Poisoned Royalty

━♔━ Chapter 15━♔━

 I had officially reached a tipping point. The house of cards came tumbling down and I was in desperate need of shelter. A need for a break. I needed space from everything that was going on.

I especially needed a break from my mother, her words had struck a chord with me and I couldn't figure out why.

My mother constantly puts down people who are different and do not fit into her idealistic views of society whilst my father is cold and bitter. His heart carved from stone. Then there is Lavinia who is cool. Who am I kidding? She's fantastic. The way she stood up to my mother proves how strong willed she is, shame she is partnered with that cocky son of a bitch. He really is the downfall in that partnership. It's a wonder someone hasn't throttled him. The way he acts so cool and tough as if trying to cover up for his complete lack of skill. The little beggar.

This is why the village was so alluring. Everyone was kind and loving towards one another. It didn't matter who you were and what your beliefs were. Everyone was viewed as equal. No one was better and there was no hierarchy.

Before I knew it I was in the town admiring the view of the village square. Somehow, even after several years the view continued to amaze me. The culture here is completely different from the palace. People in the village care for each other. They are far from selfish. Even when they are facing the hardest time in their life they know they can rely on the rest of their neighbours and their family to get them through and back into the light. Something you would never find in the palace.

I've always loved it here. It's peaceful.

When I eventually managed to sneak out I'm always here just because of how blissfully quiet it was. My parents would never allow me to come here unaccompanied as they hate for me to socialise with the 'poor people' as if keeping me on a tight leash would actually solve that problem. It's not as if they actually care about my wellbeing. If they did, they would know how I'm feeling.

My mind is drawn back to the first time I took Lavinia here. I showed her all the markets and the children playing in the fountains. I watched as her smile grew three sizes as she joined a hair braiding line in the village square. She went back to the palace with a variety of daisies and tulips intertwined in her golden locks. She loved it here just as much as me and couldn't wait for the day we went back.

I think about when I can Lavinia back but Lavinia is gone. Ivy is in her place. I wish I knew why she left. No one will give me the answers I need. How did it all happen? Why did she have to leave?

I really missed her while she was away. She was the only person in the palace who loved me. I never had anyone else treat me the way she did. Our friendship was the only thing that kept me going and when she left there was always the hidden hope that she would come back. And then she did. More badass than ever.

I continue my trek through the village continuing to delve deeper into my thoughts. The soft scents for the village warming my senses, relaxing me even further.

I'm shoved out of my thoughts as a boy with warm, brown curls runs past me, hitting my shoulder.

''Sorry!'' He calls as he looks behind him, still running. His matching brown eyes glistened in the sunlight. I stop in my tracks and can't help but think about that boy. A million thoughts rushed through my mind as I pondered the reasons for him running. Chuckling at the few absurd ones that peaked their way through the cracks.

I think back to his face, silently admiring his features, especially his chocolate eyes.

I bet he gets all the girls.

I watch him as he runs into a quaint little cafe, smiling at everyone as he speeds past. God he even has a good smile. As I neared the cafe I started to notice the small detailings. The shingles on the roof were pale pink, white and blue in alternating rows and the front curtains were a dark pink and blue striped material. Neat.

Suddenly thirsty I decided to head inside. Inside was even better. The white wall coordinated with the blue drips painted on the wall. Everything about this place screamed inclusive. It felt comforting in a world full of bastards. I sat down in a booth facing the large panelled windows. I watched as the town's children continued to play in the fountain. Screwing up their eyes as they threw their gold coins into the water.

I felt the creak of the floorboards as footsteps padded towards me. My breath hitched as I recognised the boy from before staring at me.

"Hi, what can I get you?" He asked, a large smile painted across his face.

It was as if all the words had erased themselves from my memory. All that was left were faint syllables mocking me in the back of my head.

"Uh, I- um- can i ge-get a vanilla chai latte ple-please?" I stuttered as the words distorted themselves out of my mouth.

"Sure no thing. Are you okay? If you don't mind me asking? You seem a bit nervous, ''the boy asked.

"Ye-yeah I'm fine, thanks" I said as I stared into his eyes, a glimmer of pale yellow caught my eyes. God he had nice eyes. Wait, why am I noticing that? Of all things I notice, I notice that.

"Thank you." I say as the boy nods his head and scurries off behind the counter.

He's handsome, kind and attractive.

wait .. No I shouldn't be having these thoughts. I'm a guy as well. What am I thinking?

I find myself glancing away from the window, my eyes interlocking with his. He grins, dimples forming on both sides of his cheeks.

Oh.

I immediately look back down, my finger tracing the wood details on the table. Fuck what did I just feel.

Lost in the abyss of my sudden feelings, I didn't hear his footsteps as he walked through the cafe.

"Excuse me?" He says as he snaps me out of my trance, handing me my coffee.

"Thank you for the coffee ..." I wait until he says his name.

"Harrison." He nodded and smiled. It was as if the angels had crafted this name just for him. It suited him as well as his uniform did. Like a glove Wait , what?

''Lovely coloured hair, it's so thick''

''Thanks, needs a trim though. Bit of a Beatle''. Oh fuck I said that out loud. My cheeks flush bright red, and I feel my heart rate start to speed up. I grab my latte and quickly down it, and start to head out of the cafe.

"Wait, what's your name?" Harrison says.

I quickly turn around and am greeted by his warm smile. That smile lights up a room brighter than new years eve fireworks.

Where are these thoughts coming from?

"Alexander but you can call me Alex." I lightly chuckle and return the bright smile that he gave me. He holds out his hand and I quickly shake it, my cheeks glowing an even brighter red. I eventually pull myself away and walk out of the cafe. Harrison the only thing on my mind.