♡ Odette's POV ♡

I had found Zayn sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for me when I was finally done exploring the palace. It was dark outside, nighttime setting in. Zayn head jerked up, dark eyes meeting my own as I closed the door behind me. Zayn held his hands out to me.

"Come here." I obeyed him and walked over to him, taking his calloused hands in my own. He looked down at the floor as our hands intertwined, his mind still clearly troubled over Eli's outburst just hours earlier. I released one of my hands to gently run through his hair, kissing the top of his head in an effort to comfort him.

"Eli will get over it soon. He can't hate you forever." I murmured to him softly. I knew it deep down in my heart too. Eli wasn't the type to hold a grudge, and Erica was probably giving her prince the same speech I was just a few rooms down.

"You really think that?" Zayn looked up at me, worry clear in his eyes.

"I know that." I stated confidently, and Zayn sighed in relief, my words easing the burden he put on himself. Zayn released my other hand to ruffle his hair, sighing again.

"I'm so tired, Odette. I don't think I can handle all this stress, I can't be king. This is exactly why my uncle gave the throne up, he knew only Delia could take the burden it would put on her." Zayn whispered, and I shushed him before tilting his chin up to look at me.

"Don't ever say that, you are one of the strongest and bravest people I know. You will be the greatest king the Empire will ever know, I'm sure of it." I told him, watching as he smiled softly.

"You're amazing, you know that don't you?" He whispered breathlessly, standing off the bed and wrapping one of his arms around my waist, and the other hand resting on the back of my neck. I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck, his eyes entrancing me, rendering me helpless. I was practically putty in his arms.

Zayn pulled me closer, his hand on the back of my neck gently pushing my lips to his. I could do nothing but simply enjoy the feel of his lips moving against mine perfectly. We kissed until we grew breathless, only pulling away to gasp for air, but even then our lips continued to brush delicately, sending sparks through my body.

"We should get to bed, Eli's coronation gala is tomorrow." Zayn whispered, leaving me disappointed. He was such a tease, kissing me like that and then leaving. He knew it too, I could tell from the smirk he gave me as he left to change into some pajamas.

***

I woke up next to something warm, my tired eyes opening to see a shirtless Zayn hugging me to his chest in sleep. My back was pressed against his front, his fingers wrapped gently around my waist. I smiled as I played with his fingers, admiring the little bird tattooed on his hand.

The bed covers were everywhere, some resting on me, others underneath Zayn as he kicked them off to cool himself off last night. I heard Zayn shift around in the covers as I kissed his fingertips, a soft humming sound breaking the easy silence I had woken up to. I felt him hug me impossibly closer as he placed a kiss to the back of my neck. The sensation was tickling, an uncontrollable smile breaking out on my face.

"Good morning, little swan." Zayn yawned, burying his face into my hair. I giggled before turning around, pressing a kiss to his cheek. A lazy smile graced my king's features. "Good morning, Zayn."

"You're so pretty in the morning. Even without all that cosmetic crap you put on." Zayn mumbled, and I only rolled my eyes. However, my eyes soon caught onto what I thought was a black furry throw pillow...moving. I instantly scooted into Zayn, who raised his eyebrows in confusion.

"What's wrong?" He asked seriously, looking at me in disbelief as I pointed to the black fur ball as it moved again.

"That pillow just moved!" I exclaimed, Zayn staring at me for a few seconds before cracking up in laughter.

"You can't be serious, right?" He laughed, his eyes crinkling shut from how hard he was racked with laughs. "That's only Eli's Scottish terrier!" I blushed in embarressment, watching as Zayn called to the dog who now jumped on the sheets, shining little eyes full of excitement as its tail wagged back and forth.

"Hey boy, it's been a while since I've seen you." Zayn smiled, pulling the terrier closer to him and beginning to pet him. I stayed perfectly fine where I was, not making a move towards the dog. I was never really a pet person, my parents never bothering to get a dog in fear that it would mess up the house or try and hurt me. Zayn released the dog, and I squealed as it immediately ran over to me, sniffing my face and licking my cheek. I felt the dog being pulled away as Zayn looked a little frazzled.

"Not a dog person?" he asked, the small dog now trying to jump all over him.

"Not really an anything person. I never had a pet." I explained, my arms folded around myself. Zayn nodded in understanding before turning his attention back to the dog, petting him and playing with him.

