A Mix Of Evil

Rivalry

"THE Princess Irene Elizabeth?! I've read about her, she's infamous! B-But why's she here?" Finn asks frantically. "Her parents brought her. She likes Ivory so whenever she's around I usually give her a tour," Asher explains with a smile. Finn looks over to the Princess as she stares back through him. The two lock eyes as Irene approaches slowly but sternly, her long wavy hair flowing behind her. "Hey there, Ash. Who's your friend?" While her smile feels genuine her tone is dry, almost passive aggressive. "Greetings Irene, this is Finn." "Finn? How... basic." The Princess chuckles to herself as Finn glances away in shame. Basic is he but bratty is her. Although, to say such a thing to her face is wishing for an execution.

"Irene! Be nice, seriously, he's really sweet!" Ash snaps, drawing their parents attention. "Nice? Nice?! He's just another peasant, isn't he?! Why should I be nice?!" Irene snaps back, visibly embarrassed. "Don't call him that." "What if I wanna?" Irene remarks in a mocking tone, showing her more childish side. Between the royals stands Finn, a humble farmer but an admirer of the Prince Asher. "Alright, that's enough! You're both acting like common children!" Finn shouts, pulling the attention to himself. His face glows red as does Irene and Asher's. The three blush, each ashamed of their outburst. "Fine then! I want a tour! And cake!" The Princess groans, refusing to look their way. Asher sighs, "Alright. C'mon then, I'll get you a slice afterwards." "Thanks."

The three walk through the castle, passing many rooms each decked with staff members eagerly cleaning. "Hey Asher? Why are all the staff so... rushed? Didn't they clean earlier?" Finn asks politely. "Well sure, but I'm here so they have to keep cleaning all day, right Ash?" Irene remarks with a smirk. While the idea is common knowledge for her, they both know Finn was genuinely confused. "Yeah, it helps keep relations between the kingdoms as it shows we're tidy. Organised space, proper mind." Asher explains calmly despite the battlefield behind him. As Irene and Finn have a stand off, the Prince tries his best to focus. The trio reach a staircase leading to a higher level of the castle. Finn glances up and asks, "It goes higher up?" "It goes higher up?" Irene mocks. "Can you two PLEASE try to get along?" Asher sighs as he goes ahead.

"He started it!" Irene shouts in a more childish tone.

"Sure..," Finn sighs.

Up the stairs is Asher's study or personal library more accurately. "Check out all the books. You sure do like reading, Asher." Finn observes the piles as he sees if there's any he may know. "What a beautiful view, no wonder you're always up here Ash." Irene laughs, staring out the window. "It's a great place to clear your head. The view is a bonus, honestly," Asher explains with a smile. His warm expression calms the mood, letting Finn relax. Though once calm at last he sees just how close the royals are. Asher and Irene don't fight like how she does with him, she's much more passive around the Prince. "When he's king... will she be his queen?" Finn thinks out loud, looking at their smiles. "He looks so happy... So why am I so sad?"

As Asher turns back to his farmer friend he's gone. "Finn? Finn, where'd you go? It's not safe, you can't just leave without me!" Asher shouts as he descends back down the spiral stairs, leaving Irene in a state of jealousy. "Chasing after some farmer? Leaving me alone? Who the hell is he to you, Asher?" Irene's tears stream down her freckled face. Asher stops on the top step, turning back to his friend. "He's my friend, Irene." "Then what am I?!" Irene cries out, wipes her tears, and turns away. Asher hugs her gently, trying to comfort her. "I'm sorry, it's my fault. I promise, you're my best friend."

"Aren't I more than that?"

"No..?"