Royal Hearts

Alex smiled as he watched the relief in his friends face as she relieved the weight from her feet. He turned around to his security, telling them to call upstairs before they left and have a bath run. He chuckled softly as she said it made her feel like a princess. "That's good" he said with a soft laugh "but don't worry, you won't ever have to be a princess, that title comes with too much work" he teased gently "you would be a duchess of a given land until I take the throne" he explained softly looking at her. "Obviously you don't need to worry though, this is temporary, I don't expect you to marry me" he added quickly, hoping to not confuse her.

Alex saw the panic coming across her face as sharing a room was brought up. He placed his hand on her shoulder softly shaking his head. "Lia chill" he told her with a soft laugh. "I told my parents that we have never lived together, and that I didn't want the strain of the new titles to make that any harder, so we have adjacent rooms for now, to adjust" he told her softly. He really had thought all of this through carefully, he wanted it to be as easy for her as she possible.

****

Ophelia watched as he ate the grapes, an amused smirk pulling at her lips as he winked at her. He was being very informal with her and she really liked it, but she wondered why. Just 2 hours earlier he had said he couldn't even call her by her first name. She wondered if it was because she was a little bit drunk. She took another bite of her sandwich before moving towards the fridge again, her gown trailing behind her. She scoured the shelves for a moment before emerging with a half full bottle of wine that had probably been used for cooking. She pulled out two glasses, pouting herself one before glancing up at him. "Have a glass, please? Just one won't hurt" she asked him softly, her eyes wide.

She nodded as he repeated her question, pulling herself up to sit on the counter as he spoke, her legs lost in the skirt of the dress. She had meant in a sense of a wife and kids, but she could assume from his question that he didn't have those, and that it wasn't something on his mind either. She shrugged softly "I'm just wondering.. you all spend so much time here it figured it must get hard not seeing them" she told him softly. It was something Effie had always wondered about, especially for the guards like Harry who had special duties and we're rarely rotated. It baffled her how somebody would be so willing to give over their life like that.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
A small sigh escaped from Aelia's lips as she listened to Alex. A small smile taking over her lips. She was glad that she had Alex at her side, with him, she felt like everything was going to be alright. "Then do I have to do anything as a duchess?" Amelia asked as she leaned back slightly in her chair. Curiosity filling her eyes as she waited for her answer from her friend.

As Alex explained the room situation to Lia, another small sigh escaped from her lips. "Okay, good," Lia said quietly, her shoulders slumping slightly as she relaxed. "I don't like sharing my bed anyways," Lia said teasingly and winked at Alex before she turned her head as she watched a few of the people dancing. It brought a small smile to her lips. Amazed that people just heard a new ruler was named and that they didn't seem to have a care in the world anymore because of it.

--

The silence seemed to develop the two as Harry stood quietly. Chewing on the peel of the grape he just ate for a moment more before swallowing it as well. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he was offered a drink. They were alone, which meant that he had some freedom, which was why he was acting a little informal with her, but. Drinking on the job? "You want me to drink on the job?" Harry asked as he eyed the glass for a moment more. "Is that an order or a request?" He asked, willing to accept if it was an order from his Princess, but ready to decline if it was a request.

"I'd be lying if I said it didn't seem hard," Harry said, not really fazed by his slightly harsh words, he didn't have any extra family so he didn't really know the extent of most things. Only things that those he's worked with have told him. "Most call there loved ones at night, or take week-long trips to visit after working so many days straight." He said, shrugging. It was what they chose to do, so everyone had to find ways to make it work.

Alex smiled, watching around the room as it began to empty as the evening grew to a close. He was surprised at how few people had approached him but he was grateful for it. "It doesn't entail much, a few events but nothing major. Don't worry though,well hopefully have it all sorted out before you ever have to do anything of the kind" he told her warmly, just waiting for the room to empty enough that it would be appropriate for him to leave. He realised his sister had already left and found that strange. He supposed she had probably slipped away easily tonight of all nights, the focus was on him and Lia after all.

He chuckled as he teased about sharing his bed. "Just as well, I wouldn't want to share with you either" he joked, go in her arm a playful shove before falling silent for a moment, staring down at his hands. "Thank you for being so understanding" he told her gently.

