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CHAPTER SEVEN

I got into the car, the air becoming awkward after he left so the person blowing his horn could pass and I just sat there, listening to the music he'd given me.

It suddenly dawned on me that I never asked for his name. At least, the so-called Prince was so popular that I knew it. I tested the name on my tongue, irritation enveloping me.

“Xavier”

In my mind, I knew there was very little I could do to reverse this situation but I had to try. I couldn't just accept it without a fight.

In a few more minutes, the driver rushed back into the car and started up the engine before turning to me, tears in his blue eyes

“I'm so sorry for leaving, please help me beg the prince. He'll fire me from the job and my family desperately needs it to survive, please,” he pleaded.

I was shocked and sat up immediately.

“Why would he fire you? You simply went to eat,”

“Um, yea but I disobeyed an express command which was to watch you and help you if you needed anything. You needed to use the restroom and I wasn't there. He's already pissed off, oh shit, here he comes,” he said, sounding terrified as he tried to comport himself by adjusting his suit and cleaning up his face.

My feelings were divided. Regardless of my disdain for his kind, it didn't mean I wanted to make them suffer or anything. In fact, I wished they knew we were almost the same and we could collaborate to make stronger demands from the superiors but their view of us created a chasm between the two species.

With quick strides, Prince Xavier walked out of the big building and came to the car. I quickly moved to the other end before he opened it and it was obvious he was very angry.

“Take us home and be gone from my sight!” He snapped at the driver, making me feel guiltier.

“Master, can you forgive him? It really wasn't his fault. I just felt claustrophobic and wanted to leave the car. There's no need to fire him because of me,” I pleaded to him.

“That's the first time you are addressing me properly and it's because of another man? You like him, huh?” He bit out, his anger transferring to me.

“Of course not, I'm just saying there's no need to fire him just because of me. I'm fine as you can see, he didn't fail in his duties. It was just a momentary lapse,” I replied in defense.

“You think it was for your protection? You are funny. I know you are a flight risk, girl and I instructed him to keep his eyes on you at all times but he preferred to get fat on greasy food than taking my orders! What if you had successfully opened this car and escaped?” He was shouting now and I couldn't help but wonder what the next few years of my life would entail if he continued to treat me this way. I was beyond petrified.

“I'm sorry Sir, I am very sorry, please don't fire me. I really need this job,” the driver pleaded and I saw the way all his pleas flew right over his head and my hatred for him doubled

“You should have thought about your needs before chasing your wants. I'm not changing my mind, so enough of this drama, drive!” he snapped and I could see the posture of the driver shift to hopelessness and resignation to his fate and all because of me.

I took a deep breath, not allowing the guilt to envelope me again as this was still the first day. If I allowed him to know how much this affected me, I was sure he was going to be using it as a weapon. I read it in a forbidden book.

Our education stopped at twelfth grade and never any further. Certain books were seized and burnt, believed to engineer resistance to the rule of the aliens which I found absurd. A simple novel about love, how could that make me resist what they did to us? Maybe it was the fact that they felt if we were in love, we'll find a way to avoid the SOS event but apart from that, love simply gives you a reason to live in such terrible times.

The way my parents love each other, that's what I and Roe had always envisioned for each other. To find good people that we would love and have wonderful memories with.

But I guess all that was going down the drain now. The next time my Momma would see my face, it'll probably be in front of the big announcement screens placed all over the city as they presented me as their Prince’s wife.

The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

“We're here.” I heard and I was shaken from my reverie.

I took in the massive mansion that the Prince lived in and I knew why he expected me to be excited about him wanting me. I would have if this whole thing wasn't with a man who had taken away the planet we so loved. He may not have done it directly but every day, he finds a way to destroy what we love and support his father's plans.

It would be safe to assume the meeting he had just attended was for the same reason.

I walked out of the car and behind him as the driver waved at me.

“I'm sorry,” I mouthed to him, feeling really terrible and guilty about his situation.

As we began the walk from the car pack into the house, it seemed like I had teleported into an old 2020 movie, depicting the old British Royalty. Everyone was saluting and greeting him, his posture stiff and rigid as he walked fast and purposefully into the mansion.

As I walked in with him, I felt the stares that trailed me, even the man that came to take his bag gave me a look that I wasn't so comfortable with.

That was until he introduced me to them.

“Everyone, meet Tessa. She's going to be your queen in the new kingdom so treat her how I treat her,” he began, pausing to give me a pensive look before continuing;

“Troy, prepare the big room for us and get her more… appropriate wardrobe,” he said, distastefully eyeing my clothes.

I've never felt so insulted before which was wild because these were clothes provided by his employees and he was acting like I was a dirt underneath his shoes

The more annoying part of his demeanor was that he chose me, paid a hundred million dollars for the right to own me like some cow on the high state ranches and yet, he decided to treat me the way he did. How was he expecting this to work in his favor? Was he planning to force me into the act?

By the time I zoned back in on the conversation, it seemed a lot had already happened. Damn, I needed to stop disappearing into my own mind but then, it was better than reality a lot of times.

I realized his royal majesty had gone off and I was being stared at by a lot of XYZs and a couple Moderates. Of course he'll hire his fellow superiors to work for him like common staff.

My face must have been showing my thoughts in HD because one of them was staring at me uncomfortably, unable to utter a word.

“Is there something on my face?” I snapped, irritated.

“Sorry Ma'am, please follow me upstairs to clean up for dinner,” he replied.

“I'm not hungry, just show me where I'll sleep.”

He looked at his fellow staff and I noticed silent conversation amomg them, heightening my irritation.

“If you have something to say, Mr Troy, kindly say it to my face or do me a favor and show me where I can sleep, I've had a long ass day!” I snapped, my anger rendering the room quiet.

“I'm sorry if I offended you Ma'am, it's just that the master doesn't allow anyone to disobey his orders, even if it was implied and not explicitly stated as he had just done. If he wants the world painted blue, it must be done so.” he explained, a coy smile on his face.

“So I must come to dinner even though I'm not hungry and simply want to go to bed and forget this horrible day?”

A woman joins the conversation, her bubbly face switching to shock.

“Horrible? Whatever might have happened, being chosen by the Prince definitely supersedes it, no? So brighten up girl, your life has changed for the absolute best. You should be over the moon!” She gushed, and I wished I could smack her teeth.

Why do people always assume everyone wanted what they personally wished for?

“Ma'am, I cannot fathom that emotion you expect of me so I apologize for disappointing you. If you insist on this dreadful dinner, can we get to it? I really can't wait to get into bed. I'm tired,” I grumbled, signaling the man to lead the way, to everyone's shock but I didn't care.

If I had my way, I wouldn't be staying here for long.

In fact, as they washed my skin like I was swallowed in grime for twenty-four hours, cleaning my face and dousing it in more makeup, all I could think about was an escape plan.

And as I was ushered into the huge dining table, I had an idea.

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