Hidden Royalties

twenty ༉‧₊˚.

EVENTS PLAYED THROUGH my head like a medical procedure. First the media, the questions, the awkward conversations and then the alcohol. However, despite there being a script there were moments when the procedure would have complications, strayed away from the plan. Those were the moments that made me anxious.

The carpet was much more hectic once Elias and I came out of our car. The media were screaming our names, wanting our attention only on their camera. It was overwhelming. Almost suffocating.

I felt Elias' grip on my hand tighten which made me feel more at ease knowing that he was there beside me. My heartbeat calmed.

The Fashion Institution was holding a fundraiser to allow future art students to pursue their passions. Mina and Alice were starring in the show so, of course, I would make an appearance. Mina had told me about how this event meant so much to her, being that she begged her parents when she was young to let her break into such a scrutinizing industry.

Elias and I were approached by media people throwing their questions at us. Our security tried to get us through the door but to no avail, a cheeky journalist had grabbed our attention.

"Good evening, your highnesses," she said enthusiastically. "Who are you wearing tonight?"

Elias took charge in question answering while I tuned out, occasionally smiling back at Elias.

"Now, tell me. Is it true that you're a student at the Petunia Academy?" she asked, her eyes peering into Elias' pleading for some juicy information for her socials. "I've heard many accounts from students there. Quite interesting to hear."

Elias paused. "Yes, it is true. That information has come to light to my displeasure."

"So what I must hear must be true?" Her eyes lit up. "Then would Princess Mary be attending the same school?"

"I don't think that information is necessary as I would want to focus on my studies and I don't think it would be appropriate that the media will be profiting from such information," I chimed in. She was really pissing me off. "Elias is not going to be ashamed of whatever gossip that will arise from this. I, however, find it rather concerning that people find it enjoyable knowing about the intimate and private details of one's personal life."

The journalist was left speechless and stammering as we walked into the venue lobby. Elias was looking down at me with a proud smile.

"You're smiling," I stated.

"And you're adorable when you're angry," he said before Kaito and Morgan walked up to us, drinks in each hand. I promised myself to stay away from any alcoholic beverages after my drink fest last night. I hated how I couldn't remember anything besides what had occurred in the bathroom. My face heats up every time I think about how Elias was so tantalizing.

Mina had run into the waiting area searching for us. Kaito longingly stared at her and dare I say, a smile had slipped out of him. The smile dissipated in an instant as Morgan gave a small peck on the lips to greet her. Kaito returned to his stoic self.

"How are you guys? I'm glad y'all could make it. I only came in to say hi so I guess, bye now?" she hastily greeted us before running off again. The clatter of her heels echoed in the noisy hall.

We all looked towards Morgan in confusion who was sheepishly embarrassed.

"You're fucking her again, aren't you?" Kaito blurted out, putting his hands in his pocket.

"Man, it's not like that," Morgan defended while Kaito scoffed. He changed topics.

"How's your little exposure scandal going?" Kaito asked. "Kinda fucked up."

"Fucked up, full stop. Parents were angry but angrier at the fact that I was seeing multiple girls during those four blissful years and that it had gotten out. Our PR team had calmed the situation down but it's still pretty prevalent," Elias recalled. "I'll be right but I'm still fucking pissed."

"I can try and see who released the article if you want? I know some people," Kaito said.

"Sure, man. I'll be grateful."

The show was about to begin, to my pleasure. I didn't want to deal with one grumpy man let alone two more.

Drinks were a definite go to after the show concluded. Sitting next to Morgan and Kaito staring down at Mina was excruciating, to say the least. Elias had gotten us a light beverage before taking us to the balcony of the building.

Cool fresh air blew on my skin, causing me to shiver. Elias was quick to give me his jacket to ensure that I was warm enough.

"Thanks," I said, cupping my drink with both hands.

"How awkward was that? I sense some tension between them," Elias commented.

"You don't say?" We both laughed with each other. I haven't heard that cheeky laugh of his in ages. His smile was so dazzling every time it would appear. He doesn't smile that much nowadays. I miss it.

"Our wedding is soon," Elias stated. In a month, I was to be wed to the man in front of me. My prince and future king. Except he didn't know that I was yearning for his attention whenever he was in my presence. The thirst was real.

"I don't want to talk about it." I tried to avert the conversation to refrain from jumping at the hunk standing before me.

"Why not, princess? It took me a long time to carefully pick out that rock on your finger," he smiled as I laughed at his comment. He stares deeply into my eyes, not saying a word but just admiring. He pressed his lips together and looked away, our connection faded.

He leaned against the fence of the balcony and stared at the night sky.

"What happened last night?" I asked, curious of his answer. Was he going, to tell the truth, or his version of the truth? "I don't remember much. My dress was in pieces when I woke up. Care to explain?"

"You drank too much," Elias sternly said, slightly condemning my actions. "Your dress broke."

"Is that it?" I leaned closer into him. His eyes were full of confusion as he breathed in and out of rhythm. I could sense his heartbeat increase; it was practically jumping out of his chest. "Nothing more?"

Elias was frozen in place, looking down at me with those dreamy eyes of his. I felt in control, unlike that time in the club. "Mary," he managed to breathe out. I stepped closer so that our chests were touching. Our lips were even closer.

In the spur of the moment, I grabbed Elias' drink from where he had placed it to which he was trying to get back. He was too close. Too close. I was going to fall right then and there. "Hey, I hadn't even gotten a chance to taste it. I thought you weren't drinking tonight."

"It's going to waste just sitting there being occasionally swirled from time to time," I said, taking a gulp of the beverage. The taste was strong and bitter, much more potent than a cocktail that I've had before. "What's in this?"

"It's a classic gin and tonic," Elias said as he watched me drink with an eyebrow raised.

"This is not a gin and tonic." Elias' body stiffen as his face began to flood with concern.

The world began to darken as a small tunnel began to close on Elias. I felt the ground beneath me start to crumble as I hit the ground, my head being caught by Elias. I wanted him to save me from this confusing darkness that was engulfing my vision.

I heard him shout my name, but I lost control of my own body as everything went numb.