Royal Façade[COMPLETED]✔

💮Chapter 23💮: Preparation for the royal banquet

"Wow... Everything has changed, Nora," Lilou murmured, pressing her forehead against the limo’s cool glass as she took in the cityscape.

I chuckled. "You didn’t expect it to stay frozen in time, did you?"

She sighed. "I guess not."

A voice cut in from the other side. "Umm, Nora?"

"Yes?"

"Can you tell your friend to stop staring at me? It’s... unsettling."

Olive shifted uncomfortably as Tashie, unbothered by his distress, leaned in even closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"You smell like Paris," she declared, her tone bordering on reverence before she took a deliberate sniff of him.

I exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down my face. She’s at it again.

Lilou stifled a laugh. "She likes you, Olive. Can’t you tell?"

"Come on, Tashie, don’t embarrass me," I muttered, tugging her away. "I’ll tell your crush you’re cheating on him."

Tashie straightened at once. "Fine, fine. I promise I’ll behave." She plopped down into the seat opposite him, hands folded neatly in her lap like a child on their best behavior.

Olive adjusted himself, relieved. "I appreciate that. Truly."

I buried my burning face behind a magazine, hoping to disappear.

___________________✍

The limo slowed to a halt.

Lilou glanced around, brows knitting. "I thought you were taking us home, Nora. Where are we?"

"The Eastern Palace." I stepped out, the massive gates looming before us. "Your mother and I had an agreement—she’ll pick you up in the evening."

As soon as Tashie emerged, I grabbed her wrist in a firm grip, ensuring she wouldn’t bolt toward Olive again.

Olive strode ahead, Lilou close behind.

I turned to two palace attendants standing nearby. "Ciara, Kalia—go after them. They’ve been gone for twelve years; adjusting won’t be easy. Make sure they’re comfortable."

They nodded and hurried after the pair.

A dreamy sigh beside me made my stomach sink.

"Oh my God, Nora," Tashie whispered, eyes practically sparkling. "Olive is the definition of a divine masterpiece. Almost as hot as Dure, but—of course—Dure is in a league of his own... BUT WHO CARES?! His hair, his eyes—oh, those mint-green eyes—like staring into a glacial paradise. And his lips? Perfect. His tailored white ensemble? Absolutely screaming, ‘I am an untouchable celestial being.’ And let’s talk about his abs—because I may have taken a sneaky peek, and let me tell you, they are—"**

"Are you done?" I deadpanned.

She blinked, startled. "Oh. Not at all. I already booked a wedding gown. Only the best in Paris, of course—"

"Tashie!"

"Yes?"

I exhaled. "Just... don’t get too close to him, okay? Spare me some dignity. You’re my best friend, and if you act like this, he might question my judgment in companions."

She clutched her chest dramatically. "Don’t worry, love, I am a trained undercover agent. He never even knew I was staring."

"Right. Because I couldn’t see the holes you bored into his skull with your eyes."