Youth [MikhAiah] [Book #1]

28

—🦊—

MIKHA

The charity gala drags on, every smile and laugh feeling more forced by the minute. I've been playing my part all night—arm in arm with Denise, nodding politely to the endless stream of monarchs from different regions, pretending to be excited about our so-called "union." But my mind is elsewhere. As the crowd cheers for another toast, I glance at Juno, who is standing discreetly at the edge of the room. He meets my gaze and gives me a small nod, signaling that the guards have begun sweeping my quarters. Discreetly, as ordered.

I down my glass of champagne, the bubbles fizzing against my throat. The applause rings in my ears, but I barely hear it. All I can think about is Aiah—alone, waiting, while Marc lurks in the shadows.

Denise squeezes my arm gently, pulling me back into the moment. "You're doing great," she whispers, keeping up her part of the act. "Just a little longer."

I nod absentmindedly, but the weight of the charade is suffocating. My cousins arrive soon after, making their way through the crowd in their regal attire. Gwen, Jhoanna, and Colet move gracefully, blending in with the royal guests. When they reach me, Gwen leans in, her voice low as she speaks. "Aiah's fine. We've been in touch, but... you should consider sending Juno over to guard her. Marc's lurking too close."

The suggestion hits me like a gut punch. Of course. Juno could keep her safe in ways I can't while I'm stuck here. I nod, grateful for the idea. "I'll send Juno after the gala," I murmur. "I can't stand the thought of her being alone right now."

Colet raises an eyebrow, glancing around before whispering, "We should head to the lounge. It's quieter there, and we can discuss the plan."

Denise nods in agreement, and we all move toward the lounge, where Leo stands guard outside the door. Once inside, the mood shifts—calmer, more focused. Denise sits beside me, her voice soft as she talks with my cousins about how to continue this act, how to make our breakup look believable.

"We'll stage it after the gala," Denise suggests. "Something dramatic but not too scandalous."

Jhoanna nods. "It needs to be believable, but not enough to draw unwanted attention. We don't want the press digging into things."

As they talk, my mind drifts again. I can't help it. Every time I think about Aiah, the tightness in my chest grows. I grab my phone, typing a quick message to Juno.

—📱—

You:
Go to Aiah's apartment, try to check up on her.

—📱—

Relief washes over me, but it's short-lived. The door to the lounge suddenly swings open, and my father—The King—walks in, his face stern. My mother, The Queen, follows close behind, her eyes darting between us. The air in the room goes cold, all conversation halting.

"Mikhaela," my father says, his voice low but commanding. "Come to the office. Now."

I exchange a quick glance with Denise and my cousins before following him, my stomach twisting into knots. My mother doesn't say a word, but her eyes are filled with concern as we make our way down the hall.

Once we reach the office, my father shuts the door behind us with a sharp bang, turning to face me with a look I've only seen a few times in my life—when he's truly furious. He strides over to his desk, pulling out a letter, his movements rigid and controlled. My heart sinks as he throws it onto the table in front of me.