FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
The air in front of the Princess Margaret Hospital was a blinding storm of camera lights, roaring cheers. The massive Rolls-Royce Ghost glided to a stop,its polished black body reflecting the chaos.
The rear door opened. First out was James, Alexa's secretary, his dark suit impeccable. Then, Alexa . She emerged , a vision of raw power. She wore a tailored , soft beige trouser suit, jacket sharply cut,clinching at the waist, crisp white shirt with an elevated collar. On her feet, a pair of cream , black cap-toe slingback heels, her hair was styled in sleek, face framing layers. Her only visible jewelry was a delicate, sparkling diamond earrings, simple , elegant watch , makeup was clean, flawless. She smiled —— a calculated, billion dollar beam— the noise spiked again.
A beam later, from the same car, came Prince Edmund Savoy . He emerged , looking every bit the dashing royal in a rich, earth - toned brown double– breastfed suit. On his wrist, a gold timepiece with a leather strap, his golden hair was impeccably styled with a slight wave, his shoes — highly polished dark leather loafers. His own secretary, Lionel, efficiently managed the door,their coordinated movement.
Before, moving inside they were asked for few pictures. Alexa moved stiffly, to Edmund's side. Her smile was brilliant for the cameras, but her eyes, when she glanced at him, we're ice.
" Smile wider, Your Highness, " she murmured, her voice silk-smooth , aimed only for his ear.
Edmund's hand touched the small of her back, a calculated press of his palm against the expensive fabric of her suit. The touch was like an electric current,too hot,immediate, disrupting the careful, icy control she maintained. His own smile was effortless, a perfect mask of princely concern.
" And you should try to look less like a vulture who just found a gold mine, Alexa." He returned, his tone low, utterly devoid of warmth. " This is not a gala. Behave properly."
" Oh, Edmund, don't be such a hypocrite, " she whispered, her lips barely moving. " Right now, you're the most fake person in this place."
His eyes narrowed, but his public smile never faltered. He removed his hand, leaving a lingering warmth on her back." Just don't ruin anything with you ego, Pazarella. "
James and Lionel guiding them into the hall, toward the dais. The receiving hall was a world away— quiet, air conditioned, filled with serious faces of doctors,nurses, small delegation of patients. Polite applause followed Alexa,Edmund.
They sat for an awkward, brief moment on the velvet chairs for introduction. She frowned subtly. She glanced up then to the notes, Lionel handed to Edmund.
The Chief of staff finished his overly long introduction. It was Alexa's turn.
She stepped confidently to the podium, the microphone awaiting her. The instant her hand touched the wooden surface, a rhythmic click grew marginally louder, focused,right beneath her fingertips. A glitch in the sound system, she decided, ignoring it.
She smiled,began her speech. Her voice was strong,commanding.
" We are here today at the Princess Margaret Hospital, " she projected," to celebrate not just the amazing work of the staff, but the spirit of hope that lives in every ward..."
The word ' hope' was immediately swallowed by a sound of splintering concrete, tearing metal.