Chapter 9: Royal Façade??
[Narrator's POV]
The Royal Quinceañera is over. Everything should be back to normal—except, it's not.
The adults in the family decided to keep the truth away from the kids for now, to avoid unnecessary drama and questioning. Queen Reina Isabel said something about "bad influence," though no one really knows what she meant by that.
Things have been tense. No more family dinners—everyone just eats in their rooms. But this arrangement only needs to last five more days. The kids will be returning to school soon. Zory included.
The past three days have been especially chaotic between the royal couples. King Alonso, being the man that he is, finally sought out peace.
"Mi Reina," [My queen] he called to Queen Reina Isabel as she walked down the corridor.
"Yes, Mi Rey,"[My king] she replied, with a touch of arrogance.
"Why don't we go to France for a while? Like we always do—now that the kids are going back and the fiesta's finally over."
France didn't sound like a bad idea to her. So she agreed.
---
[King Alonso's Thoughts]
I wouldn't say I didn't love her… or that I don't.
Twenty years together—you're bound to get attached.
I know our marriage started off complicated, but over time it became peaceful. Comforting.
We have two lovely kids, and whenever they're home, they chase away the loneliness.
We've had good times. Quiet trips. Laughter.
I want to go back to those moments.
Maybe this trip will help us find them again.
---
[Queen Reina Isabel's Thoughts]
I wouldn't say I don't love him.
He's a sweet, gentle, and incredibly patient soul.
Honestly, he's stronger than people think—for putting up with me.
I know I'm a lot—rude, arrogant, dramatic—but he handles it all with grace.
I'm glad I married him. Not just because he's the King… but because he's him.
The man I fell for.
It wasn't even about the throne anymore.
Well… not as much.
We have two beautiful children. I wish I had spent more time with them.
I never wanted kids, but I'm grateful for the two I have.
Traveling is still my joy. And France? France is always a good idea.
Of course I said yes.
---
Guess who takes the spotlight this time…
Daniella.
…well, Danielle.
"Abuela's been too busy with that new friend of hers. And Zory? That girl's been in hiding.
Nobody's paying attention to me. Not even Abuela.
Do I need to do something even more mischievous?
Why haven't I seen Zory?
She's living in my home… without… without… without giving me what I want.
But what do I want?
What do I want from her??
Maybe… just to see her. For starters."
She paced her room, eyes flicking toward the door like Zory might suddenly walk through.
"Sup, Sisto! Or should I say—Bro!"
Daniel burst into the room, loud and unbothered, cutting through her thoughts.
"At least someone acknowledges my existence," Danielle muttered. "What do you want, Me version 0.0?"
"Nothing really. Just thought I'd tell you—your best friend keeps staring at me every time she sees me."
"YOU'VE SEEN ZORY?! WHERE?!" Danielle nearly shouted.
Curiosity—no, desperation—flashed in her eyes.
Why does she care so much?
"Jezz, chill, sis… I rhymed! Hehe."
"No, you didn't, dummy. Now answer me."
"Just saw her in the east hallway. On my way here."
Before he could finish the sentence, Danielle dashed past him and out the door, heart pounding.
She knew exactly where to go.
If Zory was in the east wing, the pastry kitchen was the only logical place.
---
[Pastry Kitchen Scene]
The scent of warm vanilla and butter hit her first.
The pastry chefs were moving swiftly—piping frosting, dusting powdered sugar.
And in the middle of it all stood Zory, licking a bit of frosting off her finger and sampling a cupcake.
Living the royal life already, huh?
Her taste buds went on a break as she looked at the princess who just arrived
[Danielle's Thoughts]
Why did I run??
What do I even say now that I've seen her?
This is so weird. It feels weird.
But I've seen her.
She's looking right at me.
Why can't she say something first?!
Now I look so stupid. Dang it.
My anxiety is rising fast—feet frozen, tied to the ground
I'm in complete control of my lungs but with zero knowledge of respiration
I forgot how to breathe.
I'm sweating.
Her lips are moving. Finally.
But I can't hear her.
Everything's spinning.
No… not now.
I felt myself collapse.
Zory rushed over.
The staff gathered too.
At least… she was close.
---
[Danielle's Room — Zory's POV]
They said it wasn't serious.
No need to bother the royal couple.
They've been too busy anyway—gone for days.
Even Abuela hasn't been around.
Apparently she's "catching up with an old friend."
Yeah, right. Sounds sketchy.
Well apparently Daniel isn't the only one with a bad anxiety. I remember him telling me the shoe shop after mentioning mine. Imagine twins both having bad anxiety.
I really should forget about or shop interval because he obviously has.
I have been trying to get to him since I came here but he just makes me feel like a weird stalker or one of those girls drooling over him.
I am not!
I just wanted to make a friend, now I'm compelled to go for the princess because she seems to be giving me attention...I think I just hope it's good and she feels good when she wakes up. I thought my anxiety was bad this is on a whole different level
I should probably give her space to rest.
I thought I knew everything about the royal family, well everything the media said. She looked like the perfect princess with no fear talk more of anxiety
Turns out everything...
is a façade.
A royal façade.