Strawberry Kisses

10. A Deal & Bathroom Secrets

Evie Pov

I'm late.

I'm currently running down the hall to get to the press room of the palace. I spot Henry, one of Eloises' personal guards, standing outside of the doors. The corner of his lips turns up as I stop in front of him. The reason I was late...well there's no good reason. After I came in from our date I stayed up late with Liv and Oliver. We watched movies and drank slushies, just like we did when we were younger. It was nice and I really missed it all. Then we decided to get drunk and gossip. Oliver explained to us both how long it actually takes for someone to be announced for the throne. Today was just a fun little questionnaire as he put it. Either way, Eloise wants me there for support. 

"Henry" I let out a deep breath and smiled as he nods at me and then opened the door letting me slip in, with him right behind me. 

"You made it just in time Miss. Dixon...I mean Evie." He snickers as I glare at him. We both turn our attention to the front. We both watch as her eyes scan the crowd before they fall on my siblings and the empty chair between them. Where I should be sitting.

At the same time, someone sitting in front of us sneezes. It draws her attention to Henry and me standing against the back wall. Her eyes widen a bit before she stands up a bit straighter. I give her a quick thumbs before blowing her a kiss. A blush blooms on her cheeks before she turns back to her brother and the council members. We stand along the back wall for what feels like hours before everyone is dismissed for the day. Until the Council and the King and Queen decide who will be next in line, the siblings have to meet here once a week and answer millions of questions. At first, I thought one of her older brothers would take the throne but. he declined. He wants to stay a prince, but he also wants a quiet life with his wife, they're expecting a baby boy this fall. 

After a while Henry walks with me out of the press room, making sure I don't bump into anyone. We make our way over to my family who seem to bit not worried at all about me being late to the first meeting. I smile at my parents before flicking off my brothers. My dad pulls me into his arms as my mom smacks my arms a few times. "I told you not to go drinking last night and look at you, late!" I grin as she nags me and my Dad. Apparently, he defends me too much and he should be on her side. 

"Ahhh give me a break Mom, I didn't mean to be late. She'll forgive me." I notice a certain pair of heels sticking around the corner, almost begging me to follow them. A good cat-and-mouse chase. My favorite. "Now if you'll excuse me I think I have some apologizing to do."

I quickly run down the hall before turning the corner. A hand waves at me from a door at the end of the hall before disappearing into the room. I try to make my way down the hall quickly but this stupid bodycon dress Olive forced me in restricts me in a lot of ways unless I push it up around my hips.

When I reach the door I don't hesitate to open it and all but throw myself into the room. As I close the door behind me and lean against it as I look around the room. It's cute and simple. A Couch and chairs sit in front of a fireplace and a few clothes racks filled with dresses are against the wall with heels in front of them. A giant mirror stands against the wall with a loveseat in front of it.

"I was scared you wouldn't follow me." A smile pops onto my face as I turn to watch her walk past me to the loveseat. Eloise sits down and we stare at each other for a while. The silence between us seems to be louder than anything. I finally give in as she clears her throat. 

"I'm sorry I was late." I stand in front of her and toss my purse onto the couch beside her. "Forgive me, your highness." I pout as she stares up at me. Her hands pull at mine making me stumble forward into her lap.

Eloise moves her hands over my legs before flicking at the ends of my dress. "Where were you?" She pulls me closer before staring directly down at my cleavage. This girl, forever asks questions but stares at my chest.