Adored (on hold)

Chapter 1.5 ~ The Wrong Café

Just moments before had another person also taken the pleasure to sit and relax with a cup of coffee at a café, only he had far more ambitious intentions for being there.

Madeline had been doing the final adjustments to his wig before he set out on his search. Nicholas had become progressively closer to her during the search around the world due to her being in cahoots with his daily randevu's.

It was most likely that all members of staff were aware of the prince's regular disappearance. Although security was to be increased due to the hazards that an unfamiliar country proposed, the purpose for their trip was not lost on them and thus let his disappearance slide. They were also sure that the young prince could handle himself better than they could if a dangerous situation did arise due to the blood that ran in his veins.

"Aaaaaaand, there! Take a look at today's costume." Madeline swiveled his chair around so that he could look at his appearance in the mirror.

It was almost as if another man stared back at him. Madeline had done a fantastic job (as she always did) and his identity was sure to be unrecognisable. Hopefully not enough to fool his chosen, but enough so that the public wouldn't recognise him and disturb their meeting.

The classic wig, hat and moustache combination all hid him well enough but with little touches done with makeup and a moustache, a new person overtook his appearance.

After murmuring a quick thank you to Madeline, he picked up his wallet and phone and exited the suite. There were two guards stationed outside his room but all he gave them was a quick nod, symbolising there silent oath before rushing past them.

A few weeks after the staff found out about his secret escape did he himself discover their knowledge and ever since had silent promises to keep his secret occur throughout the staff. Turning down different halls and running down deep sets of stairs, the prince finally reached the back exit, a side door he had been made aware of by one of his maids.

The smells of various plant and wildlife that inhabited the outside of the house he had been placed at for his stay in Brisbane attacked his senses. The hot February heat graced his skin and immediately his pours began preparing to flood with sweat.

He touch the fake hair above his Cupid's bow to ensure it was still there, dropped his head, opened his phone to the awaiting map with directions and proceeded to walk into the unknown city, alone.

After having many close calls with people recognising him, he had finally reached the little café, recommended to him by another maid. Once the somewhat modern but still homy café came into sight he began mentally preparing himself. He ran over his usual greetings if they were there, consisting of simple 'hello''s and even risky 'I've finally found you''s. He also prepared himself for the worst, them not being there and being recognised and bombarded with multiple rumours on his trips and having them cease to exist due to a small mistake such as a photo of him sipping a hot chocolate.

Shaking all scenarios out of his head, he slid the glass door to the café open and flickered his head up to gaze around the room in hopes of meeting their eyes.

Nothing.

It wasn't unusual, but it wasn't great either. With his hopes diminished to that of a small, fighting flame, he dragged himself to a vacant seat in the corner of the room. Shortly after he sat down, a young brunette man came over to him and asked for his order. Answering with his normal "toasted bacon and cheese croissant" the man promptly left to go put in his order.

Although the trip had been a bust, he reminded himself to stay hopeful or there would be no chance of ever meeting them. He could do this, he had done it a million times, but it didn't mean it was easy. Day after day, country after country, his hope and sanity slipped further from his grasp.

But what was he to do? He had been brought up wishing, waiting and expecting the perfect person for him, unable to think of a life without them.

A somewhat hot meal was placed in front of him during is internal moping but he only nibbled at the croissant as his hunger had left, along with his energy. Ignoring his meal in favour of a more consuming distraction, he pulled out his phone.

Few texts greeted his lock screen. At the top was something from his cousin, asking how he was liking Australia. Next was Madeline, telling him to stay safe and underneath a similar message from a member of staff by the name of Abigail. Not in the mood to fake reassurance, he made a mental note to text his cousin later along with call his parents.

He hadn't spoken to them since he landed in Brisbane. They would want an update since he was staying longer than a day in the country.

In some cities, he could tell when stepping off the plain if they were there. In such an event, most plans where canceled and the next country booked for the next day.

Though this may seem as if they were here in Australia since he hadn't gotten that feeling when he set foot on their soil, some cities felt as if they were there when after investigation, they were most certainly not. The city and/or country may have been another failed attempt, but his parents would rather an update than radio silence from him.

After finishing what he could (only able to stomach half), he paid at the counter and rushed out the door.

The trip was definitely a bust. No new scents, no new feelings and definitely no them.

Nothing.

He rushed down the sidewalk of the busy street, head down, aggressively wiping back tears that threatened to spill.

Nothing.

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Word count: 1018

A/N: sorry this one took a while to come up, it didn't want to come to life until now. Thanks for all those following and reading this, I really appreciate all of you and especially those who have voted. Feel free to comment criticism, your fav parts and even suggestions, I want to hear everything!