Hey guys, I hope you're doing well! Just a note that there is a fair amount of swearing and underage drinking in this chapter. Read on for a very critical scene from the books and enjoy some throwback references I've tossed into this chapter ;)
Gonna reply to reviews on the previous chapter, thanks so much for the love and to everyone who reviewed!
Melissa: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! I had realized that I had unconsciously made Dominic's backstory somewhat similar to Mikhail's. I wanted them to be similar enough but still different in their own ways. And I totally agree about the stigma around men's mental health, which is something I sorta wanted to touch in my stories. And I'm glad you find that the writing quality is really good and flows nicely! Since I do put a fair amount of time into editing and writing these chapters. Alexei is pretty hesitant about going to the gala but read on to see if he actually makes it there! ;)
Disclaimer: I do not own the Embassy Row series and all the characters (except for Tanner and Jordan and Alexei's Moscow friends, who are my own creations). They belong to Ally Carter. I am merely using her characters and plotline to create this fanfiction. I have no intention of profiting off the Embassy Row series in any way. This fanfiction is purely for entertainment purposes and would not exist without Ally Carter's wonderful works.
The events that happen in this fanfiction are not meant to be representative of real life. Any similarities to any real-life events or fictional works is purely coincidental and not intentional (with the exception of the original Embassy Row books by Ally Carter since this fanfiction is literally Take the Key and Lock Her Up but from Alexei's, not Grace's, perspective). The character's actions may not always reflect my own opinions or views. Based on what happens in this chapter (spoiler alert), I do not condone underage drinking, drinking and driving, murder, or tracking technical devices.
Content warning: moderate
This fanfiction is rated M, for explicit and suggestive themes (such as mental health and abuse), language, and violence. This chapter contains strong language, moderately crude banter, somewhat graphic depictions of death and murder, and mentions of mental health, forced incarceration, and illicit technical activity. Please read at your own discretion.
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Long Live the King
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, as I expertly knotted the white bowtie on the first try. Even after all this time, tying a tie was a leftover relic from my embassy kid days, a skill that had been drilled into me to ensure I'd never forget it.
Never again had I thought I'd get another opportunity to attend a fancy event. I had accepted that fate, kissing it all goodbye when I went on the run, claiming my fugitive status. Yet here I was, fixing up my tie and collar as I attended my first fancy event in a couple months. It was like I was back in the Russian embassy, getting dolled up to attend yet another fancy party as an embassy kid. It was enough to make me feel almost nostalgic, knowing I'd have one last opportunity to return to my former life before leaving it all behind.
Of course, I couldn't do it without Tanner and Jordan at my side. We had gotten ready for many embassy events together and cramming into the bathroom at the townhouse felt just like old times. For a second, it was easy to pretend everything was fine and nothing had changed. Except once the night was over, I'd be heading back to the townhouse, not the Russian embassy.
Just then, Tanner pulled out a familiar looking can.
"Please don't tell me that's what I think it is," I said, horrified.
"It's exactly what you think it is." Tanner winked at me as he hit the nozzle on the can, sending a cloud of silver glitter over his hair and onto my bathroom mirror and counter.
"And that's another bathroom of mine you've ruined with your glittery unicorn shit," I muttered.
"Hey, at least it's Karina here, and not your father," Jordan commented, raising his eyebrows at me in the mirror.
"Yeah, at least Karina will be fascinated by this," I sighed, knowing that either way, I was in for a nasty cleanup after. "Better than when my father had threatened to send me to a Russian military camp after seeing the glitter explosion in my old embassy bathroom."
"Trust me, bro, you wouldn't have needed it anyways, not after everything you've gone through this summer," Jordan said.
"I second that," Tanner added, as the hairspray can sounded again. He glanced at me appreciatively in the mirror. "But either way, you're looking good, bro."
"I'll say. You cleaned up well. Where'd you get the suit from?" Jordan asked, as he struggled to do up the top button of his pressed white dress shirt.
"Dominic lent it to me," I said, doing up the buttons on my collar. After our conversation earlier this morning, Dominic outfitted me with one of his old suits, a classic black three-piece. We were of similar height and build, both tall with lean muscle, making it surprisingly easy to find an old tux of his that fit me.
