SARAH

The lust that had clouded my mind just moments ago vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold wave of realization. My chest tightened as the truth hit me like a slap.

You did it again, Sarah. You broke the code. Again.

“Could you, um... could you step back?” My voice trembled, barely above a whisper, as panic clawed at my insides. I tried to shift to the side, desperate to put some space between us.

Christopher didn’t say a word. His piercing gaze locked on mine, but he obliged, taking two slow steps back. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes... they were watching me, waiting, as if daring me to make my next move.

And I did.

I ran.

I yanked the door open and bolted out, ignoring the sudden shouts from Chris, telling me to stop but his words only pushed me harder. My heart pounded in sync with my steps, adrenaline driving me forward, away from the suffocating room, away from him, and away from the mess I had just created.

My heels clicked loudly against the marble floors as I noticed the corridor was empty.

Seemed luck was at my side for once.

I didn't stop, didn't turn around. Instead, I quickened my pace, clutching my dress and holding my breath as though that could make me invisible. Once I reached my room, I slammed the door shut, leaning against it for a moment to catch my breath before locking it.

Spinning toward the mirror,  I scanned my reflection, searching for any sign that screamed I'd just had one of the most sinful orgasms of my life—at the most important event in this kingdom, no less.

Oh lord.

My cheeks were flushed, my lips swollen, and my hair slightly out of place. Panic rose in my chest as I ran to my closet and yanked out a fresh pair of underwear, quickly removing the ruined one. It felt ridiculous, as if changing it could erase what has happened. But I had to try. Next, I grabbed a mint, desperately hoping to cleanse my mouth of the lingering taste of him.

Not that it helped—his intoxicating taste lingered, not just in my mouth but on my skin, in my head.

Frustration bubbled up as I smoothed concealer over my neck and collarbone. I knew I hadn't seen any marks, but it's better safe than sorry. My hands trembled slightly as I worked, a mix of shame and frustration coursing through me.

Gosh, I did it again. After all the lectures I'd given myself, all the reasons I'd listed to keep him at arm's length, I'd given in anyway had crumbled the second he touched me.

I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. This is not the time to think about Chris. My focus needed to be on his cousin.

Nate.

Something about him screamed trouble and I didn't like that one bit.

As if he knew something about me and I needed to figure out what before it backlashed.

As I was about to spiral further, a knock came at the door.

"Sarah," Chris's voice called softly and my body tensed.

Why was he here? Hadn't he done enough?

"I'm coming," I replied, glancing at myself in the mirror one last time to ensure I looked composed. My hands smoothed the skirt of my dress before I opened the door to find the man responsible for unraveling.

There he stood, the man who had just unraveled me in ways I didn’t think possible, looking infuriatingly calm.

"You okay?" His eyes roamed my face, searching for any panic or anger.

I nodded, but my heart thrummed in my chest as I swallowed hard, trying to keep my face neutral. I shouldn’t be angry with him—it was my fault for breaking my own rules and allowing my lust take control whenever he was near.

"If it's about what happened in the room, I'm...."

He started, stepping closer, but his phone rang, interrupting him.

I breathed out with great relief as he answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Christopher! Why the fuck aren’t you here? Everyone's waiting and Father’s losing his shit." Alex's voice boomed over the phone, asking him where he was.

"I'm coming." He glanced at me with an unreadable expression. "I just got... distracted."

We both got distracted.

"Well, whatever it is, drop it and get here. And if you see Sarah, bring her too. People are starting to notice you're both gone. They are talking Chris. They are starting to think you ran away just like..." She paused at the ending but I knew what she was talking about or should I say who.

"I’m coming." He grunted, clenching his jaw and cut the call. He exhaled sharply before turning back to me, about to say something.

"We should go," I said quickly, stepping out and closing the door behind me.

He nodded, his usual confidence faltering just slightly as we walked side by side. The guard stationed at the corner eyed us suspiciously, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Chris and I maintained just enough distance to avoid drawing attention, but enough to keep my composure intact.

When we entered the grand room, my eyes scanned the room. Whispers and murmurs were all round and I couldn't help but wonder what's happening,

"What's going on?"

"What do you think? They think I ran away," Chris muttered, his voice laced with irritation. "They think I won’t go through with the ceremony... Just like Elliot did."

His words hit me harder than it should. The feeling of depression hinted in his tone reminded me much of myself when I was younger.

This time I look up, studying him, noting the way his face fell as he scanned across the room as well.  The look wasn't a good one on him, he was vulnerable at this point, something that wasn't pleasing to my eyes and whatever I had to say right now could either encourage him or not.

"You’ll go through with it," I said, my voice steady. He looked at me, getting his attention. "Forget what they think. Just finish this damn ceremony and aside from the fact that I'm already tired plus with my heels killing me and all, you need prove them wrong and besides," I added with a smirk, "these people here are as fake as buying something online without getting scammed, believe me I spent two hours with your mother and if I can do that, you can do this, okay?"

He didn't say a word and that made me rethink everything I said, checking which point was wrong.

