James

Father couldn't even grasp how bitterly Odessa became.
I just think she's overwhelmed with everything. Surely mother could have kept her bloody mouth shut. It would have been better to have a peaceful, quiet dinner.

I want to go up to her but Father orders to "Leave her be. She deserves to be left alone"

We eat the rest of dinner in sombre silence, savouring each bite.

The Report will be on in 15 minutes. Mother preps her make up again and a few maids come and tidy us up.

The Report is a weekly live broadcasting of the kingdom, just to see if we are alive or not.

That's the one perks of living in Erivale, no matter what everyone is required to watch it.
So many household have televisions but no food, it's such a bitter irony.

To be honest, it all looks so fake as we all have to put up happy faces with the entertainment interviewers, Diva and Trina. They are wacky entertainers who love to soak up every single piece of gossip from the kingdom. With their signature pink hair and turquoise lipstick, they both look and act horrendous.

Out of all the people of Erivale, they are the most ridiculous.

They acted mortifying when Gerard died. Since we didn't want to talk to the camera, Diva and Trina decided to show a two hour long special of all the best interviews with Gerard.
The special wasn't just broadcasted to Erivale but to the entire world, well anywhere where civilisation had television, which isn't a lot.

From the moment he was born to the last ever interview, they tried to squeeze his entire life into two hours. It sickened me as they only made Gerard out to be a spoilt prince. He was by far anything less.

We all now sit in the parlour with ivory plush cushioned chairs at the right side eagerly smiling while one by one we are interviewed about the week. It is awful.

I did not see Father until we are about to air. He says he had some business to finalise before the Report.
I have a sick feeling he had a few words with Odessa.

The camera man holds up his fingers to indicate the camera are rolling. Mother and Father sit together holding hands and we sit in order of eldest to youngest. Of course there is an empty side beside me. Whenever I glance at it, I hope Odessa is okay.

The national anthem plays and images of us appear on screen, all dazzling and perfect.
I only notice now that Gerard's picture is removed.

"Good evening Erivale! Let the weekly Report begin!" Diva grins.

"We have inside footage of this week's royal family along with exclusive photos of the new designer collection from Le Blanc, worn tonight by Odessa Blackthorn..."
The camera zooms in on the empty chair. Trina and Diva just stare in shock. How embarrassing for them.

"Oh dear, darling Odessa is missing...again..." Trina points out, emphasising sharply on the word again.

"Oh well she's still rather poorly but she is awfully sorry she couldn't be here tonight" Father inputs. Immediately they move on.

"Oh dear, well let's keep her in our prayers....now, let's start the interviews shall we?!"

The 'crowd', which is just cheesy and off putting sound effects, cheers. "Let's invite our darling King and Queen Henry and Beatrice Blackthorn"

Trina and Diva engage in deep conversation, complimenting their matching outfits. Father reports on the interfering war growing and the economic growth of the craft sector. He continues on, blabbing about how our nation will grow stronger and stronger if we all work together.
As always it is such bullshit.

Trina asks Mother how she is coping with the pregnancy. I swear they always act as if Mother is the only woman in the world to ever conceive.
Like always, Mother jokes saying she is getting on perfectly fine and that she is enjoying every second.
"Besides from being a queen, being a mother is my favourite job in the whole world.."
Instantly a fake sound effect of awing proceeds to sound throughout the room.

I can't help but roll my eyes. If only they knew that once we were born, Mother barely looked at us. She allowed all the maids to do the dirty work.

Next they interview Herald, who just informs them about his latest science project. As if the public is interested. They are starving. They don't care about atoms.

Rosa is next and as usual, her timid body slowly creeps up to the plat formed stage.
I always feel sorry for her as she hates this more than I do.
You'd often find Rosa up in her room reading. Even talking to us can be hard for her at times.
Diva asks her about her horse riding adventures and the poor girl stutters a response. But once they mention reading, her eyes light up instantly and she tells the nation (who sadly don't care as 65% of the population are illiterate) about her latest read.

They quickly interview Ethan and Charlie, who tell their usual jokes and then It is the moment I dread.

"We decided to save the best for last tonight as he is a special treat and gorgeous eye candy" Diva gives me a sly look and Trina blows kisses.
I can only shudder. "Let's welcome the darling Prince James Blackthorn!"

As usual I hear a 'cheer' as I walk onto the stage. I only have camera crew as an audience but no matter how hard I try, I cannot contain my nerves.