***

Effie sighed softly, her eyes glancing over him as she took a sip of her drink. "I'm not going to order you to Drink Harry" she said with a soft laugh, her eyes staying trained on him. "But this isn't a test, you're more than welcome to a glass. I really don't think anything extreme is going to happen within the castle walls" she said with a smile. She wasn't going to force him to drink it, but she really did wish he would loosen up a little.

She raised her eyebrow softly "seem hard?" She asked him, taking another bite of her food before she began to unpin her hair. "You don't keep in touch with your family?" She asked, glancing up at him every couple of seconds. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be asking I don't mean to pry" she added quickly, her cheeks flushing softly. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable, but she did want to know a little more about this man who practically watched her sleep every night.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
It seemed that the only real thing that Lia did today was nodded her head and smile. It was boring and exhausting, but. It felt like the appropriate reactions to whatever was going on. Like, she couldn't help but smile once more as Alex explained to her what a duchess was to do. As well as joked about sharing a bed with her. It was just, a simple action.

"Don't thank me, Alex," Lia said quietly as she glanced up at her best friend. "If I would have acted out, that would have been more embarrassing for me then for you," Aelia said quietly as she glanced at the now nearly empty room. "Do you think it'll be alright for us to leave yet? I'd really like to get out of this dress and into a bath."

--

Slightly plump lips pursed into a thin line as Harry stared at Ophelia. Eyes slightly narrowing in uncertainty as Harry wasn't sure how he should be reacting to this sort of situation. Everything in his mind was telling him that he should listen to his training and say no, but. Did he really want to listen to protocols right now? Not really.

A small sigh escaped from Harry as he caved and reached for one of the glasses. "Just one." He told her as he gently grasped the glass and raised it to his lips. The rich taste of the wine filled his taste buds. A small grin appearing as he lowered his glass. "Tastes like a good year." He mused. Then glanced up at the Princess. "Hard to keep in touch with people who don't remember you." He told her, then shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal before going to take another sip of the wine.

Alex looked down at his shoes nervously. He hated that she felt she had to go along with this he really had wished his father had given him some time to explain. He nodded as she asked to leave and motioned to his security that he would like to leave. He stood up, offering his hand to Aelia before leading her out of the room, offering a few short goodbyes to those that he met on the way.

He lead her upstairs to their rooms, where three security guards stood outside the door and opened it for them. "The rooms are both clear your highness" the told him as they entered. "Welcome to your home if you choose to stay here" he told Lia softly as they walked inside. He could smell the soupy scent from the bath hanging in. The room.

***

Ophelia smiled as she watched him sip the drink, glad he had let his guard down with her. She really didn't believe the formal security was necessary she had never once felt threatened before, and up until tonight people believed she would be the next queen. She laughed softly as he said it tasted like a good year. "it's only a 2005 sincer, it's for cooking" she said with a soft laugh, although I'mmediately realising how priveledge she sounded. She rubbed the back of her neck softly as he told her his family didn't remember him, like it was no big deal. "Harry... I'm really sorry to hear that" she told him gently, placing her hand on his arm empathetically.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
The sudden look in Alex's eyes caused Aelia's heart to ache a little. She hated her mouth sometimes, especially once it moved without her mind first. Still, though, it was the truth. The Royals could have said she got cold feet, but she'd be the one being talked about as they went on to different subjects. "Thank you," Lia mumbled quietly as she accepted his hand and followed him up the steps.

Only once she heard some men say it was all clear did Aelia look up once more. Her eyes widening as she took in the amazing room. "Oh wow!" She breathed out as she took everything in. "Alex look at that view," Lia said quietly as she tugged him in with her and towards the window. "Wow, it's so pretty. You can see everything from here." She breathed out as she stared at the dark city lights. Her head resting against his arm as she did so.

--

Amusement danced in Harry's eyes as he looked towards Ophelia as he listened to her correct him on the wine. "Could have fooled me." He mused as he looked back down at the liquid that was in his cup. "I prefer whiskey and rum and other hard stuff over this." He told her, then shrugged his shoulder as he looked back up at her. "What do you prefer?" He asked, curious as to rather she's only had fancy wines or other things before.

