The Orphan And The Crown

4

She had a quizzical expression, her brows arched in suspicion. Her eyes flickered at me with her lips pursed. I swallowed hard and met her gaze. 

"Uh - mum, this is his royal highness, Prince Alessandro. Your Highness, this is my mum, Kathy Hamilton."

She bowed down but he stopped her from doing so and extended his hand. She shook his hand still glaring at him with a sour expression.

"My apologies for intruding like this, ma'am. I unfortunately had an encounter with the paparazzi and luckily I bumped into Gia." He explained himself.

She folded her arms. I know she was mad at what happened the other day when he was rude to me. And one thing mum never tolerates is a rude person.

"With all due respect, your highness -" she started.

"Please, call me Alessandro." He insisted and I glared at him. Look at him playing all nice. 

Mum huffed. "Okay - Alessandro. I understand you were rude to my daughter the other day. I'll only let you stay the night because it's my duty to you as the future King. But I want you out of here first thing in the morning."

He nodded. "I completely understand. Thank you, ma'am."

She then shifted her gaze to me, her eyes softening. "Now, where's the McDonald's I've been longing for?" 

I gave her the pack. I bought four burgers and chips. Mum and I were supposed to have two each but I offered Alessandro a burger. He gladly took it and munched on it.

The room was silent and a bit tense as we all ate our food. Once we finished, I showed Alessandro to our spare room upstairs. Mum went to sleep since she'd had a long day.

"Here's some blankets and a pillow."

His eyes flickered at me intensely before taking them. "Thank you." He muttered under his breath.

He sat on the bed and scrolled through his phone, ignoring me. 

"So, what were doing walking the streets of London alone?" I questioned.

He continued typing on his phone. "I needed to go for a walk and get fresh air."

I chuckled. "That's not very smart."

He looked up at me and his jaw ticked. "Can you leave me alone?"

"You're very rude you know. Even after helping you, you still have an attitude." I rolled my eyes. "Some prince you are."

I turned to leave when I felt his hand grab my wrist. He pulled me to face him. His 6'3 self towered over me. I suddenly became nervous under his intense gaze.

He sighed and let go of my wrist. "I don't mean to be rude. It's just that I have a lot going on." He said with a stern expression. Did he ever smile? I know boys stop smiling at five but they still smile during encounters. Alessandro on the other hand always had a stone cold expression.

I folded my arms defensively. "We all do but that's no reason to be rude."

He closed his eyes and let out a breath. "I'm sorry for treating you the way I've been. I don't mean to. And thank you for saving me tonight."

I gave him a slight smile. "You're welcome, your highness. I'll leave you alone then."

I went back to my room and took a shower before bed. I was beyond exhausted and I wanted nothing more than to go to bed.

The next morning I took Alessandro back to Windsor Castle. I had to meet Rafael anyway.
Once I parked the car, we both just stayed inside.

"Uh - thanks for yesterday. Really." He turned to face me, his piercing blue eyes peering at me through his lashes.