Some bad swearing in the end of this chapter, just so you know!
I do not own Midnight Cinderella Ikémen Royal Romances.
Chapter 6: Damn. So Close.
August 20th
"What's wrong, Ava?" The voice was flirtatious, and familiar. In this uncontrollable state of vulnerability, I felt my cheeks grow hot, and I struggled defiantly in order to turn around. The man holding me seemed just as surprised as I was at the sight of my face. Apparently he'd only been teasing, not expecting something to actually be wrong. I swallowed, hard. Then I began to breathe again, realizing that I'd been holding my breath. I did my best to compose myself on such short notice.
"Uh- Leo? Wh-what are you doing here?" His face remained the same, mouth slightly open, appearing to be confused, or concerned. Leo's brow was also furrowed, in concentration I suppose. Suddenly though, his expression completely changed to that of pleasure.
"My name! I'm glad you remembered it." His arms still around me, Leo let out a gleeful laugh, which contrasted oddly with the situation. I stared up at the man. I'm not sure how I feel about this... First he was being all charming, at least he thought he was, then the confusion, and now this... This innocent gladness. "Well, are you happy to see me?" His gentle breath tickled my neck, paralyzing me on the spot.
"U-unhand me!" I pushed against Leo's chest, which despite his title as a bureaucrat and my own assumptions, was rather solid. He didn't budge.
"Hmm. I wonder what should I do?" Leo said slyly, his hands straying down my back. Oh no you don't! I growled, pushing harder. Instinctively, I also began to twist and turn, garnering a dismayed laugh from Leo. "C'mon, don't be shy." As I continued to struggle against Leo's embrace, I realized how ironic my situation was. A couple of days ago I would have been as happy and free as the wind, and would have played along with Leo just for fun. Now though, with all this damn pressure, it's look I'm stuck inside a box and I can't even enjoy myself when opportunity knocks!
"Is that all you can think about while His Majesty lies bedridden?" I couldn't have cared less what Leo could think about. Still though- I felt bad about the King. And this just wasn't the time for his antics. Lost in contemplation, I cast my gaze downward. The sight of Leo's extended hand pulled me back to reality.
"Hey, Princess." He gently ran his finger across my furrowed brow. "I don't know what you've got on your mind, but a scrunched up face like that does you no justice." I raised my head a sliver to find Leo grinning back at me. "After all, that whole diplomatic mess had nothing to do with you." Nothing to do with me? "You're technically the princess, but only in name. So far, anyway. Leave the difficult stuff up to Giles and you'll find most things work themselves out." There's no way I could possibly- No, I can't. I can't just sit here like this! My head was hit by another pounding wave of thought. Remember what brought you here.
I recalled the innocent eyes of my student. Right, it was to fulfill her simple wish. To find that flower. Fists clenched, I did everything in my might to remember. My true purpose was to bring a smile to that dear child's face. Meaning-
I met Leo's gaze once more, my eyes full of intensity. This mess has everything to do with me. Looking Leo straight in the eye, I spoke.
"I will not." Leo's grip I noticed began to loosen. "I will not just sit idly by and leave everything difficult up to everyone else!"
The promise I made to my student... The promise I made to her mother, and before that, her father... And my mother, and still yet myself. And even before I promised myself to never give up, to never let anyone or anything drag me down ever again... I promised my father, to take care of my mother, to make people laugh, to make them smile, and to make a difference. I'd already failed on the first part of that promise. I owed it to him- To all of them, to try at this.
My mind was finally set. No matter what happened, I would try. Determination had me all caught up in itself.
"Ava?" Ignoring Leo, I used my newfound courage to fling open the door to the King's chamber.
"I hope His Majesty will forgive this sudden intrusion." I stated matter of factly, but still trying to sound compassionate.
"What the-" Alyn spun towards me, as did everyone else, their faces full of distaste.
"You." Louis' reaction was even worse, consisting mostly of abhorrence.
"Your Highness!" Even Giles had to open his mouth and make me feel idiotic. I tried to ignore all of them and held my head high, glancing quickly around the room to see what I was up against.
The inhabitants of the room were none other than the King himself, lying in bed, and an assortment of palace bureaucrats, along with Alyn, Louis, and Giles. I'd met most of them already, and from the looks on their faces I hadn't made a good first impression. Giles' eyes hadn't left me since I'd entered. I detected a hint of trepidation in his expression. The faces of the bureaucrats- all focused on me- slowly shifting from puzzlement to contempt. Jerks... I know I may have not been extraordinarily charming towards them yesterday, but I'm still pretty much their boss.
