Icy Highness | Yuzuru Hanyu

59.

Athena took her mother's threat seriously, not bothering to even challenge her.

Mostly because she had already been in Pyeongchang.

Not that her mother needed to know that.

Soon enough, and after another day going around Seoul, the princess was back on a plane on her way home.

She didn't miss the sly look in her father's eyes as she entered the palace with her bags in hand and a big smile.

At least this time they weren't waiting for her at the airport.

It probably meant that once and for all the girl was able to visit Yuzuru in secret successfully.

Her mom looked her up and down.

"Why are you smiling so much? Do you know the chaos that you caused?"

"Mother... It's good to see you too."

"Don't try to be funny."

"It could have been worse."

"Could it?"

"Yes. I could have chosen a picture of both of us instead of one from the internet."

Her mother didn't like her comment at all, but it wasn't as if Athena cared. There was very little that they could do now after forbidding her from seeing Yuzu.

From the couch, her father had a smirk on his face that told her he was enjoying this more than he should.

"It's very convenient that you were in Korea this week."

"The Olympics weren't in Seoul, Mother. I'm sure your puppets know and informed you that I didn't leave the city."

"You would have if they weren't there."

"Maybe... But they were, so..."

"That's why they are around you."

"Oh, I know. You want to make sure I don't talk with Yuzuru. That's precisely why I have to congratulate him through social media.

Touché, Athena thought.

"Very smart. I wonder why you didn't go to university."

"Because you didn't allow me to study art."

Her cousins, of course, were watching the whole thing as well with an interested look. They looked more like her mom's daughters than she ever was. One was a lawyer, the other a CFO, they were all her mother wanted Athena to be.

Not that she would ever have the will to study any of those topics.

The worst of it all was that even though they both had a degree, none of them ever worked a day in their lives.

Yes, not even royal duties.

Their lives were pretty much about spending money, futile and without much substance.

Then again, it fitted them.

"Art isn't a decent degree to take. What would you even learn in university? What would you work on after?"

"I would learn plenty, but it doesn't matter either way. It's not as if taking a degree in this family is of any use."

"What is that even supposed to mean?"

"Why would I study if my future would be doing royal duties? Let's be honest... You wouldn't let me work on any other thing."

"Because you have responsibilities. It's part of who we are."

"More of a reason why a degree is useless."

This had been an old fight that Athena had for years and yet again, the arguments were always the same, and the battles were never worth bothering.

Her cousins were enjoying this far more than they should, the only thing they needed was the popcorn to complete the entertainment session. Sophia and Theresa loved every chance they could get to see a dent in the family, especially when she was the one suffering her mother's wrath.

She could almost see the excited eyes tearing her down.

"You love to always be right, don't you?" her mother continued.

"You're the one that keeps bringing up the subject."

"Since you don't want to talk about the other subject"

"Oh, yeah. The Japanese skater. He's famous after all" Sophia startled both women as she spoke excitedly. "Pretty face, but very skinny. I don't understand you, Athena..."

"What is that even supposed to mean?"

"That there are princes that are far better built than that man. I don't see why  you fight so much for him."

"Well, dear cousin... Have you considered that this is not about his looks?"

"What else? Love?" the cousin said while fake laughing. "Life isn't a fairytale, Athena... wake up."

The princess wanted to answer accordingly, of course, but her self-control was one thing that she was proud of in these situations. It usually worked well if Yuzuru wasn't around.

"No one said it was. Just because you're eternally single, doesn't mean that everyone else wants to be."

"Who says I'm single? Mama has a few dates set up for me."

"Arranged dates don't count, Sophia."

"And why not? At least my dates are dignified."

"I think a double Olympic champion is dignified enough."

"He's an athlete, Athena. You're a princess. Do you think it's normal for a relationship to be there?" her mother had to intervene, of course.

"There isn't a relationship, thanks to you, so I don't see the big problem with Yuzuru. Just deal with it."

"The problem is that you insist on having public interactions with the skater boy."

"So?"

"So, everyone is wondering why"

"Because he's my friend and no matter how much you try, I will always care for him. Even if it's hard for you to believe that!" Athena was pissed, even if things weren't exactly as she said, it bothered her deeply that her cousins and mother thought they had any right to control her and who she was friends with. If they wanted to go as far as trying to tell her who she could be friends with, then things would go south very quickly.

"I think we should all leave Athena alone to get some rest. It's not as if this topic is of such huge importance. She must be tired." Her father was probably sick of hearing the stupid fight and decided to act accordingly.

"Yes... Thank you, Father."

"I'll help you with your bags." he said standing up and helping her as he said.

"Your majesty, I'm sure one of us can carry the princess's things!" One of the servants quickly interrupted.

"Allow me to be a father today, instead of a King. I'm perfectly capable of carrying a bag or two."

On those orders, everyone backed down and allowed her father to guide her to her bedroom with a soft expression on his face.

"Are you okay?" he asked when they were out of sight.

"Yes. It's always like this."

"They don't know better."

"It's just so stupid, Dad. I just wish I could tell them everything I think in front of their faces."

"You know that's probably not your best idea."

"Yeah..."

"On other topics... how was your Olympic champion?"