the Christmas crown

three

as promised, this chapter is longer than those first two. they will most likely get even longer as we begin to get into the story! hope u enjoy!!!

Nini's pov

I slowly and hesitantly open my eyes to the sound of obnoxious ringing. I slap my hand over to the side table, pressing snooze on the alarm. I turn over and get comfortable again before my eyes shoot wide open. I'm going to Avalan- I can't miss my flight. Much to my dismay, I jump out of my bed, checking the time.

4:00am.

Great. I've got less than an hour to get ready because the flight leaves at 5. I rush into my bathroom, splashing cold water on my face before patting it dry. I then apply my skin care and just some light concealer before quickly brushing through my hair and putting it into a messy and loose braid. I run towards my closet, quickly fanning through the clothes before picking out a black jumpsuit. After I get dressed, I grab all my last-minute possessions like my phone charger, airpods, laptop, and my bathroom toiletries. I stuff them into my suitcases, that definitely don't have enough clothes, and roll it into the main room of my apartment. I grab a banana and shove it into my mini backpack carryon. I grab my keys and phone, checking the time.

4:30am.

Perfect. It'll take me about 15 minutes to get to the airport. I grab my things and head out of my apartment door, making sure to lock it as I leave. I head down the elevator and walk out to my car. Once I got everything in, I got in the car and drove to the airport.

I arrive exactly 15 minutes later and I have 25 minutes til my flight leaves. I park my car and get my stuff out and stroll into the airport. I was beginning to feel extremely tired...but luckily, I have a 10-hour flight. I was also lucky enough to grab a Starbucks coffee before I boarded my plane. Caffeine tastes like heaven when you've woken up at four.

I was surprised to find that my boss got me a first-class seat. I felt like I was sitting in a mini bedroom. It was very spacious with a mini tv, and the seat reclined and practically turned into a bed. There was also a door I could close, which I greatly appreciated. I got comfortable as I heard the flight attendant come over the microphone.

"Good morning passengers. The time is now 5:10 in the morning, we will be taking off in about five minutes.", the lady speaks.

I sigh and look out the window as I notice we begin to move. I can't believe I'm actually going to the castle. Even though it was still extremely early in the morning, and Ashlyn definitely wasn't awake yet, I decided to pull out my laptop and begin looking over the e-mail again. I typed notes as I reread the e-mail multiple times. I was figuring what I needed Ashlyn to place orders for and when...so I can assure they'll arrive in enough time.

Ricky's pov

"Ricky! Wake up!"

I open my eyes and shield my face from the sun. I groan and turn over, ignoring the voice.

"Richard James Bowen!", I hear my aunt's voice.

I sigh out of annoyance and sit up straight, looking at her.

"What?", I ask, purposefully adding the hint of annoyance in my tone.

"You must get ready.", she speaks, fixing her posture.

"For what reason?", I argue back.

"The event planner is going to be arriving in a couple of hours. I expect you to look presentable and be on your best behavior mister.", she orders.

I give her a disgusted look, "Do you mind talking to me like I'm eighteen?! It would be greatly appreciated."

"Do you mind not talking back to your aunt? It's disrespectful.", she snaps back, giving me a stern look. She gets on my nerves so much.