"You don't have to apologize." He told her, doing his best to offer her a small smile. "Dementia is just something that comes with old age." He told her, trying to shrug off her sympathy. "I'm just happy that I get to be able to afford a nice hospital for my grans to stay at." Shifting his body, Harry leaned his side into the counter and looked at the Princess. "Why are you so interested in me?" He asked, arching an eyebrow. "You're not planning on taking pity on me because of what we've seen today are you? Because if it is, please stop. I don't need handouts, and I don't need you looking at me like an injured puppy Princess." Harry told her. "There is nothing wrong with my life, I am thankful for each imperfection in it."

The hurt feeling Alex had morphed into to a small smile as Lia dragged him over to the window. He laughed softly. "Yeah it is pretty cool, isn't it" he said, almost seeing the lights of the city through new eyes. He had gotten used to the view at this point, he had started to take it for granted. He glanced down at his friend, hoping she would like it here, and that it wouldn't be too long until she could get back to her usual life. "I'll get some pyjamas and things laid out for you while you're in the tub. Some of my sister's stuff has been put in to your wardrobe until the Palace Dresser gets your measurements" he told her with a smile. Alexander slowly moved away from her, pointing her in the direction of the bathroom.

"My room is just through that door too if you need anything" he told her kindly. "Goodnight Lia" he sad, moving towards the door. He left it a little ajar just incase she was nervous.

***

Ophelia giggled at him softly as they discussed the wine, finishing off her class and reaching out to pour another. "I mean, most of my life wine and champagne have been the only option, but I'm partial to a vodka soda" she said with a smile "or a sex on the beach always goes down well" she added with a laugh.

She straitened up a little as he began to talk about his grandmother's, nodding along, her face soft with kindness. "I couldn't imagine how hard that must have been... I never knew my grandmother" she added, taking another sip of wine. She was beginning to feel it hit her, but she really didn't care very much. Her changed to a slightly hurt expression at his question. "I just wanted to know a little more about you Harry, I see you almost 24/7 and all I know is your name" she quipped defensively. "I thought you knew me better than to think I would take pity on you" she added, her lips pursing up a little. She really hated when people referred to her as princess like that, as if she was putting herself above them.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
The sight of the twinkling lights brought a small smile to Lia's lips. She loved watching city lights from places high up. It was mainly why she enjoyed hiking so much. It got her into new situations, she got to see her familiar world from a whole new light and it was just fantastic. "Hmm, thank you," Lia said quietly as she looked up at her friend and offered him a small smile. Then, she stepped back and looked towards the bathroom and then towards the room that Alex would be staying in. "Okay, thank you again. Night" She said as she looked up at her friend, offered a small smile and then headed towards the bathroom to soak in the tub that was drawn for her.

After about fifteen minutes in the bath. Aelia came out, a content smile on her lips and her skin slightly pink from the hot water she soaked in. Although, the pleasant smile that she held on her lips slowly fell as she spotted the short nightgown on her bed. "That, can't be right." She murmured as she went to pick up the showy material. "A-Alex?" Lia quietly called, holding the towel to her body as she went to the door. "I-I think they mixed something up." She murmured, then froze at what she saw.

--

"Vodka soda?" Harry repeated, amusement dancing along in his eyes at what the young woman in front of him said she liked to drink when she could. "I should sneak some things in here and introduce you to some good drinks." He said, offering a small mused smirk as he finished his wine and moved to the sink. Harry then got to work on rinsing the glass and cleaning it completely before setting it on the drying rack for the cooks to put away in the morning once it was dry.

The sudden turn of the peaceful mood caused a ting to pull on Harry's heart and he couldn't help but frown as he turned towards Ophelia as he listened to her. He couldn't help but admit she wrote, but his words still stood. He didn't want any pity, he wouldn't change anything in his life for anything. After a few moments of silence, Harry moved towards Ophelia and wrapped his arms around her lightly and pulled her into a slight hug. "You are one odd Princess." He mused before quickly releasing her, knowing that it was inappropriate. "Wanting to get to know someone is like, asking about favorite colors, foods, not about family right off the bat. That's like, mid-date stuff you ask." Harry mused, offering a small smile. Then chuckled as a way to show he wasn't mad or upset about anything.

