“So, Princess Adelaide, we’ve heard you are having a ball this Sunday to find a suitor.” The reporter said, after he stopped laughing.
My laughter slowly died down as I composed myself.
“Yes, that’s true.”
John, the reporter, grinned at me. He then looked over at the live audience.
“And, from what I’ve heard, any man from sixteen years to 19 years of age can have a chance.”
I nodded, confirming it.
A few whistles and a few shouts came from the crowd.
“So get your tuxes ready and your masks on and get yourself to the palace this Sunday! This is John Carmen, signing off.”
Applause soon followed as the audience hooted and hollered.
I glanced over to the side of the stage and saw the crew giving me a thumbs up, telling me I could leave.
I smiled once again and waved. Then I hopped off the couch and made my way towards backstage.
Once I was in my dressing room, I breathed out a sigh of relief. No matter how many times I have been interviewed, I still get nervous and fidgety at the start. I have never been as confident as my mother in speaking onstage.
“You did great honey!” Rose told me as she retouched my makeup.
I smiled at her.
“Only because of your amazing skills that made me look hot.”
Rose rolled her eyes.
“Please.”
My mother bounced into the room in a flurry of excitement.
“Guess what?” She asked excitedly.
“What?” I muttered, a bit annoyed.
She looked a little hurt, but quickly masked it.
“We’re going to lunch at your favorite restaurant!”
I immediately perked up.
“Really?”
She nodded.
I grinned at her.
“That sounds great! I’ll meet you downstairs in a few.”
My mother smiled softly at me. She looked as if she was going to say something, but shook her head and left.
My stomach grumbled at the thought of food.
My favorite restaurant was pretty close to the castle, although we never really went there. My mother considered it as “low class”. We always go to high class elite restaurants with champagne and fancy table cloth and balconies overlooking the city.
For some reason my mom didn’t make us go to one today. Perhaps it was to make up for the stupid ball.
Kempton’s was a nice little restaurant at the edge of a pier. It was close to the boats, and had a fabulous view of the sunset at night. The place was warm and inviting, with wooden tables and chairs covered with velvety cushions.
They served the best food.
From pizza to sushi, they had everything.
It was heaven all in a tiny building.
After redoing my makeup and hair, I put on a casual green dress. Since my mom was being nice to me, I decided to make her happy by wearing something she would approve.
We arrived at the restaurant in our white limo, and when we stepped out people immediately began to make way for us and take pictures. The security surrounded us as we made our way into the restaurant, letting us easily pass through the heavy crowd.
Ah, the perks of being the royal family.
A lady greeted us at the door. Her blonde hair was in a ponytail, and her blue eyes were full of life.
Her name was Lillian Kempton, and she was the owner of the store. I had talked to her plenty and she was a fun, energetic woman. She was passionate about her job, and I admired that about her. She had a confident aura surrounding her.
Lillian’s husband had died five years ago, but she didn’t sit around moping. She learned to accept the fact, and the way she could take reality was really amazing. She also had a son named Carter, which I had learned recently. But he never was around when I was here.
“Welcome!” She grinned.
Then her eyes landed on me.
“Addie!” She gasped in delight. “You grew taller! And oh my, you’ve turned into a real looker!”
I blushed.
“Look at yourself! You’re, what, fifty? And you look not a day over twenty!” I complimented.
She really did look good for her age.
Lillian rolled her eyes playfully.
“Come on then, we have a nice table at the back. It had a bit more privacy.”
She lead us to a table in the back. My parents sat down, and so did Corrie and I.
“Just call whenever you want to order.” She told us.
When she left, I picked up my menu. It was only for show. I knew what I was getting- rotini with spinach-basil pesto and tomatoes. It was literally heaven.
I glanced over at my parents. My dad looked bored, as he clearly already chose his meal. My mother was reading over the options, excitement in her eyes.
I raised an eyebrow. I thought she didn’t like this type of food?
She saw me looking and quickly put on a neutral expression.
“I guess I’ll go with the pepperoni pizza bites.” She said casually.
But she couldn’t fool me. I saw the look in her eyes.
I made a mental note to figure out why she acted like that.
Corrie was still reading the menu.
“Give me a minute.” She said, flipping the page.
I sighed, impatient for my pasta. I pulled out my phone and opened neko atsume, aka the cutest game ever.
As I was lost in the world of kitties, my dad had called for a waiter. I heard Lillian yell at someone to go wait on us.
My parents recited their orders. Corrie nudged me, telling me to say what I was getting.
“Rotini with spinach-basil pesto and tomatoes with a glass of lemonade.” I said, not bothering to look up.
I heard my mom sigh in frustration at my terrible manners.
“Of course, princess.”
I froze. Where had I heard that voice before?
I slowly raised my head. My eyes landed on the one person I did not expect to be here.
Him.
The boy that stole my bra. The one that broke into my room.
Now that he was no longer wearing a hoodie I could get a good look at him. He had blonde hair that was a bit tousled. His eyes were azure, and twinkled with mischief.
He was pretty hot, I’ll give him that. But then the memories of last night came flooding back.
“You.” I snarled.
My mom frowned.
“Do you know him?” She asked.
“Yes, actually, the other day he-” I started.
His hand flew to my mouth.
“Oh, we go way back.” He explained. “We met at a park and immediately hit it off.”
I glared.
“Actually-” I tried.
He subtly kicked my leg.
“Ow!” I hissed, nursing my leg.
“What happened?” My dad frowned at me in concern.
“He-”
“She probably hit her leg against the table. Don’t worry, I’ll go get her some ice.” The boy interrupted.
I scowled.
“I did not-”
“Of course!” My mother nodded. “Go on, Adelaide.”
“But-”
“Come on, princess.” The boy winked at me.
Reluctantly, I took his arm. He lead me to the back of the kitchen. But instead of giving me an ice pack, he turned towards me.
“Don’t you dare mention that to your parents.” He glared at me.
I scoffed.
“Why not?”His eyes darkened.
“I cannot afford to get in trouble. My mother doesn’t have enough money to pay for the crap your parents will demand.” His voice turned pleading. “Lillian already works her ass off.”
Wait Lillian was his mom?
“Lillian’s your mom?” I asked.
He nodded.
“So you’re Carter?”
He nodded again.
I sighed.
“Fine. For Lillian.”
Carter grinned.
“But I want my bra back.”
His expression changed from relief to guilt. He cast his eyes to the floor, unable to look me in the eye.
“Carter.” I said slowly. “Please tell me you still have it.”
Carter fidgeted, obviously nervous.
“I may or may not have auctioned off your bra…” He trailed off.
I facepalmed.
ns 15.158.61.20da2
