Page 5 of Mated to the Crown
I quickly tell her the story, leaving out the weird bond I felt in my chest with Malik. Her eyes widen the more I talk, her hands clutching my shoulders as I tell her. At the end she just stares at me, looking for words to say.
“What the hell are you going to do? You better meet him!”
“I can’t meet him!” I shriek. “Are you crazy? Do you know what could happen if I get caught?”
I pull away from her, standing up from the table.
“You have to Celeste. For me.” She bats her eyes at me and I push her away.
“If I go, it’s for me. Now help me figure out what to do for the next few hours so I don’t overthink it.” I grumble.
She smiles, the first time I’ve seen her smile since I’ve walked in. She takes my arm in hers and pulls me with her out of the room.
Sleezy guy forgotten, she’s moved on to helping me stay busy for the end of the day. We finish up all of our chores for the day and the whole time I feel eyes on me, but when I look I never see him.
What was I thinking, wanting to see him later?
Why did butterflies in my stomach swirl each time I play the scene again in my head? I wonder what happened to his grandmother. I hadn’t heard anything yet.
We were working on sweeping and mopping the foyer, easily the biggest and most stressful location. We are expected to keep it tidy at all times but also aren’t allowed to be there when important things are going on. It had been a while since I had been in here, but the aura in the room is always the same. It’s anegative space, filled with a sense of dread and worry. I glance over at Lyra who’s gone quiet as soon as we come into the room.
My own mind is racing, thinking about this afternoon when the side door opens and multiple people start to file in. I stand up, bending my head down like Lyra as the people are ushered in before I realize it’s the rest of the servants. I spot Josh and Kacie and ran over to them.
“What is this?” Josh asks, pulling me close to him.
“I don’t know, we’ve been in here. Have you heard anything Kacie?” She steps up to my other side and shakes her head no.
“Must be bad. They never pull us like this.” She nudges me with her elbow. I nod, looking back to the door as Jeffries walks out. Josh and Kacie had been born into the servant realm like us. We’d grown up with them and knew each other like the back of our hands.
“Good afternoon. Sorry to pull you from your duties like this.” Jeffries' voice cuts through the crowd and we all fall silent. “There has been an incident that has happened. Our dear Highness Charlotte has passed.”
Gasps and murmurs run through the crowd. I shoot a look at Lyra but she is fixated on Marcie fondling up the guy next to her. I roll my eyes and focus back on Jeffries.
“There will be someone asking questions with each of you later. Please be forthcoming on any information. If you have questions, bring it up to the head of your role and they will find me. Prince Malik would like to say something.” He reaches back and knocks on the door.
I reach out and grab Josh’s hand. He gives me a side look but doesn’t pull away. My stomach lurches in my throat, my heartbeat fluttering rapidly as I watch Prince Malik walk out to stand next to Jeffries.
“Good afternoon. My grandmother passed away earlier this evening in her room. It was peaceful, but if anyone would like to say something about her, please write it down in this book. We will have someone asking questions, just to make sure we have the full story for the press conference. Thank you.” I watch as his eyes search the crowd and I try to duck down next to Josh. His eyes pass over me and he leans toward Jeffries, speaking something before disappearing again.
“You are dismissed.” Jeffries announces and everyone starts to dissipate. Josh shakes my hand loose from his.
“You okay?” He asks, taking a step back.
“Yes, so sorry. I just need some air I think.” I give him a shy smile and turn to leave. The main foyer looks good enough so I could disappear for a few minutes, get some air. I wave a little at Lyra before slipping out the side door.
I make my way down the large concrete steps into the garden below. It is a lush area with flowers, bumblebees and birds this time of day. Charlotte had curated most of this area. There are sculptures, fountains and benches dotted throughout. Flower beds bursting with daisies, daylilies, tiger lilies, carnations and bluebells. I find my favorite bench and slump down onto it.
He was looking for me. What did that mean? Did he tell Jeffries something about me?
I’m going to get fired, tossed aside and left to figure out life on my own. Malik wouldn’t even have to worry about anything, he is safe as a Royal. I scoff, crossing my arms and leaning back against the bench. I close my eyes and try to focus on the scent of the garden. The flowers are beginning to bloom. The bees buzz around, depositing pollen from one flower to another. The wind is light today, only gently swaying the trees around me.
“There you are, Princess.” I jump up, whipping around to see Malik leaning against a large tree. His smug face makes me want to punch him.
“What the fuck are you doing?” I hiss, brushing off my skirt and heading into the maze of the garden, trying to get away from him. His laugh echoes behind me and soon he is walking next to me, his arms tucked behind his back as he does.
“What areyoudoing? I didn’t see you at the debrief.” His voice is lower than I remember, but also lined with mischief.
“Now you are looking for me?” I quip back, not daring to look at him.