Needless to say, the door opening swiftly was quite unexpected. A frazzled Erica rushed in, another Scottish terrier in her arms. Her eyes were wide as she saw Zayn and I, but they soon fixed upon the other little dog Zayn was petting.

"There you are!" Erica spoke to it, the little terrier's tail ceasing to move. It barked at the other dog in Erica's arms, both of them barking at each other for a few moments before Erica slowly started creeping towards the dog on the bed. Her movements were slow and calculated, and quite funny to watch. She was treating the dog like it was a dangerous animal, not just a cute little puppy.

Needless to say, Erica had almost managed to grab the other dog until she said the words "It's bath time."

Upon hearing that, both dogs perked up and escaped, the one in Erica's arms jumping out and following its counterpart in racing down the hallway.

"No no no! Come back here!" Erica yelled down the hallway, Zayn breaking into laughter as the dogs barked back in reply, the sound of paws and nails on wooden floors leaving a faint clue as to where they could have gone. Erica gave a frustrated huff, placing her hands on her hips. She must have just gotten up, a t-shirt and running shorts all she was wearing, her wild curly hair being pulled back into a haphazard bun.

"I almost had them. They probably ran off to Eli, he always babies them." She groaned, Zayn taking amusement in her frustration.

"Need some help?" Zayn offered, Erica nodding as she rubbed her temples.

"Please. Those two need to be bathed and groomed before the gala tonight."

A pleasant laugh echoed through the halls as both Zayn and I got out of bed, fully prepared to help Erica in her chase for the dogs.

"Great, they found Eli." Erica rolled her eyes.

Zayn chuckled before pulling a t-shirt on, slightly covering the joggers that hung low on his hips. All of us went out into the hallways, Eli's laughter only increasing as we came closer to his room. Erica stormed into the room, us in hot pursuit.

Eli was in the entertainment part of his room, lounging on one of his many plush couches. The little black dogs barked in joy, crawling all over their owner and refusing to leave him alone. Eli looked like he was on cloud nine, a nice difference from the way he had stormed out of his office the day before.

"Eli, grab them. They need their bath." Erica told the crown prince, who only nodded before standing from his pets.

"Let's go guys. Time to get cleaned up." He simply spoke, and with wonder we all watched as the dogs obediently followed their owner down the hall. Erica's jaw dropped, Eli giving her a quick kiss on the cheek as he left, a smirk on his face.

"I swear those dogs try to spite me. McTavish is the ringleader, Maeve just goes along with his plans." She pouted.

"McTavish and Maeve?" I asked, Erica nodding.

"Funny isn't it? The English heir to the throne names his Scottish dogs Irish names. It's practically anarchy."

The rest of the day was more relaxed then the day before, considering we were only told to make sure not to get in the servants' way while they set up everything for the coronation ball later that evening. Sadly Falene hadn't been able to make the trip, so my hair was left to the creative ideas of none other than Erica.

Zayn and I had spent most of the day together for the first time since he had been crowned king, just relaxing and hanging out with Erica and Eli. Eli seemed in much better spirits than before, almost reminding me of a grumpy toddler who was happy after taking a nap. We laughed and talked for a while before we had to separate to get dressed in our gala clothes.

Even if Falene wasn't with us, I found it humorous that she still wanted both Zayn and I to look dazzling. When we returned to our guest room, two outfits had been laid out on the bed for us. A black ball gown had been picked for me this time, a matching uniform for Zayn. Golden trim and decorations were scattered throughout the fabric, both outfits having a matching pin of the emblem of the Empire on them.

Zayn had to help me zip up my dress, laughing at me as I exaggerated trying to suck in my stomach to fit the gown. In return, Zayn had let my delicate little fingers button up his uniform jacket, rewarding me with a kiss when I reached the top one. After Erica had barged in our room to curl my hair and do my makeup while Zayn watched in curiosity, often grabbing a tube of mascara or a palate of eyeshadows and opening them to see how they worked. It was hilarious.

After we were all ready to go and about to go to the palace's ballroom, Erica pulled me aside roughly. She apologized immediately, but the worried look on her face told me now was not the time to scold her for her rough action. Zayn had left to find Eli, excusing himself from what was obviously something important.

"Odette, it is of the utmost importance that you tell no one about what I'm going to tell you." Erica murmured, her blue ball gown bringing out her eyes. Her curly hair had been pinned back in an elegant updo, heavy eye makeup making her blue orbs shine even more.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, but you can't tell anyone, ok?" She whispered, and I nodded numbly, anxious to find out. A huge smile lit up Erica's face.

