Royal Pain in the Ass, page 10
I shrugged. “I can,”
Xavier let out a content sigh. “I can’t remember the last time I had a food fight,”
“Cleaning up is going to be a bitch,”
“Hey Juliet,”
“Yeah,”
“You failed to cook something edible,”
I felt my eyes go wide.
“That means I win the bet,”
I let out a groan. “I forgot about the bet,”
A sly smile spread across Xavier’s face. “Oh this is going to be fun,”
Chapter XIV
Have you ever had a little voice whisper in the back of your mind this might not be a good idea? Yeah, I don't have one of those voices, and so I end up in situations like this.
"Tut, tut, Juliet, a bet is a bet." Xavier warned as I opened my mouth to argue. I rolled my eyes and slumped back my chair.
"This is stupid,"
"The entire day, you are not to argue or throw tantrums, just be obedient for once in your life. I believe it's quite convenient it just so happens to be on the day of one of the biggest charity events of the summer."
"Just know that I hate you right now," I cooed, singsong. "And just wait until tomorrow."
"Are we being a poor sport?"
"Never," I smiled up at him. "It's not like I'm being a whiney little boy sulking in a chair because someone else is teaching my advised to dance."
"Juliet," Xavier cooed right back.
"Yes?"
"Shut up,"
I rolled my eyes and sighed. Fair was fair. Betting Xavier was not the brightest idea I've ever had, then again . . . coming to England wasn't either. So far my decisions this year were not looking to be the best of my life. Oh well, I've made them, now I have to live with them.
So far today, Xavier had taken me out to breakfast, then took me somewhere to have my hair and nails professionally done. I was wearing fake nails, which I hated and glaring at everyone in the salon.
"Juliet, behave," Xavier warned looking up from his magazine. He was lounging in a chair with an amused expression on his face as he watched. I'm glad someone was having a good time.
Air brushing is annoying. It takes forever and you have to hold still. It didn't take long for me to be annoyed. At least after he took me to a quaint little bistro. "You should try the,"
"I already know what I want," I cut him off.
"Too bad, you have to listen today."
I glared at Xavier as he ordered for us. He was making me get a salad. I wanted a freaking sandwich and he wouldn't let me. Son of a bitch. Just wait until tomorrow.
I made a scene stabbing the salad very loudly and awkwardly every time a took a bite. I knew I was embarrassing him, but I smiled sweetly at him.
"You're making a scene," Xavier muttered quietly.
"I'm just eating,"
"Eat like a lady,"
"I am, see it's a salad."
Xavier sighed. "Would you have behaved if I let you get the sandwich,"
"Probably not."
Xavier laughed. "I'm going to go insane."
"Good, someone will join me,"
Xavier took me home and Gwen and Laurel helped me get ready.
"Xavier's having too much fun with this stupid bet," I grumbled.
"What bet?" Gwen asked.
"He won a bet and now I have to listen to him today."
"Why would you bet that?"
"Because it meant I would get a day of doing whatever I wanted."
"Well, what was the wager?"
"I was supposed to make dinner last night,"
"What happened?"
"Food fight, no food was cooked, and so I technically lost."
"That's why no one could find anything in the kitchens this morning!"
"Yeah, we trashed it, but we cleaned it up."
"But you lost everything." Gwen laughed. "Wait, you have to do whatever he says?"
"Yeah," Gwen and Laurel exchanged glances. "What am I missing?"
"Nothing!" Gwen said too quickly then burst out into laughter. That was a great sign.
"Gwen, what aren't you telling me?"
"That boy fancies you. You're in trouble."
"What did I do? Wait, what?"
"Remember how bent out of shape he was over Ben dancing with you?"
"He was just mad Ben could do something he couldn't."
"Okay, if that's what you say." Gwen replied, rolling her eyes.
"He's my advisor, he can't, he doesn't, what?"
"Oh Gwen," Laurel hit Gwen in the back of the head. "Look at what you've done."
"What?" Gwen asked, rubbing the back of her head.
