Regiphobia

The End

José stepped into his new room, taking a seat on the softest bed he'd ever owned. His hand brushed over the sheets, pushing shadows away that he couldn't ever touch. A quiet knock came from the open doorway. He raised his head.

'Is this up to your standards?' Arial signed.

"Better than our rooms in Monaco," José shrugged, "Is there something you expect in return?"

Arial shook her head, clasping her hands together in front of her. Part of him didn't believe that. Part of him kept himself on edge, waiting until the other shoe dropped. "And we can work here, too?" he confirmed. A nod this time.

Silence filled the room. Arial eventually moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed with him, but giving him plenty of space. Their eyes met for a moment. She started to smile. "...You don't have to look so happy all the time," he said, "It's just us."

Her hands lifted off of her dress. 'This time it's real.'

Camille was worried about her big brother. She knew well that Gabriel worked himself to death sometimes, but this was different. The man she always saw him gushing about and staring at with such loving eyes had been taken. 

She knocked on the door to his office before peeking inside. Gabe was standing, facing the large window in his study. Newspapers littered his desk. She glanced over some of the headlines. 

Future Prince Consort Kidnapped

Monaco/Canada Alliance Shattered

Arial Brown: Heartthrob or Heartless?

War On the Horizon?

Camille sighed, raising her head. "Hey, Gabe. How are you holding up?"

He didn't respond. She moved closer, standing at his right hand side. "I know things are tough right now... but we'll get Goda back. I promise. Everything is going to be OK," she assured. 

"You don't know that," he mumbled, eyes trained on the sky.

"I... maybe I don't. But Goda loves the shit out of you, and you love him. Things will work out. He'll be safe."

"Just. Leave me alone, please," Gabe sighed, his hands tucked behind his back. He squeezed them tightly together, his arms shaking.

"Alright. Let me know if there's anything I can do," she said, patting his shoulder before turning around. Her eyes turned to his desk one more time as she walked past, but she stopped short. Something red had caught her eye in a drawer that was normally locked. She reached down, curiosity getting the better of her.

"I thought I told you to leave."

When had Gabe moved beside her? She jumped back, her heart pounding for a moment. "R-Right, sorry- Just got distracted. What was that, anyway?"

"None of your business, that's what. Get out."

His voice was cold and dark. She swallowed hard, furrowing her brow. Something must have gotten into him. Adrenaline was flooding into her veins. A predator was staring her down and she had very little time to turn and run. 

But it was just her big brother, who'd do anything for her. Right?

"Sorry," she muttered, stepping back before speed-walking out into the hall. Her throat felt tight, her stomach spinning in uncomfortable circles. He'd never spoken to her like that before. Like she was nothing. Camille made herself chalk it up to his stress and worry. That had to be it. 

Gabe was a good person. He just had a short temper.

"I-It's... gorgeous," Goda mumbled, eyes trailing over the building in front of him. It was the prettiest little cottage he'd ever seen.

Arial signed down to him. 'I'm certain you expect better, with what you're used to-' she started, but he grabbed her hands and squeezed with a smile on his lips.

"It's amazing. I c-couldn't ask for anything better." He let go and moved to the door, pushing it open and stepping inside. It was fully furnished already, like Arial had said. A comfortable couch, a bookshelf, a cute rug, and an open wall into the kitchen, where the best part of the home stood.

Juan leaned over their new countertop, a grin on his face. A white t-shirt covered his body, jeans hugging his waist. "Isn't it just fantastic?" he asked, running his hands over the marble. "I could never afford a place like this on our old salary."

"You p-probably wouldn't here, either," Goda reminded. Arial had been so kind to just... give them a place like this. It was still technically on palace grounds, so he was fully protected and Juan was within walking distance of his brother.

"Shhh-" Juan teased, stepping out of the kitchen and offering Goda a hand. "Wanna look around?"

Goda took it.

"I wouldn't want anything more."