But suddenly he let out a genuine laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly which brought me at ease for no reason.

"Two hours huh?" He grinned, his old self coming back. "Must have been brutal."

I chuckled, "You have know idea. Now I understand the reason why you hate her, I would gone nuts if she was my mother. Do you know she forced me to learn every bloody person names here? She seriously needs help."

That made him laugh, the deep sound of hus vibrating through my body as I could tell he found what I said funny. His laugh wasn't loud or fake. It was those times I would catch him being real, not flirty or annoying. Just...real.

I liked that.

I smiled despite myself, I couldn't help myself as I took in the sight of him like this—unguarded—it was beautiful. But I caught myself quickly before I went too deep, clearing my throat, I tried to remove whatever magic he has on me.

"Oh um... let's go now."

His smile softened then nodded, and before I could distance away like before, his hand slid into mine, startling me.

I froze, my gaze darting to his.

"I’d hold your waist," He said with a teasing smirk. "but I know you’re still freaking out about earlier."

Heat rushed to my cheeks as he led me through the crowd. My eyes stayed glued to our joined hands, unsure of whether to tighten my grip or pull away. Every nerve in my body was on high alert, and I hated how much I liked it.

We weaved through everyone then slowly they split into half, allowing us to walk freely.

Christopher walked confidently to the center of the room, his every step commanding attention. The crowd parted slightly, all eyes on him as he stood before the King and Queen. Their expressions were neutral, almost unreadable, as their gazes shifted briefly to me. My chest tightened, but I kept my posture steady, returning their look with a calm one of my own.

As we reached the middle, Chris let go of my hand, his fingers brushing mine one last time before he stepped forward. I moved to the side, joining Alex, who greeted me with a raised eyebrow and a sly smile.

“What’s that look for?” I whispered, trying to sound unaffected.

“Oh, nothing at all.” She replied, though the amused glint in her eyes said otherwise.

The ceremony resumed, and the room fell silent as the King stood to address the crowd. “Today, we officially crown Christopher as the Crown Prince of this kingdom.” His voice echoed, every word deliberate and firm.

He later on delivered a long speech about responsibility, legacy, and the importance of the crown. I half-listened, my eyes drifting to Chris as he stood tall, his posture perfect, exuding confidence.

Then the moment came. A man in an elegant suit approached, holding a velvet-lined tray with a gleaming silver–colored crown resting on top. Christopher knelt, lowering his head slightly as the King placed the crown on him. A round of applause erupted in the hall, and I found myself clapping along with everyone else, even managing a genuine smile.

Chris rose and turned to face the crowd, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. His gaze found mine almost immediately, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent warmth creeping up my neck. His lips curled into a playful smirk, and he winked.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing, shaking my head slightly.

Of course, he’d do that right now.

The ceremony began to wind down, but there was one more tradition to complete. Alex leaned toward me and whispered, “Get ready for the fun part.”

“Fun part?” I asked, frowning.

“When the Crown Prince is announced, he has to accept a dance from anyone who asks.” She revealed.”and trust me when I say he'll be busy with them throughout this party.”

Before I could process that, a flurry of women swarmed Chris, each eager to be the first to dance with him. He sighed but extended his hand to the nearest one, a tall brunette in a glittering gold gown.

The music began, and I watched as he danced gracefully with her. His movements were smooth, almost effortless, and his polite smile never faltered. Then came another woman, this one in an emerald dress, and Chris obliged again, seamlessly transitioning to his next partner.

I couldn’t pinpoint why, but a strange unease settled in my chest as I watched. Maybe it was the way they all seemed so comfortable with him, or maybe it was how out of place I felt standing on the sidelines. Whatever it was, I needed to get out of there.

I slowly backed away, slipping through the crowd until I reached the double doors that led to the castle’s balcony. The cool night air hit me as I stepped outside, a welcome contrast to the stuffy room I’d just left.

The silence out here was perfect. I walked over to the stone bench in the center and sat down, sighing in relief as I peeled off my heels. The ache in my feet faded instantly, and I wiggled my toes against the cool ground.

One of the guards stood off to the side, his presence both reassuring and unintrusive. He held his gun casually, his gaze focused straight ahead as if he didn’t even notice me.

Grateful for the solitude, I pulled out my phone, remembering Sam had begged for a picture of my dress. I hadn’t had the chance earlier; the Queen’s demand for my presence had derailed everything.

Angling the phone, I found the best lighting where the delicate details of the dress shimmered in the moonlight. I took four pictures, each with a slightly different expression, before selecting the best one and sending it to Sam.

Her reply came almost immediately:
“OH. MY. GOD! you need to steal this dress when you return back! You look like royalty, I'm so jealous right now.”

I smiled, shaking my head. Should I tell her I didn’t need to steal the dress? If I wanted it, I could just ask Chris. He might actually say yes.

Her next text buzzed in: “How’s the ceremony though? Any drama? Spill!”

I typed back: “Aside from getting the greatest orgasm of my life right before the ceremony, not much else.”