"Man, that guy has done everything for you. He might as well adopt you, at this rate," Jordan said.
"What's the point? I'll be eighteen soon." My eighteenth birthday was coming up in January, which meant in a few short months, I'd officially be an adult. It was an exciting and a terrifying thought, knowing I'd be free to do what I wanted, but at the expense of bearing the full burden of the consequences.
"Damn, in a years' time, we'll be out in the real world, fending for ourselves. How crazy is that?" Tanner asked.
"Too crazy," Jordan agreed, shaking his head. Technically, I had already been doing that for the last eight weeks, trying to survive on my own while the rest of the world had been out to get me. When I had left the Russian embassy for the last time, marking the start of life on the run, I had thought I was done with embassy life; but somehow, it always came back to find me. Would I ever really be truly free from embassy life? Or would it always be a part of me, regardless of where I ended up?
"Can we take a pic for social media?" Tanner asked. Jordan and I nodded our consent. We gathered together, arms around each other as Tanner snapped a couple selfies, posting them to his Snapchat and Instagram stories. Now, I was trying to keep an even lower profile on social media. But because of the special event tonight, I figured I'd grant these photos to Tanner.
"Considering this may be the last time we all go to an embassy event together, I brought something to commemorate the moment." Tanner produced a bottle of champagne from his backpack.
"Bro, where did you get this? This looks like the good shit." Jordan took the bottle, inspecting the label.
"Same place I always get my alcohol. The liquor cabinet in South Korea," Tanner replied with a cheeky grin, before looking at me. "You have any shot glasses?"
"What's wrong with a champagne flute?" I asked, thinking back to how my father and the executive staff at the Russian embassy enjoyed their champagne in tall, skinny glasses.
"We don't have time to delicately sip our champagne," Tanner said, checking the time on his phone.
"Besides, shots are more fun," Jordan added. Seeing as I wasn't going to win the argument, I headed down to the kitchen, digging through the cabinets until I found three shot glasses.
When I got back upstairs, Tanner popped the cork on the bottle, sending a gush of champagne everywhere. I quickly moved out of the way to avoid getting sprayed, knowing I'd have a fun mess to clean up when I got home.
Tanner poured three shot glasses full of champagne. We each grabbed a glass, clinking them together in a toast. "Here's to all the good times we had and one final night with Alexei!"
"To good times and to Alexei!" Jordan seconded. I couldn't help but grin as I downed the champagne. This was our last hurrah and I was so lucky to have amazing friends by my side, to celebrate this last night as an embassy kid.
Tanner grinned, putting down his now-empty shot glass. "Now let's go make tonight our bitch."
Jordan drove us to the palace, parking near a side entrance leading to the kitchen.
"Well, I gotta help unload the hors d'oeuvres. You guys can take off and do your embassy kid thing," Jordan said, nodding to Tanner and I as he walked into the kitchen.
"Hang out when you have a chance?" Tanner asked.
"Of course," Jordan replied, sticking his tongue out. It was nice to know one thing hadn't changed.
Tanner and I walked into the ballroom. The large hall was startingly empty; it was almost unsettling. We watched as palace staff fiddled with last-minute decorations, while the tech crew and the band did a soundcheck. In a few moments, the room would start filling up with partygoers, ambassadors and citizens alike.
"Is it weird?" Tanner asked.
"Is what weird?" I looked at him, confused.
"You know, being back in the palace, doing embassy kid things." Tanner gave me a knowing look as he nudged me. "Last Jordan and I had heard from you, Big Brother had been attacked, your girl came running here for aid, and you just so happened to be following along. Then, the three of you vanished without a trace until you somehow resurfaced seven weeks later, according to the rest of the squad."
"Surely, you understand why we had to leave." The blank look on Tanner's face told me otherwise. I sighed, not in the mood to explain.
"In any case, yes, it is weird to be here," I said. The grandeur of the palace almost seemed like too much, too fake and garish. It was really all just a show, to cover up hidden motives and dark secrets. Politics was a dirty game, one the people of Adria were all too good at. It was sickening to see just how far they'd go to keep up appearances and hone their reputation.