"Eli and I are engaged."

My mouth fell open, astonishment making both of us squeal and hug each other happily.

"When did he propose?" I asked, taking her hands to see the ring. When I saw nothing, I looked to Erica's suddenly sad smile.

"He proposed about a week ago, but you can't tell anyone about it, understand?"

"Why not?" I was confused. Engagements should be a happy occasion, not one that should be shrouded in secrecy.

"Because as soon as people know Eli's engaged, they'll press him and I to have a baby so should anything happen to Eli from his illness, there's already an heir in place. They'd stress Eli out even more, and besides, we already agreed we'd wait a bit before doing anything like starting a family." Erica explained, everything making sense suddenly.

It was tragic, the way Eli and Erica couldn't have what they wanted most in the world without others having a say in it.

***

The coronation was apparently a private matter between Eli and his family, so the gala ended up being more of a party than coronation. Zayn and I stuck together like glue most of the time, since there were so many people present. Zayn and I had looked around the ballroom many times so we could congratulate Eli, never seeing him once. We had decided to split up, Zayn searching the more private hallways and rooms of the palace in case Eli was having second doubts about the whole party. I had decided to stay and keep looking in the ballroom, my eyes settling on a pale figure dressed in a uniform, a newly placed crown gleaming on his head.

Eli looked, quite frankly, a little bewildered and frazzled as he stood in the very corner of the grand ballroom. His hands were shaking from nerves, often trying to play it off as he adjusted his navy and red uniform for the hundredth time.

I felt bad for him.

Making my way over to him, Eli jumped a little when I tapped his shoulder to get his attention.

"Relax, I'm not going to bite." I joked, earning a tiny laugh from the stressed new king. "Why are you all alone over here? You should be socializing and having a good time with everyone! It is your coronation gala."

"What is this socializing you speak of?" Eli attempted to joke, but the stressful look on his face gave away his very real fear. "I wish Elliot was here, he was always so good with people."

Eli's face dropped for just a moment, and I rested my hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay. I don't think you give yourself enough credit, Eli."

"What credit?" He asked, light eyes dark with sadness.

"You are quite the charmer. How else do you think you have so many people who care for you?" I pointed out, Eli seeming taken aback. However, he recovered himself quickly, the dark look never leaving his face. I didn't like it, it made his bright eyes that were usually full of happiness dark like the navy walls of his bedroom.

"It's the anemia. That's the only reason people worry about me." He remarked cooly, his left hand resting on the inner crease of his right elbow, where he had gotten his shot just a few days ago.

"That's not true and you know that." I felt a surge of anger rush through me. Eli was blind if he didn't see all the people who cared for him, not his sickness, but him.

"Let me let you in on a little secret, Odette. And don't you tell Erica about this." Eli started, eyes staring right through me. He leaned in close to me, whispering his restricted information. Apparently I was becoming a royal secret keeper.

"I'll guarantee you that most of these people here never wanted me to be king in the first place." Eli pulled back to stare at the people walking around the ballroom, laughing, dancing, talking, having a grand time.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean everyone, including my parents, wanted Elliot to be crowned king. Not me." He said. "I bet if they could turn back time they would have never given up the throne until Elliot returned from war, that way I would never be able to take the throne."

"Why would you think that? I'm sure they're proud of you." I countered him, but Eli only weakly laughed. The sound scared me. Eli was already weak physically, he didn't need to succumb to it mentally.

"There is nothing more laughable than having a sick king who probably won't be able to rule for more than a few years." Eli spoke sadly. "A figurehead of power and leadership who has to rely on pills and medical treatments to survive."

"Stop it," I ordered Eli, pleading with him. I didn't like the dark look he had on his face, and I secretly wished Erica was here to help her fiancé. That gave me an idea. "What would your fiancé think of you talking like this?" I asked, Eli's eyes becoming wide in surprise.

"You know?"

"Of course I know, Erica told me herself. She worries about you a lot." I assured him, watching in amazement as the bright color returned to Eli's eyes and his posture straightened. "She wouldn't want you to act like this."

"I know. I'm sorry." Eli sighed, releasing the last of his worries from deep within him. A small smile formed on his lips as he reached into his pocket.

"Would you like to see the ring?"

