The Prince's Little Honey Badger

Chapter 1

Author's Note: 

Hi Everyone! 

I am so excited to be writing and posting my FIRST original story. I've been writing for years (around 14 years). Mainly focusing on Fanfiction, but I decided to get out of my comfort zone and start my new journey in writing an original piece. 

I would love your feedback as I want to continue to be better! 

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The Royal Family is coming to our small town, Remich, this week. I couldn't help but notice the bustling this past month, 'Welcome' signs plastered on anything possible. From Mom and Pop barbershops to light poles. Every street and store was speckless, which made it aesthetically odd to have papers and posters everywhere.

Everyone knew about the scheduled arrival of The Wellingtons, the Royal Family of Luxembourg. Our small community is finally getting attention. It was the hot topic of the month.

The chair beside me scratched the floor as it's pulled out, I feel a quick breeze of someone settling in,

"So what do you think Prince Alexander is like in person? Do you think he's as handsome as they make him out to be?" Jessica whispered in excitement, the end of a pen between her perfect white teeth staring into a magazine with the Prince's face. I manage to resist the look of disgust, letting out a small sigh at the fact that she's practically eating germs.

From the outside, no one would imagine we were even acquaintances. Jessica could be a model if she wanted to, with her long legs, bleached blonde hair, and blue eyes to top it off. She's a social butterfly, optimistic, and always smiling. I, on the other hand, am an introvert, a hermit, quietly sitting in corners of social gatherings. Her glass was always half full, while mine was half empty.

If there were a course for dating men, she would have already gotten her Ph.D. I don't think anyone could hate her; she was just that likable.

Jessica decided to pursue International Studies instead of a modeling gig. We met in the second semester of the first year. Perhaps she noticed that I needed a friend and forced herself into my life. Our professor asked the class to partner up to discuss the role of Public Relations in Improving China's international trades. That was when we first worked together; somehow, we got along, even with polar opposite everything. We managed to keep each other sane.

"Jess...Seriously? I'm studying for our Exam, something you should be doing too. It's our last year." I scolded, only to receive an annoyed grunt.

"Everyone's talking about the Royals coming to visit. You're probably the only person in the city acting nonchalant about this, what if he falls in love with me?" She fantasizes about ridiculous things. It's no wonder I hate Fairytale Movies, they paint something unrealistic for society.

"You know, if we're going to be talking about the Wellingtons, then we should be coming up with questions to ask them."

"Like if Prince Alexander the second thinks I'm desirable?" she teased, amused by my frustration. If there was anything I could say about Jess, it was that she knew exactly how to get under my skin.

"No, I was thinking along the lines of how they're going to help our city decrease poverty and increase jobs. Their existence is supposed to keep our Tourism Industry alive, growth in Tax revenue surging, so where is all the money being allocated? I need answers." I gritted my teeth, trying my best to keep my voice low in the library. The last thing I need is glares and hushes from my peers.

Jessica frowned, "Do you always have to be a buzzkill?" she asked, baffled that I would even say anything close to offensive towards the Royals. Brainwashed is what she is.

My eyes don't leave my screen, "I hate to break it to you, but I think people should be using this opportunity to speak out about the increase in poverty, homeless people and the huge gap between the rich and poor. The 'Middle Class' is quickly being driven to extinction." I begin to ramble, finding myself typing harder than usual, an echo with each keystroke.

"Instead of talking about how handsome 'Prince Charming' is, we're neglecting actual issues. The world is practically burning. We're just sitting here batting our eyelashes, bowing to the illusion of 'Royalty,'" I raise my head slightly, my gaze shifting over to Jessica whose lips were parted, startled. She wasn't expecting me to go on a rant.

"Conspiracists, are we?" She teased, earning a groan from me, my attention back onto the bright screen.

"That has nothing to do with being a conspiracist." I could hear a sigh escape her lips as she settled herself into the seat, in a more comfortable position.

"Well, you'll be sorry once I become Princess Jessica Wellingtons, of Luxembourg," she fancied, her blue eyes boring into me, patiently waiting for a reaction. I ignored her; the last thing I wanted was to entertain it.

This assignment was everything to me; it was the deciding factor for making it into the top 5% of my class. I desperately needed this, a scholar for my graduate degree. Daydreaming about the Prince was counterproductive.

My lips pursed together. I couldn't help but smile. From my peripheral vision, Jessica finally surrenders. She places the magazine back into her bag and pulls out her Macbook. I'd like to think Jessica needed me as much as I did her. I kept her grounded while she instilled confidence in me.

Finally, I can study in peace.