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An Unroyal Alliance 24.
“Unbelievable.” Ayesha looked at him and then back at the slow-moving traffic. Cars moved at an excruciating pace, and his car was far behind. All he could see were headlights. They had been sitting in the car for the past twenty minutes, contemplating what was causing the hold-up. Ayesha felt partly to blame since Dimitri had stopped by a convenience store to buy her a cold bottle of yoghurt to drink. He assured her it was nothing to worry about. They were still miles away from her apartment, and things weren't looking good for them. “What happened, do you think?” He stretched a bit, wiggling his fingers to get blood flowing through. “No clue. Something might have gone wrong up ahead. Maybe a car took a wrong turn or something.” “Hmm.” She sighed, clutching the yoghurt bottle in her hands. “Pray it’s not an accident. I can’t see too well. Maybe I’d come down and check it out.” “Are you in a rush?” “No. But I’ll like to know wh
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 25.
"Today is the tenth year since your passing, and I am sitting in front of the river Gade in Watford. I moved towns again, but I think this is permanent. I bought an apartment with Joseph. I have a job and a skills class I take three times a week. I own a car and got an e-bike to take me from place to place. You should see them. They aren't anything fancy, but they sure are beautiful. I don't know if you have ever been here before. I think you would have liked it."I had another nightmare this morning. It isn't as bad as it was before, thank God. I don't wake up screaming and trashing around with Joseph struggling to hold me down. I wish they'd stop altogether, but I think I am still healing even after all this time. When I can't sleep, I sit by the window and lavish in the stars until the sun rises."Ayesha turned, looking behind her at a few joggers that scurried past, taking the trail down the river. She woke up early to set out on the road, cycling to the river. She brought along t
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 26.
"Sorry for using you as a soundboard this morning.""Don't think about it. It's the least I deserve for intruding on a private moment." Her smile made him hopeful that her mood was lifting. "I am happy I could be useful."They walked along the bank, and Ayesha towed her bike beside her. It wasn't exactly how he saw his morning going when he drove to the river to begin his hike. He had walked for some time before he decided to break into a run, coming to a shocking stop when he spotted Ayesha by the river.He noticed her crying and immediately believed that she had gotten hurt. When she confirmed she wasn't hurt, he thought her roommate was ill again. It was a shock to learn that she was celebrating the anniversary of her brother's death. They never spoke about their family, but as he listened to her talk about hers, he could hear the sadness in her voice regarding the entire topic."How often do you hike through here?""A few times a month. There are a lot of great spots around, and I
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 27.
Ayesha looked around after stepping down from the car."It's pretty." She complimented as Dimitri walked up beside her.After picking her up from the apartment, he drove around for a while before bringing her to the clubhouse. When he opted to choose the place the last time they spoke, he added that he wanted to surprise her with something. Something the stadium wouldn't provide, and she was on pins and needles, wondering what it was."Come on." He cocked his head towards the entrance, and Ayesha sighed, throwing the strap of her duffel bag over her shoulder."What do you do here?""Anything. There is a tennis court, volleyball, and basketball. There are swimming pools, spas, and an area for kids, but I outgrew that. Anything you want to do. There is even archery, but I haven't been around there yet.""That sounds fun."She glanced up at the carved coffered high ceilings after they walked into the building. It looked majestic even in its monochromatic state. The staff also wore white,
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 28.
Sofia listened to her phone ring as she sat on the sofa watching television. There wasn't much to do on a Saturday morning, so after preparing breakfast, she picked a random channel and settled in to eat. When her phone rang the first time, Sofia ignored it, hoping whoever was calling wasn't in an emergency. The ringing started again, and she picked up the phone after the first few seconds."It's Saturday morning, Nil. You, of all people, know I am either sleeping or resting.""I wouldn't have called if I didn't think it was a bit important.""Alright. What's going on.""Remember what we spoke about the last time? About Dimitri coming back and your interest in regaining his love?""I do.""You might have a contender for that."Sofia perked up. "What do you mean?""I am at the club with a friend, and we decided to have a little one-on-one. She chose to play a game of badminton, and imagine my surprise to see that Dimitri was doi
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 29.
"Are you alright?"Ayesha hummed, absentmindedly nodding while massaging her shoulder. It didn't hurt as much after the impact, but she felt some discomfort. What unsettled her was how familiar Sofia seemed, like they had met somewhere before, but she couldn't remember where.First, Ayesha thought she might have been someone who came by the laundry shop or shopped at the pottery store. Yet, she knew it wasn't any of those. Sofia had a strong gaze; her eyes seemed to take in everything. It was a familiar character she remembered, but she didn't know where from."What are you thinking about then?""Sofia.""What?""Sofia." She repeated, looking at Dimitri. "I don't know where, but I know her from somewhere. It's eating me that I can't remember where I saw her.""Really?""Yes. I mean... the face seems incredibly familiar to me. Is she an actress?"Dimitri choked, then started laughing. In between chuckles, he shook his hea
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 30.
Sofia walked into the restaurant and immediately made a beeline towards Davina's table. In the spur of the moment, she invited her to eat and was pleased when she accepted. They taught at the same university, but unlike her, Davina's was a more permanent career. Sofia was lucky to catch her on a free day because she wasn't sure she could hold herself for another day. "I already ordered what you asked.""Thank you." She took her seat, immediately taking a sip of her tea. "This is delicious.""So is the bread." Davina sighed. "I haven't been here before. When did it open?""A month or two. A client invited me, and I enjoyed the sandwiches." She took a bite of her sandwich and observed Davina munching down on her food. "How's Bob?""Fine. The cast finally came off, and the doctor encouraged us to switch him from crutches to a cane.""When can he get back to work.""He can ease back into things, but he has another month before he will be back to driving.""That's a relief. I imagine you
Last Updated : 2024-10-29An Unroyal Alliance 31.
Ayesha collected her order of burgers and fries after her number was called out. She left Joseph and Carol to collect the rest of their meal while she headed for the bench. The rest weren't far behind her."And for the finale, the drinks and peppered wings," Joseph announced as he placed the drink on the table before helping Carol set the plates of chicken beside them.They sat around the table under the shade provided by the large white umbrella mounted through the centre of the bench. It was a hot morning, with unrelenting heat and bright sunlight. Even sitting down didn't stop Ayesha from breaking out in a sweat."Peppered wings might not be the best idea," Carol grumbled as she picked some of her fries, dipping them in some sauce. "Heat will only aggravate the intensity of the spices.""Heart wants what it wants," Ayesha replied as she feasted on her wings. "These taste fantastic.""Since when did you start eating so much spicy food?""S
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
