The King's Pet

#21

"A party."

"Yes!" they both nodded.

"Do I have to come?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck. Maddie and Layla shot him a deadpan look. I think that gave him his answer.

"What exactly are you celebrating with this party?"

Maddie's eyes widened. "Oh. My. God. You forgot, didn't you?"

Seth started to look anxious. "Forgot about..."

Layla slapped him on the arm. "Your birthday?!"

"Oh. That."

"Yes, that!"

"Is a party really necessary? I mean, I'd appreciate it if it were just you guys."

"We're gonna be spending the entire day together though. Besides, don't you want to see your friends from work?" Maddie asked hopefully.

"I don't have friends from work," Seth deadpanned.

Layla sighed. "Seth, everyone from the palace is still terrified of you after the... incident. Maybe this will smooth things over?"

He stared at Layla in defeat. "Damn you and your logic."

She smiled. "Come on, it won't be too bad. If it is then we can just leave and go somewhere else."

He smiled gratefully, his eyes filled with adoration and... something else. I couldn't tell what it was but I couldn't help but feel a huge pang of jealousy and hurt. But why? I don't even like him.

That's when I saw it. The way Layla looked at him. She liked him. And there could be a small chance that he likes her back.

Fuck.

***

After Maddie and Layla left, I stormed out of Seth's office. He looked confused, his eyebrows furrowing as he got up to follow me. 

"Chloe?" he asked, still sounding perplexed.

I ignored him. And of course, he followed. 

Stomping into my room, I slammed my door shut and went to change in the bathroom. I heard my door open and close softly. I wasn't wearing this stupid nightwear anymore. I ripped off my shirt and put another one on; one that covered my shoulders and then I yanked on some jeans. 

Why was I mad? He wasn't mine. I can't be so possessive over him because I don't even like him. I think. No! I don't.

I'm so confused. 

I opened the door to find Seth sitting on my bed. When I entered the room, his gaze snapped to me. His lips pulled into a small smile as he held up the book on my nightstand. "You actually read Hamlet?"

I nodded stiffly, still annoyed. He shook his head, a smile still on his face. When he saw that I didn't return it, he stood up, walking over to me. 

"Why are you upset, pet?" 

"I'm not," I snapped.

He cupped my face gently, angling my face so that I could look at him. His eyes were intense as they met mine. "Are you angry because of what happened in the office?"

A blush dusted across the bridge of my nose as I tried to look down. I gulped in embarrassment. "N-No."

"Then why are you irritated?"