We each grabbed a drink, water for me and more champagne for Tanner. I raised an eyebrow at Tanner's drink choice but he said nothing as he took a massive sip, practically downing half his glass. Clearly, I wasn't the only one who had changed this summer.
Before long, our friends showed up. Megan and Noah arrived together. He looked dapper in his tux and she looked ethereal in her red strapless gown with gold sparkles and leaf accents. Lila arrived soon after, in a stunning long black gown with a full skirt and gold rose accents. Rosie was the last to arrive, practically bouncing towards us.
"I'm surprised to see you here," Lila stated, looking right at me after we all exchanged initial pleasantries.
"I got a last-minute invite," I said.
"From who?" Rosie asked, excited.
"Prince T," Tanner smirked. "He crashed our morning workout and personally delivered the gala invitation to yours truly." He clapped my shoulder, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Damn, look at you getting the royal treatment," Noah said.
"I'm more surprised he managed to sneak out of the palace again without being skinned alive by his mother," Lila commented.
"Something tells me it's not the first time he's done that and it won't be the last," I muttered. As awkward as the prince seemed, he was still a teenager who was bound to sneak out and have fun. Considering he grew up in the palace, getting past security was likely the least of his worries.
"So what's on for tonight?" Tanner asked, looking around the ballroom, which had started filling up. I recognized quite a few ambassadors and important locals. Thankfully, my father was nowhere to be seen yet, but I couldn't imagine what would happen if I had run into him here.
"Did you guys not get programs?" Megan asked, her eyebrows furrowing as she frowned. Tanner and I just looked at each other and shrugged. We had come in through the side entrance with Jordan, where there had been no one to greet us. I looked over at the main ballroom doors, where sure enough, palace ushers were handing out programs to arriving guests.
"We took a side door," I explained. "Can I take a look?" Megan just gave us a funny look as she handed me her program. I quickly leafed through it, focusing on tonight's schedule. Reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres followed by a toast to the king and speeches in his honour during the sit-down dinner. Then, during dessert, there was to be a special announcement, followed by a dance. I instantly knew what that announcement was and wondered if I could bolt before it happened.
"Well, when do you think shit's going down?" Tanner asked, echoing my thoughts. We all looked at each other uncertainly.
"To be fair, I don't really know," Megan said hesitantly. "Anything could happen at any time. I guess we'll just have to keep our guard up and be on alert. If anyone sees anything suspicious, put it in the group chat. We'll try to buddy up and make sure someone's with Grace at all times."
"Speaking of, when's she coming?" Rosie asked, looking around. The ballroom was already full of people but Grace was nowhere to be seen.
"She's gotta show her face eventually," Noah said, sounding more confident than he looked.
"Unfortunately, I don't think that's happened yet." Jordan appeared out of nowhere, brandishing a tray full of hors d'oeuvres. Tanner immediately grabbed a handful of shrimp balls and proceeded to stuff them in his mouth. "I've circulated the entire room already and haven't seen her once. Same with Prince T."
"I hope everything is okay with them," Noah said, looking concerned.
"I mean for all we know, the princess could have them locked up in some secret chamber within the palace, forcing them to make those royal babies so they can fit in a pregnancy announcement too," Lila said brazenly. We all stared at her in surprise, not expecting something so harsh to come out of her mouth.
"What?" Lila asked, grabbing a stuffed mushroom from Jordan's tray, shovelling it in her mouth like nothing was wrong. "That's the end goal, right? If I was an evil princess, I'd want to get going on that ASAP."
"Seriously though, where are they? I haven't seen any members of the royal family yet," Megan said, scanning the room.
"They're probably taking their sweet time for their fashionably late entrance," Tanner said, grabbing some crab puffs. "Besides, if shit's going down tonight, who's not to say they're last-minute finalizing their plans as we speak?" He had a good point.
"The program's already running half an hour behind," Noah pointed out as he grabbed a shrimp ball.
"And appetizers can only keep people happy for so long. They better show their faces before we run out of food," Jordan commented.
"Hey, the only reason there'd be no food is because all the hors d'oeuvres are sitting in the damn cooler in your car," Tanner argued, dunking a couple shrimps in cocktail sauce before biting into them.
