The Inside Story

Chapter Ten

I smiled when I got to the center of the orb. It came up in curves around a large concrete circle, and the top was open so you could see the stars. I looked at Alex, who was already looking at me.
"This is amazing," I said, returning my gaze to the sky.
"Yeah, it is. I like to come out here when I need a break from, well, everything," Alex said, walking to join me in the center of the orb. I looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Except for me, right," I said with a smile. Alex chuckled.
"Believe me, Lottie, I'll never need a break from you," He said. I saw something in his eyes in that moment that I'd never seen before. I brushed it off, not wanting to expect something that could never happen.
"That's good to know. I expect a letter everyday when I go back to America," I said nervously.
"I'll send you two a day," he said. I smiled, and looked back up to the sky. It was quiet for a while, and Alex finally broke the silence.
"I have something for you, a present," Alex said. Before I could speak, he pulled a black box out of his pocket. He opened it to reveal a small necklace. It was a thin golden chain a small pure white pearl hung from it.
"It's beautiful," I said. He smiled, and pushed my hair over my shoulder. He put the necklace around my neck, and clasped it together. He took his hand off the clasp and softly trailed my spine. I tried not to shake.
"You didn't have to get me anything. You've already gotten me tons of clothes," I whispered.
"Well you can't always wear formal clothes, but this necklace is pretty wearable, I think. Plus it'll help you remember me when you go back to America," he said lightly. I turned around and looked at his face.
"Thank you," I said. He looked into my eyes, and I could tell there was something he wanted to say. He looked in the direction of the palace, where the music was playing loudly.
"Would you like to dance?" Alex asked. I nodded, and a small smile came on his face. Unlike when we were inside, he pleaded both hands low on my lips. I placed my hands behind his neck, and he began swaying lightly to the music. I looked down, trying to hide my blush, and he pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around my lower back.
I got closer to him, and put my head against his chest. I could hear his heartbeat, and was shocked by the quick pace. His heartbeat couldn't be going that quickly because of you, could it? We kept swaying until the music stopped. I pulled back and looked up at him, and studied his face. His eyes were brighter than I had ever seen them. I slowly brought my eyes down to his lips. I bit my own, and Alex placed a hand under my chin, causing me to look up at him. We both slowly leaned in. I slowly shut my eyes when we were less than an inch apart.
"Prince Alexander!" Someone yelled. I pulled back. Had I really almost kissed him? Alex walked towards the edge of the orb.
"Over here," he called out. A butler ran over to him.
"Your mother wants you back in the castle. She's about to make her closing remarks," the butler said. Alex sighed and nodded. He gestured for me to follow, and I did so slowly. Did I seriously almost kiss him?
We walked into the castle, and the butler nodded at the queen. She walked to the steps so she would be elevated over everyone else, and everyone stopped doing what they were doing.
"Thank you all so much for coming," she started off. "I know the tickets are expensive, but it's very worth it."
I was confused in the magazines, it always said the royal family held this party for all of their friends to show their wealth. Why would they make their friends by tickets, and what makes it worth it? Popularity?
"The city orphanage is very close to everyone in our family, especially my eldest son, prince Alexander. John and Marie, the couple that own the orphanage work endless hours to help these children. And thanks to your ticket, they will be able to do unbelievable things with the orphanage. John, Marie, and the children are all here tonight, so I encourage you to go and talk to them when you get the chance. Thank you all very much for coming, and we hope you enjoy the rest of your night and have a safe drive home."
I was jarred out of my own reality when everyone began clapping and the music played again. Had everything I'd ever thought about the Montgomerys be wrong? The queen pulled Alex to the side to help say goodbye to their guests, and I went to find Marie.
Groups of people were talking to John and Marie, and even more were talking to the children. I slowly walked up to Marie.
"Could I borrow you for a minute, Marie?" I asked. She nodded and stepped away from the crowd.
"What's up?" She asked.
"How long has the Royal family been helping the orphanage?" I asked. Marie shrugged her shoulders.
"Depends on what you mean. The Christmas ball only started six years ago. But, when she was younger the queen always volunteered with the old owners. Alex practically grew up there. That's one of the reasons he helps us so much, it reminds him of his childhood," Marie said, leaning in close and whispering the last part.
I nodded and thanked her, and then went upstairs. I sat by the balcony and watched people leaving and dancing. At one point, Alex looked up at me with a concerned face, but I quickly looked away.
I could not get feelings for him. The whole reason I was here was for my job, which was to get dirt on the Royal family. I couldn't be in love with him.