Forbidden

6| Shopping

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Shopping

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Chapter 6: Shopping (Ronan's POV)

The doors to the dining room opened again at the end of dinner. Dinner I still haven't eaten because I was working. This is torture, why do I continue to do this job? I stepped aside and everybody stepped out, King Elijah, Queen Judith, and Atlas walking out their guests. 

Grace, once again, lingered behind and chose not to follow the crowd. She turned to me while sighing, taking her bracelet, earrings, and heels off, holding them in her hand. 

Adrian stared in confusion and then quickly followed Atlas. 

She blinked at me, staying quiet for a minute. "I'm going to my room. You're free to call it a day." 

"I'm actually not," I replied. "They haven't conducted the final security check." 

"You haven't eaten." 

"I'll eat after the security check." 

She rolled her eyes and then shrugged. "Suit yourself." She began walking up to her room and I followed her. I've had my first day at work, my first day with her, and I still haven't been able to figure out what kind of person she truly is. Is she the person who was sassy and witty when I first got here, or is she the quiet, solemn kind of person she's been ever since she slept? I guess I'll have to wait and find out. She stopped at her door and spun around, realizing that she had to tell me something. "I'm going shopping tomorrow," she said. "I need to buy a dress for the announcement ball, we'll leave at noon. We'll have lunch outside. Understood?" 

I nodded once. "Announcement ball gown, we leave at noon, lunch outside, noted. Announcement ball for what exactly?" 

Her eyes narrowed a bit. "Wouldn't you like to know? Why? Does that affect my safety?" 

"Not quite. It just quenches my curiosity," I shrugged. 

"For my wedding, okay?" 

I stared at her, my hands pocketed. "Astella and Wildfell hate each other," I stated. 

"That's why we're getting married. It's called an alliance." She sighed in exhaustion. 

"Really? I had no idea," I said sarcastically. 

"Goodnight, Mr. Stone." 

I frowned at the nickname before she closed the door. I spun around, leaning against the wall while biting the inside of my cheek. 

Mr. Stone? What am I? Forty? 

I looked over when Atlas and Adrian came upstairs. Atlas said something to Adrian, probably dismissing him for the night since Adrian left right after that. He turned to me, glanced at his watch, and then started walking over. I understand that he's her brother, but from earlier, it really seems like he doesn't take her side. Ever. I almost feel bad for her about that too. It's as if she's constantly living in a one against three battle. "You're still here," he stated, nodding at me. 

"They haven't done the final security check yet." 

He rolled his eyes. "Nobody actually waits for those. You can go. I'm sure you haven't eaten yet either." 

"That doesn't matter." 

He chuckled dryly, "Wow." He glanced at the staircase. "You're one of those guards, aren't you? Who take their job very seriously. Stand upright all the time. Can't catch a break, huh?"