Their Princess

Ch. 6- Her Voice: Part 1

Aria's POV:

Adela dragged me up the stairs, away from Adrian, her hand resting on my back. We walked side by side, though I had no idea where we were headed as she patted down my frizzy curls.

"Don't take what Adrian said to heart," she says to me as she rubs my back in a weak attempt to comfort me. "He's not used to anyone talking back to him... just try not to provoke him next time."

I shot her a look as if she'd lost her mind.

Was I supposed to let somebody I didn't know take my phone? One of the last things I had left from my old life?

Sure, maybe throwing the orange juice was too much, but that could be washed off—unlike his words.

I scoffed, shaking my head in disappointment, quickening my pace to get away from Adela. I heard her sigh in defeat as I rounded the corner and reached my room. 

I pushed the door open and rushed into the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face, I tried to drown out the buzzing in my head.

Why was I even still here? Everyone had a purpose in life, but what was mine?

I lost my childhood, my innocence—my whole life. I lost everything.

A knock on the door cut through my thoughts. Ms. Elaria stood there when I opened it.

"Yes, Ms.?" I asked, tying my hair into a bun.

"If you're done washing up, head down to the dining room for breakfast," she said, then quickly added, "It's mandatory."

I groaned, knowing she had anticipated my argument and cut it short.

"Fine," I grumbled, annoyed at the thought of seeing them again.

Walking downstairs to reach the dining room, I walked as slowly as I could to stall as long as possible. Feelings and tension were still high for me and I could assume the same thing for him.

I could hear the muffled chatter and laughter as I reached the dining room door. My hands trembled as I gripped the handles, taking a shaky breath before pushing my way inside.

The mood shifted the second I entered so I kept my eyes down. Jeremiah continued his conversation like I wasn't there, while Landon took every chance to shoot me dirty glances. Adela gave me a small smile but quickly turned back to the others.

 And me? I'm stuck in the middle of it. Last place I ever wanted to be.

Jaden patted the seat next to him, motioning for me to sit. I slid into the chair, though the weight of it all felt suffocating. The food on my plate looked unappetizing, so I took a sip of water, half-listening to their conversation.

"Father will be coming back from his business trip tonight," Adrian said to no one in particular as he cut through his pancakes.

Their voices became background noise, and I felt the familiar fog of disconnection creeping in. The table was full, yet I'd never felt more alone.

What did my English teacher call it? A Juxtaposition, I think. I could totally become a writer.

I started to zone out, the buzzing in my head growing louder. My vision blurred, and I struggled to breathe. I pushed my chair back, trying to stand, but my legs wobbled.

I needed to get out.

"Aria?" A distant voice—it sounded like Adela's—called my name.

I mumbled something incoherent, gripping the chair for support as I stumbled toward the door. My legs gave out before I could ever reach it, but someone caught me before I hit the floor. I could hear raised voices, but they felt distant as darkness swallowed me.