The King looked up at me from his bed and smiled. The King- I never thought I'd ever lay on eyes on him, not for real. I took in a deep, quiet breath, then I managed to speak up.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Ava White."
"Ah, yes. Giles has told me all about you." The bureaucrats wore their skepticism unabashedly, furrowing their brows at my exchange with the King. One of them spoke under his breath.
"A day as princess elect and she thinks she knows everything." His jab stopped me in my tracks. There probably isn't much I can do. The silence seemed almost tangible, as a small pressure built around my chest. But even if I can't do much, something's better than nothing. I've already decided I'm staying, and while I'm here, I'm going to make a difference.
"Your Majesty," I said, focusing my determination into each word. "Donning the princess' tiara is an honor I accept with great humility. I pledge to do everything in my power to serve Wysteria and its people." I channeled what strength I could muster into my legs, curtsying. It felt quite odd, I wasn't one to show such respect. Even stranger than that though, I still felt proud. Sure, I can't do much anything yet. Aside from standing here as the princess, that is. But at least I'll be able to declare Wysteria's princess isn't a mere spectator. Still in full curtsey, nothing could have prepared me for the King's next words.
"A splendid introduction. And delivered with eloquence fitting of a true Wysterian princess." I couldn't look up. I'd been expecting to be laughed at, or insulted. That had seemed to be the tendency anyways. I only stared wide eyed at the exquisite bed the King lie in, still bent down, holding up the skirt up my dress. "I expect great things from you, Princess Ava."
I-I don't believe it- Finally I stood, staring up at the older man with a small, almost lunatic smile. I must look ridiculous but- I really didn't expect this to go so well! Though the bureaucrats didn't seem as convinced, they opted to maintain silence rather than contradict the King. The monarch gave a tepid laugh.
"With such a strong princess to take the helm, I practically have the privilege of collapsing at my own leisure." I gave another small grateful smile, nodding towards the only man superior to me in the entire kingdom.
"Your Majesty, the grim nature of your joke far outweighs it's humor."
"Laughter is said to be the best medicine, Giles." Giles let out a small sigh at the King's words. I completely agreed, though I had nothing to say, and so didn't speak.
"Friends, though your concern is appreciated, His Majesty requires peace and quiet for a speedy recovery." The grumbling flock of bureaucrats proceeded to exit the King's chamber. Whew. I observed the procession in silence, after which I was approached by Alyn.
"Hey, Ava." The knight's bright eyes exuded hostility. Bracing myself, I stared back expectantly. "I don't like people who are all talk and no action. What I don't like even MORE is the idea of putting my neck on the line for them. You'd better prove yourself." Before I could formulate a response, Alyn had left with a swish of his cape.
I moved my lips, making a face in order to mock Alyn. It served no purpose really, other than to amuse myself. Out of the corner of my eye though, I saw a smile spread across the King's face once more. He noticed me! I swallowed, shocked that my quite disrespectful joke had actually been enjoyed by someone here other than myself.
I watched Alyn traipse off to avoid the King's gaze, but then felt a different pair of eyes settle on me from behind. Louis? Our eyes met for just a moment before he averted his gaze. I wonder if Mr. High and Mighty himself enjoyed my little stunt. I continued to inspect Louis with slight interest. Giles then stepped in.
"Duke Howard, thank you for gracing us with your presence. But, as you can see, His Majesty is in no state to be taking visitors."
"Very well. I shall call again." A duke, huh... I guess that explains quite a bit. "I wish Your Majesty a speedy recovery."
"Thank you, Louis." Louis disappeared from the room without so much as a glance my way. Psh, I wouldn't have cared even if he had looked!
"Seeing as Her Highness just mentioned it... Giles, if you would be so kind as to give this to the princess." The King handed something to Giles, after which he glided my way. I could definitely speculate as to what the item was, but that didn't make me any less curious.
"My Lady, this way please." I gave a final curtsey to the King, to which he smiled, nodding. I returned his expression with a confident but intelligent and charming smile, which I found to be quite fitting of my character.
As soon as Giles and I had left the room into the hallway, I attempted to look around the much taller man to the item he held so carefully in his right hand. He just as quickly hid it from my vision, tsking at me.
"Marvelous show, Your Highness."
"Marvelous? Me? Oh I wouldn't doubt it even for a second!" I put my hand to my chest extravagantly, exemplifying my dramatic reply. Giles chuckled, enjoying my little act. That was another hobby of mine, acting ever so poetic and histrionic with my words and actions, usually sarcastically, though it was always fun to confuse someone with it as well.