"Juliet, pay her no mind. She doesn't know what she's talking about. You're right, he's your advisor, fraternization is not allowed. Don't worry yourself over it. Gwen just has an active imagination." Gwen rolled her eyes and Laurel hit her again.
"I think I'm just not going to think about it," I shrugged. "I just can't handle one more thing to worry about tonight."
"That's the way to do it," Laurel soothed.
Gwen was doing my make up for tonight, much to my step-mother's protests. She had a professional hired for me. Too bad. I didn't trust Millie. She'd make me look like a clown or a French whore or something. James, Millie, and Angelica were all arriving together. For some reason, I was to arrive separate, not that I was complaining. If I didn't have to spend an hour in a half being glared at by Millie it was a good day. She loved trying to make me miserable. I was too nervous to eat dinner. Xavier assured me it would be fine, and if I got hungry there would be refreshments. Before I knew it, I was sitting in a limo with Xavier across from me in four inch heels. I was worrying my bottom lip when Xavier grabbed my hand.
"It will be fine." Xavier assured me for the millionth time.
"Yeah,"
"Juliet, you look positively breathtaking. You're graceful, lovely, and honest. A bit blunt at times, but you will be refreshing. You're going to do just fine."
"Yeah,"
"As long as you listen to me, which you have to. A bet's a bet." Xavier smiled. I felt myself smile a little at that.
"Until midnight, then I'm free."
"Don't go all crazy Cinderella on me, okay?"
"Don't you ever tell me to get a salad again," I warned him.
Xavier laughed. "I told you to get a salad because it was light and would be less likely to make you feel ill later. I only did that to try to help you feel better."
"Sure you did. I think you were just abusing the bet."
"That too," Xavier nodded. "I don't imagine I'll ever get this opportunity again."
"Nope,"
"Are you ready?"
"No," I shook my head.
"You will be fine," he assured me as we pulled up.
"What if I trip?"
"Then I will fall right beside you and we'll be on the front page of the tabloids." Xavier smiled. "The paparazzi are going to flash the cameras as soon as that door opens. Be braced for it. I'll get out first and lead you through." I nodded and continued to worry on my bottom lip. "Are you ready?" I nodded. "Then smile,"
I placed a pleasant smile on my face and took a deep breath. Xavier tapped on the window and the door opened.
Xavier stepped out and all I saw was a hand. I took it and the next thing I knew I was blinded by lights. "Keep close and smile," Xavier whispered into my ear as he led me by the waist down a carpet into a beautiful ballroom. There were at least a few hundred people milling about around the room mingling mostly. Most of them had either a wine or champagne glass.
"Champagne?" a server asked as she walked by with a silver platter.
"That would be lovely, thank you." I smiled as I grabbed one for me and one for Xavier. "Cheers to making it inside," I offered, handing him one and lifting my glass. He chimed his to mine and we both took a sip I looked around then downed the rest.
"Come, let me escort you to our seats."
James, Millie, and Angelica were seated at one table. Xavier led me to one of the seats. All of the men stood. James, a boy who looked like he was Angelica's date and another one who looked like his friend. Xavier pulled out my chair for me.
"Juliet, you look lovely," James beamed.
"Thanks, you look sharp. Angelica, that dress looked great on a hanger, but on you it's positively banging!"
"Thanks," Angelica looked uncomfortable. "You too," she took the boy's hand.
"Who's your friend?"
"This is Ethan, my fiancé," she smiled up at him like he was the only good thing in the world. I knew that look. Angelica loved this boy. "Ethan, this is my," she let out a cough. ", sister." She managed quietly. That word still caught in her throat. If I had a sister like me . . . well I'd enjoy that but then, I wasn't like Angelica.
"Hello, it's a pleasure," I offered my hand.
"The pleasure is mine," Ethan took my hand and laid a kiss to my gloved hand. His friend nudged him. "And this is a friend of mine. Raleigh Lockwood, Raleigh, I guess this is Juliet."