Was it embarrassing to admit? Absolutely.

But do we hide things from each other? Never.

Our friendship has always been built on trust—sharing every secret, no matter how insane. Saying this felt strange, but it didn’t compare to some of the wild things Sam’s told me about her sex life.

Her reply came with a smirk emoji: “You naughty girl. You keep surprising me every day, and honestly, I’m so proud of you.”

I hesitated before typing: “Aren’t you going to tell me to stop whatever this is with the Prince?”

If I couldn’t talk sense into myself, maybe Sam could.

“Why should I?” she shot back. “Look, love, it’s been ages since you broke any rules. I get the whole protocol thing, but maybe just enjoy it. You’ve got a few weeks left before you go back, right? So, think of it as a three-month vacation with a hot, fuckable man who makes you see stars. Then, when it’s over, you come home and move on. Deal?”

Did I want to forget about it, though? That was the question my mind immediately latched onto.

I sighed, feeling a headache creep in. Put it on hold, I told myself.

“Fine. I will. So... how’s James?”

I was relieved when she didn’t push the topic. Instead, she dove into talking about James and how much he missed me—even though we’d just spoken two nights ago. Truth be told, the feeling was mutual. I missed him so damn much.

By the time we wrapped up our conversation, I glanced at the clock on my phone and realized we’d been talking for over an hour. My throat felt dry, and the cool night air wasn’t helping. I stretched my legs out, ready to head back inside to find a drink, when a voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Had a feeling you’d be here.”

I turned sharply, startled to see Chris standing a few steps away. His silhouette was striking in the soft glow of the balcony lights, his crown no longer on his head. He held two glasses in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.

“Chris…” I said, attempting a playful tone despite the sudden flip in my stomach. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be dancing your heart out with all those ladies throwing themselves at you.”

The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and I immediately regretted how they sounded. Shit. That came out jealous.Which I’m not. At all.

He chuckled, his eyes shimmering with amusement. He pressed his lips together briefly, as if suppressing a grin, then turned to the guard stationed nearby.

“Leave us,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind.

The guard didn’t hesitate, bowing slightly before retreating, leaving the two of us alone.

Chris took a step closer, tilting his head as he studied me. “is my mind playing tricks on me or Do I sense jealousy from my lady?”

He closed the distance between us, sitting on the bench but leaving a small, deliberate gap between us.

I scoffed, crossing my arms as a gust of cold wind blew past. “I’m not jealous,” I said quickly. “Just surprised you’re done so soon.”

He hummed, a soft, knowing sound that only made my face heat up. “I see, then.”

“You see?” I echoed, narrowing my eyes. “That’s all you’ve got to say?”

Chris laughed again, a deep, rich sound that sent a shiver down my spine—though I wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or him. Without another word, he shrugged off his suit jacket and stood, walking around the bench to drape it over my shoulders. His hands lingered for a moment as he adjusted it, ensuring it fit snugly.

“You’ll freeze if you stay out here much longer,” he said softly, his tone losing its teasing edge. “You look pale already.”

His unexpected gesture caught me off guard, and I blinked up at him, unsure how to respond. “I was fine,” I murmured, though the warmth of his jacket told a different story.

Chris sat back down, his gaze fixed on the bottle of wine as he opened it with practiced ease. “You’re terrible at lying, you know that?”

I bit the inside of my cheek, unsure whether to argue or thank him. The quiet between us stretched, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Instead, it felt like a fragile truce, hanging delicately in the air.

“So,” I finally said, watching as he poured the wine into the glasses. “Are you going to tell me why you’re here? Or should I just assume you’re stalking me now?”

He handed me a glass, his smirk reappearing. “Maybe I just wanted to see you.”

Oh, great. Here we go again.

I narrowed my eyes at him as I took the glass he offered, the warmth of his suit still clinging to my shoulders. “I’m being serious, Chris,” I said, my tone firm. “Why are you here?”

He swirled the wine in his glass, his smirk softening into something more sincere. “I am serious, Sarah.” He leaned back slightly, his gaze locking with mine. “I was hoping you’d dance with me.”

The words hung in the air between us, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure I’d heard him right.

“Dance?” I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” he said, his tone unwavering. “I waited, you know. Thought you’d come ask like everyone else.”

I blinked at him, my thoughts scrambling. “You wanted me to ask you to dance? You were surrounded by women practically throwing themselves at you!”

I didn't regret the way I reacted because it was needed when it came to him.

I just don’t get want he wants from all this so instead I wait for him to say something.

He simply shrugged, taking a sip of his wine. “And yet, none of them were you.”

●●●

THE WAY I GIGGLED LIKE A GIRL WHEN I WROTE THIS YOU WOULD THINK SOMETHING IS WROMG WITH ME

FALLING FOR A FRICTIONAL MAN SHOULD BE A CRIME BECAUSE I'M FALLING FOR MINE HARD.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED TH8S CHAPTER, I'LL BE POSTING THE NEXT VERY SOON!!