Diplomatic Affairs

10

As I rose from my seat, Alex gently tugged me back down, his voice rational, "Causing a scene won't benefit you or your mom. Just let it play out." I sighed, acknowledging the truth in his words. Creating a scene during this significant event would likely do more harm than good.

With a resigned nod, I settled back into my chair, joining our group in conversation. We exchanged thoughts on various subjects, striving to divert our attention from the palpable tension in the room. Despite my efforts to engage in our discussion, snippets of the nearby conversations still reached my ears.

Especially the exchanges between my mother's opponent and the king and queen. My curiosity piqued, and I strained to catch their words more clearly. Reagan's voice carried across the room as he remarked, "To be honest, I'm surprised by Veridia's willingness to accept refugees from Aurelia."

The queen's shock was evident in her response as she countered, "But that's only immigration; the Aurelians aren't being compelled to-" Her voice resonated with surprise and concern, her words lingering before being abruptly interrupted by Reagan.

A sly grin adorned his lips as he interjected, "I've got a little tale about that I'd be delighted to share. You do enjoy croquet, don't you?"

My anger surged as Ari's words sliced through my thoughts. "Reagan on your mind again?" she playfully inquired, a smirk dancing on her lips. I clenched my fists, struggling to contain my growing frustration.

"I just wish I could show them his true colors," I muttered under my breath, each word dripping with exasperation. Ari's grin broadened, and she leaned in, her excitement palpable. "Let's do it then," she whispered, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

While Alex remained absorbed in conversation with William, Ari and I seized the moment. We discreetly rose from our seats and approached her parents' table. With feigned innocence and hidden mischief, Ari greeted them, "So what's happening here?"

As Ari and I approached, her mother's surprised gaze met ours. Reagan greeted Ari with courtesy, "Princess Arianna, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Ari responded with a playful lilt in her voice, "For you, I assume it is. You're acquainted with Benjamin Harrington, right?" She motioned towards me.

Reagan's expression shifted from surprise to a composed demeanor as his eyes met mine. "Indeed, I'm rather surprised to encounter another Veridian at this event," he answered cautiously.

Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I offered a courteous smile to Reagan. "Well, it's not only you who can engage in international networking, Mr. Reynolds," I replied, adding a touch of camaraderie. Ari chimed in, her tone carrying a touch of irony, "Seems like a rather desperate attempt for a boost in polling numbers." The king appeared taken aback, "Arianna, let's mind our manners." Her father reprimanded.

Reagan then turned his attention back to me, a smile playing on his lips as he inquired, "And how's your evening going, Benjamin? I noticed your forming quite the friendship with Prime Minister Montgomery's son." He continued, "Your optimism in fostering diplomatic ties with Aurelia is commendable. I can only hope our constituents are equally progressive," he said, his grin unwavering.

As I exchanged words with Reagan, my frustration continued to mount. "Perhaps you should have more faith in the integrity of our people," I retorted, my voice betraying the irritation I felt. "It's quite transparent that you're resorting to fear tactics to manipulate votes."

"Oh dear." the queen commented. Reagan swiftly responded, his tone defensive, "I have no idea where you're drawing these baseless allegations from, but I assure you they're nothing more than that - baseless allegations."

His response only stoked the flames of my anger. "And while I can't speak to your mother's stance," Reagan persisted, "I don't believe in involving opponents' families in political disputes."

"Your actions right now suggest otherwise," I shot back with growing intensity, my frustration boiling over as the argument escalated and drew the attention of onlookers.

Reagan appeared momentarily taken aback by my sharp retort. "Actually," he countered, "you were the one who initiated this conversation."

The queen intervened, attempting to defuse the tension. "Reagan does have a valid point," she stated calmly. "We could use more politicians like him."

As the gaze of the room converged on me, I could sense the weight of their disappointment and disapproval. The silence that enveloped us was unbearable, and in that moment, I recognized the gravity of my mistake. The words I had spoken, intended to assert my stance, had inadvertently led to my own downfall.

"Maybe it's best if I just leave," I murmured, my voice barely audible, my confidence shattered as I turned towards the exit of the dining hall. The tension in the air was suffocating, and I couldn't stand to be under the scrutinizing eyes any longer. As I walked away, Reagan's vague comment reached my ears, a bitter reminder of the evening's debacle. It was a stark reflection of how poorly things had unfolded.

Stepping out into the crisp night air, I left the palace behind as I walked aimlessly into to night until I found myself surrounded by the tranquility of a garden. My emotions churned within me, a volatile blend of anger and embarrassment. How had I managed to stumble so egregiously in front of a room full of influential figures? The weight of their expectations had crushed me, leaving me questioning my abilities.

Lost in my thoughts, I meandered through the moonlit garden, seeking refuge in its natural beauty. The soft illumination accentuated the elegance of the flowers and trees, which stood as silent witnesses to my inner turmoil. Desiring a moment of respite, I let out a heavy sigh and took a seat on the gently swaying swing, allowing the cool breeze to wrap around me like a comforting embrace.

Not long after, Alex emerged in the garden, his expression inscrutable. He approached cautiously, and I greeted him with a frigid tone, "Here to gloat?"

"Actually, I came to check on you, but I won't deny the satisfaction of an 'I told you so'," he retorted with a grin.

"Yeah yeah you were right how very insightful of you," I retorted, my eyes rolling involuntarily. A touch of frustration flickered across his features as he remarked, "Your stubbornness is truly unparalleled. You can't seem to listen to reason from anyone."

With a satisfied smirk, I replied, "Not just anyone, specifically you." He responded with a touch of sarcasm, "Oh, I'm feeling so special." Settling onto the swing beside me.

The silence between us grew palpable, broken by his voice. "You know, even though I was completely right, I thought it was pretty badass how you stood up to Reagan ," he said earnestly, his words carrying a sense of authenticity.

I met his gaze and managed a small smile. "Thanks, but I doubt my mother will share your sentiment," I admitted, my voice tinged with doubt. The idea of disappointing her gnawed at me.

Alex's gaze held steady as he spoke with conviction. "Other people's opinions of you are irrelevant, Ben. The sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be."

I let out a sigh, caught in a tug of emotions. "It's easy for you to say that," I replied, a conflicted tone in my voice. "But I'm the one who'll have to face them when we go back."

Alex's expression remained unwavering as he spoke with conviction. "To hell with them. If they can't see beyond one mistake, then they're not fit to be leaders anyway."

I hesitated, my gaze fixed on his face, searching for sincerity. His softened expression and composed tone prompted me to ask, "Why did you come looking for me? Don't you hate me?" He chuckled lightly, his smile comforting. "I may find you aggravating at times, but no, I don't hate you, Ben."

His words, combined with his smile, held a magnetic pull that left me momentarily captivated. The space between us seemed to narrow, my breath catching as his lips hovered tantalizingly close to mine. "Alex," I whispered, my gaze locked onto his intense eyes, just as a voice sliced through the moment. "There you are," the interruption came, causing us to hastily pull apart. I turned abruptly to face Ari, who had entered the garden, her tone concerned. "Ben, I've been searching all over for you."

Clearing my throat, I rose from the swing and walked over to Ari, offering her a strained smile. As I left, I couldn't help but steal one last glance at Alex, whose expression remained unreadable, leaving me with a swirl of emotions.