Hidden Secrets

Chapter Thirteen

It has been a week since Mehdi and Theodore got caught for sneaking out. And since then, they didn't dare try it again.

The rebels have been quiet as well. No attacks, nor warnings. Mehdi thought it was a bit odd, considering his chat with the leader. But the king thought otherwise because there was going to be a royal party happening in the palace that night. He thought the party would help others cheer up.

The prince was currently on his way to the lounge room for some peace and quiet. He just escaped his ranting mother by making up a lame excuse. However, as he made his way into the lounge, sitting on the couch was the princess herself, reading a magazine.

"Why didn't you cover for us!?" Mehdi snapped.

Reyan whipped her head up to see the prince staring at her with this intensity that made her feel shocked. "What?"

"Last night. I told you to cover for us."

She raised an eyebrow, confused. "I did."

"Well apparently not because we got caught," Mehdi said.

"What?"

"Yeah. We came back and my parents were waiting right there!" Mehdi raised his voice. "So obviously, you didn't!"

Reyan stood up, throwing down her newspaper on the couch. "You're blaming me?! I tried my best, Mehdi!" She started walking towards him with a fire ablaze in her eyes. "You sneak out, and believe that you won't get caught? And then go blaming it on me?!" She was standing mere inches away from the prince. "How about, I don't know, a 'thank you' maybe?!"

Mehdi scoffed, "For what?"

"I could've just told the king and queen that you were going to sneak out," Reyan spat. "And even though I knew it was a dangerous plan, I still agreed to help you because you're my friend."

The prince stared at her in shock, unknowing of what to say.

Reyan let out a frustrated sigh. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready for the party." She moved past Mehdi without another word.

Mehdi didn't move until he heard the door close behind him, which was more of a slam. He then remembered why he came here in the first place, but now, he didn't want the quietness of the room.

Huffing out a regretful sigh, the prince pounded over to where Reyan was originally sitting, and flopped onto the couch, placing his hands over his face. He knew he overreacted to Reyan and felt terrible at lashing out. She was right: he at least owed her a thank you. And an apology, he added.

Mehdi stayed on the couch for the next hour or so, hiding away from his responsibilities of being the heir to the throne. He agreed to himself he would apologize to Reyan at the party, but for now, he had other things to worry about.

---------

The grand hall was filled with people talking, drinking, and mingling. The king and queen thought it best if others could bring a plus one. So for fun, the prince brought Theo along so they could 'suffer together.'

"Honestly Mehdi, you don't need to bring me."

"Theo, you're my boyfriend, so of course I'm bringing you. And yes, even though I can't exactly be with you all night because technically Reyan is my fiancée, I would love it if you still came with me," the prince said, pouting his lower lip. "Besides, you're already here, so enjoy yourself."

Theo worried at his lower lip. "Okay but—"

"No buts, I'm going to go find Reyan to apologize, and if I don't see you"—he poked Theo's chest—"having fun, then I will make you."