Song of Crowns

Episode 8: Liplock

The fully furnished throne room is packed with guests from all walks of life. I like that everyone's mood is festive for this day. I just wish that I feel the same. Instead, I am forced to walk the red carpet with Adrian. Alfonzo is setting him up as my lover. Little did the people know that the very idea of him disgusts me to the core.

"Deep breaths, your Majesty." Maimie whispers as she smoothened my cape. I like what they did to me. My cape resembles my crown but I still wear the color of regality. Gold as in power.

Allory fussed over my hair as she sprayed something on it to keep it in place. "You look beautiful, your Majesty." Adrian compliments as he stood by my side. Porschia is the one fixing him up. She straightened his tie while he faced me.

"Thank you, Sir Adrian." I say to him with a forced smile. He doesn't seem to know because he kept giving me this genuine look as if I was beautiful to him.

"Your Majesty," I whipped my head to the caller and saw Evos. He is wearing a dark blue vest and white dress shirt underneath. He gave me a bow as a greeting. "You look ravishing." I gave him a genuine smile in return.

The event started with the master of ceremonies shushing the crowd. Soon after, I was introduced and as if on cue, Adrian pulls out his arm for me. I happily took it and walked the red carpet with confidence.

When we reached the middle, I was left alone to do the procession. I liked the feeling of being alone. I alone can lead my people. I don't need Kings. I am powerful on my own.

The whole thing ended with me holding the sceptre and reciting some words to signify my being the Queen. Everyone applauded this festive ceremony. However, my gut started twisting like crazy. I think it knows what will come after.

"Your Majesty," A voice calls me out and I am awake from being in a daze. Porschia is above me. I realize I am on my knees in a corner with my hands on my ears. "Are you alright?"

I quickly got on my feet. No way are they seeing me in a distressed state. "I am. Thank you."

"Sir Adrian Alfonzo wants to see you, your Majesty." She says. "He says to meet him by the balcony."

"Alright. Thank you." I hand her my cape but kept my crown. The whole hall room is celebrating and I don't want my cape to ruin my evening by tripping on it with several people looking at me.

I went straight to the balcony on the second floor. There, I am met by Adrian who is alone and leaning towards the railing. "You called for me?" I asked while I position myself across him with a safe distance.

"I want to apologize." Adrian says, not looking at me. I didn't say a word. He must have something to say. "I think this whole thing is partially my fault. If I didn't catch you with my eye, I wouldn't have given my father ideas of being King or marriage."

"What do you mean?" I asked. He shyly looked my way then struggled to look again.

"He was lying. It wasn't him that saw you at the United Nation Delegation Event. I was that person. I was sent by my older brother in his stead. When I got there, I was super bored that I wished for it to end sooner. However, I caught you staring. I was self-conscious because of it." Staring? I try to remember that day. Yes, I was part of the event. And yes, I was so poised I stared at people. I guess he was one of them. I usually stare at people if I think they're not being proper. "Then, I think I got a crush on you. I was always up to date with your thing: The whole royal family business. I was never bright but I was invested with you. I think it started there at that event because you made me who I am today." I was taken aback. That simple glaring showdown made him who he is today? A playboy jerk that wouldn't even stand up for himself? "I know you are wondering why it is your fault if I turned out like this." He laughed at himself. "I was never like this. I was never proper. Nor was I hygienic. I was never good too. I guess that changed when I met you. I wanted to live up to you standards."

I gulped. "How is your monologue going to explain the predicament that I am in?"

He smiled. "Very patient." He shelved his hands to his pockets and looked away. "Because I was very fond of you, I always knew how you looked like even in a distressed state." I gave him a look. He chuckled. "When I saw you walk in here, I think I misspoke of you and my father heard. You see, he's a senator and he is power hungry. Seeing my adoration of you is a win for him. I am his key to fortune."

"I don't want to believe you, Sir Adrian." I say in a matter-of-fact tone. "I don't want you to think I'm easy like your bed girls." He gave another stifled laugh.

"I think I should explain myself to you." He says holding my arms. I wanted to shake them off but I don't know what's holding me back. "The girl the other day is a childhood friend of mine. We have always been very intimate and would always have sessions in bed. But that's only where she goes. It's sort of a friends with benefits type of arrangement with her. I am single and so is she but I never harbored feelings for her."

"I don't need to know that." I told him, rolling my eyes.

"You should. I want to be transparent to you because I really do like you. We set off on the wrong foot and I want to make it up to you." He says, his green eyes closing into mine. We stay like that for a long time: Him holding me and me looking through his hazel eyes. I imagine myself drowning in those eyes.

I shake my head to clear off thoughts of liking the son of my captor. I don't want to like him. But my heart is screaming something indescribable.

Adrian leans closer until his breath is touching my bare neck. "Allow me to like you, your Majesty." I shiver at the gesture and couldn't pull away.

Before I could even muster the strength to pull away, I find my hands cupping his face and pulling him to my lips.

- End –