"The pleasure is all mine," Raleigh smiled as he took my hand from Ethan and kissed it, his eyes never leaving mine. They were a smoldering shade of grey, like winter skies. He had blonde hair that was cropped short into a business style but flattered him.
I felt my cheeks flush as I sat down and took my hand back. Xavier pushed the chair in for me and sat to my right. I took it all in. There was a live orchestra and I threw them a longing gaze. I missed my cello. It had been ages since I'd played. I usually played a few hours a day.
"Would you like to dance?" Raleigh asked giving me a knowing smile. He didn't know me well enough to have a look like that on his face.
"I would love to. Xavier, would you like to dance?"
Xavier stifled a laugh but stood and offered his hand. "As my lady commands.” Xavier led me to the dance floor. ”That wasn't what he had in mind," Xavier murmured as he took my waist and we were gliding around the dance floor.
"I know, but he was expecting a very different reaction. I didn't want to give him what he wanted." I laughed.
Xavier shook his head and let out a small chuckle. "You are something else."
It wasn't long before Raleigh was standing before us. "May I cut in?"
"Of course," Xavier bowed out and Raleigh took my hand.
"Perhaps my intentions were not clear before," Raleigh smirked.
"No, it was clear, I wanted to dance with Xavier."
"Your advisor?"
"And friend."
"Interesting. Are you spoken for?"
"Meaning?"
"Is there someone who already has your heart?"
"No," I shook my head. "My heart is my own."
"Good," I had to admit I liked dancing with Raleigh. Maybe it was just that I loved waltzing, but it felt like I was floating. Then I saw some familiar faces. Ian, Christine, Amelia, Lana and a gorgeous blonde god on her arm.
"If you'll excuse me."
"Where are you off to?"
"A few friends have arrived, I want to say hello."
"I'll go with you."
I sighed. "Okay." I went over. "You all look amazing!" I nudged Lana. "That color looks great on you and I must say, he's very pretty, good job." I whispered to her. I saw the color in her cheeks and laughed. I gave her a wink and went to hug Christine who looked amazing in her pink dress. "You are gorgeous girl!"
"So are you, you look fantastic. Raleigh, how are you?"
"I'm great, your highness. How are you tonight?"
We exchanged pleasantries and I pulled Lana aside. "That boy looks like he's straight out of GQ. I approve." I winked at her and gave her a thumbs up.
"Um, thanks?" Lana looked confused.
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
"No, you didn't say something wrong," Lana laughed. "Just shocking."
"Ian! I missed you! You haven't been going pond hopping without me, have you?"
Ian gave me a weary smile. "Let's not do that again. It wasn't a very good idea."
"But, it was fun,"
"Yes, Juliet, I had fun, but now I'm back to being Prince Ian the heir to the throne."
"Aww, okay. I won't push you in the pond tonight."
"I'd appreciate that." Ian laughed.
"Christine!" We hugged each other and did a little dance. "I've missed you!"
"Me too, even though it’s only been about a day."
"Ehem!" Amelia coughed elbowing Ian in the side.
"Yes, dear?" Ian grumbled through clenched teeth.
"Introduce me,"
"We've met," I snapped. "Remember shopping? Ian and Lana? Lots of trouble?"
"So, you're the reason I couldn't see my Ian then?"
"Technically I think that was the king, but basically."
"I changed my mind Ian, I don't want to be introduced."
"You idiot, we've already been introduced. Does the hairspray keep your head in that shape too? Because you don't seem to have a brain in there."
Xavier grabbed my arm. "Please excuse her, she's had too much to drink." Xavier gave my elbow a swift tug and a warning look.
"I'm not drunk, Xavier," I whispered.
"I know, just shut up and listen,"
"But,"
"The bet," Xavier warned. I rolled my eyes. "It's great to see you all. You all look great. Ladies quite stunning. Lana, I don't think I've ever seen you so dressed up. Treat her well," Xavier warned Chad. "That girl is one of a kind."
I noticed Ian's expression more than Chad's at that statement. Interesting.
