NOT ROYALE ENOUGH [18+]

25



● S A R A H ●

I could feel the tension building between us again, the pull toward him almost magnetic. My body was already leaning in, lips parting as if on instinct, ready to meet his again when—

"Ahem."

The cough cut through the moment like a knife, making me flinch back. In an instant, I put distance between us, heart racing with the abruptness of it all.

"Your Highness," Alfred spoke, his voice neutral, expression steady as though this wasn’t the first time he’d walked in on something like this. Of course, it probably wasn’t. He must have seen Chris with plenty of women, in moments just like this one.

The realization hit like a wave of cold water, dousing the fire in my veins. He’s done this before. With others. The regret settled in, heavy and sour. What was I thinking?

I noticed Chris reaching for me, his hand about to touch me again, but I moved away, avoiding him like his touch would burn me.

"I’m going to my room," I muttered, not daring to look at him as I straightened myself and started walking away. My chest felt tight, my thoughts swirling as I passed Alfred, only to be betrayed by my own body. My stomach growled, loudly.

I stopped, feeling my face flush as I glanced at Alfred. "Um, Alfred…" I started, unsure of how to ask, but he turned to me with a kind expression, waiting patiently. "I don’t know how to say this, but I’m a little… hungry."

Before Alfred could respond, Chris’s voice cut in. "What would you like to eat, then?" He asked, his gaze still locked on me, full of confusion, maybe even frustration. He was waiting for me to turn around and explain myself.

But I wasn’t going to. I refused to give him that.

"I was talking to Alfred, wasn’t I?" I said, not even glancing his way. I focused on Alfred instead, softening my voice as I made my request. "Would it be too much to ask the cook to make me tomato pasta? I’m suddenly craving it."

Alfred’s neutral expression broke slightly with a light smile, and he gave me a small bow. "Of course, Miss Wayne."

"Thank you," I said, returning the smile, though mine was tight. I wasted no time in turning away, walking faster as the embarrassment of the entire scene hit me full force. I prayed Chris wouldn’t follow me. I couldn’t handle another confrontation right now.

By the time I reached my room, my steps quickened, and I ignored the guard who was about to greet me, throwing the door open and shutting it behind me with a little more force than necessary.

I collapsed onto the bed, a sigh escaping as I grabbed one of the pillows, hugging it tight against my chest.

What the hell am I doing?

I kept telling myself to stay away from him, to avoid this dangerous game we kept playing, but here I was, hoping he’d come barging in after me like he usually did. The anticipation was maddening.

I squeezed the pillow harder against my face, trying to suffocate the thoughts that ran wild in my head. What was wrong with me?

When the silence stretched on too long and I realized he wasn’t coming after me, I pulled the pillow away and reached for my phone. Maybe I could distract myself. Maybe Alex would pick up.

The phone rang twice, each ring pulling at my nerves, but there was no answer from Alex. I frowned, a familiar unease settling in the pit of my stomach. I shot her a quick text, asking how she was doing and why she hadn’t been around the palace lately.