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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
An Unroyal Alliance 13.
Dimitri stood when he spotted Sofia walking into the restaurant. He held a hand above his head to get her attention in the crowded space.“You look dashing.”“Thank you.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I always strive to impress.”“And impressed, I certainly am.”"You also look stunning, by the way.""That's sweet, thank you." Sofia looked around. “I didn’t think it’ll be this busy today.”“It’s okay by me. Unless you aren’t comfortable.”“No, I am fine.” She picked the menu that the waiter had left behind. “With how hard it was raining, I was scared we'd have to call the dinner off.""It's our luck it stopped just as suddenly as it began.""How did you enjoy your first rainfall since getting back?”“Is this how things are going to be now?”“What do you mean?”“All the questions about how I enjoy different things since being back. I didn’t go to live in space, you know. Rain falls here as it falls anywhere.”“People have been asking you that a lot?”“You have no idea.” He wa
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 14.
On his way out of the apartment, Dimitri had a change of heart and chose to visit his sister instead. Davina lived a few doors ahead of Sofia. They had lived close to each other for a long time. Yet, it was the first time Dimitri was about to set foot in her apartment. Since his return, he met his sisters at home or at his new house, but he never found time to visit.Through the slit of her door, he could see light peeking out, and the sound of the television confirmed that someone was home. He knocked and waited after hearing Davina’s shout from inside the room. Some bustling followed by the locks coming off.“Dimitri!” the door flew wide, and she grabbed his arm, dragging him inside. “What are you doing here?”“I dropped off Sofia and thought it would be nice to stop by and say hello.”“Sofia?”"She didn't tell me you guys were going out.""I guess she didn't think it was something worth sharing." He replied as he walked further into the apartment. "Your apartment is really nice.""
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 15.
After a glamorous breakfast of sandwiches and orange juice, Ayesha stood by the sink, washing the plates and drying them on their rack. Things were back to normal. Joseph was home and recovering from his surgery nicely. Granted, he only spent two nights away from the house.He wasn't a stubborn patient, thankfully. He enjoyed being pampered and didn't try to force himself to do things he didn't have the strength for. Unfortunately, she couldn't keep her eyes on him all the time. She still had work in the afternoons. That meant leaving him to fend for himself until she returned in the evening."Are you sure he doesn't cheat?" Carol yelled to be heard over the television."He does. I just have never caught him at it." Ayesha replied, laughing.Carol sat in the living room with Joseph, playing a mild game of cards. They had been going at it for around ten minutes, and Carol lost quite quickly. She had come over to visit and ended up staying for breakfast."Ayesha?" She looked towards the
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 16.
The ground beneath her rumbled, tremors rocking the foundations. She wanted to get away from the impending dangers. Mainly the floor cracking open beneath her, but she couldn't move. Her eyes darted back and forth, taking in the gradually darkening sky with building horror. "Gavin!" she yelled into the approaching darkness, willing for her brother to save her. He was always there when she called. He was the only one that could help her. "Gavin!"She screamed until her throat was sore and fought to move, but nothing changed. No one came, and when the ground split underneath her, she could barely manage a shout of fear. Instead, she braced herself to feel it. The pain of the rocks her body would bash when she fell down the hold. But instead of blunt force cracking her spine open, she gasped in shock when cold water swallowed her. "Ayesha..."The music weaved back into her consciousness, and she came out of the dream slowly. Carol watched her wearily, stepping back while Ayesha pulled
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 17.
Their next orders came after they stood by the barbecue, waiting. They had gone through a handful of street food and drinks while they walked through the park. After an hour, he had eaten so much, from icecreams to shawarmas, kebabs, and flavoured chicken wings. It was a miracle he still felt empty enough to each more. For what was to be their last meal, Ayesha proposed they order the meat how they preferred without the other hearing what came with the order. Dimitri didn't understand why, but she was having fun, and so was he. He took his pack before Ayesha picked hers up. "Okay." She grinned, looking up at him and holding a piece of meat from her plate up to him. He leaned down to take a bite, savouring the taste of the spices mixed in it. "How's that?" Dimitri chewed some more. "It's soft. I think I taste some curry and maybe a hint of garlic, but I can't be sure." "That's good. I am not sure why you can taste garlic, though. I didn't have that mixed in." "Must be something els
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 18.
