Royalty [BWWM]

12. Scandal

August

It was awkward in the van with the four of us in the back and the two security guards in the front. Nick and His mother sat in front of us and Alice and I sat facing them. It was a smaller but spacious version of a limo, even though I grantee you limos weren't bullet proof.

The seats were white leather with the royal colours running along the edges.

The silence was thick despite the light playing of violin music in the back.

"So, I'm guessing you and Prince Nikolai know each other from the university he attended in the United States of America." Alice smiled at me.

"Yes," I muttered. I wasn't in the mood for talking but I had to push through. Hearing USA spelt out was really beginning to throw me off. They made it seem like it was another world to them.

"Are you married?" Mrs. Victoria wondered. The Queen.

"Mother." Nick sighed glancing at me apologetically and then out the window.

"It's a fair question. She is beautiful." She retorted to him.

I genuinely smiled at Nick's mother, finding warmth in her eyes.

"No, ma'am." I glanced over at Nick and looked away when our eyes met for a brief second. Did I want marriage and kids? I wasn't so sure anymore.

"That's a shame." Alice touched my hand in sympathy but removed it almost immediately.

"Yeah," I grumbled. It wasn't like my clock was ticking out. I still had at least 15 years left to get this right.

The car came to a stop after a while and we made our way into the night. It was unexpectedly bright making it hard to believe it wasn't daylight. I could hear the music from the speakers that surrounded the perimeters and the people that walked around viewing the paintings and sculptures. I suddenly felt my spirt as it lifted and as a smile found my lips.

They took their time situating themselves, especially since they couldn't go anywhere without security. We were barely two minutes into the park when people started surrounding us asking for pictures. They wanted pictures with the Queen and especially Nick, and even Alice. I offered to take them.

I was a statue photographer for roughly ten minutes until I finally weaseled my way out, walking around the park to look at the art work.

I froze when I saw a sketch of a girl in black. Her hair flying freely and a red line ripping through her. For some odd reason it spoke to me. It seemed as if that was exactly how I felt in the moment and I connected with it.

"Do you like it?" A guy asked as he watched me admire the sketch.

"It's really good." I complimented. "Did you make it?"

"That I did." He smiled, brushing off his ink stained hands. He stretched it out to me and I took it, smiling at him.

"So you're an artist." I flirted, admiring his strong grip.

"That I am." He smiled.

"Are you Dr. Seuss?" I joked

"Wish I was." he continued with a small laugh until her continued. "No, but I really appreciate a compliment from such a beautiful girl."

I smiled and turned to hide my face. Nick's frame came into view the same time as one of his bodyguard did.

"Where did you disappear to?" He muttered to me, taking my hand and guiding me away without a second thought. I stopped, refusing to leave so suddenly, especially without a number.