" Are you listening to me, Ail?" Elena's voice
was a low, dangerous rumble that cut through the silence of the room. " I am telling you, this is non- negotiable! You will do this."
Alexa, with her arms folded, standing by the bed, let her eyes roll to the back of her head." No, I won't. I'd rather quit."
Elena's jaw tightened. She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a desperate plea. " James, please. I can't get through to her. Tell her. Tell her why it is important." Without waiting for a response, the President stormed out of the room, leaving Alexa and James alone.
Alexa's eyes snapped to James. " Don't you dare, " she warned, her voice low and furious.
James, however, remained completely calm. He sat on the edge of the bed , looked at her.
" The Duke of Italy, Prince Edmund's father, called your mother an hour ago. He said he has already started to work on a statement that will reveal that you and the Prince are close friends. His team has also worked on the same. The public will believe the story. If you don't play along , you will make your country look foolish. "
" Ti do un ordine , Edmundo ." The Duke began, his voice low and dangerous. " Lionel ha suggerito una soluzione ragionevole. Una soluzione che protegge questa famiglia e il paese dal tuo temperamento infantile."
( I give you an order, Edmund.
Lionel has suggested a reasonable solution. A solution that protects this family and the country from your childish temper. )
He turned to face his son, his eyes like chips of ice." MI hai disobeddito. Sei remasto lì , hai detto al tuo stesso segretario che non avresti seguito un ordine diretto. Un compito semplice, Edmundo . Un singolo compito per riparare al disonore che hai gettato Sul nostro nome, e tu rifiuti."
( You disobeyed me. You stood there , told your own secretary that you would not follow a direct order. A simple task, Edmund. A single task to fix the disgrace you've brought upon our name, and you refuse.)
Edmund remained perfectly still, his expression unreadable. " È una bugia, padre. Non fingerò di essere amico di quella donna. "
( It is a lie, father. I will not pretend to be friends with that woman.)
His father took a step forward, his voice rising in volume. " Non è una bugia, è un dovere! Le sue azioni sono state un ' offesa control di te, le tue azioni sono state un' offesa control di lei. È finita. Tu coopererai. Sorriderai per le telecamere , lo farai con grazia. Hai capito?"
( It is not a lie, it is a duty! Her actions were a slight aganist you, your actions were a slight aganist her. It is over. You will cooperate. You will smile for the cameras, you will do it with grace. Do you understand?
" Your Highness, please," Lionel said, holding up a single, placating hand." Calm down, I will manage this and ensure this is resolved. "
The King's chest heaved with fury,his gaze still locked on Edmund. But the command in Lionel's voice seem to reach him. He turned on his heel, his face a mask of furious disappointment . He did not say another word, but the silence he left behind was heavier than any shout. The door of the study shut with a soft click, leaving Edmund and Lionel alone in the tense silence.
" That's bullshit." Alexa's voice was a sharp laugh, devoid of humor." I know you're joking. And I know the prince's father hasn't called, so don't lie to me. If you have no other work, stop bothering me." She walked over to her closet, pulling out a crisp shirt. The movement was a clear signal that she was done with the conversation. She picked up the towel." Time to go to the company. "
" Do you really not care about your mom's reputation?" James 's voice was quiet, but it hit her with the force of a blow.
Alexa stopped, her back to him. She let out a
humorless laugh. " No. Don't think to apply that to me. I know you're gonna emotionally blackmail me,but nope. That's not gonna work. " She turned her face to him,her eyes narrowed ." I'm not a child you can manipulate. "
" I 'm not. I'm serious," He said, his voice hard." This isn't about you, Ail . This is about her. Your mom has worked hard her entire life and always tried to give you the best. One misstep from her daughter, her work and all that could be gone. All the people who support her, believe in her, they'll see this as a sign of weakness. A sign of a President who can't even manage her own family, let alone a country."
Alexa's defiance stance crumbled. I know he's right. I wouldn't do it for myself, for fame or the public. I would do it for my mother. She took a deep breath, the fight leaving her body. " Fine ", she said, her voice barely a whisper. " I promise you, I'll cooperate . But only for my mom."
Edmund stood rigidly, his jaw tight. Lionel broke the quiet first, his voice unruffled, steady as ever.
" Your Royal Highness, may I be blunt?"
Edmund remained motionless, his silence a grim permission.
" I think you should do your duty." Lioned replied simply.
Edmund finally turned, a flicker of something close to fury in his eyes. " So, you expect me to go along with a lie?"
" The alternative is far more damaging. It will not only bring shame to the Royal family, but it will also risk the relationship between the two countries. Is your personal pride truly worth that?" Lionel's gaze unwavering.
The question hung in the air. Edmund's shoulders were slumped almost imperceptibly. I know Lionel is right, that is the most frustrating part. I hate the position I am in, but I also hate the thought of bringing more shame to my family and country even more. He took a long, slow breath.
" No," he said, the word a resigned sigh. " It's not."
Alexa slipped on a pair of wide leg trousers, crisp white collared shirt. Over it,she buttoned a navy blue cardigan, pulling the sleeves back to expose the white cuffs. The outfit was a perfect blend of professional amd effortlessly chic with her minimial makeup and loose bun.
She grabbed her tote bag, slung it over her arm, a sense of purpose returning to her. Just as she was about to head to the door, her phone buzzed in her hand. The screen lit up with an unfamiliar number. She hesitated for a moment , her thumb hovering over the accept button. Who would be calling me at this time , from an unknown number? With a sigh of annoyance, she answered the call.
" Hello ?"