Chapter 7: CROWN NOT CROWD??
[ZORY'S POV]
While the whole drama was happening, Queen Mother had asked one of her maids to show me to my room. Honestly, being dispersed like that was rude, and I was going to decline—until Abuela [Grandma] gave me a look.
I followed steadily as I was led, still pissed. After what felt like a long hike—curse these damn heels, I wasn't used to them—we finally arrived.
The doors slid open, and I almost forgot all my complaints.
How did they know I love blue? Not just any blue... royal blue.
The room was insane. Rich velvet curtains pooled onto the marble floors. The bed was a literal cloud, piled high with satin pillows in different shades of blue. The ceiling? Hand-painted stars. Like—glowing at night kind of stars. A small chandelier hung low enough to make the whole space look like a dream. Everything was gold-accented but not too extra. Just... expensive. Thoughtful. Beautiful.
This was the closest I'd ever been to luxury. It felt like a lie I wanted to believe.
Who knows what's happening in Queen Mother's room at the moment?
Well, the bed is calling to me.
Drama will have to wait.
This is the life I longed for.
---
[DANIELLE'S POV]
"Abuela [Grandma], what's the shoe shop girl doing here??"
"Shoe shop???" She squinted at me. "Nieta [Granddaughter]... where were you this morning?... Speak, child."
She was the only one who could tell me apart from my brother, even with the disguise—especially when I spoke. She'd helped Daniel with dressing, too, so of course she knew it was me.
"Don't change the topic, Abuela [Grandma]. What are they doing here?"
I didn't even know why I was so bothered. I honestly didn't have an issue with them staying... but for weird reasons, I felt like I should.
The confusion—overwhelming. Mixed with fear, and something that tasted a little like envy.
I didn't even know why I cared. I just knew I did—and I hated that.
I've always been the center of attention even when it isn't about me. So why is it someone else today?
On my day.
Grandma didn't even come to find me. I came to her room only to see her completely unbothered about me, and fussing over some cousin. I still don't know who's whose cousin. Sigh
Yes, I was jealous. My ego comes first. It always does.
"La casa real es para todos" [The royal house is for everyone], she replied.
I've been taking Spanish class—we all had to—and I knew what this meant.
She said it like a fact. Like it wasn't even mine to guard anymore.
But before I could reply, an outside voice interrupted.
"Mama??, Reina??!" [Mom??, Queen??!]
I heard my mother's voice before I saw her—her footsteps and the rustle of her personal maid approaching. I quickly fixed my posture. She couldn't find out about the switcheroo.
Luckily for us, she isn't that much of a present parent. Neither is the King. So the only way they can tell us apart is... clothing. Because apparently:
"Dress equals Daniella."
Guess I'm finally Daniel to her.
"El cumpleañero" [The birthday boy], she said, touching my chin as she entered.
"Mama… ahhh, Mama Sofía!"
She treated my Abuela warmly and excitedly greeted the other woman before going in for a hug.
She wasn't my Abuela's daughter—she was her son's wife. So how does she know this shop woman??
"Welcome, welcome! Thank you for finally agreeing to stay with us. Have you settled down? Did you feast well? Did you bring Zorayda as well? Has she settled in? Do you need anything??"
She bombarded her with so much at once, it all felt like eye-servicing.
I've seen my mom do that—but only with important people. Not shoe people.
Why was she different?
"Hijo [Son], leave the adults to speak alone for a while now," she said, gesturing toward the door.
Fine. I need to speak to someone my age anyway. Adults are draining.
---
I met myself at my brother's doorstep. Barged right in.
"Hey!! Learn to give a lady some privacy—you never know when she's dressing!"
I heard my stupid lookalike say. He seemed to be enjoying this.
Honestly, I wish we could make this permanent. It works for us both.
"You should really learn to lock your doors, lady. We don't want your undies out in the open."
"Or yours," he said with a smirk, touching his now-protruding chest.
"Shut up!"
I looked at him—half like me, half like him. He hadn't straightened his hair or ponytailed it yet. He'd already taken off everything else except my bra. Typical Daniel.
"Well, I have more important news," I said, moving closer to help uncurl his hair and help him transition back. My own transition was always easier—he usually needed help.
"And what's that? Fell in love?"
He laughed.
I just stood there, numb. Did I miss the joke... or was the joke not even in the room?
"Even worse. There's a new girl. Our age, I think. She's going to live with us now."
"Sounds cool. Is she cute?"
He laughed again, clearly not realizing how much panic I was in. I smacked his head.
"Nobody wants you. And it's not cool."
I heaved a deep breath.
How do I make him understand, when I don't even understand why it's a problem for me?
"Three is a crowd," I muttered.
His reply wasn't the usual stupid one. This time, he had a point.
Guess he wasn't as stupid as I thought he was.
He said:
"Three is a crowd... but not when there's a crown."