Nicholas gazed at Ann, who was gazing out the window, and inquired, "How long have you and Alexander been close friends?" Ann replied, "Since we were children."
Nicholas's expression turned serious as he advised, "I suggest you suppress any romantic feelings you may have towards him." Ann nodded obediently, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Nicholas's curiosity was piqued, "Tell me, what's troubling you?" Ann hesitated, "Your Majesty, I don't feel worthy of being your wife, let alone a Queen." Nicholas's tone was gentle, yet inquiring, "Are you implying that I've made a mistake?" Ann quickly clarified, "N-no, Your Majesty, it's just..."
Nicholas interrupted, his voice reassuring, "Ann, don't worry. I intend to make you my partner, not a servant. You will be my wife, not a slave.
A fairytale kingdom
A Crowned Prince
A girl with a lost identity
Love
Betrayal
Heartbreak and Friendships
With all the above ingredients in a story won't you call it a royal cliché?
********
"Have we ever met before Miss Walsh?"
Dread crept through me and with my ass half suspended in the air I answered him...
"No... No I... umm... I don't think so,"
Oh God this is not going well.
"I mean yes, if you have ever been to the Black Bean Café down on the 6th street. I used to work there as a barista or maybe at the metro station? Sure you must have seen me before."
METRO STATION?
What is wrong with me?
*********
"Nicholas, try to understand. What if she comes back?"
"She isn't going to..." he says frustrated. The next words were unclear so I press my ear to the wall, as he says, "... and that is why I am going to convince the King of Astéria, Mr. Wellington I mean, and the other Board Members in the next board meeting to hand over her share in the company to me. I will then..."
Anger surges through me, tears fill my eyes and I run from there as fast as my heels could take me and hide in the ladies room.
**********
[word count: 100000-105000]