"I don't know what the future will bring. It became unpredictable the moment you stepped into my life. The past we lived wasn't ours, the future ahead is not existing - all we have left is the present. And you, you are my present"
In the 23rd centu...
•••• Ever since I mentioned the Spanish she wasn't acting the same. But why? ••••
The fanfares thundered in the throne room where we had waited on the tribunes for the arrival of the Spanish royal family. My mind was still reeling with anxiety. I was glad for my position in the very back of us girls who were instructed to wait on the guests. - much to the delight to Eve who had apparently dumped her suitor. The royal entourage was lead by the king, a broad man with scars on his face on his side was a queen, radiant woman with red lips and red formal dress. I wanted to avert my eyes. The pictures in the history book surfacing into my mind. Behind them was a man, around the age of Eric. Brown locks cascading around this bony face. The girls around me fanning themselves
"I heard he is still single" one girl whispered behind her fan. Some sighs were heard.
I just tired to hide face in a submissive looking way, keeping my head bowed down. The king welcomed his guests dearly. Introducing us and the older ladies of court as their companions to make them feel "just like home".
"What a great honour, my friend. American Hospitality at its finest indeed. How could we not feel at home already" I heard the king's raspy voice laugh.
"Maybe our companions could even help getting the stiffness out of my son."
Looking up I saw the king introducing his son in the most odd way a member of court would have ever seen.
Inappropriate. Disgusting. I felt sick. All while the prince kept a calm smile and his father patted him on the shoulder. The Prince politely introduced himself with a bow. Eric spoke up as well and welcomed them after his own father had introduced him. The Queen stayed quiet during this, only bowing her head at the king. Her cold eyes looking calculating over the woman, I quickly duck my head down again. I was frightened to my very core. They could never know. My life depended on it once more. After advisors and generals traveling with the royal family were introduced they proceeded to take pictures for the press and then the crowd mostly dispersed. We were instructed to bring the guests to the court yard and the parlours surrounding the fancy small garden enclave to serve tea. Because of the guests we were instructed to wear day dresses that resembled the American flag. Rather short ones at that as well. The other women my age and me had the 'honour' to escort the two princes and the younger Spanish advisors and nobles that had travelled with them. The girls introducing themselves one by one as soon as the new prince was seated. Bombarding him with attention and questions. He kept his calm smile and not speaking much.
Keeping an eye on him I still sat as far away as humanly possible in the small parlour, letting out a surprised huff when Eric decided to sit next to me.
"The moment you are allowed to vie for a prince, you don't?" He said in a playful tone.
I laughed at his joke through my anxiety. "Why would I when I heard the footmen are so much more handsome"
he stifled a laugh "Did you just call me attractive?"
I poured the two of us a cup of tea. "Maybe I did, maybe I just prefer blondes." He thanked me for the tea, before was back to his joking self "Oh my, I must tell the staff to get me some more blonde dye immediately." His stupid joke made me laugh once again, making me forget the tension and I relaxed a bit till I heard the accent heavy voice of Prince Stefán talk on the other end of the couch group.
"On that note, don't you have some diplomatic friendships to build?" I whisper, nudging towards the man being investigated by a heap of women.
"I should, shouldn't I?" His smile turning suggestive and he whispers back : "Oh how I would rather explore our diplomatic friendship, my dear Leah."
How could he...! I thought blushingly and shook my head laughing. "You are truly impossible. Now flirt with the prince, not me." I whisper again. "Go and release him from the eternal torture that is a woman's affection."
But the prince wouldn't budge. "But how I love that kind of torture, especially from you."
I gasp. "Would you stop?! This is no conversation to have in a public space" I scold him jokingly, taking a sip of my tea, trying to hide the deep blush of my cheeks. That cheeky son of a king!
He brushes my shoulder before turning away and standing up, clapping his hands. "Ladies, please retain some politeness. I bet Prince Stefán is quite tired from all that travelling, would you not pour some tea for our guest?" His voice was calm but the distressed expressions of the girls told me his face must have signalled something very different. Some stood up and made room for the prince to sit on the plush couch, while serving tea for the princes. I handed Eric's teacup to Tammy, who looked embarrassed to have been called out by the prince. "Don't worry." I say. "He has a duty here as well. And you flirting might interrupt." I winked at her to hopefully alleviate some pressure.
She smiled back at me and shrugged "I guess you're right. But isn't he so handsome?" She looked at the two princes sheepishly.
"I guess now there are two Prince Charmings" I joke.
"But what eye candy they are. So near yet so far" she sighs.
The girl went on a tangent about the Spanish prince's cheekbones and jawline "so sharp you could cut diamonds with it" I just shake my head with a shudder of anxiety running down my spine once again.
"I must excuse myself for a second. I need some fresh air. It's getting quite stuffy in here." I smiled at her, hoping she believed my cover. As I walk to the door, I feel a pair of eyes following me. Turning around I see Eric's worried eyes meet mine and I flash him a small smile which falters the moment my eyes met the other prince's gaze. Hastily I rushed through the door. The fresh air cooling my thoughts and my body. "I can't do it." I whisper to myself. Sitting on a bench next to the fountain where I splashed some fresh water on my arms and neck. My anxiety had almost calmed down as I enjoyed the air only filled with birdsong very much. To my disappointed it didn't take long till a voice interrupted my calm as he spoke up next to me
"My Lady, I don't think we have met yet." Disappointment turned to shock though when I register the strong accented voice belonged to none other than the one and only Prince Stefán.