Jordan shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say, these hors d'oeuvres go towards a better cause funding my meals than here, where they're underappreciated and get thrown out when the night ends. By the way, if anyone wants anything, hit me up after. There's plenty more where this came from." He winked at us.
Lila rolled her eyes. "Seriously, what the hell is with the two of you and your hors d'oeuvres? Like every time there's an event, this always happens." Tanner and Jordan just looked at each other and shrugged, neither of them speaking.
"Don't think I haven't noticed," Lila continued, before turning to me. "By the way, this was happening when you were gone too, Alexei, in case you happen to know something the rest of us don't." Although I groaned, a part of me inside was glad some things never changed.
An alarm-like tone sounded, causing everyone to jump. Tanner cursed as he dropped a crab puff on the floor and spilled his champagne.
"What the hell was that?" Jordan asked, righting his tray. No one said anything but our eyes all darted to Megan, who was furiously clicking through her phone.
"Something's going down alright." Megan showed us her phone. It was open to her text tracking app, which was tracking all of Ann's phones. Sure enough, a text from Ann to that same unknown number from yesterday showed up loud and clear. "it's time"
"What do you mean, it's time?" Noah asked, sounding both confused and frightened. "What's happening?"
"I'm not sure," Megan said, looking around nervously. Everything seemed to be going just fine. Yet, the sinking feeling in my stomach told me otherwise.
"Any replies?" Tanner asked, looking at Megan's phone. Megan shook her head. Just then, her phone chimed. In fact, all our phones did.
"Damn, is shit going down already?" Jordan asked, balancing the tray of hors d'oeuvres in one hand while pulling his phone out of his pocket with his other hand.
"Huh, it's a message from Thomas," Noah said, scrolling through his phone. "G and I will be out soon."
"Does that mean Grace is here?" Rosie asked, whirling around to look in every direction.
"I hope so," Noah said uneasily. "After all, she is the unofficial star of the show tonight." Another text tone sounded, but quieter. I pulled out my phone, expecting another inane message in the group chat, but was surprised when I saw a private message from Prince Thomas.
"meet us at the stairs. We'll be down in a few" This could only mean one thing. I excused myself from the group, ignoring everyone's protests, and made my way over to the grand, sweeping staircase at the far end of the palace. With a start, I realized it was the same staircase I had frantically run up, way back at the credentials ball at the start of the summer. Only then, I had been running away from my fate. Now, I was running towards it.
I leaned against the staircase railing, taking in the ballroom full of mingling partygoers. I spotted several ambassadors I had rubbed elbows with back in the day. A couple of them were speaking with my father right now. Almost like he knew I was here, my father casually glanced in my direction. For a split second, his eyes narrowed, before he turned back to his conversation. I forced myself to look away, turning my attention back to the task at hand.
All around me, snippets of various conversations floated through the air, of old friends reuniting and new acquaintances making connections. So many stories were being written, tales that would be told for years to come. And tonight, I hoped my fairy tale would finally see a happy ending.
Standing here in the palace, I felt like I had finally come home. This was where I was meant to be, attending fancy parties in European high society. Although I had grown content with living a quiet, peaceful life, I was raised in this scene. And this was where I truly belonged.
A flicker of movement from high above caught my eye. I looked up at the balcony, finding none other than the girl of my dreams staring down at me. Sure, she was standing next to Prince Thomas, no doubt to make their formal debut as the next royal power couple. But her eyes remained locked with mine as she conversed with the prince. All too soon, the prince walked away, leaving Grace to make her way down the staircase, towards me.
She walked down step by step, slowly, carefully. My long-standing feelings for her, that I had tried to suppress over the last few days, returned in full force, and then some, as I took her in. She had cleaned up incredibly well, fitting her future role of picture-perfect Adrian princess. Her hair was swept up, highlighting her delicate facial bones and shoulders. Her face was made up, accentuating her feminine features. But the most stunning part about her was the blue gown she wore, strapless with a ribboned waist and a long, cascading, layered skirt, bringing out the best of her tiny frame. It made her look every bit like the princess she was destined to be. Compared to her, I felt like a pauper. Despite that, I found myself wishing for one last dance with her, for one last embrace, as a reminder of everything we had, and everything we'd never share again.