Alex headed in to his room and stripped down to his boxers, laying out over his bed as he scrolled through some news articles on his phone. He tapped his foot to nothing as he scrolled, sitting up a little straighter when he heard Lia call his name. "Everything okay?" He asked quickly, his voice full of concern as he glanced at the door. He couldn't help but burst in to laughter at the sight of her in the doorway, her face full of disgust as she held the nightgown between her fingers like a dirty rag.

"Not your style?" He teased gently, slowly standing up off of the bed and heading towards his own wardrobe. "It's all the type of stuff my sister wears in your cupboards at the moment, I'll put in a request for some actual pyjamas for you tomorrow" he told her, still laughing faintly as he rooted through his clothes. "Here you go" he said, offering her a t-shirt and a clean pair of his boxers. "Will that be more comfortable for you?" He asked, still amused by how surprised she was at the thought of wearing a negligé, Alex figured she would e looked good in it.

****

Effie laughed softly as Harry wrapped his arms around her. It felt friendly and she liked it, but she could tell by how quickly he pulled away that he had done it without thinking- it was against his protocol. "Well I'd rather be odd than blend in" Ophelia stated matter of fact you, hopping down off the counter, stumbling slightly as her heel caught in her dress, laughing as she landed on her ass on the ground. "Woops" she giggled, holding her hand out to him to help her up before steadying herself once again.

She cleared her throat gently with a hug "well, we aren't dating- and you know everything there is to know about my family I might as well ask" she offered with a shrug, beginning to walk towards the door. She was starting to feel tired and was ready to go to sleep.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
"Not in the least bit," Lia mumbled quietly as she eyed the sheer thing warily. Never in her life, had Aelia ever dared to wear something so showy. She likes her baggy clothing, sweats, and leggings. "How can your sister be comfortable wearing this? It won't even keep her warm." Lia said quietly as she looked towards Alex after staring at the gown. "It's not funny Alex, this is weird." She mumbled, crossing her arms tighter over her chest that was blocked from his view by her towel. Slight water droplets trailed down her neck as she wasn't fully dry yet.

"Thank you." She said quietly, as she reached out for the clothing that was offered to her. "These are clean, right?" Lia asked as she looked at the boxers in her hand, her cheek turning a light shade of pink as she realized that was also all he was wearing, and she was wearing a towel only. "Oh god." She mumbled and turned her back to her best friend. "Sorry, I kinda just barged in here." She mumbled, trying to hide her blush and hold the towel around herself tighter.

--

A small sigh escaped from Harry as he shook his head at her giddy behavior. "You sure are an odd one." Harry mused as he stood up straight and walked after the Princess that he was in charge of. He quickly moved and swooped her legs from under her and held her bridal style as they continued out of the Kitchen. "What else do you want to know about me?" He asked as he walked with Ophelia in his strong arms. Ignoring the few stares that they got from the very sparse help that were around cleaning up after the party that was going on a moment ago. "An for the record, I only know of the things you tell others, I don't know the real you." He told her.

As they turned to head up the stairs, Harry glanced down at Ophelia. "Would you like for me to ask for some tylonal to be delivered to your room?" He asked, wanting to make sure that the young Princess would be alright in the morning. The last thing he needed was for her to get sick, especially since she was supposed to meet her brother and his betrothed tomorrow for brunch or so he was told. They'll see if that actually happens now.

Alex shook his head with a laugh, pinching the bridge of his nose "I mean I try not to think about my sister in bed" he said to her teasingly before taking in a deep breath and calming himself down. He knew it wasn't nice to be laughing at her when everything was so new to her. "Yes they are clean Lia" he added placing his hand on her arm gently. "Take a deep breath okay, just calm down. This is fine" he told her softly. He wasn't really phased by what they were wearing, he had seen more of her anytime they went to the beach together and vice versa.

"Maybe knock next time, just in case" he added, hoping it might maybe add some normality to all of this. "Get some sleep Lia, it's going to be a long day tomorrow" he told her softly, offering her a friendly hug before she left the room.

