James

I am awoken by the splashing of cold water on my face. Abruptly I instantly prop myself up on my elbows, gasping for air as the icy cold water drips from my face.

I question what happens as I see Alexander lightly pressing clothes.

"Alexander?! What are you doing here?!" I gasp as water drips from my hair.

"I'm here to prep you for today's interviews, have you forgotten?!" he only smirks as he continues to iron. I stare down at my watch but it is too hard to concentrate on what time it actually is.

"Alexander, what time is it?" I ask breathlessly still trying to gain control of my pounding head.

"It's quarter to eight, come on, the photographer will be here at nine o'clock sharp, you don't want to be late for him"

He comes over and pulls me up sharply. My head is spinning. What happened last night?

"Come on, chop, chop, get into the shower. I have it set at cold so it will wake you up. You shouldn't have been drinking that much anyways the day before."

I only nod hastily as I walk into the bathroom, towels laid out by the sink. The bath is covered in little molecules of droplets from a previous shower.

That's odd, I don't think I had a bath last night. Shrugging, I get undressed and head into the shower, instantly yelping from the glacial cold water that sprays behind my back. I make it a quick shower to not have to suffer anymore, which isn't exactly what I need at this time of the morning. I need a long refreshing shower to help clear my head.

As I grab a towel I have to stop and bend down, dropping to my knees. An oppressive force squeezes my skull so tightly I have to wince in agony. Groggily reaching for the sink, I splash move water on my sullen face.

"Alexander-" I say drawing in a sharp breath. "-why did I drink so much yesterday"

"It seems your father wanted to celebrate Nicolai's acceptance speech"

I stop frozen in my tracks. "What?!"

"God how much did you drink last night?" he jokes smiling to himself as he proceeds to iron more clothes.

I have to rub my temples with the serious pounding inside. "No I'm serious Alexander what actually happened?"
I am so confused, everything seems so distant, a blur to me. Confusion collides with my stomach as bile rises up my throat and immediately my stomach contracts so violently that I had barely make it to reach the toilet bowl. Chunks of food covered in the creamy chyme from my stomach are propelled into the air and splatter the toilet seat and the walls.

I heave again and once more the toilet bowl is sprayed. I sink to my knees and retch until only clear liquid comes up. My throat feels sore from the stomach acid that tastes of vomit. The stomach-acid stench of vomit fills my nostrils. I survey the mess with watery eyes and my stomach dry-heaved again.

I have to let out a few deep breaths to regain consciousness as the room spins.

"My dear boy, Nicolai forgave you for your public dismay...oh are you alright?" I swat my hand as I manage to get back up again. As I lean against the sink I ask fearfully "What about Odessa?"

Alexander stops ironing giving me a strange look."Well actually when she found out the news she fainted causing a pillage of two large bottles of vodka"

"What was she doing with two large bottles of vodka?" I ask, rubbing my temples furiously.

"No one knows, I bet she wanted to forget the past few week's affairs, the poor thing"

I feel something lodge inside my throat as I think about Odessa. God she really isn't coping too well. And it's my entire fault.

"She's okay now, thankfully the glass didn't cause more scars, except she did have a wound on her left calf. She'll be ready at eleven for the family portrait"

I stare hard, rephrasing his last few words in my weary mind.
He only laughs "Remember, the annual family portrait done every year? They decided to move it to today as it would be a perfect time to do so, as Diva and Trina say 'It's soon the prince hatching from his cocoon as he process through life'"

I can only sigh and exaggerate by rolling my eyes.
"Watch your attitude boy" He snaps, shoving me folded clothes and patting my cheek playfully. "Now get dressed for your photo shoot"

I obey his orders as I dry myself, fighting the urge to just crawl back into bed and call it a day.

He hands me a dark fern coloured stripped tartan shirt with black and white stripes, sharp-looking and well fitted. It fits me well to make me look handsome with its cuffs with tawny copper buttons. The suit jacket is an elegant cotton grey, its rich fabric cut to precision, bold across the shoulders, gentles lines around the waist, the perfect inverted triangle and perfect length which allows subtle movement as I sway my arms.

With matching grey fitted end, I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. If I didn't have a hangover look on my face with swollen eyes and seeping pores. I would look pretty decent to be quite frank.

"Hurry on, we can't spend all day looking at ourselves in the mirror" Alexander shouts as he rasps on the door. "I've known you since you were born you vain boy"

As I roll my eyes he answers back "I know you're rolling your eyes now so stop it"

He pushes the door open and pulls me out towards my bedroom door. As he chauffeurs me along, he gives me a little pep talk.

"No back talk, just smile and answer the questions. If anyone mentions anything to do with country feuds and economic disasters, say no comment, we don't need any more drama and please, don't roll your eyes at the reports."

I want to reply but he continues "And when the photo shoot commences, just do as Fabio says, he doesn't like anyone who wastes his time"
As he leads me down the final flight of stairs, he tugs at the back of my jacket. "Best of luck James, and please don't get any ideas with the model, we need to keep her angelic"

I smirk as he pats me on the shoulder for the last time before leaving me at the front of the parlour room door. I brace myself as I hold onto the door handle.

