The Royal Curse

Twenty Two - Trial

Kace Holland

My poor attempt at a party left my room covered in bottles of the finest champagne. Fixing the collar of my cream colored button up, I eyed the bottle of half-filled champagne resting on my table. One more drink couldn't hurt. Besides, I had a feeling I'd need it after today.

Right as I tugged my sleeve and went to grab a glass, a sharp knock sounded at the door. Nearly knocking the glass over, I cleared my throat and said, "Announce yourself before you knock." Idiot.

"Apologizes, Kace. Now open the door for your favorite princess."

Only she could lack so much etiquette and still dare to knock on a royal's door like that. I shoved as many of the champagne bottles in the garbage bin. Right as I got to the door, I wiped away any residual alcohol from my palms with a handkerchief.

"You sure are slow, Kace."

"It's 'Prince Kace', Princess Senna," I corrected yet again, opening the door. "Impatient, are we?"

I immediately caught sight of her arms that were laced with the finest golds. Hefty yellow-gold bracelets lined her wrists. Golden cuffs were around her upper arm, each cuff having a chain of gold that connected them to a bracelet by her wrists.

Her gown, however, brightly contrasted her deep bronze skin tone. The white, silk gown draped effortlessly around her slim figure. Each edge was lined with golden-colored stitching.

Beautiful. 

"Your hair. You cut it." Her statement brought me back to reality.

"Do you like it?" I asked, though it came out much softer than anticipated. Must have been the drinking last night.

She smiled as she curled a face-framing piece of her hair around her finger. "You hardly have hair left," she finally said, amusement lacing her words.

"Well, that tends to be the case with buzzcuts, Princess Senna."

At that, she took a step inside my room, her honey eyes darting to every corner.

I nearly spoke again just so I could have her focus her attention on me, yet she beat me to it. "Today is a big day." Her back flexed with muscle and she twisted her neck back. "How much did you drink last night?"

Not enough, apparently. "Just a couple—"

"A couple bottles, you mean."

Oh, God, the pins in her hair looked strains, threatening to break free and let her hair cascade down her backless gown held together by golden chains.

"Kace—"

"Senna."

"Kace—"

"Oh, stop reprimanding me about alcohol."

"You drank bottles of alcohol, Kace!"

"You look beautiful."

"Thank God it's only champagne and nothing stronger. Kace, your heath is already weak as it is—"