***

Ophelia let out a little squeal as he picked her up, throwing her head back in laughter "what are you doing?" She asked through the laughs, her smile wide on her face. She like when he was easy going like this. Maybe it was the wine speaking or maybe she really did just feel more at ease with him. "What age are you?" She asked him softly, choosing to ignore what he said about knowing her. Ophelia acted like she was a wide open book, but she kept to herself as much as she could, and nobody had really seemed to pick up on that yet, which was perfectly fine by her.

She nodded softly as they got closer to her room. "Some Tylenol would be great, thank you" she told him, allowing him to place her back down on the ground as they got to her bedroom door. She opened it to walk inside before turning back to him for a second. "Oh, would you mind coming in just to unzip it, I can't reach?" She asked him softly.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
Everything ran through Aelia's head in a whirlwind of thoughts. She had nothing to say at the moment, her thoughts were too jumbled. "Alright, night Alex," Aelia said quietly as she took his word and headed back into her town room and closed the door almost completely before she headed to her bathroom to change into the clothing that Alex had provided her with.

Once Lia was wearing the boxers and t-shirt, she went to lay down in the large bed. A small sigh escaped from her lips as she felt the softness of the pillows. "This bed is so comfortable." She mumbled quietly, then rolled to her side. The bed was so large, it could probably fit four more of her. "To whatever Alex got me into," Lia mumbled, doing a fake cheer's motion with an invisible glass before she rolled to her back. Not sure if she'll be able to sleep now.

--

A small nod of his head was the only agreement that Harry got for telling someone to grab her some medicine. He'll have to do that later, as well as ask them to bring up some ice water as well. He didn't know if she'd be able to handle any fruit juice in the morning, so water would be the best bet for her. At least, it usually is for Harry whenever he drank anything.

At the invitation to go into the Princess room to help her unzip, a sudden feeling of apprehension filled him. She was obviously a little intoxicated, so he had to watch to make sure she didn't try anything. "Sure, but to just help you unzip." He told her as he quietly closed the door after she walked into the room. "Stand still." He said quietly as he brushed her hair out of his way gently before he started to slowly unzip her dress for her, planning to make the quickest escape that he could once she was unzipped.

Alex lay back in his bed, resting his arms behind his head as he listened to the sounds coming from Lia's room. He wanted to make sure that she fell asleep okay before he did the same himself, just in case she needed help with anything. He sighed softly, he had partially hoped that Effie would've been there tonight to put Lia at ease about the whole thing.

His mind wandered around several things as he lay there,mostly about how his life was going to change so much from what he had known his whole life. After a while of laying there, he thought that Lia may have fallen asleep. He stood from the bed quietly, moving to the door just to make sure she was okay. He gave a peep in to her room, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness to spot her.

***
"Thank you" Ophelia told him gently as he told people to go and get her medicine for her imminent hangover in the morning. She walked in to her room, trying her best to keep her composure even though those last two glasses of wine were really hitting her hard now. She positioned herself in front of the mirror, trying her best to stand still for Harry.

She let out a small sigh of relief as he felt his hand run down her back, loosening the gown. Without a thought, she simply left the dress fall to the floor, kicking it to the side as she stood before the mirror in her Underwear. She sighed gently, a small frown on her face as she looked at herself in to mirror, her eyes landing on Harry's reflection. "Sorry Harry, that's all for now" she said quietly, turning to face him.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
The seconds seemed to tick by as Aelia tried to fall asleep. Her mind not allowing for her to rest as she wondered about what was going to happen now. If she'll be able to finish school if she and Alex could stay friends. She even wondered if she'll find someone who'd actually love her. All of that was running through her mind and each thing felt a little scarier than the last.

"I can feel you looking at me. Weirdo." Aelia said quietly, but loud enough to Alex to hear her. She didn't actually know if he was there or if it was just a bit of paranoia, but she hoped it was the ladder. Pulling the covers around herself, Lia then pulled them to her chin as she waited to see if Alex came in or not. Wanting nothing more than to use him as a human pillow.

