A Christmas Prince

ix. the day before the grand night

Simon was fresh out of his relaxing shower. The Christmas Eve Ball was tomorrow, and it was going to be quite the day for the country. He had to admit, he was proud to be a member of the family. A small press would cover the event. Gowns, tiaras, and tuxedos were going to be on display.

Formal Royal events were always one of his favorites, besides state dinners. The coronation of his cousin was going to be international news. Simon would then move to be the presumptive heir, that is of course until Richard had children of his own. Simon had no doubt that Richard would bear children, but the thought seemed further away, as Sophia was no longer occupying that special place in his heart to make her his queen.

Sophia Taylor, The Baroness Moldavia.

Who would've thought that she would not be queen. The tabloids with their incessant headlines...

Prince Richard proposes in secret

Prince Richard and Baroness Sophia secretly wed

Prince Richard takes Sophia on secret trip, wedding bells will be ringing soon

Baroness Sophia dishes Prince Richard's favorite past time

Baroness Sophia; the making of Aldovia's future queen

It was nonstop.

And through it all, Simon remained indifferent. Did he have feelings for Sophia then? Of course he did. Did she reciprocate them? Only when it suited her, it seems.

Sophia Taylor was no dim-witted woman. She knew she had the likes of both the heir and the second in line to the throne, and she used them both to her advantage.

When her relationship with Richard started to fall apart, it was Simon whonshe turned to. Exploiting his feelings for her.

Did she love Richard then? She did. Seeing now how she lost his love and trust made her only more dangerous. She was suppose to be his queen.

And now Richard was smitten by a peasant. Her own words.

Her rage and jealousy were taking a hold of her, and she knew Richard all too well. The same look he would give Arya, is the same look he once gave her. Only this time, it was more than just lust, it was adoration and respect.

And now, with new found information, she knew exactly what to do. Bring Richard down, the Charlton Royal House would be going down, and that left the only true heir... Simon.

Simon was about to turn off his lamp, when a soft knock came at his door. At first, he thought it was just his imagination. Until there was a second knock, this time more distinctive than the last.

Confused at who would be wanting an audience with him this late, he got up and opened his door. Baffled, he yawned seeing Sophia, who looked as if she had been crying.

"Sophia? Are you alright?"

"My apologies, Simon" she sniffled, "I just wanted someone to talk to..."

"Good gracious, do please come in..." Simon stepped to the side, and let her enter into his room. She took a seat in a nearby accent chair he had and he accompanied her. "Should I send for some tea?"

Sophia nodded softly, as another tear escaped her eye. Simon handed her a tissue as he made to order tea.

"Thank you," she said wiping a tear.

"What happened?" Simon sat down in his own chair next to hers.

"Richard, he—he really does seem to love that Ar—Martha," she sniffles, "I saw them come to palace late last night together on his horse, I confronted him about it and he told me he didn't love me and what we had has been dead for a while—"