edited

|Prince of ArchDale|

I answered every single one of Adara's questions honestly. I have to say I didn't expect for her to ask so many. I thought that it would be at least ten but it was twenty at the least.

She came prepared and did not hesitate. She kept asking questions and once I answered them, she wrote them down then went online and made a collage of some sorts, putting the necessary writing on there.

We were there for hours. I was answering her questions and she was writing. After some time I had asked her how far she was from finishing and she told me that she only finished one generation, going on to the second. I nearly fell off the bed. She was extremely detailed.

I made sure I told her that I didn't know that much about my great grandfather and so on because obviously, I wasn't alive. She nodded though, telling me she understood.

After a little while, she stopped doing the History project and started on that essay. She had messaged Sasha to send her a picture of the art she did. She analyzed it for a little then her fingers just started moving on the keyboard.

To say that I was impressed would be the least. She did a mighty amount of work then she went on and did the work she missed at school today. Even after that, she took up a book and started reading it.

If there's one thing I never knew about her is that she can handle work. She can handle copious amounts of work. I'm sure Flora would absolutely love her.

Have they even met?

Oh yeah, once when they were talking about the contract.

I heard that Adara absolutely adores Flora and Flora also adores Adara. I'm sure they would get along, just bonding over work and whatever else.

After I'd finished answering questions, I told Adara that I needed to go to the Palace. The King contacted me, telling me that he needed to see me. She wasn't happy hearing that I'd be leaving her. I promised her that I'd be back later, though. She reluctantly let me leave.

As I walked into the King's throne room, I'm greeted by his cool blue eyes. I frown. That's odd. Usually, whenever he calls me, he's upset when I see him. He's never calm and cool like the breeze on a winter morning.

Instead, he trashes a lot and is angry. Looking as if he'd want to murder me.

I'm super wary.

I bow before him. "You called for me?"

"Indeed I did. I needed to talk to you about an upcoming event we are attending this coming weekend." The King tells me and I crease my eyebrows in confusion.

He never told me about this. If it's an important event then he usually would've told me weeks before. Not days before. Maybe it isn't that important or formal.

"What event is it? Is it not formal? You told me mere days before." I tell him, brushing off lint from my jacket.

The King shifts in his seat, "It is semi-formal. The dress code remains the same, however, it's just a get-together for us Royals." He explains to me and I nod, understanding what he's saying.

"I understand," I tell him then I turn around, about to leave the throne room.

"Son." He calls me and I freeze instantly.

He hasn't called me that in. . .well, forever.

I hesitantly turn around to him. He sits with his hands folded on his lap.

"Bring Adara," He tells me, "Make sure she wears the clip she got from the Queen." He tells me, handing the invitations for the event to me.

I say nothing as I take it, shoving it in the pocket of my jacket then I turn around once more leaving the throne room.

How could he expect me to bring her? Why on earth would I do that? To bring her into the belly of the beast? She wouldn't be able to handle it.

She would absolutely crack under all that pressure. I mean, if I can barely raise my voice at her, and she begins tearing up, how could she deal with them? Besides, she would get a lot of attention considering the fact that she's my girlfriend.

Wow, it is so weird saying that. She's my girlfriend. Not my fake girlfriend. Not anymore.

I wander around the palace for minutes to see if there's anything else I'd have to do before I leave and go back to Adara. I promised her that I'd be back before nightfall. I have around two hours before that arrives. I continue walking around the estate.

After a little bit, I decided to go back inside, just to check in once more to see if there was anything I need to do before I leave.

"Flora?"

Flora stands in front of me in her usual royal get-up. With her hands behind her back, she looks at me with earnestness in her eyes. She tilts her head to the side analyzing me then she takes two steps forward.

"How are you?" She asks me and I crease my eyebrows. What is she talking about? Why wouldn't I be fine?

"I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" I answer her.

She fiddles her fingers for a few seconds before she avoids my question, "Well, it looks like things are going great with you and Adara."

I tilt my head to the side. What is she trying to get at?

"Everything's okay." I keep my answers short.

"Seems almost as if you're ready to move on from. . ." She lets her words linger in the air.

I know exactly what she is trying to get at. My blood boils. How dare she? How could she bring it up? Now? Of all times. She knows discussing this is forbidden. Even my father knows not to talk about it with me. Or even anyone. Does Flora have a death wish?

"From ZSof—" In an instant, I grab her arm.

She fights a little, trying to get her arm out of my hold but it's impossible. I am stronger than her. She won't get out of this.

Snarling, I lean into her, baring my fangs. "Don't mention her," I order her and she flinches at me.

The side of my lip curls up into a smirk. I release her arm and she immediately holds it, rubbing the area I held.

Without a single word, she turns on her heels and walks back down the hallway.

-