"Well, we'll let you two get back to your evening." Xavier bowed and led me away.
"Why did you say that I was drunk?" I hissed.
"Because you just insulted the prince's girlfriend."
"What she's a bitch?"
"True as that may be, you cannot speak to people that way."
"So I can't be honest?"
"Exactly. Well, sort of. If you can honestly say something nice, go ahead, if you cannot tell a polite lie."
"Can I be honest with you?"
"Sure,"
"She's a snobby bitch and I hope she falls down the stairs and flashes everyone and the paparazzi get pictures."
Xavier laughed and led me back to the dance floor. "You are really something else."
From then on, I was dancing most of the night. Many of the nobles danced with me. I even got the chance to dance with Lana's dreamboat, who I found out is Chad.
"Lana told me you think I'm pretty," Chad teased.
"You are pretty, come on, look at you." Chad let out a soft laugh.
"I don't know about that,"
"You two are cute together though, the contrast is lovely."
"Thanks," Chad laughed. "You look like a proper princess tonight."
"I'm not a princess, that's Christine."
Chad let out dreamy laugh. "Oh, you remind me of someone."
"Who?"
"Oh, you and Fiore must be quite the pair when you're together."
"Is she here?"
"Of course, who do you think's father arranges all of these."
"Really?"
"Yes,"
"I didn't know that."
"Well, now you do."
Chad was a lovely dancer. That's when Ethan cut in and this was the start of everything going to hell in a hand basket.
"May I cut in?" Ethan asked a charming smile on his face.
Chad looked at me asking my opinion in silence. I nodded. "Of course, I owe Lana a dance anyway." Chad bowed and gave me a kiss on the hand and went off to find Lana.
Ethan cut in and led me off to a hallway. "You look much nicer than I imagined,"
"Meaning?"
"The way Angelica spoke of you I imagined you'd look more like a gorgon with a few extra limbs here and there." Ethan teased.
"She thinks that highly of me, does she?" I sighed. I crossed my arms and looked away.
"You're a new idea to her, it frightens her."
"I know,"
"You don't frighten me," he smirked.
"Great, that's always good to know."
"Would you like to go out to the gardens?"
"No, not really."
"Why not? They're lovely. Almost as lovely as you,"
"That's why not," I warned him. He wasn't seriously saying this. I must be misinterpreting it.
"Why? Because I complimented you?"
"Where are you going with these compliments?"
"Where do you want to go?" he asked as he cornered me against a wall.
I glared at him. "How dare you?" I snarled. Here was my sister's fiancé propositioning me. Knowing full well how my sister feels about him. "You disgust me."
"Why?"
"You are my sister's fiancé,"
"Betrothed," he corrected.
"Okay, and the difference?"
"I never asked her to marry me. Our parents decided we'd be a great match."
"She loves you,"
"She's boring,"
"Don't talk about her that way. She is still your girl and you shouldn't ever talk about her that way."
"What's the big deal?"
"You've been going with my sister for how long? And you're going to try to pull this crap with me? Who the hell do you think you are?"
"What are you getting at?"
"There are only two reasons why you would approach me like this. The first is you're a whore, or the second is you think I am. Neither of these answers please me. Angelica is completely and totally in love with you."
"I don't love her. Besides, tonight it’s you I want," I slapped him hard across the face.
"You don't deserve her." I turned on my heel and started off but he chased after me and grabbed my arm.
"Let go of me," I growled as I glared daggers at his offending hand.
He was returning my glare. "You just made a mistake. "
"Yeah, so did you."
"I thought you hated her,"
"Yeah, maybe I do. So what?"
"Then why?"
"Because no matter how much of a bitch she may be, that girl is still my sister. And no matter what, you don't turn your back on family." I wrenched my arm out of his grasp and continued to storm off.
"What just happened?" Angelica sneered at me.
"Angie, baby, your sister is crazy." Ethan cooed as he pulled Angelica against him. "She pulled me off to the side and then suggested we go to the gardens. When I told her no she slapped me."
