Sofia the First: The Rise of Rulers

Chapter Twenty-Five: Astrid

Chapter Twenty-Five

Astrid

It's been three days since my wedding, and the news of the bombing still has everyone uneasy. The news has left me specifically in a flurry of unresolved emotions. Our parents are currently in the War Room discussing how to move forward. Usually me and the rest of royal children would be there as well; however, the parents asked for a private meeting today which is why I'm in the Game Room at Whelshire palace watching my husband, I still don't think it has truly hit me that I'm bound to that bastard for life, and his brother play pool. I don't know how we can just sit in the game room and laugh as innocent people are dying. I try to focus on the game and not on the way my heart has felt so much heavier since my wedding night.

"Hugo where's your head? You're playing like shit." Axel is saying, watching as the ball Hugo just hit once again hits the side of the table and misses the hole.

"Playing like shit and still beating you. What does that say about your playing?" is Hugo's quick retort. The others are crowded around the table watching the game. Vivian is under James's arm, the two have grown seriously close in the few short days since their wedding. Sofia is sitting on the dresser behind the pool table, her eyes tracking Hugo's every move. My sister is with Zandar, and he says something to make her laugh. I've always been jealous of my sister and her relationship with Zandar. They're so helplessly in love. I wanted that, still do. For a short time I thought I found it, but that only ended in heartbreak. I'm beginning to wonder if there is anyone in the world who would love me like Zandar loves Hildegard. I'll never get to find out. My eyes return to the pool table and Axel. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled to his elbows displaying strong, tanned forearms.

I imagine them wrapped around me, his hands exploring my body. My eyes close on their own accord as I remember the feel of his face so close to mine, his hot breath in my ear. I remember his mouth on my lips, and imagine them on my jaw, my neck, my –

I stand abruptly, snapping out of it. I shake my head as if I could shake the thoughts out of it. I purposely avoid looking at Axel or his arms as I move to leave.

"I'm going to go get a drink," I annonce. I get a few ok's but everyone is focused on the game.

When I hangout with these people I can't help but feel like an outcast. They're all friends and have been for years. I'm a few years older, but so is Axel and he seems to fit in just fine. It's not like I don't have my own friends though, I do. Thinking about them brings a wave of sadness over me. I hadn't made time to see them recently with all the chaos.

I can still hear their laughter from down the hall as I make my way towards the kitchen. The thought of a lemonade moving me forward. I've grown familiar with the palace after spending so many days here when I was younger, exploring as our parents had meetings like they are having now. It's because of this that I know the way to the kitchen, easily navigating the huge building.

I reach the doors and open them without thinking about whether or not the room would be occupied. Sure enough one of the cooks stands at the sink washing dishes from this morning's breakfast I assume. She turns her head to look at me as I walk in, a small smile on her face, as she continues to wash the plate in her hands.

"Excuse me, I was just looking for some lemonade?" I ask, making my way to the refrigerator before she even replies.

"Of course," she says as I begin pouring the large pitcher of lemonade into a glass and bring the drink to my lips.

"Congratulations, by the way." She says moving on to the next dish in the sink. I move to lean against the counter.

"Thank you." I say, taking in another sip as an excuse not to say more.