FIFTEEN

JAYDEN ALEXANDER

I paraded to my room taking two steps at a time, trying my best to avoid making a sound. Just as I was to enter my room, light chuckle sounds from the room across mine. 

Rosaleigh. 

The sound was so familiar like music to my ears. Inadvertently I stayed near the door to hear more of the sweet melody. 

But to my dismay, the surrounding had grown silent as if the two parties were disclosing a secret. Gracelyn being the loud one.

My urge to barge in was at its peak when suddenly my phone rung. The caller Id 'Victor' glared at me like Victor's eyes did in real life. Moving into the confines of my room, I answered him. 

"Got to know about our trip Jayden" His coarse yet authorative voice rang out of the speaker.

"Looking forward to meet your cousin huh?" I chuckled. 

"Not really but was forced by Queen Mathilde so couldn't deny." I cringed at the sharp edge his voice held. 

Victor had refused to acknowledge Aunt Mathilde as his mom. His preference was The Queen. 

Rather asking "How did she convince you?" I went on to ask another question "I hope you are doing good." However it came out like a statement rather than a question. 

"Yea I am good." Victor grumbled.

"Is Gracelyn accompanying you?" He asked making me smile.

Victor and Gracelyn were at loggerheads, everytime they met a explosion was expected. While Victor couldn't handle her outspoken nature, Gracelyn hated his fiery demeanor. Both of them tried there best to avoid meeting each other.

"No it's just me and you." I answered realising Victor was still on the line.

"Okay" Victor responded before hanging up on me. I think I heard him heaving a sigh of relief.

Victor was my paternal aunt's son and thus me and Victor were first cousins. Being just a few years older, he supported me through out my hard times.

Shrugging all the thoughts aside I walked into the bathroom for a much needed shower before giving time to study.

Late in the night I was going through my MBA course. Being the next King, I had to have knowledge in every field which could help me administor and rule the country. Whether it was medicine, Business management or any other special skills. So basically I will be graduating in two different fields one after the other.

The Royal Family got its basic expenses from the Monarch's treasure where as our luxuries were fulfilled through the business, my great grandfather had founded in London.

Before my Coronation as the Official Heir to the throne, I had to go for a 6 months training and serve the National Defenses. Based on my skills I would be bestowed with different military titles.

I was engrossed in the recorded video lectures, when a meek knock sounded on my door. It was so light that once I thought my ears were deceiving me. There was another knock, a bit louder this time as if the person on the other side wanted to make his presence known.

"Yes?" 

Opening the door, Rosaleigh emerged her eyes taking in all the books scattered on my bed. Gracelessly I tried to assemble them together to at least make a space for a seat. 

"Its okay Alex, I am good. " Rosaleigh muttered hesitantly. 

"Sorry I was just doing a bit of extra reading" I let out an awkward dry chuckle. Forgetting the basic rules of a conversation were some of the side effects of not talking to Rosaleigh for nearly two months. 

"Can I have your Forensic medicine notes?" She asked pulling me back to the present. 

"Yea why not!" I got up like a gauche teenager, knocking off books on my way to search the small stack of files that laid in the corner of my room but to no avail.

All these while, Rosaleigh stood at my doorstep scrutinizing my actions. Usually I had a habit of keeping my room mess free but the trip that was due in a day had it look like an island that had been knocked by a hurricane. 

"Thank you." Rosaleigh passed me a chaste smile as I handed her the book, that had been hiding in my bag as Rosaleigh retreated without another glance.

My phone dinged as I stared at her fading back. 

*Grace. 

Lend Rosaleigh your book, I borrowed hers. Make sure you talk to her before leaving for France. *

A small smile adorned my lips as I read Grace's another childish tactic to reignite the lost friendship between us.

Nevertheless I continued on my assignments. 

The next day had passed by smoothly and here I was packing my stuff for the trip. 

My flight was scheduled for five in the evening so I had avoided college. Victor had called me in the morning asking naah scratch that moreover ordering me to meet him at a secluded place outside the French airport. Victor hated crowded places and I am hell sure he would have made a trantum on flying on a nonprivate jet. 

***

The bright sun soaked my skin, the humming air filled my ears. Waves slapped the shore as water splashed the trees. The beach buzzed with people around, some engrossed in activies while others enjoyed the Sun bath. It was the mid year, one of the best time to visit this place. I knew exactly why Mr. Ahlman chose this place. So that he could have as many witness who spotted the two prince having their time. 

My cousin laid just beside me. His usual grim face intact. Victor was always hot headed, acting on his anger and instincts while thriving on his enemies fear. None could decipher what's going on in his mind. The aura surrounding him was so dangerous like a lion ready to pounce at anyone who dares to approach him. No matter what his demeanor was, Victore has always been like my elder brother. 

The team of bodyguards accompanying us, were scattered through out the beach as an appointed photographer secretly clicked our pictures. Everything happening was already preplanned.