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An Unroyal Alliance 57.
"Come on. We are locking up."Dimitri stood from the chair, watching Steven shut the front and switch off the electronics in the store."Finally." Dimitri chuckled, stretching his sore muscles. He snatched his jacket from the hook. "Want to buy anything? I am hungry.""There's some food on the punt.""Punt?""Davina ordered one for the movie.""That's why we are closing early? You are being considerate.""Hey," He held his hands up. "I can't be that cruel of a boss. You've worked hard all day, and your sisters want to have some fun before the day ends. Come on, let's pack up. They are waiting for us.""Is Justice handling the movie alone?""No, he has his own guys to keep things moving smoothly."They locked the store after ensuring all the kayaks had been returned and nothing was unaccounted for. The girls were waiting for them by the river bank. Davina and Bob were already seated in the punt that had been padded
Last Updated : 2023-10-27An Unroyal Alliance 58.
Ayesha made a point to be on time the next day, waiting on the hood of her car for Dimitri to arrive. She had been on pins and needles all night and for most of the morning, dreading but exhilarated by the prospect of what she had decided to do. Her heart was racing, and each breath was difficult. At this rate, she'd be out of breath by the time he arrived.She still had no idea what possessed her to ask him to come out for a run in the morning. The minute the words left her mouth, she was ready to swallow it back, but it was impossible. He had been so considerate and worried, asking if everything was alright. It was, and then it wasn't.After spending most of the movie trying not to look over her shoulder, knowing exactly where she'd see him, she had reached her breaking point. She turned and caught his eyes boring into her.She couldn't take it anymore. Joseph was right. She did more damage than good by pretending she only saw him as a friend.So, she b
Last Updated : 2023-11-03An Unroyal Alliance 59.
"Don't," Ayesha whispered against his cheek after he turned his head to avoid her kiss. "Don't say I am the only one that feels like this."He rested his hand against her hips and pushed her away. She didn't allow him to pull away, holding on tight with her hand on his shoulder. Her eyes, dialled from the adrenaline of her run, were filled with questions and doubt."Say something," she whispered, allowing her hand to travel from his shoulder to his jaw. "Did I deceive myself? Or read you wrong?"Dimitri closed his eyes, his head hanging low. What was he supposed to do now? When she said she wanted to talk, he didn't think she would confess having feelings for him.All that came to mind was his conversation with Steven. He cared for her, admired her ardour for life, and, somewhere along the line, started seeing her as something other than a friend, but he was ready to ignore it. Ready to ignore the glances, the insinuations in her tone, and his own thought
Last Updated : 2023-11-09An Unroyal Alliance 60.
Dimitri walked her to the door of her apartment. While he was the one to oppose their relationship because of public opinion, he didn’t seem as hyperaware of their surroundings as she became. He moved carefreely, walking beside her with a straight face from the park to the elevator and down the hallway.Was he putting on a show for anyone watching? So they didn’t suspect anything was going on? Or did he change his mind during the drive and waited to let her down easy the second she slipped her card on its reader?“Do you want to come in?” Her voice was shaking. It was embarrassing, but she couldn’t hide that she was nervous. It didn’t help that he was suddenly so calm.“Not today.” He replied, smiling. “I have things to do in the office. I am already running late.”“Then I won’t keep you.”“Take it easy today. You did a lot this morning. You must be sore.”
Last Updated : 2023-11-23An Unroyal Alliance 61.
Ayesha was out of her apartment early Saturday morning and on a long bicycle ride to meet with Dimitri. She had called him the previous day as promised and talked him into coming out to meet her.She got there before he did and waited, slumped against a tree. She entertained herself by picking apart a flower, plucking petal after petal from its stalk. Most trees in the park were high, with fattened stems and robust branches boasting bright green leaves and some spotting fruits. The floors were covered with dried, fallen leaves that crunched whenever she moved her feet.Though unseen, she could hear the birds twittering and moving from branch to branch. Their calls rang clear in what would have otherwise been silence.It was a lovely spot for a first date. Peaceful and quiet, especially early in the mornings on weekdays. Ayesha hoped they would have a bit of privacy and space to themselves. She didn’t come around often, but it was the first place that came
Last Updated : 2023-11-24An Unroyal Alliance 62.
"Good evening, everyone." "Dimitri!" Vienna flew to him, hugging him enthusiastically. "Guess what?" "What?" "I got all As." He grinned, lifting her into his arms. "Four semesters in a row. You trying to give me a run for my money?" "Two more, and I'll be taking your crown." He set her back on her feet and bumped his fist on her shoulder. "I couldn't lose to a more worthy opponent, sweetie." "Good evening, dear." "Hello, mother." He smiled at his mother before hugging her as well. "How are you." "I am good. And you? You've been eating well and keeping yourself healthy?" "Everyday." Vienna disappeared, and his mother took his arm, walking by him to the dining table. "That's good. And you haven't had any issues? Healthwise, I mean." "No. Nothing." "That's good to hear. What about work?" "Running smoothly. There is a trip coming up in three months. I have a conference
Last Updated : 2024-01-04An Unroyal Alliance 63
"It looks like it might rain today."Ayesha looked at the clouds. "No. I don't think so."She dropped from the car. She grabbed her jacket from the seat and skipped to Dimitri.When he invited her out to go on a day's trip with him to Abbots Langley, she was pleasantly surprised. He told her he had someone he needed to meet, but the meeting wouldn't take long, and they could enjoy the village a little before heading back to Watford in the evening.Ayesha giddily accepted the offer. They didn't have much time to meet during the week because she worked most of the day till evening, and so did he. So, aside from grabbing breakfast and lunch here and there, most of their interactions were on Saturdays or over the phone."Thanks for inviting me."He smiled. "You can't be the only one carrying this relationship. I am sorry I left you alone all morning, though. I hope you weren't too bored.""Not at all. I walked into the garden and read a b
Last Updated : 2024-01-05An Unroyal Alliance 64.
Before they could make it out of the parking lot, the rain was pouring heavily. They decided to wait it out, talking in the car, hoping the showers would recede, but with no luck. It went on for an hour, showing no signs of stopping, and Dimitri finally decided it was best to find a motel to sleep for the night."Room 32." Dimitri read the number on the iron plate screwed into the ebony door. "That's me. 33 is yours.""The keys are with you.""I am sorry about this." Dimitri apologised as he handed Ayesha her room key."You predicted the rain first, remember. I am just glad you didn't suggest driving in this.""I wouldn't dare. I know what I can and can't do. Driving in this would be suicide, even in an emergency.""Hm.""Well, it's early, but try getting some sleep. Tomorrow we'll leave for the town.""Alright."He kissed her, and waited for her to get in before walking to his room. He tugged off his shoes and crawled o
Last Updated : 2024-01-06
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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
