Royalty

2| Scheming

Chapter 2: Scheming (Nicholas' POV)

"Dad, are you serious?"

"How many times have I told you to call me father?"

"The same amount of time that I have told you I'm not interested in marrying anybody."

"This will be good for our kingdom, Nicholas."

"It's Nick."

"You're not living in London anymore. We sent you there for your schooling, not for your life. You are Nicholas and you are the prince to our kingdom. Act like it." I rolled my eyes in response. "They are coming to see you in a few hours and you shall greet them nicely. I want you to create a good impression. Especially on the princess. You will marry her for the sake of this kingdom, understood?"

I eyed him suspiciously. "You're scheming."

"Excuse me?"

"You're scheming. You have a plan that you are not telling me about."

"That's rubbish. Now, go get dressed."

"I am dressed," I deadpanned.

"Freshen up, wear something a little more appropriate."

I stood up, sighing in defeat, "All right. And then I'm going for a drive. I'll be back by the time they get here," I said, slipping out of his study before he could order me otherwise.

I hate being a prince. If I could, I would just go back to London and continue living life there the way I always had. I grew up there because apparently, royals don't know how to raise children. I stayed and grew up at a boarding school my whole life. Until I graduated and then was called back to this hell hole.

I drove around for a long time, trying to delay meeting this princess as much as possible. She's probably like the other ones I've met. Bratty, annoying, knows nothing and obsessed with diamonds.

I mumbled curses under my breath while opening the door to the backyard, walking over to where everyone was seated.

"This is Mr. Smith, they've come from Velaris to see you. And this..." She stood up when they turned to her, not caring to stand up for formalities sake. "Is his daughter."

"Ella," she said.

"Yes," my dad nodded. "She is the Princess of Velaris. And they're here to-"

"See if I'm a suitable husband to the Princess of Velaris, correct? I'm Nicholas, it's lovely to meet you." I stuck my hand out for her father and then her to shake. My eyes locked in place with hers and I saw her lips twitching to smile. I shook her hand softly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ella."

"And you," she smiled. We sat down across from each other, listening to the plan.

"I hope you two understand what this meeting is for," my dad said.

"I also hope you two understand there is no pressure on you two to get married. If you don't want to, you don't have to. It's not your duty," her dad said. What the hell? He's so much nicer than my dad. I bet it would be nice having him as a father-in-law.

Neither of us said a word, we're still staring at each other, creating first impressions.

She's dressed... not to impress but she impressed me regardless. She's beautiful no doubt. And she doesn't wear a tiara like the other princesses I've met. That's a plus point. They look kind of stupid. She knows what looks good on her and she flaunts her beauty. She's confident, she's shameless in the best way possible, and she's checking me out right now.