"A strong spirit is the mark of talent Ava. This shall make the task of My Lady's tutelage all the more... gratifying." Giles cradled my chin in his hand. Wait a second- Giles cradled my chin in his hand, chuckling softly. Back away now... "Stay still, please." Giles retracted his hand- only to come back with both, this time affixing something to my hair before I could pull away.
"What?" I ran my fingers gently across my head. So then it really is-
"A tiara, My Lady- yours. Proof you are capable in His Majesty's eyes." Holy hot damn! This thing is worth- well, I don't even know! I quickly pulled my fingers away from the diamond accessory. Wouldn't want to leave fingerprints or anything like that...
Just then, Giles' cold hand glided across my cheek, his face inching toward mine. "The palace chamberlain is tasked with the princess elect's education. I rather look forward to our lessons together, don't you, My Lady?" It's hard to look forward to anything- you're IN my face! I strained out a nod, despite my irritation, much to Giles' delight.
"I should have liked to begin our curriculum today, but, alas, with His Majesty's health as it is, I must attend to his sickbed. You're free to pass the day as you like." Giles slowly removed his hand from my chin before calling down the hallway. I had started fiddling with the tiara again, curious now as to how it stayed so steadily in my hair. "Nico." Nico, who had been patiently waiting in the background, came forth. Suddenly though, I had a lightbulb burst overtop my head.
"You called-"
"Wait just a second, what about my leaving the palace?!" Giles raised an eyebrow at me, while Nico looked at me with his wide amber eyes.
"It's quite disrespectful to interrupt even your own attendants My Lady, please apologize to Nico."
"Sorry Nico," I quickly muttered, wanting to get back to my point. "But seriously Giles, I need to go into town!"
"I am very sorry Princess, but with the King's situation, I will not be able to arrange an excursion outside the palace walls." Giles promptly turned around, vanishing back into the King's chamber. I glared after him.
"So, how about that bold declaration in front of the King palace officials?"
"Was that really so impressive?!" I snapped at Nico, causing him to jump and the air to fill with uneasy tension. "All I did was say a few honest words and now everybody's got to make a big deal out of it!" I sighed heavily, ignoring anything Nico said after that.
I chewed my own lip, attempting to formulate a plan. I needed to go see Liliana, and no stern look from Giles would stop me. I tried to rake my fingers roughly through my hair, only to find that my new tiara was very much in the way. Even more aggravated than before, I scrunched my nose and scowled, moving my hand around the priceless accessory to continue with that nasty habit of mine.
"I mean I know you're up to the task and all, but your life before the palace-" I rolled my eyes, finally tuning back in to hear Nico's rambling. It lacked his characteristic enthusiasm, but I didn't think too much about it.
"Nico," I interrupted. The light haired man looked back at me expectantly. "I need a favor."
"Anything, m'lady." The ghost of a smile passed over my lips. I wonder if Giles will ground the both of us when he finds out about this? If he finds out. Fully aware of what consequences might lie before me, I spoke.
"I need your help to sneak me out of the palace."
The moon towered high above in the midnight sky. I silently slipped from my chamber into the deserted hallway.
Why the hell am I so nervous?! It's not like I haven't done anything like this before... Though I've never really had any rules quite like these either. I continued to bite my lip, despite my trying to convince myself of this little rule breaking harmless. Jeez, it's just one night! No one will ever even know!
With Nico's aid, my excursion to town was about to become a reality. I was on my way to see the student to whom I had promised the flower to. I'll never make it as a princess if I can't be a good teacher first.
I scanned the hall, confirming not a soul was around, then made for the palace entrance. The sound of the midnight bells reverberated throughout the castle. I hastily descended the crimson carpeted stairs, lifting my dress so as not to trip. God, at this rate I won't even be out the door by morning! Waiting for me out front was a horse, carriage, and-
Nico stood near the door, waiting. His forced smile betrayed the tension of the situation at hand. Leaving the palace is strictly forbidden, let alone at this hour. But I have no choice, really. This is my final task as her teacher. I cannot fail her.
Suddenly, as if plucked by some unknown force, I found my body suspended in the air.
"Ah!" The high heels I hated and had not yet become accustomed to slipped off as I wildly tripped forward. I closed my eyes, bracing for impact. FUCKFUCKFUCK- But instead, I found myself hurled into the security of a strong pair of arms.
"What is Her Royal Highness doing here at such an hour?" Damn. So close.
August 20th