Royalty is Two-Faced

Chapter Eight: Nothing to Lose.

 Chapter Eight

Arctic isn’t as cold as he they say... here he is, comforting me until my tears are dry and invisible to the human eye. Finally I calm down and Arctic helps me stand up, “I got a... question.” I state and Arctic nods at me beckoning me to ask, “How come you don’t want the throne?”

He sighs and turns and sighs, “Because it means Courtney will be Queen, sure she’s nice... but... I don’t want to exactly rule beside someone I don’t have exact feelings for. Besides, Edryn is a much better candidate than I am... it’s always ‘Edryn this, Edryn that, Arctic look at your brother’ If they like him so much... why don’t they just wipe my identity and leave me alone?”

I hold his hand, “Because they believe that the rumours are just rumours. They need confirmation that it’s false.”

Arctic bites his lip, “I’m not going to live a lie, that’s Carlin’s job. They’ll find out eventually that I’m gay.”

My hands start to sweat, “Who is ‘They?’ Your mother?”

He shakes his head, “She’s too weak to handle me. I’m talking about the Royalists within the castle, the guards... the maids, the butlers and even our servants. Did you know Devin and Daniel are distant cousins?”

I’m taken back at his random question, “What’s that got to do with anything?”

Arctic smirks, “Daniel and I are...” He trails off but I get the picture he’s giving out, “Devin is also getting assigned to be your personal servant.” I finally get what he’s doing... he wants to change the subject.

I fold my arms and smile, “That must be exciting for him, will he be like... by my side twenty four seven?” Arctic nods stiffly and smiles at me, a genuine smile... not a secretive smile.

“He will receive a buzzer and you’ll get a ring,” He shows his hand, I notice the silver band around his thumb he turns his hand so I’m staring at a red gem on the side of his palm. “When you press this red gem, Devin will know that you request something.”

I smile and stare at the gem, “Who’s... your servant?”

Arctic furrows his brows, “Daniel.”

I nod and smile, “When do I get one?”

Arctic puts his hand down, “Most likely tomorrow, Daniel is attending Devin’s small ceremony to be an eye witness.”

I clasp my hands together, “You have to meet my parents tomorrow! And Natalie... they are so lovely! Natalie... is a little crazy but you’ll love her!” I exclaim at the thought since I only just remembered it.

Arctic tilts his head to the side, “I’d love to meet them.” He turns around and smiles, “You’re going to be the perfect Princess.”

Princess... Princess Azure, the thought gives me the most spine-tingling feeling. “Are there any certain requests you want me to do when... Edryn takes the throne?”

Arctic shakes his head, “But just in case, I want you to give gay rights back in this country... if Edryn forgets that promise.”

I smile, “He has to remember! You’re important to him... if he forgets... I’ll be lecturing him.” Arctic smiles and pulls me in for a hug, the feeling of having Arctic’s trust is something I’m going to treasure.

I pull away and smile at him, in return he pokes his tongue and bows. “Lady Azure, do you want to return to your dearest Edryn?”

I nod but then remember the note that I’m meant to give to Carlin, “Wait... I need to give this to Carlin!” I show the letter in Arctic’s face, “Desiree told me to give to him.”

Arctic smirks, “Alright... come on, I’ll walk you to him.” He opens the door and takes a quick glance to see if anyone is nearby, “It’s clear.” He beckons and I follow him he walks ahead of me but slows down so he’s walking alongside me, “Hey Daniel.” He stops in front of the blonde male and turns for a minute, “Do you know where Carlin went?”

Daniel glances at me, “He went into the fifth kitchen.” He bows and Arctic smiles, “Milord?”

Arctic pats Daniel’s cheek gently, “Thanks. Come on Azure.” He grabs my hand and smirks, “Daniel is such a boy.”

I giggle, “He’s pretty cute though... reminds me of a young angel.” Arctic sends me a death glare, “I mean, like I’d like him as a brother... not a boyfriend.” He nods at my correction.

“That’s better.”

I sigh and stop at a door, Arctic forcibly pulls the door open. Surely Carlin is there sitting on the sink closest to the counter... and he is balancing a spoon on his nose while another maid is cleaning the dishes. “Carlin!” I grin as I run towards him, he grabs the spoon and places it on the counter as he hops off.

“Hey little Azure.” He ruffles my hair while smiling.

I hold out the letter like it’s made of glass, “It’s from Desiree.” His expression fades and he snatches the letter.

He opens it and reads it quickly, “You didn’t read this-“

I shake my head quickly, “No!” He breathes a sigh of relief as he continues to read, he rips the piece of paper after he reads it and tosses it in the bin. “Why did you do that?”

Carlin smirks, “So I know no one reads it.” He pushes me out of the kitchen, “Do you know where she is now?” I shake my head and Arctic starts to walk away. “Brother, where are you going?”

Arctic turns with a grin, “I’m going to find Courtney.”

I look around for a minute, “Does she know...” I trail off at my question so I don’t blow Arctic’s secret, he gives a sly nod and walks away. So Courtney knows he’s gay? Well... she must have some idea. I turn to Carlin who is in the middle of yawning, “You tired?”

He nods and stretches, “It’s been a busy day.” He comments and smiles. “Besides its ten thirty at night.” My jaw drops at the information, “I know, it’s so lit up here... I get confused until Desiree tells me.” I eye the ring on his thumb, is Desiree his personal servant? That would make sense, maybe the letter she wanted me to give him had like a day off request.

I fold my arms, “When did we have dinner?” I ask and look around, guards are slowly patrolling the area with dignity.

Carlin looks around, “Well, about nine thirty... I’m guessing... that was when Desiree told me the time.” He looks away and I catch his lightly red cheeks, “I better go to bed.” He scurries in direction I’m facing.

I take a step forward to call out to Carlin but stop myself, slightly frustrated at his attitude I decide to walk back to the bedroom. My eyes focus on my feet, “Hey.” I bump into a hard surface and fall back on my bottom, as I rub my head my eyes focus on a familiar male. Devin, “Sorry milady.” He extends his hand and helps me up kindly, “That’s one thing I’ve learnt... you’re clumsy.” He notes with a grin and holds my hands in a protective manner, “I’m Devin.” He introduces himself and kisses my hand out of respect, “Your future personal servant.”

I smile lightly, “The thought excites me.” His grin grows at my statement.

He escorts me as I walk, “So where are we headed milady?” He hides his hand behind his back and I pull a piece of my hair and place it behind my ear.

I point ahead, “I’m going to bed. I’m exhausted.” I huff and yawn and cover my mouth. “Devin, where do the slaves sleep?” I ask curiously.

He points to the right, “The next hall, I share a room with Daniel and Patrick.” I don’t know who Patrick is, but I know Daniel so I nod understandingly. “It’s pretty cosy, those two can get pretty noisy though... other nights I have to scold them to get peace and quiet.”

“Troublemakers.” I smirk to myself and Devin opens my bedroom door.

“Like Carlin and Desiree.”