"So James, how are you?" An easy enough question to lie to.
"I'm fantastic, but you two look ravishing, like always!" They blush and giggle.

"So James how does it feel to know you will be our future king?! It sounds so exciting! Everyone is counting down the days to your coronation day already!"
I rub my hands and push back my hair. "Well it is an exciting and new experience, I can't wait! I think with Father's help I will become the best king you could ask for!"
The cameras zoom in on Father who grins.

"That's my boy!" he mouths, an extra moment for the cameras.

"Aw now, isn't that so sweet! But really Diva we must be serious. Ruling a nation is an extremely responsible job. It must be extremely stressful for you" I could tell the truth but I don't, especially not in front of my family and the nation.

"Well Trina, it does seem exhausting but I have my eyes set on something amazing. Something that will keep me motivated". Instantly they start squealing. "What is it?! Oh please do tell us!"

"Oh it's quite simple ladies. I'm looking for love"
They gasp and tremble at their knees. "Is this a suggestion that the prince is looking for his soul mate?!"

They love every moment of this and since we have some extra time, I might as well play along.

"Yes ladies..." I grin and stare down, pushing my hair back as I bite down on my lower lip to swoon them more.
"...I am looking for love, but, it is someone I already know."

"Oh please give us a hint!"
They squeal, tugging at my sleeves. They are now practically dancing around the room. This is the best thing they've heard in weeks.

"Oh don't worry ladies, I will reveal this very special person's name soon, but in the meantime you may quarrel your guesses over who it may be..."

Trina and Diva, with their pink puffy dresses bounce around the room, almost out of breathe by the time my interview is over.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we just heard the glorious news of our future king is in love! Let's place our bets that it's one of us!"
I laugh as I sit comfortably back down beside my parents. Father doesn't look one bit pleased with my little act.

Finally once it is all over, I can leave and venture up to my sweet sanctuary.
I shut the door and undress from my ratchet suit. The material is itchy and it is soaking in my sweat. Once the cameras are gone I can return to my usual state, a crippling anxious mess.

I drink a gallon of water and prepare myself for the worst.
Father will surely kill me for what I just did. This isn't frenzy the kingdom needs, not at the moment.
As soon as I mention a name, speculation will arouse and soon Diva and Trina will want to place cameras all over the house for special broadcasting of the sweet couple coming closer and closer.
It will be a nightmare, especially with the rebels invading the castle.

Damn, I'm such an idiot.

I am about to embark to bed when I think of Odessa. Surely she will know what to do. She's use to me creating a mess. In my robe I creep down to her room.

Once I get there I knock on her door. No reply. I try twisting the door knob. No luck.
Her door is locked too, her usual safety precaution.
I can only shrug and turn away, hoping she is okay.

As soon as I return, I was startled to see Xavier handling my suit after I tossed it into a corner. "Oh hello..."

"I saw your performance on the Report. You do know how to please an audience." he smirks playfully.

I just shrug. "I just did that to annoy Father"

"So there isn't any mysterious girl?"

"No, anyways, why would you care?"
Straight away I wish I didn't say that. That was too harsh.

There is an awkward silence as I arch forward towards him as he presses my suit.

I suspire hastily. "Jeez Xavier I'm sorry for being such a jerk"

He doesn't look."It's okay Master, I'm use to it by now"
Okay now that did hurt.

To think he could stand the tolerance of awful people, especially people like me...

"You shouldn't be use to such horrible abuse, its awful"
Now he looks at me directly in the eye.

"You should be saying the same thing, I'm no fool, I see the way your Father treats you and you allow that to proceed"
The comment strikes a chord I am left baffled. He does have a point.

I just brush it off and say "Look, let's start afresh. I'll be nicer and you don't call me Master."

"Okay..." He eyes me cautiously, "but why?" He questions, looking at me as if this is a cruel joke.

"Because we're friends now"
I reach out my hand to him.

He is hesitant.

"Come on, friends?"

It takes him a few seconds to weigh out his options but soon he agrees.

"Friends"

vmh2sT

Wow thank you all for 600 reads!
I greatly appreciate it!

This chapter is dedicated to my dear friend yabookprincess
She is amazing, my perfect parabatai who I love so so dearly. <3 Without her I wouldn't be here writing this book!
Her stories have inspired me so much and you should check her out! :D
Love you Maryannah x