Not So Royal After All (A Haylijah Short Story)

Part 7

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Hayley never thought she would step another foot into the castle ever again, especially what had happened during the fashion show. But when she woke up to one of the guards personally handing her a letter to return once more, she couldn't help but wonder why had the royals gone through so much effort for her to receive a letter. Now she finds herself at the gates of the castle, being escorted by one of the guards to a place she did not see from the other night. Hayley finds herself in a vacant room full of books of various languages, a large desk that hasn't been used in months, and a painting above the desk of the late king. The letter had stated she would meet her anonymous sender in this particular room, unknowing of the reason as to why.

"Hello, can someone tell me why I'm here? And who sent me this letter?"

There was no answer to reciprocate back. She could tell the room had been deserted for a long time. Layers of grime had built up on the bookshelves, the chamber itself was an icebox, and not one item in the room had been moved. Hayley had the sickening feeling she was trespassing and the idea of being thrown into their dungeon did not settle well in her thoughts. She then heard footsteps inching closer towards the empty chambers.

"I'm supposed to meet with the council in less than an hour and I must deal with little shenanigans-"

Elijah then stopped in his tracks when he noticed Hayley half hiding behind one of the shelves. When she noticed it was him she formally bowed to the prince and did not look up from the floor, not even once.

"Hello, your majesty."

"No need to be formal Ms. Marshall, I consider this to be a pleasant surprise. And I hate to ask but what are you doing here? Not that I am complaining, but this part of the castle no one knows about except the royal staff and my family, how did you even know about this place?"

Before Hayley could answer another set of footsteps echoed closer towards the room becoming increasingly louder. Before Hayley could hide once more, the doors swung open.

"Rebekah you know I do not like it when-"

But before the Queen could finish her sentence, her eyes widen in shock at who had entered the sacred room. She wanted to scream in rage at the model who she never thought would see again, stepping foot in such a place in the castle. But next to her was her beloved son who had fallen for the young model, his first true love. So she demanded an explanation instead.

"What is the meaning of this? Elijah, I am not repeating what I've said. Ms. Marshall, I am very sorry but you must go."

"Your Highness, I was given a letter by one of your guards instructed to meet in this very room. I'm just as confused as the next person. Maybe you have an explanation."

Hayley then handed over the letter to the Queen, examining the handwriting. Certain letters had twists and curves and were very elaborate, more elaborate than hers.

"I may know who the culprit is."

Before anyone could answer the doors of the room flung open revealing the one who had sent the letter. "Oh good, you are all here. I have made a very important discovery that I believe you should all hear."

The princess marched towards the other side of the chambers opening a chest. Inside the chest were books upon books with different stories and tales, but the book she had pulled was different from the rest. The book was locked and had a large symbol of a heart across the cover.

"Now, Ms.Marshall, may I acquire the necklace I had given you?"

Hayley then realized she was wearing the key necklace Rebekah had given her the night of the show. She slipped it off her neck and handed it over to the young princess. Catching a glimpse of the key Hayley saw the key had the matching heart symbol. Rebekah unlocked the book to reveal it was no ordinary book. Inside was hollowed out with a very ancient paper folded with an official waxed seal.

"Elijah, you should be the one to read this, it is addressed to you."

Elijah took the letter from his sister and began to slowly break the wax seal. He opened to reveal a letter with his father's handwriting:

Dearest Elijah,

This letter is addressed to you when you become the future King of New Orleans. Becoming king will not be easy, you will face hardships along the way, but every king has and I have complete faith you will rule this country with pride. But one hardship you will not overcome is the law of love. The law states you can only marry a princess or a lady with royal blood coursing through her veins. It is treason if you marry someone outside of the requirements. That is why my son, my gift to you is to disregard that law. It does not matter where her ancestors came from, if she is not of an upper-class, or she does not carry royal blood, you have the freedom to marry whom you choose. If you love her and she loves you, that is all that matters. Love will conquer all.

King Mikael

The other members of the chamber were left into silence as the prince read the letter that was left to him by the late king. Once he had finished he looked up at his mother and smiled.

"Father has disregarded the law. I may choose whom I can marry, not some unrightful law."

Elijah then handed the letter to his mother who looked as though she had seen a ghost. She read it over and quickly hugged her son.

"I will hand this to the council and have this law no more!" The Queen swiftly exited the room and headed towards the meeting with all the councilmen.

"Bekah, my dear sister, playing matchmaker, never would I see the day."

"It worked, did it not? I shall leave you with Ms. Marshall."

The princess left the two of them to be alone to process the events that had just occurred. Just like the night of the show, both not saying a word to each other, staring openly into each other's eyes. Hayley once again broke the silence.

"So, your highness, where does this leave us?"

"Ms. Marshall again with the formalities."

"Fine. Elijah, what happens next?"

"Well Hayley, I believe I would like to take you out on a proper first date. Then as time goes on, you would be my wife and the future Queen of New Orleans."

"You sure you want an ordinary model to be the queen of a small country?"

"If I believe it is love at first sight, I'm going to take that opportunity into consideration. Now shall we?"

But before the couple leaves Hayley places a kiss on Elijah's cheek. "We shall, my prince."

The couple leaves the chamber of secrets to start their new life. No law, no thought, and no one could keep them apart. The idea of love is all they needed. No matter the circumstances, or the hardships that would occur in the future, love will always win.

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