"I want you to contact the supplier and be sure they have the goods ready to set out in a week. Double-check with the new shipping company." "Fine." "I think I want to plan a party for the launch. When everything is set, I would like to pick a date." "No date in mind yet, then?" "None. We will see in the future." "Alright." Sofia entered the information into her tablet. She and Florencia worked relentlessly since morning, preparing for a delivery that would arrive in three weeks. A soft knock came at the door before Dimitri walked in. Florencia's face lit up with joy as she walked over to her son, embracing him. "What are you doing here." "I came to pick up some files for dad. I promised him I'd get them on my way to the office." "Which folder?" "Something to do with work, don't worry yourself. I am sorry for interrupting you. I wanted to say hello since I was in." "I don't mind." Dimitri finally turned his eyes to her, and she did her best to cull her excitement. It wasn'
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 19.
Standing by the window in her darkened room, Ayesha washed the rain wash over the clear glass. It was only the second time since she arrived that she was witnessing a storm. Ayesha wished for a lighter rain, so she could walk under it without fear of being drenched from skin to bone. She wanted to dance under the showers and feel the pellets of water kiss her face.She rested her head on the glass, her phone in her hand. Joseph had long gone to bed, but she couldn't do the same.The nightmares had grown the past few weeks and robbed her of all joy. They had stopped in the past, but anxiety and worry were always the triggers to revive them.Wistful, she pushed the window open an inch. Big enough to allow fresh air in and a few wisps of rain. Her eyes lowered to her phone screen, and she stared at the contacts on her phone.Dimitri's, to be exact.It was nine in the evening, and she had no business calling him at such a late hour. She had nothing of his, no jacket to return or a bag to
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 20.
"Your mother is glad to have you home." Dimitri looked up and accepted the glass his father handed over to him. With a weak smile, he allowed his eyes to follow the ripples that formed at the top."I have missed being home.""What's the saying? There's no place like home?""There isn't."Dimitri tried to spend as much time with his family as he could. So he was there more nights than not. His mother came over to his place. She left a few of her personal touches here and there. He welcomed it. Since he was a kid, she had poured all of her love into him.Of course, as he grew, she had to fall back and allow him space to grow, but he allowed her to fuss over him occasionally. He knew what it meant for her to have him around, which was why he had been hesitant and was still reluctant to tell her he was diagnosed with the same disease that took his father."How have things been going with Sofia?"Dimitri's brow lifted in surprise. "Why would you ask me that.""Your mother seems to think th
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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An Unroyal Alliance 94.
Dimitri excused himself from the party when he received a call. He kissed Ayesha's knuckles and winked at her as he left her in the care of his mother. He walked deep into the garden to answer the call. He didn't notice the person seated on the bench.When he finished the call, he noticed movement in the bushes. Dimitri cocked his head, trying to see who it was when he heard shaky breathing and noticed the dress as he drew closer."Sofia?" He called.The figure gasped, and he saw her turn to wipe her face. As he drew closer, the dress she wore became more noticeable. It was Sofia."Hey. Hey. Hey. Are you okay?""Yeah." She laughed breathily, turning to face him when her face was dry. "What are you doing out here? Why aren't you inside?""I got a call.""Oh. Work?""No. Not really. It was Bolin.""Oh! How is he?""Fine, and you? What brought you out here?"She shook her head and pressed a finger in the crook
An Unroyal Alliance 93
True to her word, Ayesha had surprised him with her dress for his mother's party. He knew next to nothing about gowns like that. Still, the soft peach colour and layers underneath that shimmered when she moved with the flowers sewn into the fabric made her look angelic. The arms of the dress hung low on her arms, exposing to show off the necklace he had gifted her. The satin gloves she had on reached past her elbow, and she worried the bands every now and then when she spoke.Her outfit had captured his mother's heart when she set her eyes on it. She hadn't stopped gushing over it since. He had worried about her spending so much for the party, but she had proudly assured him that the dress cost her nothing. Her friend's mother was a seamstress, and Ayesha had offered to buy one of her dresses for the night when she lucked out and got it free as long as she advertised the store. And with how many people flocked to ask questions about the gown, Dimitri was sure things were work
An Unroyal Alliance 92.
"So... you are a... you are a... princ... princess?""Yes."Joseph covered his mouth with his hand and nodded. Ayesha sat on the floor, watching him as he tried to understand her story. It wasn't an easy decision, but she wanted to start some reconciliation with her past. Joseph had been with her since she ran away years ago, and she never got around to telling him the truth about where she escaped from. She allowed him to think whatever he wanted, but since Dimitri knew the truth, she wanted to share it with him, too.He was family to her. He had become a brother to her, and she wanted their relationship to be complete."How old are you?"She chortled. "I am twenty-six.""You escaped around ten years ago. How did you get your new name and everything.""My sister-in-law took care of that. She has been like a mother to me since my brother died, and she couldn't watch what my parents were doing to me. They locked me up, and she decided
An Unroyal Alliance 91.
