A takeaway and three films later, it was nearly midnight. We were both utterly exhausted from the laughter we had shared. It was odd, the time had flown over and in those few hours, I'd forgotten my grief. I had to admit I felt a little guilty for forgetting but it was a secure release that I was grateful for.
"I need to go to bed." I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "Back to the big house tomorrow."
"You can have the bed." Josh spoke. I frowned, shaking my head. It was a complete preposterous idea.
"Josh, I have slept with you. I don't think I'll lose any more dignity by platonically sharing a bed with you."
Josh paused, smiling just a little. "And what a night it was." He teased.
"Josh!" I exclaimed, hitting him gently. We had a fun relationship, humour and jokes. I couldn't stand it if he was all stuffy and serious with me -- that was what the Palace was for.
"I only tell the truth!" He responded, innocently putting his hands up in the air. I could barely stifle my smile. I stood up, taking my phone and walking to the bedroom. I stripped back the duvet before having a light bulb moment.
"I don't have any pyjamas." I groaned, "Josh!" I heard him call back a 'what' before I spoke again. "Can I borrow a top? I have no pyjamas."
"Dipshit." He taunted, walking into the bedroom. He opened a draw and picked out the first one, throwing it to me.
"Thank you." I made a face at him and moved into the bathroom, quickly changing. My phone buzzed, Edward's name popping up.
Do you intend to come home?
I paused. He could see I'd read it; I left read recipients on but the question had to be rhetorical. We both knew if I was coming home I would've been there hours ago.
I'm staying at Josh's. I'll be back in the morning.
Almost immediately, the three ellipses to indicate that Edward was typing popped up, but disappeared a few seconds later. It popped up again and Edward's response made my phone bing once more.
Are you sure that's a good idea?
Why wouldn't it be?
I walked back into the bedroom and slid under the duvet, still holding my phone.
"You're obsessed with that thing." Josh scolded me, grinning a little. I rolled my eyes, ignoring him.
If you're photographed.. We can't have more scandal from you, Matilda. Not now.
Unless you're ordering me to come home as King, then I will be staying here. It's not about scandal, Eddie, and you know it. Tabloids printing ridiculous stories about me and Josh are hardly a new thing.
"Bloody wanker." I muttered, waiting for Edward's response. Josh budged up and peered at my phone screen, reading my texts.
We need to present stability, Matilda, not one night stands.
Says the man who hasn't had a long term relationship for half a decade.
"You're a brute. With these savage responses, I'm surprised your phone hasn't set alight." Josh jested, trying to make light of the argument.
Then it's settled.
What is?
It was Mother's idea. You're to go to the Grantham party on tomorrow night and then, in a few months, take up the Commonwealth tour.
