NOT ROYALE ENOUGH [18+]

08

❥ SARAH ❥

"Let's go,"

Chris instructed, his hand wrapping firmly around my waist while clutching his suit in the other.

I couldn't help but mumble silently, questioning the need for such proximity, especially with the watchful eyes of the guards surrounding the jet. He remained silent, his grip tightening slightly, intensifying the sensation of his touch.

Sighing in resignation, I relented and walked outside alongside him. The moment the sun's rays caressed my face, I instinctively closed my eyes, attempting to shield myself from the brightness.

Slowly, I blinked several times, allowing my eyes to adjust until the overwhelming radiance subsided, revealing a sight that left me awestruck.

"Woah," I breathed, the word escaping my lips involuntarily.

This was undeniably a palace.

"Impressed?" Alex's voice broke through my reverie, and I glanced down to find her smirking, her eyes flickering towards Chris and the way he held me. Her smirk seemed to widen, as if she had uncovered a secret.

"It's beautiful," I replied, my gaze sweeping across the surroundings once more.

The lush green grass stretched as far as the eye could see, adorned with vibrant flowers in an array of colors. Nestled amidst this natural splendor stood the palace, an embodiment of regality, reminiscent of the grandeur found in vintage films.

Armed guards stood at every corner, their vigilant presence sending a shiver down my spine. "Why so many guns?" I couldn't help but ask Chris as we began making our way towards the palace's entrance.

"Why not?" he answered simply, his tone carrying an air of nonchalance. My breath hitched slightly at his response, my mind grappling with the implications.

As we stepped inside, my eyes were drawn to the portraits lining the walls, each one telling a story, particularly the older ones. However, there was one portrait that held my attention, a family portrait that seemed peculiar.

In the picture, Alex and Chris stood with their parents, but there was a glaring absence-their older brother was nowhere to be seen.

Weird.

"Ignore that portrait," Christopher's voice resonated in my ears. "It's merely an illusion my father clings to," he declared, his tone laced with sternness. A deep emotion flickered in his eyes, but its true nature eluded my comprehension.

Pain.

A heavy silence descended upon us, and I found myself scanning the surroundings, searching for Alex. My gaze landed on her face, and I observed the somber expression etched upon it. It became apparent that neither of them harbored any excitement about returning home.