I couldn't take my eyes off her, as she got closer and closer, until she was standing right in front of me.
"What are you doing here?" Grace asked, polite and composed, like she was no doubt trained to be. Yet, she clearly hadn't expected me to be here tonight. I couldn't help the smirk that crept its way onto my face.
"I was invited." I pulled the ivory-coloured envelope from the inside pocket of my tux jacket. "A palace messenger delivered it personally this morning. I felt very important."
"You are important," Grace said earnestly. Although I wasn't quite sure what to make of that, it was nice to know I still held some value to her. She glanced back towards the balcony, where the prince was standing above us, a goofy grin on his face.
"You're welcome," the prince mouthed, before walking away. Was that supposed to be for me or for her? Either way, he was effectively leaving us to our own devices, at least for the time being.
"I –" I said, at the exact same moment as Grace. We stopped short, looking at each other. There were so many things I wanted to say to her. But suddenly, none of them seemed quite right. Where would I even start? What was I even supposed to say to the girl who had broken up with me to become a princess, only to find out that maybe she still felt something for me? Luckily, I was spared when a tiny blonde blur careened its way over to us.
"Grace!" Rosie exclaimed, launching herself right towards Grace. "How are you?"
"I'm okay, Ro," Grace said, before looking up at me. Never once had Grace said that she was okay. It was always 'fine' with her, which meant a million things were going wrong. But for once, she looked almost content and at peace. I didn't know how to explain this sudden change, only that it didn't suit her. As I kept looking at Grace, particularly the smile that looked too wide and too wrong, I couldn't help but feel something was very off with her.
"Wait. What's wrong?" Rosie pulled back, looking visibly confused. "You look … happy. This worries me. Is anyone else worried about this?" Uh, me. But before I could say anything, Megan and Noah walked up to us. They had been content, until Rosie opened her mouth.
"Yeah. What's wrong?" Noah appeared as concerned as I felt as he looked at Grace, almost scrutinizing her.
"Why does something have to be wrong?" Grace countered, taking us all in.
"You're smiling," Megan pointed out.
"I can smile!" Grace retorted. "It's allowed."
"Yeah. Sure," Noah says. "It's just … unusual." Thank God Megan, Noah, and Rosie had noticed this change in Grace too and that it wasn't just a product of my imagination. What the hell had the palace done to her, to make her so uncharacteristically happy? I bet it had something to do with a certain prince.
Rosie scowled, shaking her head, clearly not pleased by this change in Grace. "Yeah. You look happy. Why are you happy?"
Grace didn't say a word but she turned, glancing across the ballroom, where sure enough, the prince was standing with a group of ambassadors. I couldn't help but follow her gaze as their eyes met. He winked at her, like it was something they did all the time. I drew back, shock waves of icy cold running down my spine and my entire body. So much for thinking she still felt something for me. Clearly, she had moved on, ready to slip into her role as the perfect princess and palace protégé. Even though it was supposed to be a formal arrangement, it looked like she really did feel something for the prince.
I turned, ready to leave this all behind. I didn't want to be here if she was just going to rub this in my face. I'd have to see if Tanner would be willing to lend me a bottle of that Korean vodka on short notice, what with the desire to drink myself into oblivion getting stronger and stronger. So much for the happy ending to my fairy tale. At this rate, I was bound to turn into a miserable bachelor like Dominic, seeking out substances to fill the void in my empty, broken heart.
"Alexei, wait." Grace reached out, grabbing my arm. I bristled at her touch. It felt like poison, like snarling vines luring me back into their tight, venomous grip.
"It was a mistake to come here. I should never have left Karina alone." My eyes darted around the crowded ballroom, plotting the quickest route of escape.
"How is she?" Grace asked, although it sounded like a last-ditch effort to extend the conversation.
"Better. She is better." That was all she needed to know. Besides, did she even really care for Karina in the first place?
