Royally Screwed

Chapter 1

SYLVIE

"One word to describe Louis?", I even try to do so as if I would have to give myself time to think. Because princesses aren't allowed to curse. And the only words that come to my mind as I have to think of Prince Louis Grayson Nathaniel West Estair-Dunn The Third, I wouldn't be allowed to tell them on international television.

"In my opinion", I begin, and I already hate myself for what I'll say next. Louis doesn't deserve my praise. He should fucking thank CNN, because that's the only way he is getting any good word from me. "Louis is a very decent young man."

Okay, maybe that didn't have the positive effect I have wished for. I can see Laurie, the reporter, minimally raise an eyebrow, her clearly also not wanting to show any reaction while being broadcasted live all over the world. Even the head of PR, Hector, who insisted he'd travel with me all the way from our capital city Briar to New York for this interview only, didn't seem so thrilled about my answer. He's looking at me with an eyebrow raised now, and I could swear his hair got a bit greyer than usual.

"Would you care to elaborate, Your Royal Highness?", the reporter asks me.

Fuck me, Louis will never let me forget this. Neither will Edmund. Still don't get how someone as sane as my brother can call that guy his best friend.

"I mean, he is definitely a very kind person." I barely stop the cough. "Very gentle and caring." Cue the other cough. "It's always a pleasure to be able to spend time with him."

I don't even believe myself. Last time Louis and I were forced into a room together was the royal wedding of King Alexander of Guinevere and his consort, the new Queen Georgiana. And trust me, that did not go well. By the end of the night, Louis had low-key managed to empty four glasses of whiskey, and as usual didn't even got drunk, because heaven forbid someone stained his golden boy reputation, and I was holding the knife in a grip so tight, I was honestly surprised it didn't break or bend.

The only thing that was sweet that night was the cake.

"But then again", I find myself saying. If only to assure that I'll walk with half a dignity out of here. "He is first and foremost my brother's friend. And I can see how loyal of a friend Prince Louis has been to Edmund. So regardless what my thoughts would be concerning His Royal Highness, he is like part of our family."

Sadly.

The reporter smiles at me and I can even see Hector nod pleased.

Truth to be told, I don't even know how the conversation spiralled to be about Louis. We first discussed my school, then about my preferred activities. We talked about the upcoming world tour I will do in name of our country, Arlette, as soon as I wrote my final exams and graduated high school. We talked about the long-lasting friendship between our country and Cordelia. And then as soon as Cordelia was mentioned, Louis was obviously mentioned. As Queen Olivia and King Nathan's only son, he will inevitably take over the kingdom. And to make it all better, Edmund is the one who will rule Arlette one day, so our countries will forever be best friends.

Meaning Prince Louis will forever be there.

Amazing.

I can't really name the exact point I started to hate him. I just know that I could never not hate him. He is the perfect prince. Graduated early because he is so damn intelligent, spent two years helping polar bears at the Pole, then got accepted for a political studies major at Harvard. Charismatic. Always being the centre of attention in a room. Everybody's favourite royalty.

His personality only changes when it comes to me. That's when his mask drops. And the devil inside lurks.

"I'm sure His Royal Highness would be very happy to hear that", Laurie tells me.