Kingdom of isolation - you can't hide

Forty One - Dual POVs

Aurora

"I wasn't aware we were attending a dinner of this size, Caspian." I hiss, watching him accusingly.

"I think it was implied when I told you to dress appropriately, Aurora?" He smirks, extending his hand for me to take.

"What do you mean appropriately? I'm not always wearing my sweats. I know how to dress." I scoff, swatting his hand away and getting out of the car.

Attending social gatherings is a terrible reminder that I'm still an outsider trying to blend in. Whether it's a social event or something as mundane as going shopping with security detail, it's still all strange to me.

Since my reprisal as Aurora, I haven't been pressured into going anywhere I didn't feel comfortable. Mama and Papa have been kind to me, giving me my own space when I need it. Caspian has also kept his opinions about my future at bay to the best of his capabilities—so, never.

"Could have fooled me." He chuckles, closing the door behind me.

"I don't like what you're insinuating."

"Wasn't an insinuation."

I roll my eyes. I give up.

I wrap my arm around his bicep and walk gingerly alongside him, trying to suppress the cold shivers raking through my body. I haven't been speaking kindly to him ever since he upsetted my friend the other night. It definitely felt good to do all the scolding for once.

But the feeling lasted only for a day, because he soon found out about my little adventure to Hotel Echo and bullied my soul into the ether. I don't need to be reminded that going into Alexander's territory was a terrible idea.

But, when he so kindly suggested we go out for dinner, I begrudgingly agreed, thinking he was going to apologise in his own way. Instead, I'm staring at a building that's reminiscent of when I last came to New York.

"It's just a few of my associates who want to celebrate with me, that's all."

"Why am I here, then?" I whine, causing him to stop walking altogether. Turning to face me, his eyes soften. He's wearing his signature black suit with a tie tonight, looking as handsome as ever.

But, there's a sadness in those grey eyes that I'm afraid of finding reasons to. Probably because I know what he's thinking and talking about it means that it's real.

"Don't know if you've noticed, Rory, but I'm about to be crowned King soon. It's..kind of a big deal around here."

Oh, shit. Shit! I forgot. Not only does he turn 25, he'll also have a ceremony that'll make his title official. Between not talking to Caspian and thinking about my demonic fiancé, I haven't really had any time to spare for other things. More important things, really.

Instead, I've just been hyper fixating on things I have no right fixating over.

Like, how it felt when I thought Alexander was about to kiss me. How..a sliver of disappointment washed over me when he didn't. I can still feel his searing touch. Just, stupid and irrational things. Nothing else.

That man both terrifies and excites me. I cannot—will not—spend my life with someone like that. My heart would explode.

"You forgot." My brother's voice breaks my reverie.

"I did not!" I splutter, offended. "I've just been preoccupied with other stuff. But I did not forget."

With the many memories I have lost, it puts me on edge every time I forget something. I get worried that maybe, I might lose my memories all together one day.