The rains were more forgiving in the morning. It didn't fall with a vengeance like it had all night. Now, there was only a slight drumming on the rooves and floor. Ayesha slipped out of bed quietly to avoid waking Dimitri. She left the room and went around the house, opening the curtains to let in what little sunlight was present. As she waited for some water to boil, she stood in front of the window and watched the rain flirt with the plants in the garden. She intended to start making breakfast but wanted to enjoy the peaceful morning first."Good morning."She turned with a smile to greet Sofia. "Morning. How did you sleep?""Fine.""Tea?""Ach. Sorry, I am a coffee girl through and through. And I am guessing Dimitri still has none of those lying around.""Unfortunately, no.""Don't worry about me. I have caused enough trouble." Sofia laughed and seated herself on one of the stools. Before Ayesha could assure her there was no troubl
An Unroyal Alliance 90.
“Do you intend on buying the store?” Dimitri muttered, not looking up from his phone as he looked through his assistant’s messages.“No,” Ayesha replied.“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the cart will soon overflow.”“Your fridge and practically your house is empty.”“And?” He chuckled.“We’ll stock you up, and you won’t have to worry about grocery runs for the rest of the month. Maybe even two months.”“But you’ve gotten everything you wanted to use to cook today?”“Yes. Indeed.”He dropped his phone into his jacket and leaned on the hand of the cart to watch her. She intently read the ingredients on the back of a large can. She was crouched at the bottom of the shelf; her dress blanketed her legs, and her purse hung to her side.She had come over to spend the day with him and enjoy the
An Unroyal Alliance 89.
Dimitri noticed Ayesha’s car pulling into his parent’s lot before he got in the house. He smiled as he watched her quickly check herself in the mirror and run her hands through her hair. She waved at him when she was done, then grabbed her purse to get out of the car.He walked to her and took her hand, and she kissed him. “Good evening.”“Evening, sweetheart.” He looked her over, taking in her dress and heels. “You look stunning.”“Thank you.” She patted her hair and adjusted the band. “Did you just get in?”“Yeah. We are early.”“Your mom said six.”“Yes, and dinner is usually six thirty. You’d be hanging around in the parlour with us till then.”“Oh.”“Come on. It's tradition. You'll love it.”His sisters were waiting when he got into the house. Vienna was the first to step forward
An Unroyal Alliance 88.
Ayesha rushed out of the forest, scrambling to a stop by a gleaming Dimitri to catch her breath. “Fair and square, huh?”“Your legs are much longer than mine.”“All I hear are excuses.”He handed her
An Unroyal Alliance 87.
Dimitri opened the door but used his body to block his mother’s view of the house. He was going to let her in, but he wanted to give Ayesha time to prepare herself. It was the first time she would meet his mother. With how they broke up, he knew she could feel nervous. But, as surprising as the coincidence was, it was also a good opportunity for his mother to finally meet her without throwing a dinner.Ayesha may not know it, but this was saving her the awkwardness.“Morning, Mom.”“Hello, sweetie.”“What brings you by?”“I went to the store today to oversee the newcomers. Some good things are going on the shelf today. I just stopped by to say hello since I was going through your area.”He nodded and stepped back. He knew when her eyes fell on Ayesha, but he casually said, “Come on in.”His mother looked at him, but she didn’t stare for long. She slipped past him
An Unroyal Alliance 86.
Ayesha wiped her cheeks as she reached the end of her story. She tried her best not to make it sound like an excuse because she still bore the responsibility for her actions. She wanted him to understand, not excuse her. So she chose her words wisely but did her best to speak on every truth he needed. “I can still feel their hand on mine sometimes when I sleep. They dragged me across the palace while I screamed and stuck my foot on the rug. Once my dad was tired, he had the guards carry me the rest of the way. I was spoiled, they said. I would learn, they said.”“You will not leave this room until your wedding day.”She shivered at the memory of the words. “I stayed in that room for two weeks, maybe three, but it felt like months. There was just a single window. They gave me a bed to sleep on, so they weren’t total savages. The guards kept me company, and the maids brought me…more like snuck me some good food here and there. They couldn’t disobey my parents but could do what they cou
