THE ROYAL ENEMY

Chapter 14- Consequence

"Today or tommorow, it makes no difference. A hard heart hears no laughter, and a blind one feels no peace."
-Shakira Begum

LEO

The anger radiating from my dad made me want to cower away in fear. I messed up, and now I would have to pay the price. 

"I thought you were doing well, I thought Julia was helping you progress. But you're still the immature boy you were before!" my dad said, shaking his head. I couldn't help but scoff. It's been three weeks, did he think I would change overnight?

"I tell you again and again. I get you teacher after teacher. I give you chance after chance. And all I ask in return is that you try,"he said.  I kissed my teeth and suddenly my dad grew red in the face. He was screaming now. 

"LEO! You insulted a princess! Broke a Kings leg! Ruined a royal wedding that had been planned for months! You broke a ten year alliance! You ruined a business transaction and now, because of you, our kingdom may have to starve! And you did all of this is two days!" 

My dads breathing became ragged. He really looked mad enough to murder me. And I was scared that any minute now, he would lash out. I'd never made him this angry before.

Sitting down in his chair, he suddenly looked very very tired. Julia walked towards him cautiously. She knelt beside him and rubbed his arm, like a daughter would for a father. 

My dad realised what she was trying to do, "Julia don't," he said.

"But Uncle, the promise still stands right? He still gets to stay if he wins the annual lady-lord competition, right?" Julia asked hysterically. It was one of the first times I ever saw her lose her composure. 

My dad looked at her in pity, "You do remember what each competition was like, don't you? I really don't think he can do it," he said, obvious disappointment lacing his every word. My heart ached and I avoided their gazes. When your dad continually says you can't achieve something, there's always to emotions you feel; Hurt and the urge to not give up.

Julia's eyes widened and she looked down at the ground. Why would anyone think I could win? Even I don't think I could win! "I think he can pass every test with ease," Julia said softly, her eyes sad.

I stared at her in shock. Did she really think I could do it? Or was she just saying that so my dad would give me a chance. I looked back at my dad, his eyes softened as he watched her. 

"Julia," he said, but she didn't look up. "You know a king never goes back on his word. The competition is in three days, and the masquerade is tomorrow. Good luck, both of you."

Julia looked up suddenly, her eyes bright with laughter as she leapt into my dads arms to hug him. He laughed and hugged her back, then turning to me, Julia grabbed my hand and smiled, "Let's go, we have tons to do!"

JULIA

Did I really think he could do it? Or was I just desperate enough to believe he could. The entire night Leo and I, we practised and I didn't go easy on him. He fell numerous times, got cut by my blade and stumbled, but he continued to stand, and a part of me knew that if he doesn't give up in the games, he just might win.

The sun began to rise over the palace walls early in the morning. Both Leo and I turned to watch, our breathing uneven, our arms and legs tired. We had practised for a whole day and night,  with no sleep.

"Leo, go take a nap, then get ready for the masquerade. You did good," I said, giving him a small smile. He nodded, too tired to speak and headed inside. I stayed outside for a while longer, not tired anymore as the sun washed away my aches and the wind caressed my bruises.

"Julia!" Multiple voices battled each other to reach me first. I turned my head slightly to see Cassandra, Becky, Elizabeth and Talia running up to me in delight. "What's with you guys?" I asked, watching them wearily. "It's the masquerade today!" Cassandra said. "We need to get ready," Talia elaborated.

I stared at them weirdly, "You do realise that the masquerade doesn't start till midnight, right?" And they looked at me in confusion. "What do you mean, of course we know that! But there's so much to do before then. Don't forget, this party is in your honour," Elizabeth said.

I shrugged and began to make my way inside. They followed me to my room and upon entering I felt the blood drain from my face. " A pleasure to be of service Lady Julia," One of the hand servants said. In total their were half a dozen hand servants in my room.

I turned to the girls, who sent me sheepish looks, "We're only trying to help, you have a lot to do before tonight," Casandra said guiltily. I sent her a scowl, "You know I hate when other people help me get dressed," I said and she flinched from my cold stare.

"I realise that," Cassandra began, "But you're gonna need help if you're going to pick out a dress, shoes, make up, a speech, jewellery, shower and so much more," she gestured to the girls, "We thought we could make a day of it, pamper ourselves for once, your always trying so hard and always working, you need to let loose a little."

I really wanted to argue with her but I was exhausted after the long night practising with Leo, so why not relax a while?

LEO

The masquerade was just starting. I stared at the mask in my hand and swallowed. "You alright? " Bart asked me. I turned to him and shrugged, "I guess," I said, and then put the mask on. It covered my eyes and nose. It was black, with only a hint of white around the edge, plain and simple.

"Well let's get going," Edward said, leading the way out the room. I looked from him to Bart, we were all wearing black suits, and black masks, though it was easy to tell us apart if you had met us before.

"Yeah, let's go," I said  outwardly. Inwardly I felt bile rise to my throat, after the dance I would have to beat Julia in the Lady-lord competitions. If I made it that far.