A Queen Without A King

Chapter 7

The entire kingdom has been talking about the pictures of Owen and me these past couple of weeks. I didn't realize they would spread so quickly at first or would stir up so much controversy about my love life. The first week that they came out, the paparazzi was insane. The front gates were packed with reporters wanting the latest on Owen and me.

Everyone seems to be putting their input into it all. Some are skeptical and are calling us out on our bullshit, but others are convinced that this is the real deal. I mean, I have grown up now, maybe I changed my mind on the whole concept of marriage?

Owen and I have been avoiding leaving the palace since the pictures came out, we didn't want to put up with the media. We spent our time going on pathetic little dates here and there; the journalists my mother has allowed inside have been soaking it all up, updating the public on what's going on.

We never really talked about the photoshoot after it happened, we just acknowledge that it was all out there now.

We are waiting at the breakfast table for Alex to join us. The past two weeks, he's been spending all his time trying to catch up on the past ten years of work I've been doing, learning about budgeting, party organizations, kingdom plans, and even when and how to give out information to the public. The last I heard about his progress was that it wasn't going well. My dad was quick to let me know that as long as Owen was staying here that he should be my main focus and not work. So, now I have Alex filling in for me.

Alex scurries in, apologizes quickly, and takes his seat. He looks so worn out and it's only been fourteen days.

"Owen," my father starts, "we've received news from your parents this morning". Owen and I exchange looks before turning back to my father. "They'd like you to stay here for another six months, at the least".

Six months?! Seriously. Do I really have to deal with him for six months? Before I let my face give away my disappointment, I plaster a smile on my face. "That's great news!" I shout a little too loudly. My mother looks thrown off by my reaction and Aveline can see right through it. "This way we'll have more time and everything won't be so rushed".

"Orillia, didn't you-" Aveline starts before I kick her underneath the table, cutting her off. "I'm so happy for you" she mumbles. I give her a small smile and turn back to my food.

"In that case," Owen begins slowly. "Could I send a list to my parents of a few more items I'd like to have sent over to me? I'm very grateful for your generosity in letting me stay here for a while, I just didn't pack for such an extended time".

"Well of course," my father says. "Make your list and have a maid send it to my office. If there's anything we can already provide, we'll get you that, and anything else we'll request for it back home". Owen thanks him and we finish eating.

I excuse myself and get up from the table. I look at Owen, and once he makes eye contact with me, I nod my head towards the door. He takes the hint and excuses himself at once.

I wait for him just outside the door of the dining area and fiddle with my sleeve. This is about to be the longest six months of my life, but I need to focus on the prize of it all. I'll get to have my kingdom back and we'll never see each other again.

A hand is placed around my waist and pulls me out of my thoughts. I look up and see Owen standing far too close to me. I give him a dirty look before slapping his hand away. He lets out a sigh and backs up.

"You know the rules," I state. He rolls his eyes at me.

"No touching unless necessary or for public events," he says nonchalantly.

"Exactly." He's been awfully touchy the past few days, I keep telling him the rules but he doesn't seem to care. "Anyways, walk with me?" Owen nods and starts walking, getting a head start. I run a little to catch up to him and he lets out a laugh. I punch his shoulder before taking the lead.