Paper Rings

Chapter 2: Trouble in Paradise

"You're an idiot," the youngest brother said. They were sitting in the garden running through the last few party arrangements. A crumpled piece of paper hit him against the head, and the glare from across the table left a scorching mark.

"You lost your ring again?" Claire asked, changing the subject. Nicholas winced. "Trouble in paradise?" she teased, knowing that his love life was going through a rough patch. She laughed as she saw him pout, his shoulder sagging, almost like an abandoned puppy. The only difference is that Claire couldn't get herself to feel sorry for him.

"No, we're just on a break. I didn't do anything wrong this time," he sounded dejected, but Claire still had some doubts. "I swear!" he exclaimed when he saw the way Claire looked at him, her eyebrow raised and her arms crossed.

"You didn't accidentally fall into the garden boy's laps again, did you?" She asked sceptically. He had a habit of being found in making out with one person or other.

"No, of course not!" Embarrassment bloomed across his face. He hid behind his hands, peeking through his fingers.

"Oh, maybe it was the stall boy, or the flower girl?" Claire wondered, tapping her chin lightly. Amusement tug at her lips as laughter bubbled up her throat.

"To be fair, he was super hot, and I wasn't in a relationship then!" He groaned, dropping his head onto the table. "You're being a meanie again," he whined. A pair of footsteps crunched gravel as someone approached. Nicholas quickly sat up straight and straightened his suit. The remnants of his embarrassment were still visible on his face.

"Afternoon Your Highnesses," a girl said, her head bowed. The tray with the afternoon snacks was well balanced as she curtsied. She placed the teapot and cookies in the middle before pouring a cup of tea. "Is there anything you would like, Your Highnesses?" she asked, her head still bowed.

"We're all good, thank you. You may resume your daily duties," Claire said, waving her hand dismissively. They watched in silence as she scurried away down the gravel paths. When she was out of ear shot, Claire grinned mischievously at Nicholas before taking a sip of her tea.

"What now," he sighed. He picked up a scone, his eyes trained on her. Her grin spread wider, and she began to laugh.

"Since you and your lovely, beautiful, stunning, amazing, and divine fiancé is on a so-called break," she paused for the dramatic effect, watching as he nodded slowly "That means on technicality, she is single, which means anyone can fill the spot you left vacant."

"No!" He stood up, glaring at her. "She is not single. We're just sorting things out. Don't you dare lay a stinky finger on my beautiful wife-to-be." He watched as she let out a long wheeze, clutching her stomach as she laughed. Tears formed in her eyes as she struggled to catch her breath. His glare softened to a pout, "It's not funny. It really isn't. How would you like if I joked about stealing all your bracelets and necklaces." That stopped her mid wheeze.

"You wouldn't dare," she challenged, "Mother will have your ass skinned and hair plucked out." She stuck a tongue at him. Before he could retaliate, James soft cough interrupted the banter.

"Settle down now, children. It's time to act like the mature adults you ought to be," he walked with steady strides towards their table, plucking a biscuit from the plate. "Are the arrangements for your birthday to you liking, Claire?" He took a sip of her tea and finished the biscuit.

"Yes, it's all wonderful. I do have a slight problem. Is it a must to invite Prince Aidan?" she asked slyly. "I know you all get along really well, but he isn't really to my liking." She looked at him through her eyelashes.

"Unfortunately, we're currently in an important business agreement with his kingdom, and so he must be included," he patted her hair affectionately. "If you were married or engaged to someone, then you wouldn't have had to deal with him, you know." James laughed as she swatted his hand away.

He read over the guest list, making a mental note of all the kingdoms attending. He was tasked with the opening speech to charm all the kings and queens. Since the King was close to stepping down from the crown, more tasks were allocated to James. Adding more and more to the never-ending pile.

"Where's your lovely Lola?" James suddenly asked, looking up from the list, receiving a loud groan from the end of the table.

"They're on a break," Claire whispered playfully behind her hand. Her loud whispers were met with a crumpled piece of paper smacking her in the face. James faced Nicholas, raising an eyebrow so high that it almost met his receding hairline.

"Oh, shut it," Nicholas grumbled, pain etched onto his face. "There was just a misunderstanding. She'll be back soon, I just know it. I've sent her dozens of letters and flowers."

"Is she with family?" James asked, eyeing him carefully as he flopped around. He was answered with a loud and heavy sigh. He turned back towards Claire and asked, "Was he discovered sticking to someone else?"

Claire laughed as Nicholas sat up and threw another crumpled piece of paper, this time bouncing off the top of James' head.

"For your information, I am totally devoted to my lovely Lola. Nothing can bring us apart," he swore, standing up straight with his hand over his heart. An offended gasp filled the air as his sibling scoffed in amusement. "Believe me, my eyes are on Lola and Lola only. She is so perfect and magnificent. Every experience with her is so magical and electric. When she-"

"Okay!" Claire interrupted, "we get the picture, I don't need to know what you two get up to behind close doors." She shivered, remembering a similar rant that has since plagued her peaceful days. Nicholas and Lola were perfect for each other in more ways than one, and apparently, their chemistry was "through the roof," as Nicholas liked to say.