The Prince That Got Away ( A Royal Romance Novel )

Rescued By The Devil

Seven Years Ago...
Emilia's POV:-

Mirah, our city never looked more beautiful than tonight, its glorious skyline visible through my perch near the balcony. Mirah was the capital of the Kingdom Of Semeyra and a labyrinth of modern skyscrapers interspersed with historic buildings. The River Shaheet cut through the middle of the city, nearly as wide as the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. The properties along the river were worth a fortune, and now I could see why.

Our classmate Lexi, who was hosting her birthday bash here, was the daughter of an earl. Their mansion was a sprawling villa in the neo-baroque style which showed a spectacular view of the river right next to it. The view was almost worth coming here. Though I can't say it wasn't entertaining to see the pretentious way everyone behaved here.

The only birthday parties that I had attended consisted of eating cheap food at McDonald's. Or sitting in a cramped drawing room decked out in balloons, with coke and whatever bakery items the birthday girl's parents could put on the table. Lexi's birthday consisted of a performance by her favorite indie rock band followed by fireworks.

Now a DJ was entertaining the guests who were fooling around on the makeshift dance floor. Waiters were providing an uninterrupted supply of booze to everyone, underage or not. My Mom would have a heart attack if she could see this. I and Tessa had retreated to the balcony after the concert and fireworks. I barely knew anyone and I didn't have the confidence to writhe on the dance floor like the others were doing.

" Tessa don't stay here because of me. I love sitting here but if you want to mingle with the others or dance just go. I will be fine here." I say to Tessa for the thousandth time but she refuses to leave my side.

" If you haven't forgotten, after the news about my dad broke out, most of these people refused to even look in my direction. I only came here because of Lexi and she's too busy with the others to talk to me right now. If Roman was here I would have danced, but he isn't so I am better off here. " She shrugs.

" It's not like you are missing out on anything. It's mostly couples grinding against each other. " I make a retching noise. Tessa laughs at me, but just then her phone begins to ring.

"It's my Mom. She wants me to return to the house immediately and she's already sent a car here. " Tessa hurriedly stuffs her phone into her purse.

" Is something wrong? Did she tell you anything?" I follow her to the gate.

" That's what's worrying me the most! Mom won't say anything. I have a feeling it has something to do with my dad. Why don't you come with me? I will drop you home first."

" Tessa my house is literally on the other side of town. If it's an emergency, you need to be home as soon as you can. It's not even 9 yet. I will take an Uber or maybe Samantha will pick me up. Just don't worry ok?". I hug her and silently pray that nothing is wrong. Tessa has done so much for me, and the last thing I want is for her to suffer more than she already has.

Samantha is at her friend's wedding and tells me she will be there in an hour or so. I decide to take a walk through the gardens just to pass the time when I spot him. Louis stands with a champagne flute in his hand and his usual snotty look on his face. His eyes meet mine, and I try to be polite and smile at him. He quickly looks away instead.

I feel unnerved all of a sudden. I am miles away from home and surrounded by people who are virtually strangers. I don't know what to do and I must look awkward standing by myself while everyone's having a good time. A waiter passes by carrying drinks and I grab one. I down it quickly and it burns my throat. In my hurry, I didn't even notice what I was drinking. It wasn't a soft drink that's for sure. I think I have gotten myself inadvertently drunk.