Author's notes: I just wanted to practice, so I wrote this in about 10 minutes. This probably doesn't even make any sense, but whatever. I don't have the patience to write anything over 300 words.

I like writing fics about Elesa and fame

Thanks for putting up with this trash :)

Edit: wow I actually went back and fleshed it out because I was so dissatisfied with the first version

life of a queen

And we'll never be royals (royals)
It don't run in our blood
That kind of lux just ain't for us
We crave a different kind of buzz

...

High heels clicked on cobblestone, a rush of fresh evening air greeting her as she left behind the throng of people and flashing neon lights and cameras. She knew she wasn't supposed to leave the set, not until another hour or so, but there was nothing wrong with slipping away for a while to take a break. The paparazzi would try to follow her wherever she went, so it didn't make any difference anyway.

The tall, stunning blonde took a deep breath, drinking in the scent of Casteliacones, the soft chatter of conversations here and there, the distant rush of the ocean. Instantly she felt better, less stifled now that she was finally out in the open. The evening was quickly becoming night, as golden lights winked at her through building windows and a pleasantly cool chill washed over her.

A brunette was waiting for her, leaning against the wall and tapping her foot impatiently. "You're late," she said disapprovingly. When Elesa saw her, she automatically exhaled in relief.

"My bad," she smiled, knowing Skyla was just joking.

...

They took a taxi to the secret cafe in the corner of the city, their place nobody else knew about. Miraculously, the taxi driver didn't get a good look at her face until she was exiting the car, and his jaw suddenly went slack. "Hey, aren't you—"

"I'm sorry, I don't know who you're speaking of," Elesa said coldly. She clutched her purse to her side and stepped out the door delicately, closing the door behind her. The driver hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly let the matter drop. As soon as he pulled away, she and Skyla simultaneously burst into laughter.

...

The waiters and waitresses here had become used to her presence, and to Elesa's gratitude, they treated her like a regular customer. She and Skyla took their usual table outdoors, which had a spectacular view of the ocean. Various boats and ferries lined the ports of Castelia, and a flock of Wingulls fluttered about, chirping and nibbling at stray bread crumbs on the wooden docks. The fresh, salty scent of the ocean filled the air.

Already on the table were two sparkling ice-cold glasses of lemonade, each adorned with a slice of citrus and those mini paper umbrellas Skyla knew she loved.

"They knew we were coming, so I just ordered drinks ahead of time," the brunette explained, taking her seat. "The pastries and cakes are coming soon."

"Thanks," Elesa said gratefully, with a tired sigh. Sitting across from her best friend, she took a sip and felt the taste of pure summer grace her throat, savoring every second of the sweet effervescence. Sometimes she thought Skyla was the only one who actually knew her.

Sometimes, she wondered why she even bothered.

She sighed again, and swirled her straw around in her drink. She stretched her long, graceful legs out in front of her and kicked off her heels, letting her tired feet rest.

Skyla grinned, all smug and haughty. Ironic, Elesa thought. For a second, it was like they had switched places. "No problem, I figured you'd be exhausted. How's the good life?"

The blond supermodel eyed her. "Please. You don't even have to ask."