You can handle this James, do this for Gerard.

The thought of Gerard makes my heart flutter. I can picture him now, teasing me for my hangover, even though he would have probably be in the same position as he would have offered me the drink in the worst place. Sometimes, behind all the hassle of ruling, he would show his true playful side. Gerard was a master at poker and a big fan of strip poker with his friends from the country club.

I force myself to shake my head and swing open the door, only to be greeted by three giddy women all dressed drastically in floral wear and matching purple hair and lipstick.

"Prince James, what perfect timing! We are so excited, your suit looks dashing"

All their sentences collide together as I simply smile, even though my head is splitting from their high pitched squeals.

The plump woman pulls me to a seat in front of a long mirror, covering me with a black plastic cover to protect my clothing. They start examining my face, stretching my eye lids and pulling down my bottom lip, along with pressing furiously on my forehead.

"Oh look at his eyes, what about his pores"

"Oh don't forget his eyebrows, they need a quick pluck!"

"Yes darling but that stubble is quite sexy"

They act as if I'm not in the room as they gather pots and bottles. They start slapping on dozens of creams and lotions all over my face. I can barely even open my mouth as they warn me to hold still as they start brushing my hair into place and placing powder onto my cheeks.

It isn't long until they are finally finished. My eyes can't concentrate fully as they dazzle bright lights at my face showing off their finished product.

Soon, they show me dozens of outfits to change into for each shoot, along with matching shoes and watches. To think I could wear all these clothes in one day when our people can't even afford a piece of cloth.

They push me out of the room and out to the garden. A shuttle wind blows as the sun blares down from the clear blue sky. The garden is freshly trimmed and neat to perfection.

Out in the front with dozens of men and woman flocking about is a man with dark coloured skin covered in tattoos and piercings.

He gives a forceful shake of my hand as he greets me. "Hello I am Fabio, no surname needed for my greatness, I'm sure you've already seen my work beforehand"

Baffled by his bubbly confident attitude, I lie "Yes, of course!"

"Perfect! Let's get started!" He shoves me towards the fountain, a large spectacular scene with a stone carved mermaid perched in the centre, spluttering water out from the top.

"Now I want you to lean forward and look passionate darling" he commands, flashing his camera as his assistants run around him.

How does one look passionate?

At first I struggle, leaning to the left on my elbow, strutting a leg out trying to look relaxed.

"No no no no!" He throws a tantrum.

"Look towards me! Not at the ground" he growls and I turn, trying to put on a deep set pout, my eyes fluttering low, staring at his camera.

He snaps his camera, smiling contently. "Perfect darlings perfect!"

"Now do the previous pose but put your right hand in your pocket. Look as if I'm boring you and you want to do something reckless!"

To be quite frank, this is quite boring to even begin with and I'd rather be in bed than partying. Partying means drinking, something I don't want to do for a long time after last night.

My eyes squint as I notice my stomach growling. I actually didn't eat anything this morning, especially with all the commotion.

"Great great, fantastic! Super darling, now strut your leg back" I obey and Fabio soaks it all up, loving every second. I feel he loves the fact he's shooting me, imagining me doing more than displayed.

"Great, perfect! Okay we'll do a few shots behind the green screen and then Daisy will come for the moments I've been waiting for" he licks his lip excessively, almost drooling in the process. "The topless shoots"

I pose time after time, Fabio oohing and ahhing every time he took a shot. I swear this man is very passionate about his photography.

After getting dressed in my third outfit of the day, Fabio calls me over.

"James, meet Daisy, Daisy meet James!" He claps his hand and behind him she stands.
I am blown away by her profound beauty. Baby blue eyes glisten as her locks of honey golden hair flows down to the end of her stomach. I kiss her hand ever so softly as she steps closer, catching a waft of lavender.

"Nice to meet you your highness" she smiles, her gleaming perfect white teeth showing.

"The pleasure is mine" I reply. She giggles before Fabio orders us to get ready for the next shoot.

I am once again prepped in makeup and dressed in a pair of tight fitting jeans. A plain white t-shirt is pulled on to me, the fabric scratching at my bare back.

"I thought I was doing a shirtless shoot.." I say but the women only giggle with hysteria. "Oh just wait and see James!"

They push me out the door and I return back to the garden as Fabio is waiting for me.

Daisy has her hair flowing as she too wears a plain white t-shirt and jeans. We both look at each other with raised eyebrows.

"Perfect! Now let's get started!" He beams. We both follow him, my stomach in knots as I wonder what is about to happen.

We make it towards the green screen again as Fabio orders us to stand together.

"I want you to pull her in closer, act as if she is irresistible that you want her James, you need her"

I swallow hard as I stand close to Daisy, my entire body aroused.

"I don't bite James, you can touch me" she says softly. "Oh sorry" I manage to mutter as I place a hand on the small of her back. Instantly her touch radiates through my skin, causing me to feel quite hot and sweaty.

