|| Meet The Royals

“What’s this?” I asked, “If it’s a prank I’m going to kill you.”

Zen laughed, “Okay, I'm fine with it.”

I slowly opened the box and found a cute black masquerade mask, I glanced up at him for an explanation.

“It’s a tradition of the Aldridge family,” he smiled, “Even I’ve got one. Do you like it?”

“Yeah, It’s really pretty,” I said, admiring the black mask with silver designs on it. When I wore the mask, his eyes lit up like a kid who was reunited with his favourite toy and we fell into a small conversation. He took out his mask and it looked exactly like mine.

The door opened and Vivi and Eugene walked out, they too wore matching masks, a small smile played on Vivi’s lips, which is rarely seen on her. We walked towards Eugene’s car and took a seat, my heart starting beating fast as Zen sat beside me while Vivi sat in the front.

We started driving, that eerie feeling crept on me again. I tried distracting myself by looking out of the window. Something was wrong. I don’t know if it was because dad spooked me with vampires or because I was nervous to be around Zen.

A rough hand brushed mine. I looked down at it. Zen gave my hand a light squeeze, “Nervous?”

I nodded, choosing not to speak. I noticed that we had already left the small town back. “Why are we going through this forest?”

“It’s a shortcut,” Eugene replied from the front. Well.. from the movies I’ve watched, shortcuts don’t end well.

I leaned towards the window and observed the moving trees in the Silvergrass forest, it was slightly bright. The only light that lit it up the forest was the headlights of the car and the foggy morning sky.

I turned back and was relieved when I saw the headlights of many other cars that were behind us.

“I really hope you don’t get us killed today,” Vivi sneered at him.

“Sure thing sweetheart.”

The car bumped up and down, I bit my lip nervously. This feels so wrong.

Zen gave my hand a squeeze and whispered, “Almost there.”

At the end of the forest there was a thick fog, as we grew closer, the fog lifted as we entered through it. The Palace was now in view. “For the Galle, tío.” Eugene said to the guard who gave a small curt nod.

The huge silver gates flung open and we entered. The path was smooth, made of white marble. Fancy lights decorated the path towards the Palace. As we moved closer, It was more clear and let me tell you, it was breathtaking. The palace stood giant and strong, stunning white designs along with shimmering gold covered it beautifully. Twinkling lights lit across the path, welcoming everyone. It seemed that the architect who built this, built it to show off its beauty.

Like us, many other cars were lined up in front of the Palace, people got down and the cars left. Eugene stopped the car and we got down. He handed one of the guards in suits the keys before they took it away. People were everywhere. The women wore huge colorful gowns that flowed and men were dressed in expensive tuxedos.

Zen hand slipped in mine, I looked at it and glanced back at him who tried to hide a smile creeping up his face. We entered the huge doors of the palace. Beautiful wasn’t even the right word to describe it, the family spent a fortune for this. All of them- ALL OF THEM were wearing masks, if you look closely many of them matched with their partners.

Vivi and Eugene walked beside us as we went into the colorful twirl of people. Chandeliers glittering with lights, lighting up the massive royal ballroom.

“Wanna know how it became a tradition in the Royal family to wear these masks?” Zen asked not leaving my hand.

I raised my brows, “Enlighten me, good sir.”

I could see my own reflection on the smooth designed marble floor. People stood in groups; chatting, laughing, few asking the servants and maids about the arrival of the Queen.

Ahead of me there was a raised snow white platform with gold railings, stairs on either side of it flowing down. I guess the Queen and the Royals are going to arrive from there.

We stood there in the massive hall, filled with millions of people. The wait was finally over when a stunning woman with a beautiful crown on her head walked gracefully towards the rail of the platform, “Behold Ladies and Gentlemen!” announced a loud voice, “Her Imperial Royal Majesty Queen Morgana,” applause filled the room.

I poked my head around until I could see the platform properly. She had long light brunette colored hair with wild green eyes. Her face was heart-shaped and she had pale, flawless skin. She looked way gorgeous in person, her beauty almost took my breath away from me.

“Thank you everyone who have joined us today on this special day,” she spoke, her voice clear and sweet, “I have always wanted the Aldridge Empire to have good ties with this beautiful town of Wayford, because it's the welfare of the people that comes first.”

“So I believe you have been eagerly waiting for this wonderful moment for the past nineteen years. I am honoured to present to you my sons and the heirs of the Aldridge Empire.”

Wow, I never expected them to have sons. I know there might be a chance but I never pondered upon it.

The first son - more like an Adonis entered, he was tall with broad shoulders. He had the same wild green eyes as his mother, a very gorgeous shade of green might I add. He raked his dirty blonde hair which was styled perfectly. He was handsome and he knew that very well because of the smirk on his lips.

I think i have seen him somewhere but I can’t exactly tell where.

“His Royal Highness Prince Ryker Aldridge,” The Queen proudly announced. Spontaneous applause filled the hall.

Then from the opposite door from which Prince Ryker entered, the second son entered.

He was way taller than him. He had a very strong build and was tan. His eyes were amber and almost glowed in the light. His light brown hair was neatly combed back but a few strands managed to fall on his chiseled face. Unlike his brother, he had a powerful, almost cruel type of expression. His pink lips curved up into a smirk. His smirk was just so dangerous yet it shocked me how someone could look so nice.

“His Royal Highness Prince Rendell Aldridge.” Again spontaneous applause filled the hall but this time it was lower than before, as if everyone was afraid of him.

This time I held my breath as the Prince scanned the room a bit longer, his gorgeous amber eyes roamed over the crowd and - just for a moment stopped on Eugene.

“Stop drooling,” Vivian nudged me, a smirk playing on her lips.

“I wasn’t drooling,” I hissed back.

She snorted. The music started and I panicked. It was soft and soothing, to my surprise it wasn’t for the dance, but to meet the Royals – which included the Queen and the Princes.

Oh no.