The League

Chapter 4

I take each stair carefully, trying my hardest not to slip or trip in my heels. The pathway is beautiful, vines climb each and every stair and cover the low stone wall in a unique pattern.

I can't remember how I got here. The rose petals are scattered here and there when I come to a final curve in the path. When I round the corner, the petals grow thicker in numbers.

Standing in the middle of the bed of rose petals, I meet the most beautiful eyes I'd ever seen. A little flash of gold at the pocket on his suit jacket catches my eye. I turn my attention to it and make out a pin in the shape of a crown.

"You're-" I begin, but he cuts me off.

"Surprised? But yes, I'm the Prince and future King of The New American Republic."

I'm awoken from my dream by the flight attendants walking the aisles warning us of our landing right before the speaker clicks on for the same reason.

"Ugh.. It's about time. I've got a kink in my neck from sleeping." Seraphina rubs her neck to prove her point. "It was a nice sleep though." She laughs softly, yawns, and then stretches.

"Agreed." I say, stretching out in my seat. The plane lands smoothly and I look out the window. "This is Florida. My home."

"A long way from California, huh?" I say when Seraphina's eyes widen once we'd stepped off the plane. "Don't worry, it's not so bad."

"Ladies and gentlemen, you're going to eat here and then you're going to go to your next destination. Understand?" The man from our ceremony instructs. We enter the main building of the airport, which is currently empty aside from workers.

"Stay where you can be seen and make sure there are always some secret service agents around at all times. There will be females in the restroom to protect you and men will be in the men's restroom. You can eat wherever you like and don't worry about your bill, it will be paid for, just like all your food."

I turn away from the man and look around as he speaks. Sure enough, there are already secret service agents being posted. Seraphina and Everleigh each grab my arm once we're dismissed and we decide on a place to eat. After we all have our trays, we decide on a table near the edge of the food court.

"So this is your state?" Everleigh asks me after a couple bites of my chicken sandwich. I swallow and nod.

"Yeah, it's hot right?" I laugh, "But seriously, it is a nice place to live. Although, I think it could use to bit more water." We all laugh again. In the middle of our conversation, a voice breaks through, silencing us.

"Mind if I sit down?" Judson says, all while flipping a chair around and straddling the back of it. My friends look at me. Great. My nerves are going insane already, now I can't eat.

"Sure." My mouth betrays me. Why is he so attractive? He gives me one of his bright, pearly smiles and I smile back. He looks around with a thoughtful look.

"So, Florida, huh?" He looks back to us and then meets my eyes. "Aren't you from here?"

"Actually," Seraphina butts in, "her father is the Duke of Florida." She emphasizes the word "duke" and smiles brightly at him, giving him the look that suggests she's up to something. He takes the bait.

"Really?" He looks at me with interest. He obviously already knew that information. I inwardly roll my eyes, but the way he's looking at me makes my insides coil up. He smirks and I realize he'd asked me a question.

"What?" My friends bust out laughing and snort like a bunch of pigs in the process of trying to stop themselves. I glare at them.

"Sorry, I was thinking and trying to be polite." I half tell the truth, my tone slightly harsh. I can tell I've offended him when his smirk fades. My best friends stop laughing and I smirk. "What was your question?"

"I was asking if you'd show me around sometime, but now I see how you feel." He stands and walks away. I groan.

"Addi?" Everleigh asks, her voice quiet. I look at my shy friend, then to my obnoxious, troublemaking friend, and back again.

"Yes?" I sigh. I've suddenly become very interested in my remaining chicken sandwich and sweet iced tea.

"You okay?" They ask at the same time. I nod. "You've had a crush on him for the longest time. You're not okay." Seraphina says, she's making a point, but she keeps her voice down.

"Uhm... Addi?" Everleigh sounds worried. I look up and she's looking away from our table. Judson. Judson is walking this way.

He walks around the table to my side and reaches for me as I stand. "What are you-"

I'm cut short by his angry lips on mine. He holds me close and I allow him after a moment's hesitation. "I'm sorry." He breathes once he pulls away, still holding me close to his body. "I know how you've felt for a long time and I'm sorry about what happened in the past, but I'm sorry for just messing up at the table too. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

What on earth? Is he... Apologizing? "Can we talk about this later?" I ask. I'm very aware of the whole food court looking at what just happened and I'm not sure how I feel about it.

"Okay." He nods and hesitates before turning and leaving me to my gawking friends.