Daniel stepped out into the night air, heading toward the poolside to clear his head. Silence. Solitude. Just the way he liked it. Being the only child of two powerful people might sound like heaven, but trust me it's exhausting. Spoiled? Maybe. Lonely? Definitely. He looked around and didn't see his Mum anywhere, "I'm safe from another round of life lectures he thought" But as I reached the patio, headlights flared at the edge of the driveway. A sleek car came to a stop. The door opened.
Mary. Of course.
"Daniel!" she squealed and ran into my arms like a scene out of some cliché movie. I held her briefly before stepping back. She was one of the few people allowed to touch me without consequence. We'd known each other since we were still crawling around in diapers. Childhood friends turned... Well, nothing more than that. Much to her disappointment, I think.
"What brings you here unannounced?" I asked, brushing a lock of hair from her face."I missed your annoying face," she said with a grin. "Are you busy?" "Not really. Just came out for some air." "Perfect," she beamed. "Come with me, then. I visited this crazy cool lounge with my girls, and you have to see it. They're still there, and I rushed back just to drag you out." As she talked, I took a good look at her outfit. Tiny denim shorts hugging her hips, a white crop top showing off her tanned skin, and stylish sandals to match. Chelsea never missed when it came to fashion. That was her thing.
"Are you even listening?" she asked, tapping my chest with mock irritation. "I heard everything, doll," I muttered and rolled my eyes. "Let me change first." She giggled and followed me into the house. As we walked through the living room, a maid scurried past and nearly bumped into her, dropping her mop with a clatter. "Are you blind?" Mary snapped, backing away in disgust. "I'm so sorry, ma'am!" the maid stammered, bowing apologetically. "You should be. Maybe your mother raised you with your eyes closed," she muttered, waving her off. I stifled a laugh as we headed upstairs. If I'm Mr. Arrogant, then Mary definitely Mrs. Arrogant. She waited in my room while I got changed in the bathroom. No way was I stepping out looking like anything less than perfect even if it was just for a late-night drive.
Hair brushed. Chain on. Diamond earring clipped in. I slid into a crisp designer shirt, paired it with black jeans, and stepped out. Mary gave a satisfied nod, and together we headed out.
Meanwhile... In a Different World
Planet amazon
"Hera, you can't do this. shouted Esther You can't just let me take the blame. Aletheia!" she shouted the final word in their ancient tongue, trembling as she faced her.
Never in all their years of friendship had she seen her like this, so cold, so distant.
"You're really going to let me be punished for something you did?" she asked, voice cracking. "That's unfair, Hera. Adikos!" She shifted uncomfortably, guilt flashing in her eyes. "Esther.. I'm sorry. But if my mother finds out, I'm done for. You know how strict she is." she said, "You're her daughter, the only heir to the throne!" I argued. "She adores you. Even if she punishes you, it'll be nothing compared to what she'll do to me. She's hated me since I was a child."
"I can't risk it," Hera whispered, eyes darting away. "You remember what I told you I need a favor from her. If she finds out I'm responsible, I'll lose everything."
"And I'm supposed to suffer in your place?" I whispered, devastated. "You know what she'll do to me, Hera. You know. Why would you put me through this?" "I'm sorry," she mumbled again, not even able to meet my gaze. Then, without another word, she turned and walked out.
"Hera!" I called after her, tears brimming. "Don't leave me like this!" She didn't look back. The heavy wooden door shut behind her.I collapsed to the floor, shaking. How could she?
We'd always had each other's backs—at least, I thought we did. I had taken the fall for her before, but this… this was too much. The Queen hated me. She had since the beginning. Maybe because I didn't have a noble bloodline. Maybe because I didn't have a mother. I wouldn't know. I'd never met her. Never seen her face. All I knew was that I existed... alone. And now, because of Hera's betrayal, I was facing the Queen's wrath. They locked me in a cold, stone cell, waiting for morning to come. Waiting for judgment.
I wrapped my arms around my knees, heart pounding.
Would she even listen to me?
Or would she punish me just because she could?