ask around to get Simon's room number, but finally, as the darkness was beginning to fall on the first Monday to school, Astrid found herself standing in front of his door. Knocking gently, she waited impatiently for Simon to open the door.

Once the door swung open, Astrid watched as Simon's face dropped upon seeing her. "I don't mess with royals," He said immediately, moving to close the door in her face.

Astrid stuck her foot between the door and the doorframe. "Wille might be more understanding, but I'm known more for being a bitch, so this door is staying open while I talk, got it?" She asked.

Simon narrowed his eyes at her, but ultimately swung the door back open. He made no indication that he was going to let her inside, so she would just have to say her piece in the doorway. "Wilhelm didn't pay for yours and Sara's tuition," She began, "Nor did the crown. It has no royal connotations, and it wasn't paid to keep you in one spot and quiet".

"You don't know that".

"I do, in fact. I know that because I'm the one that paid for both tuitions," She explained, "And before you get all defensive and high and mighty about how you were dealing with the money problems and bullying for being no-res, I didn't do it for you. I did it for Wille".

"How does Wilhelm have anything to do with this? This is about me and Sara. In case you didn't see, but your friend sort of saved himself and screwed me over," Simon snapped, "Like I said, I don't mess with royals. I did once, and look where it got me. Take the money back and leave my family alone".

"I'm not defending or condoning what Wille did, but I want to help. Wille would be devastated if you and Sara couldn't attend Hillerska anymore because of him; I was trying to be a friend, so let's cut down on the defense, shall we?" Astrid asked. She hadn't come to make a scene or cause an issue, but if Simon was going to be difficult, then that wasn't her fault.

"Wilhelm doesn't get to be upset if I leave. He doesn't get to think about me anymore," Simon said harshly, "He made his choice, made his decision. Now he has to live with it".

"You don't understand the pressures of the Crown, of the media," Astrid argued, a strong wave of protectiveness overcoming her, "You don't get to judge him for the choices he made about his survival. The world we know and the one you do are two very different worlds".

"I can judge him all I like. I made a mistake, and he did too. At least I can own up to my actions," Simon replied, "Many can't. Take back the money; I don't want it".

"Sucks to be you, I guess, because it's non refundable. Guess you and Sara are here for the year," Astrid said in a snarky tone, "I don't require a thank you".

"Like I would ever thank you for anything," He snapped back, as Wilhelm appeared behind Astrid. He didn't look pleased.

"Whatever she said, it's not true," Wilhelm said in a low voice, grabbing Astrid's arm and pulling her away from Simon's doorway. "Sorry about her," He continued, as Simon stood silently. Shoving Astrid into his own dorm room, Wilhelm turned to her angrily. "You don't talk to him".

"You can't tell me who I can talk to and who I can't," Astrid snapped back.

"Just not him, alright?" His tone was pleading. Astrid's shoulders fell; her anger with Simon disappeared. "Just not him".

"Fine," She gave him, "Just not him". 

*       *       *

(843 words)

Just found out that the HSC has been moved back a while week. 

thanks for nothing, covid