Royally Screwed

Chapter 20

SYLVIE

Coming here was a really bad idea.

I should have known the place would be filled with press people. And I should have known Danny would be here.

I hate myself for it.

Louis disappeared a few minutes ago, and I haven't seen him since. Danny has spotted me ever since I arrived, holding Louis by the arm, and he didn't seem thrilled. I quickly let go of Louis' arm, but the damage was done. Although the scene didn't seem romantic, Danny let his fantasy work.

Regardless if he were right or not.

I am on my way to get my second glass of champagne. Since I turned eighteen a few days ago, I am now legally allowed to drink in public. I didn't want to make such a fuss about it, spent it with Louis on the slopes, which now became my new favourite place. Dad never celebrates my birthday, because why would he celebrate the birthday of a mistake, to quote him. I stopped celebrating it too.

Yet Louis still insisted we celebrate. He surprised me with pain au chocolat from Carette, a nice painting as a gift and we even had a champagne shower in the evening.

I smile at the memories.

That smile quickly dies as I see Danny walking towards me.

He already mouths one word. "Bitch."

I close my eyes and take a very deep breath.

"You told me nothing is going on between the two of you", Danny barks.

"It's not. Our countries are friends, that's all", I answer.

"Your lies will be your ruin one day, Sylvie", he says convinced. It's then he takes my hands and wants to kiss it. Yet I quickly take it away and a hand appears on my lower back. This time, I recognise the touch. And lean deeper into it.

"But of course", Danny mutters as he sees Louis. With a mocking bow, he adds: "Your Royal Highnesses", before leaving us there.

"What did he want?", Louis must have forgotten the thought we shouldn't be together in public, since he now turns me to look at him and wraps both arms around my waist, keeping me close to him.

And it might be the moment or how mentally drenched I am, for I shake my head and don't move an inch from his comforting touch.

"Nothing much", I lie again.

"Did he say something to you? Did he threaten you?", he continues panicked, not having believed my lie.

"I'm okay", I assure him, planting a small kiss on his shoulder.

Louis must have calmed down a bit at that, for he now takes my arm again and leads me over to the bar. Only we can't even make a few steps, for Louis finds himself in the hug of two girls.

"Louis", one of them shouts as the other one says: "Our favourite royalty."

As they let go of him, I think I must be seeing double. Or might need an eye control. The two girls look identical. The only thing allowing me to recognise there are actually two of them and set them apart are the different ski suits. One is dressed top to bottom in a black one, while the other has a black ski jacket and some white leggings with some boots. The fact that they must be twins has long been confirmed, otherwise they couldn't look this similar.

Blue eyes, blonde hair and a gorgeous silhouette, I notice the attention the twins get, especially from the men at this party.

Louis still looks surprised from seeing them, yet he finds his way back next to me, our hands brushing in the process. I can't help the prickle of my skin.