The World Cannot Know

Chapter 6

(Edited)

Prince Sebastian

A message was sent to both women to meet me in the drawing room after breakfast. I'm only confronting them due to Matthew. To be honest I would just let things go. For all we know they could just be rumours that hold no truth, whatsoever. I can clearly imagine Alice being involved in that type of behaviour, she seems like the type, but Elizabeth. That's a little hard to believe.

As Matthew and I descended the stone staircase, our footsteps echoed loudly against the walls. The daylight filtered through the walkway casting shadows on the steps and the surrounding arches. Matthew wore a long, dark blazer that swept behind him as he walked, his expression as serious as ever as his twiddled his fingers at his side. He was definitely nervous.

"It won't be that bad, so stop fidgeting" I said to him with a slight smile on my face. He's always amusing to me. His actions, words, and charisma.

Giving his hands a little shake, he let out a deep breath "I know, I just hate having tense conversations like this, it always makes me nervous".

We both stopped in front of the drawing room, where we knew both women sat waiting. I placed both my hands on Matthews shoulders giving them a slight squeeze, while he faced the door "Come on, it's going to be fun, if it is true" I said, letting out a small laugh.

"Only in your world" he muttered under his breath, before opening the double doors. I sniggered behind him.

The two women sat in comfortable chairs near the large fireplace, which crackled and hissed softly. The room was bathed in a warm glow from the flickering flames to the sunlight that casted through the windows. Alice was taller than Elizabeth, she wore her hair down that cascaded over her shoulders. She wore a silk dress with intricate embroidery that shimmered in the morning light. Her face was lively and animated with mischief in her eyes.

"Welcome, gentlemen" she called out, smiling at the both of us "Matthew, looking as dashing as ever".

She was eyeing him, up and down and clearly not being discreet about it. Matthew knew and shuddered under her gaze. I smiled at her comment, I knew she revelled in the way he squirms by her comments.

"I see that both of you got my message" I said, not quite knowing if I should be serious or not.

Elizabeth was shorter and more rounded, with curly hair that framed her face in a halo of golden curls. Her face was delicate and serene, with soft features that gave her an almost ethereal appearance. She sat with perfect posture, her hands folded gracefully in her lap and her eyes watched both, Matthew, and I, thoughtfully.

"It did seem like it was urgent" she spoke, her voice just as soft as her face.

"There were some rather pressing concerns that were brought to my attention" I began tracing very carefully with my words.

"And what might that be" Alice called out.

"Both of you were seen acting in a manner that is unheard of" I said, making my voice clear and unwavering. My eyes wondered over to Matthew who was looking anywhere but the two women. I couldn't help but smile a bit. Of course, he would be behaving like this.

Alice eyes travelled to where mine were, she too noticed Matthew's stiff composure. She cleared her throat, looking as calm as ever, I thought she would have had some concern, unless she really didn't know what I was talking about, and this is all just a rumour going around.

"And what might that be" she asked once again, this time being deadly serious, no ounce of her playful humour that she usually has.

"Sexu-"I started, but was then cut off.