--

It seemed like the whole world came to a standstill as Harry watched that pretty dress slowly slip from Ophelia's body. His eyes not able to stop themselves as he admired the beauty that the young woman possessed. She was beautiful, in more ways than just one. Gulping, Harry quickly glanced away, feeling uneasy with having her standing like this in front of him. "My apologies." He mumbled, turning his back to the young woman as he tried to calm his speeding mind.

"If that is all, then I shall be outside." He told her, his teeth slightly digging into his bottom lip as he tried to not imagine what it'd be like if their bodies intertwined under the sheets. As that would be unprofessional, not to mention he'd lose his job if anyone ever found out he had done something like that. Slowly, Harry headed towards the door, not sure if he'd be able to look back at Ophelia and hold himself together.

Alex laughed softly as he heard her call him a weirdo. He made his way over towards her bed and sat down on the edge of it. "Can't sleep?" He asked her, trying to find her eyes in the darkness. "You want to talk?" He offered, slowly making out her figure in the bed, the blanket pulled right up to her chin.

He felt bad for putting her in this position, where she felt so out of place she couldn't even sleep. "I know it's a lot Lia, I'm really sorry" he offered her, moving up a little closer next to her. "want a hug?" He offered with a soft smile.

***

The thought didn't even cross her mind that it was strange for harry to be seeing her like this, nor had she spotted the looks he was giving her. She made her way to her bed, sitting down on top of her blankets as she watched him leave. She thought for a second, not wanting him to leave. She found it really lonely I the castle sometimes. She was always on her own, and her friends kept their distance at times. She guessed it wasn't easy to be friends with somebody you had to make an appointment to see.

"Harry" she said softly, pulling her hair down out of it bun and letting the girls fall over her shoulders as she reached for her robe. "Can you stay and talk for a while?" She asked gently. "Only if you want to, no pressure" she said again.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
"No." Was Aelia's simple answer for Alex as she heard light footsteps come into the room. A small smile crawling onto her lips as she felt the bed dip where he was sitting. "Yes please." She mumbled and then slightly sat up and grinned at the mention of the thing she could always use. "Always," Lia said quietly and held her arms out for Alex to make his way towards her. Then she'd happily wrap her arms around him and bury her face into his shoulder.

"My heads filled with thoughts of things that haven't even happened yet." Lia murmured quietly after a while of just holding onto her best friend. Then, slowly, she shifted her head so that she was able to glance up at his face in the dark. "You'll still be my best friend, even if we fake break up. Right?"

--

At the sound of Ophelia's voice, Harry stopped his movement. He was halfway to the door when she had called him and looked at her over his shoulder. His lips pursed into a straight line as he noticed she was on the bed in her robe. Looking as beautiful as ever. His Adam apple bobbed slightly as he listened to her speak. A small grin appearing as he listened to her request. She was such a sweet girl, how anyone could not like the Princess was surely not someone who knew her.

"Sure." He said quietly, doing his best to not look at her body as he slowly turned to look at her. Not sure if he should sit on the bed or in a chair in her room, he figured that'll be the best option. "What did you want to talk about?" He asked, trying to focus on talking and not any other actions.

Alex wrapped his arms around Aelia tightly, staying quiet until she wanted to speak, just wanting her to feel calm and comfortable. He gently ran a hand through her hair, pausing slightly to listen to her speak before bginning to massage her scalp again. "Like what sort of things?" He asked softly, wanting to resolve any issue he possibly could in her mind.

He offered her a sad sort of smile, straightening up in the bed as he glanced down at her. "Lia, of course I'll still be your best friend.. nothing about that is going to change I promise you that" he told her with a soft laugh, pulling her a little closer. "that's why I chose you... I needed someone I could be close with, spend all my time with but not change anything" he explained, stretching his legs out on the bed as he let Lia rest against him.

***

A smile brushed over Ophelia's lips as he stopped and turned back. "Thank you Harry" she told him quietly, picking up a pillow from her bed and hugging it to her chest, letting her cheek rest against the edge of it as she let her eyes meet Harry's. She pouted for a second questioning what did she want to speak about with him. "Anything other than palace issues" she suggested with a wry smile, patting the far end of her bed when he went to sit in the chair on the opposite side of the room.