"She was lucid for a little while today," Megan spoke up. "They must have had her super drugged up at the hospital. I really think that might be most of her problem. Maybe once all the drugs are out of her system…"
I shook my head, cutting off Megan. "I should not have left her alone." No one could realistically wean off ten years' worth of drugs in a few days, not without experiencing tons of withdrawal. Although Karina was certainly doing better than when we had taken her out of Binevale, she was nowhere near recovered yet, at least not to be left alone for long periods of time. Lord knows what she could be getting up to right now.
"Wait." Grace grabbed my hand, pulling me back. I recoiled, prying myself from her shackles. "Something happened yesterday morning. I think … Well, I mean, if everything works out, then I think it might be over." What the fuck was she going on about? After scanning everyone's faces, I was glad I wasn't the only one feeling this way.
But before anyone could say anything, the Adrian national anthem blared throughout the room, drowning out all conversation. I looked up at the balcony above us, where a uniformed guard stood tall at the top of the staircase. He stepped closer to the edge, announcing, "His Royal Highness, the king!"
I immediately dropped into a bow, trained like all the other loyal citizens of Adria, as the Adrian king, crown prince, and crown princess stepped into view. A wave of energy buzzed through the crowd at the sudden but welcome appearance of the Adrian royal family. The king stepped forward, towards a microphone stand on the top step.
"What's going on?" Megan hissed. "The program didn't say anything about the king giving a speech." Was this what Princess Ann had meant in her text? I looked at Grace, wondering if she would have answers, but her eyes were glued to the king.
"Friends, family, distinguished guests," the king started, regal and distinguished. "I am the luckiest of men to have worn the crown of Adria for fifty years. It has been my honour to be your king. But …" But what? I gazed at the king, his face contorted, uncertain.
"But I come to you tonight and admit …" The king faltered again. Whatever he wanted to say, it clearly wasn't good. A tense silence filled the room as we waited for the king to make his statement.
Out of the corner of my eye, Princess Ann looked up from her phone before nodding ever so slightly, making eye contact at something out of view, further inside the balcony. Seconds later, Megan's alarm tone sounded, breaking the strained silence. I only had time to briefly glance at her, seeing the horrified look in her eyes before the gunshot rang out loud and clear.
The king reached for the microphone stand, only to send it crashing down the stairs. A second later, he followed, his legs buckling as he lurched headfirst down the regal staircase, rolling down in a very un-noble fashion. No one moved, all of us rooted in place as the king helplessly tumbled down. I couldn't tell if he was still conscious at this point but I knew it would be a miracle if he made it out of this alive.
At long last, the king hit the floor with a resounding thud. Dominic was already by his side, appearing out of nowhere, his hands flying over the king's body, no doubt checking for vitals. His sharp shouts at the king went unanswered, the only sound in the otherwise motionless room.
"Everyone out of the way! I need a stretcher here now!" Dominic shouted in Adrian, as he placed his fingers against the king's neck. Time stood still as everyone watched Dominic, waiting for an answer. Fifteen, thirty seconds passed.
After a full minute, Dominic finally rose, his head hanging in sorrow, a somber expression on his face as he proclaimed, "The king is dead." He turned towards the staircase, bowing before the remaining members of the royal family. The crown prince was ashen-faced as Dominic made eye contact with him, saying the words that would make this official.
"Long live the king."
All around me, the crowd echoed Dominic's sentiment, sending one last tribute to our noble king who had fallen in an unjust manner. "Long live the king."
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Next chapter will be up between June 17 and June 25.
To my knowledge, it's not made clear in the books what the king's cause of death was. Based on how it was written, I was thinking maybe poisoning (which one of you had suggested on my IG story question box!). Thus, I took some creative liberties that might not totally fit (but is relevant for what's coming up later).
Also, Alexei's birthday is never mentioned in the books so I had to make a guess. I knew I wanted his birthday to be in the first half of the year (since in my mind, he was already seventeen at the start of All Fall Down and Falling for You). And looking at the personality traits for men of the different star signs, he is 100% a Capricorn to me (I mean, mature, hardworking, serious, needs control, closed off to protect their emotions, sounds like Alexei to me). Not sure how canon that is but it's canon in my mind ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
And the Adrian king is dead. I'm sure you can all guess which chapter is coming up next ;)