𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐬

xxɪɪ || ᴇxᴛʀᴇᴍᴇ ᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴜᴘꜱ

Astrid wasn't surprised when she was summoned to the Palace that same Wednesday. But, the reasoning for the visit was still unknown to Astrid. Several things had taken place since her arrest in the early hours of Monday morning; she had punched August, left the police station without permission, and Wilhelm and Simon had been photographed together while out for a walk on the grounds of Hillerska, the photograph making the front page of all the majority papers and news websites.

Astrid was unaware of the clean up which was taking place to try and erase the images from the public eye, especially because they had already made headlines. But, Astrid didn't have time to worry about that; the Queen was waiting.

"I apologize for keeping you from today's classes, but we have urgent matters that we must discuss," The Queen explained, as she ever so gracefully took her place on the light pink coloured couch. She was dressed in a perfectly tailored purple suit, her hair neatly curled just the right amount. She looked elegant, beautiful, regal.

And very much disapproving.

Astrid sat opposite her, on the matching couch. Dressed in grey sweatpants she had stolen from Wilhelm, an oversized shirt she had taken from Jasmine and dying converse, Astrid knew she looked less than acceptable, especially for meeting the Queen. But, instead of apologizing for her less than appropriate attire, Astrid simply crossed her legs beneath herself, her dirty converse staining the cushions she sat on.

"I do hope the media doesn't see you on your way out," The Queen added. She breathed a sigh. "We need to talk about August".

Astrid's ears perked up. "When are we sending him off to prison, again?" She asked. The Queen shook her head with disappointment.

"Your little stunt at the police station hasn't put back our plan in the slightest, dear Astrid. We will proceed as intended; in fact, we are accelerating our timeline".

"What the hell are you talking about?" Astrid asked, "I'm not pretending to be with August for your little PR stunt. Find some other girl who isn't me to do it. Or Felice or Madison or Sara," She added quickly, "All four of us are out".

"How about that other American girl you have taken to hanging out with?" The Queen asked. Astrid raised her eyebrows; the bitch knew.

"We're going to do this now?" Astrid asked, "Because we can have this fight now".

"There will be no fight, Astrid. I have good news for you," The Queen replied, "The king and I have decided to move forward with your adoption. I've had it fast tracked so it should be finalized within the coming days, and then your coronation will come after that".

Astrid went still. She couldn't believe the words which were coming from the Queen's mouth. Adoption? They had never spoken about this, never even mentioned it. "I...uh," Astrid was unsure what to say, "What?"

"Your adoption," The Queen repeated, as if that answered all Astrid's questions, "Of course, we would need you to sign a few things, as you are almost eighteen and all that. But, we are hoping the whole thing will go off without a hitch!" She sounded excited.

That's what Astrid should have been. Excited. She was finally going to have a proper family, and be recognized as an actual Princess. Wilhelm would be her brother.

Wilhelm would be her brother.

"You tried to have Wille and I marry," Astrid exclaimed, "And now you want to adopt me? He would be my brother, you tried to get me to marry my brother!"

"You aren't related by blood, it's perfectly fine," The Queen replied. Astrid sat there, wide eyed. "You're acting like royals haven't ever married a cousin before. Really, if you're going to a proper princess, you really must brush up on the history of royals".

Astrid just sat there speechless. "Well then," The Queen said, perky as ever, "That's our business done for today. I have a meeting I must attend. I'll have one of the drivers escort you back to campus. Behave, Astrid. I'll be watching you".

But the young princess barely registered what the Queen was saying. She had come to a realization.

She was older than Wilhelm, so if she was to be formally adopted by the royal family, she would take the title of Crown Princess, as opposed to Wilhelm being the Crown Prince.

Which would mean whomever she was to marry would become the King when she became Queen.

Oh shit. 

*           *            *

(760 words)

As I was writing this chapter I realized just how insane this story has became. 

It started with Astrid trying to get Wilhelm and Simon back together. And now Astrid is engaged, is being charged with Erik's murder and is meant to be marrying August. Oh, and is being adopted by the Queen. 

I just wanna say thanks for putting up with this chaos. Because it's turned into a shit show. 

That being said, votes and comments are always appreciated! Happy reading!