Yes Your Highness 18+

02

It was later than when he had first come to get me, and a peculiar sense of calm washed over me; I wasn't angry anymore. Instead, I found myself engrossed in the animated conversation between Riley and Amelia, who were eagerly speculating about how the hunt might unfold. The clock on the wall chimed 10 pm, and I marveled at how swiftly the day had slipped away, a fact that had surprisingly escaped my notice. 

Life had taken on a different rhythm for me since I had begun living here; it felt like a temporary refuge, a brief pause in my journey. I often found myself counting down the days until my eighteenth birthday—a milestone I anticipated with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It was a date etched somewhere deep in my mind, a turning point that awaited me next year. 

As I listened to Riley and Amelia's banter, a surge of happiness flowed through my veins, banishing the shadows of doubt that had lingered. Yet, beneath that flicker of joy, there was an unsettling awareness—I felt like an intruder in this vibrant world. Though I yearned for connection, I couldn't shake the feeling that my true place lay elsewhere, in a realm beyond my current grasp.

Visions of where I wanted to go danced in my mind, filled with possibilities that felt tantalizingly out of reach. I knew deep down that the path to the real world, the one I longed to step into, would remain blocked until I was finally given the chance to prove my worth—a chance I was determined to seize when it came.

Whatever is worthy is, for that matter.

Riley cleared his throat. Breaking me out of my thoughts. He had a smug grin on, and I wanted to punch him in the face for it. "What do you want?" I would ask this like it were an everyday thing. But for Riley Augustine. It was an everyday game for him. I wasn't someone who enjoyed games. Because I often lose them. Like my brother, who was older than I by two years, he was messing with me because it was something that he was into. Although, his mate said otherwise and wanted him to be nice to me since I have gone through a lot over the years with the obnoxious bullshit that he calls 'being-a-sibling'.

I don't know how she can handle that much bullshit from Rajah. He and I used to be so close when we were younger. But ever since he turned eighteen, he became more and more of a pain in the ass. But that will never change for me. Thinking about him being a jerk was something I often thought about. Life was about enjoying it. Right? Well. I hate mine. If I could swap my life for someone else's. Then I would. But for now, all I can do is wait until whatever my parents have planned for me and my so-called future.

I keep mentioning this to myself.

Riley draped his arm casually over my shoulder, his fingers tracing small circles that felt surprisingly comforting. It was as if his touch was asking a question, though no words were needed. In my honest opinion, he wasn't fooling anyone with that playful gesture. With his striking ginger hair, porcelain skin, and those mesmerizing green hazel eyes, he had an undeniable charm. A smattering of freckles danced across his forehead and cheeks, but I would never confess how stunning he looked with them. Sharing my feelings on the spot was never my style.

You see, I had my scars, though not physical ones. The worst kind of pain often leaves no marks. I wasn't a victim of violence, but I felt the sting of verbal abuse like a storm crashing around me. My elder brother always seemed to bask in the favoritism of our parents, while I—just the youngest—drifted in the shadows of my own insecurities. I was told I was nothing, just a "stupid girl" whose worth was measured by cruel words whispered behind my back. Slut, whore, and a slew of other names I'd rather forget haunted me like a lingering nightmare. But amidst that chaos, Riley's presence felt like a spark of light, even if I didn't know how to embrace it.

I didn't want to admit I needed help. I was stubborn and preferred to learn things the hard way. "You alright?" Riley asked. I fell silent, unsure how to respond without snapping at him. I nodded but didn't meet his gaze because I knew my dad had chosen my arranged mate. I hated Riley, but I figured he couldn't be that bad.