Once Upon A Drunken Mistake

12. The Reality of Being a Royal

       "Now let's get to the person everyone is talking about, the new Princess of Italy and Duchess of Florence."

       "Personally, I think she looked stunning especially in that light blue gown and THE CROWN. Absolutely, gorgeous!"

       "Now, that you mentioned it, the crown she wore last night was one of the Queen Mother's personal favorites. The five-crystal-suns crown was a gift from her late husband King Leandro."

       "I do not understand why they gave her that crown, she is not a queen. I don't think she ever will be, the way she humiliated that Duke of Prato."

"He and his family deserved it and if you ask me, her response was fit for a princess. Not only did she show mercy, she did not stoop down to their level. A true queen right there."

"She insulted a noble family. She is insolent, unprepared, unmannered and no—"

The television screen went black causing Flora to lift her head and turn to face the culprit. Hayden placed the remote control on the coffee table and took a seat beside Flora.

"You should not listen to the nonsense that man spews." Hayden said.

"I was only listening to the positives." Flora assured as she rested her chin on her knees.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Hayden asked, concerned that this was all too much for his spouse.

       "I can take a couple of hate comments." Flora reassured, but Hayden was still not convinced. He reached over to grab Flora's chin, but the brunette backed away.

       Hayden's brows knitted together confused as to why she did that, but decided not to pry. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here." Hayden stated as he stood up from the couch, hoping to get something out Flora.

       "I'm fine," Flora forced a smile, hoping it would get Hayden off her case. "I should start getting ready for school."

       "My parents would like for you to join us for brunch to discuss some matters, if that is alright with you?" Hayden asked and Flora nodded. "Shall I pick you up after school?"

       "No, it's fine, Benjamin can pick me up." Flora answered and for some reason her response stung Hayden's feelings.

       "Very well, if that is what you wish." He said coldly before exiting her room. Flora looked down at the floor and a saddened expression overcame her. She knew Hayden was just trying to be nice, but if she allowed him to continue—she couldn't allow herself to fall any further and if that meant putting a distance between them, then that's what she had to do.

       "First you promise yourself you won't get married and you go and get married. You promise yourself you won't fall in love and look at you now, falling in love with your temporary husband." Flora scolded herself as she searched for her clothes and headed to the bathroom. "Stupid, stupid, stupid."

Flora turned on the tap for the sink and adjusted the water before splashing it on her face. She took her cleanser and scrubbed it all over face as she continued to mentally lecture herself. With a huff she patted her face dry before getting undressed. She threw her shirt on the floor and slid herself into the beige wool shirt. She put on her brown plaid pencil skirt and walked out of the bathroom. Flora stomped toward her walk-in closet and picked up a pair of nude pumps.

"Love is so freaking dumb." She said through gritted teeth as she slid on her heels. She walked back into the closet and put on her black winter trench coat. The annoyed brunette grabbed her purse and walked out of the bedroom and down the main stairs.