The Orphan And The Crown

21

"Least likely to survive stranded on an island." Eleanor said.

They both looked at me and I narrowed my eyes at them. "What? Me?"

They looked at me with poker faces before bursting into laughter.

"Come on, you can't even survive a day of camping." Kate chuckled. 

"Too much of a city girl," Eleanor added.

"This coming from you, Eleanor" I fake cried, "is heartbreaking."

"The truth hurts." She shrugged.

"Okay. Let's switch to never have I ever?" I suggested and they both nodded.

"I'll go first." Kate told us, crossing her legs.

"Whoever has the most fingers up, downs their drink." Eleanor said and we agreed.

"Never have I ever been in a relationship with a prince." Kate sneered, earning a glare from me.

Eleanor fell back laughing her lungs out.

"I'm just getting you riled up." She chuckled. "Let me be more fair."

"Thank you." I sighed a heavy breath.

We played a few rounds of Never have I ever. I had to down my drink since I had the most fingers up. We also did some karaoke and by then I was quite tipsy, if not drunk. Eventually, Eleanor and Kate joined me in my tipsiness after a few drinks.

"Okay,I'm off to bed, you two. I've got work tomorrow." I told them.

"Boohoo. You're no fun, Gianna Hamilton." Kate whined but I was too exhausted to care.

"Goodnight, you two." I waved at them then left.

I got into bed and dozed off to sleep. I had so much work which included Alexandra's high tea. She had high expectations and the last night thing I wanted to do was disappoint my boyfriend's mum. Not only was she my boyfriend's mum but she's the Queen of England!

***

"Can we have a chandelier hanging at each table? I think it will look fancier." Alexandra requested and I jotted down in my notebook.

"Alright. Do you want round tables or a long table for all the ladies?" I questioned.

She hummed. "Let's do round tables. A long table sounds more like a formal dinner."

I nodded. When I looked up, I found her looking at me with a small smile on her lips. I felt slightly uncomfortable and insecure for a moment.

I cleared my throat. "Uh - I've got everything."

"Thank you for being with my son." She said out of the blue, surprising me.

I fixed my glasses and smiled at her. "S-sure. I mean I'm actually happy by his side. I should be thanking you for raising such a gentleman."

She chuckled and continued. "I can see how you've brightened up his life. I've never seen him smile the way he does now or look so happy. I like this new version of him that I'm seeing. It's all thanks to you."

I let out a nervous laugh, unintentionally. I just didn't take compliments well. I never did. I actually hated being complimented.

"Uh - sure. I'd be lying if I said he didn't do the same. He's light up my world more than you can imagine. Truthfully speaking, I'm not one for the famous, glitz and glam life but Alessandro makes me want to step out of my comfort zone. If it means adapting to his world then I'm willing to do so."

For the first time, I saw Alexandra's motherly side. She looked at me glimmering hope in her eyes and a look of satisfaction. It's as though she was content with me.