"Okay now, on the count of three, we'll begin. One, two. Three!"

Out of nowhere water is thrown at us, causing us to be suffocated with the glacial impact of the forceful hit. I pull Daisy in closer, trying to cover her. She lets out a moan that tingles throughout my skin.

"Perfect! Fabulous! James, caress her neck!" He commands. I have to pant furiously as the cold water causes my senses to awake.

More water splashes at her and I lean my head towards her neck, causing her to tilt her head back as I nuzzle her neck.
The water surges around my body, encasing me completely with its cool and smooth touch. I block out all of Fabio's annoying comments as I start to slowly kiss her neck and shoulder. Daisy places a hand on the collar of my shirt and tugs forcefully, breathing heavy against my ear. The water on my skin at first only feels a smidgen of the cold has now turned to full on biting as it begins to sting, turning bright red from the harsh caress of the liquid.

I can't help myself but wrap my hand around her petite figure, sliding my fingers up her spine. She arches backwards lifting up her leg, grabbing onto my neck pulling me in closing.

Soon her lips pound into mine, our tongues intertwine as we rise up and down in fast motion. I feel her salvia and the excess water from the shoot combine together. I can't help but lust for more from her but I can't. Somehow this doesn't feel right.

When it feels like the right time to let go, I jerk back and pant breathlessly. I stare into Daisy's eyes as her long hair is soaked as her hands are wrapped around my back.

Her wet t-shirt clings to certain areas as her mascara runs gently down her cheek. I have to look away or else I will want more from her.

We only turn out attention back to the world when Fabio shouts "That's a wrap! Well done Daisy! Now James, you only have one more shoot and then we are finished" He claps as assistants rush towards us wrapping towels around our frail body.

Before Daisy walks away she breaths against my ear "I must say you're a great kisser" and winks before skipping off.

Suddenly it feels the pounding headache has stopped and I am only left with a feeling of lust.

* * * * *

As soon as I find a seat, I slump back exhausted. I don't care that I am soaking wet after another wet shirtless photo shoot. All I care about now is how much I badly need sleep.

My head is pounding from all the commotion and rushing about, I haven't had a time to myself to sit down and just breathe. What a great way to be especially on this day. I'm after showing my bare chest in photos beside the piano and in the fountain. I honestly don't even think these photos were necessary, I think Fabio has added them to his secret stash of photos to basically make himself happy.

I swear he is after having an erection after those steamy shoots, soaking up every second of my smoulder and hard stare.

My heart is pounding inside my chest. I actually did it. I actually did the photo shoot.

Before I can even do anything else, I fumble and pour myself a large glass of water. Gulping it down forcefully, my throat rejoices to be revived again. The water in the photo shoots did nothing to satisfy my excessive thirst. I am so hungry I need food.

As I spill more water than I drink, I notice a pantry full of freshly baked croissants left at the mini buffet for the reporters.

They won't mind if a few pastries go missing I note to myself as I devour any food in front of me, causing crumbs to scatter to the floor, I sigh with satisfaction.

"You're pretty hungry, eh?" a soft voice says. I look back startled to see Daisy only wearing a dressing gown.

I try to gulp down my food quickly. "Mmhph m-yep.." Once I swallow she lets out a little laugh.

I brush off the crumbs on my face and stand before her. "So that photo shoot was extremely dramatic, eh?"

"And very wet" she adds, walking gracefully towards me. Soon she is face to face with me, gingerly placing her hand on my cheek. Her light touch against my skin sends missed signals to my brain.

"You really are a dashing prince" she parts, her soft soothing voice making my skin shiver.

"I could say the same for you" I laugh and she grins, her delicate eyes lighting up.

There is an awkward silence until suddenly she grabs my shoulders and kisses me.

It is the exact same feeling as before, satisfaction and then a forced impact of regret.

I have to push her back. She only looks hurt as she stares back.

"Look I'm sorry but at the moment I don't need this" I say, looking at the ground with my hands in my pockets.

"Oh" is all she says. "So you really do have someone else in your life"

I want to beg to differ and simply say today is not my day as I suffer from an upset stomach and a swelled head but we are interrupted by Fabio barging in.

"People! We have a shoot in ten minutes! Get changed James for the family portrait, Daisy go back to the trailer, you are finished"

She obeys by heading towards the door. Her perfect hourglass shape flaunt underneath her tight fitting dressing gown. As she hold onto the door knob she turns and winks, her final gesture before she leaves.

Somehow, for the first time in my life, I don't feel the need to follow her.

Instead, I feel relief.

8

So this is part one of Chapter Twenty Six. I said I'd spice things up and split it so you guys can enjoy the little James moments more!

Also this chapter is the passing mark of 50K words of Shattered Affection! I mean that's incredible for someone who easily gives up and procrastinates,I never thought I'd even write five thousand words! Thank you so much for the loving support, you guys make my day! :D

Be prepared, one of my favourite scenes to write will be included!

Please tell me what you think of it, it would a lot! :D x