"Sit closer, I don't bite" she said with a laugh, also not wanting anyone passing outside of her room to hear him in here. She didn't want to get him in any trouble. "Tell me about your first kiss" she said with a laugh. She loved hearing about stories like this from a completely normal perspective.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
For some reason, Alex's words brought small tears to her eyes. A mixture of relief and sorry filled Lia and she couldn't help but hold onto him tighter. "An what if you're betrothed to someone else almost right after? They hate me?" She asked, feeling sick at the feeling of another girl being the cause of why they don't talk anymore.

"I'm just scared Alex, really scared," Aelia said quietly as she pulled away slightly so that she could look into his eyes that always captivate her. "What if when we fake break up your parents banishes me from the country or something? Or, they plan to have me killed for saying no to you?"

--

A small tired sigh escaped from Harry as he listened to Ophelia's unspoken request of him and moved to sit on the edge of the bed with her. The comfortable mattress sank slightly under his weight and eased all of the pressure he was feeling in his lower back and legs. Oh, how he could imagine sleeping for days in this bed. It was just that comfortable.

"My, first kiss?" Harry repeated, his eyebrows raising a she looked at Ophelia in disbelief before he allowed a small chuckle to escape from his lips. His head shaking a little as he couldn't believe she'd want to know about that. "Well, it happened when I was twelve." He told her, not an ounce of embarrassment showing in his tone. "An the girl was thirteen, and my friends older sister. We were all sitting in my friend's room playing truth or dare, and I was dared to kiss her. So, I did and yeah. That's all. She told me I sucked at kissing and then the game continued."

Alex shook his head softly "Aelia, that won't happen, I won't let it. When I marry somebody else it will be on my terms, okay? Please don't worry about that" he told her comfortingly, hearing the tears in her voice. He straightened up in the bed, pulling her with him, letting her cheek rest against his bare chest as he rubbed her arm reassuringly.

"Lia, I promise you there is nothing to be scared of. My parents would never banish you, and I really don't think they have the authority to put you to death, at least not since the 1800's he said with a soft laugh. When we fake break up, I'll make sure the story goes out that it's me and not you, you will leave absolutely nothing to worry about, I promise you that" he said.

***

Ophelia smiled brightly, as he told the story, laughing along at how awkward it was. "Harry, that's so funny" she commented softly, her laugh causing the mattress to sway below them. "Truth or Dare was such an institution for teenagers, right? I never played, but it always seemed exciting" she said with a little shrug. She rolled her eyes softly, tossing the pillow to the side as she began to talk. "My first kiss was when I was 14. It was at a new year's Eve ball, the French Prime Ministers son kissed me without asking and I punched him in the nose. I got grounded for like a year after that. I'm pretty sure it made the front page of several newspapers, with some going as far to claim that it would cause international relations to fail between the countries" she said with a soft sigh "so that kind of sucked, but I guess it's a funny story now" she offered with a soft smile.

@ FallenHope95

@ Aoibhe
She felt like such a child like she was having a temper tantrum or something. It was embarrassing, but. It felt nice to have Alex caring so much for her. It made this whole thing a lot easier for Aelia. So, with a shaky breath, she couldn't help but to slightly nod her head in understanding as she felt her friend shifting his position. Which pretty much resulted in her sitting in his lap as he held her and sat up.

"You have to pinky promise." She told him in a quiet tone as she rested the side of her head against his bare chest and raised one of her hands, her pinky extended. It might seem childish, but it was what she and Alex have always done when they wanted to promise something. "Sorry for being a cry baby." She mumbled as she pulled back slightly to look into his bright blue eyes.

--

Harry couldn't help but purse his lips as he glanced at Ophelia through the corner of his eye as she commented on his story. He thought it was lamer then funny, but it was amusing to think she liked the little story. Although, as she told him hers, he couldn't help but laugh as well. "Now that is a story." He told her as he rested his hands on the bed as he slightly turned his body so that he could look at her.

"Well, it's never too late to play truth or dare for the first time." He told her. Smirking a little as he slightly challenged her to play the game. with him. Everything in Harry told him that he shouldn't be asking the girl to play that sort of game with him, but he couldn't help it. He thought it'd be fun and he wanted to see if she'd even agree to such a game, to begin with.