I nodded furiously, a huge happy smile stretching across my cheeks. Eli chuckled as he pulled a little velvet box out of his pocket, opening it carefully to reveal a glittering diamond engagement ring, a single white bright, sparkling diamond placed upon a silver band. It was beautiful, and I knew it would look perfect on Erica.

"I picked it out myself." Eli said proudly, an adorable smile lighting up his mood.

"It's too bad she can't wear it yet." I sighed, a thoughtful look given to me by Eli. He pulled the ring out of the box, fiddling with it between his fingers for a few seconds. His eyes focused on something behind me, and I turned to see Erica smiling and socializing, having a good time. He seemed almost entranced by his fiancé, like she was the Sun and he just another planet spending its entire existence around her.

"Yeah..." Eli trailed off before excusing himself, his eyes never leaving his beauty of a girlfriend. I watched him as he walked right up to her, taking her hand and pulling her away from her friends, right in the middle of the ballroom dance floor.

A slow song began to play from the orchestra, and Eli took his time to twirl and spin Erica around, everyone suddenly stopping what they were doing to watch the two secret lovebirds continue their dance. A contagious smile was on Eli's face, one Erica shyly reciprocated. The floor was cleared so that they were the only two dancing, graceful and so in love. It wasn't hard to tell the sparks that flew between the two of them, and for a second, everything just melted away.

Eli's illness, Erica's stress, royal titles, even the crowd seemed to vanish into thin air as I watched the two English lovers dancing. The song began to slow, Eli taking his opportunity to spin his beautiful fiancé once more before pulling her close and dipping her head down to finish their graceful performance. Erica smiled at her handsome newly crowned king, and Erica and Eli must have been the greatest kept secret in England's history, because as he leaned in to kiss her, all of the crowd gasped and some cheered. Erica even seemed surprised, her eyes wide as Eli pulled her back up to her feet. Cheeky Eli gave Erica another kiss as murmurs began in the crowd before revealing something shiny between his fingers.

The ring.

Erica's eyes grew wider, her feet moving to step back. The country wasn't supposed to know, what was Eli doing? Before she could take another step, Eli grasped her hand, leaning in to whisper something to her, simultaneously slipping the engagement ring onto her left ring finger. Erica's stress disappeared from her face as she stared at the beautiful piece of jewelry, speechless for a few seconds before smiling and hugging Eli tight. The crowd seemed taken aback, but I heard one single voice cheering his best friend on.

"Yeah Eli!" Zayn happily cheered, everyone staring in shock at the king of the Malik Empire before more clapping and cheers broke out. Soon Eli had the whole of the ballroom happy for him, and I saw the king of England turn to me, mouthing a "Thank you" to me. I gave him a smile before he and Erica were bombarded with friends and family rushing to congratulate them.

***

The night was getting late and drawing to a close, some people starting to leave the gala. The orchestra had decided to play another slow song, this time Zayn and I joining Eli and Erica, who continued their little dance from earlier. Other royals were around us, dancing and having a wonderful time. Zayn and I had never danced formally, but somehow we managed to get a hang of the slow waltz other couples were dancing to. Zayn guided me around the dance floor, one hand on my hip and the other grasping my hand in his huge one. His eyes never left my face, and I noticed with a start that Eli had looked the exact same way at Erica when they were dancing. It made me wonder if Zayn's feelings for me weren't just a little crush.

"It's great that Eli and Erica could announce their engagement, huh?" I attempted to start a conversation, Zayn smiling and agreeing.

"Yeah, I guess so. I hope they end up happy." He said, before raising his arm to spin me gently.

"Erica must feel like Cinderella." I told Zayn, who smirked in amusement.

"Cinderella?"

"Yeah, you know. She went from being a nurse to the king's fiancé. That's pretty great if you ask me, it sounds just like a fairytale." I spoke thoughtfully, Zayn finding humor in my philosophical words.

"What about our story? What fairytale would we be?" Zayn asked, watching as I put on an exaggerated thinking face.

"Hm, Beauty and the Beast!" I joked, Zayn feigning hurt before laughing.

"I don't think I'm the Beast, love." He snickered, "but I definitely agree you're Beauty." He stopped our dance movements to take his chance of kissing me, his hand on my waist pulling me impossibly closer. He left me breathless and love drunk, a lazy smile gracing his features as he saw the effect he had on me.

"Absolutely beautiful."