Royalty is Two-Faced

Chapter Seven: Confrontation.

Chapter Seven

Edryn stares at me like he just saw a ghost, “You’re kidding.” The twins didn’t say a word, they barely even glance at me since they are only focusing on the ground. “That doesn’t make sense.”

Carlin takes a step forward and turns to me, “Azure.” He places a hand on my shoulder and soothes my angry thoughts. Edryn sits at the study table and opens the book he slammed against the table.

I turn to Carlin hopeful for an explanation, I just notice his bronze coloured eyes that close for a moment. “He’s kept it as a secret, only Edryn and I know...”

I shake my head, “But Court-“ Carlin places a finger on my lips and takes a step back.

He turns back and locks the door, “Courtney is a cover-up, Mother is suspecting that he is gay. He’s been spending more time with Daniel than Courtney... He’s been sending her on pedicures and all that girly stuff.”

I look away, that... makes slight sense. “He’s married to her now.”

Carlin and Edryn groan, “Azure, he wants me to rule because I have the Royalists on my side. The Royalists don’t want him to rule because he’s temperamental and VERY secretive.”

I realise something, “Hang on, do The Royalists... want you to rule?” Edryn nods slowly and walks towards me, “What happens to-“ I turn to Carlin and Edryn sighs.

Edryn places a hand on my shoulder, “Carlin will forever... be in my shadow.”

I gape and turn to Carlin, “And you have no say in this?!” Carlin can’t help but look down ashamed, “I can’t believe this! And I bet you can’t do anything!” I turn back to Edryn and he turns around, “Edryn!?”

He turns back with an angry expression, “Azure, I know this may be a giant step from your life. But this is how it will be, I don’t care that Carlin will be forever under my heel I honestly have no power until I wear that crown. The only power I have is to take some girl from a ruined town and take her as my own.” The last statement stabs me in the heart, Edryn’s cold eyes soften and he takes my hand but I slap his delicate face in anger. I can’t help but let tears stream down my face, “Azure...” I turn away and unlock the door and storm off to the bedroom. I wipe my face thoroughly whenever I feel tears continue to fall, I slam open the bedroom door and Desiree turns to me shyly.

“Milady-“

I order and Desiree tilts her head to the side, her gentle big brown eyes close for a minute. “Desiree-“ She digs into her pockets of her maid outfit and reveals a handkerchief and wipes my face, I can’t help but continue to cry as she escorts me to the bed.

“Edryn...” I sniff and Desiree hushes me and caresses my back as I cling to her crying my eyes out. He insulted me... and where I lived... How can he do that?! Desiree smiles and continues to silence me with sweet hushes, she pulls away and I feel a lot better.

I wipe my face and smile at her, “Now... tell me what happened.”

I take a deep breath and stare into Desiree’s eyes, “Edryn insulted me.”

She stares at me unconvinced, “He doesn’t insult anyone... what did you do?”

I gape at her, “I... said he has no power... to change anything.”

Desiree sighs, “You realise he’s trying his absolute hardest to have peace within the Royals? Regarding... Arctic and his Mother.” She caresses my back and I listen to her, “Arctic is having more run-ins more often than usual... and Edryn placed off all the pressure... by getting the media’s attention.”

I look down, “I should apologize...” I stand up and Desiree grabs my hand, “Desiree?”

She stands up and smiles, “Can you please give this to Carlin?” She gives me a folded letter and walks out of the room after I accept.

I stand alone for a while, Edryn... is really a good guy... “Azure...” The man himself walks towards me, “I’m sorry...” I stare into his eyes as he approaches me slowly, “I’m wrong...”

I stand on my tippy toes and kiss him lightly, “Shut up.” I whisper, “I’m wrong... My Prince...” He smiles at me, “I was too blind to see that you are working so hard to keep the peace within the family...”

Edryn softens up and embraces me thankful, “And I can’t do it alone... I need you Azure to be yourself.” He pulls away and we kiss once more.

He stares at me pleadingly, “Of course.”

He grips my hand grateful, “Thank you...”

His whispers place me at ease and he kisses me once more and I wrap my arms around his neck, “I won’t ever assume anything without asking you first... but you have to be clear to me.” Edryn nods and kisses me lightly again, he pulls away and turns to sit on the bed, “Wait, are you allowed to sleep with me? We didn’t discuss it with your Mother...”

Edryn stands up, “She can’t complain then.” He smiles and takes off his dress shoes, “We won’t pull anything anyway... I’m old school.” He stands up and unbuttons his navy blue dress shirt, he walks to his closet and disappears for a minute. I fumble on the spot, I never had any boy sleep in the same bed as me... let alone... I touch my hair instinctively, what happens if I snore?! My hair in the morning is going to be a mess! Oh no...

The door opens and Cedric walks in casually yet elegantly, “Master Edryn?” He approaches the closet and knocks, he turns to me and bows graciously. “I have some spare bloomers for your Lady.” The door inches open and Edryn smiles at Cedric, he takes the clothing and Cedric hands him a letter. I fiddle with the letter in my hand, wait! This is for Carlin! I forgot to give it to him.

Edryn glances at me, “Cedric, thank you... I’ll take them off your hands.”

He takes the letter and the bag of clothing, “Cedric? Where can I find Carlin?” I ask and the old man turns and nods.

“Carlin is out with his mother... Was there something you needed from him?” Edryn smiles and turns back into the closet.

I fumble on the spot, “I need the glasses I lost... He took them after dinner.”

Cedric nods, “I can happily go retrieve them for you-“

I cut him off desperately, “It’s perfectly fine, I’m sure I can manage myself.” I walk ahead, “Thank you.” I bow to Cedric who nods at me happily.

I close the door and start walking, isn’t it odd... my parents are coming tomorrow... along with Natalie and they are going to be asking so many questions... “Hey.” I turn to Arctic, I freeze on the spot as he approaches me. “What are you doing wandering by yourself... hmm?” He asks as he starts walking towards me, his smile seems different to me it’s like he’s trying to prove something to me... “I’m sorry about dinner. That’s why I was so against you seeing what happens.”

I nod quickly, “It’s fine...” I ignore his hurt expression he grabs my hand and turns around. After confirming no one is surrounding us, he starts to pace away with me in tow. He snaps a nearby door open and pulls me inside, my heart begins to race as he hastily locks the door.

“You’re lying.” He states coldly still facing the door in anger, “You know something.” He assumes rudely, “What did Carlin and Edryn say to you?”

I shrug, “They sai-“ He slams me against the wall in one swift step, the room we are in is nothing but empty wardrobes. “They said nothing!”

“You’re lying... I trust you enough that you will tell me the truth!” He whispers with venom, I start to cry at his desperation. He needs to know if his brothers actually betrayed him about his secret, Arctic... he’s getting pushed from all directions. He’s got almost nothing holding him peacefully, he’s trapped. Tears stream down my cheeks and Arctic loosens his grip, he takes a step back shockingly at the sight of me breaking down. I look up at him, he turns around panicked and leans to my level. “Azure... I’m sorry.” He comforts and rubs my back, I wrap my arms around him trying to muffle my cries. “Listen, I know Carlin and Edryn told you I’m gay.” He whispers so quietly, “I trust those two with my heart... They chose the right girl.” He hugs me in return and tightens his grip, “Azure...”