Twisted-Games

The next morning, I woke up earlier than planned to get ready for my
press conference and cover the dark circles beneath my eyes with makeup. I
skipped breakfast, not trusting myself to hold the food down, but when Rhys
showed up at seven o’clock sharp as promised, he insisted on ordering eggs
and a smoothie from room service. No coffee. He said it would help with my
anxiety, and surprisingly, it did.
Nikolai’s speech started at eight, and we watched in silence as my brother
—clad in his military dress uniform, his face taut but determined—delivered
the words that would change Eldorran history forever.
“…I hereby announce that I am abdicating my title of Crown Prince of
Eldorra and removing myself from the royal line of succession. This decision
did not come easy…”
The audience’s gasps were audible even through the screen, but Nikolai
forged on.
Most important decision of my life…
My love for the country…
Succeeded by my sister, Princess Bridget…
I sat stock-still the entire time. I’d known the abdication was coming, but
it was surreal to see and hear Nikolai announce it on-screen.
After he ended his speech, the camera switched to a visibly stunned news
anchor, but Rhys turned off the TV before I heard what the anchor had to say.
“Do you need a moment?” He radiated such natural confidence and
authority it almost soothed frazzled nerves.
Almost.
I had my own press conference coming up soon, and I wanted to throw
up.
Yes. Preferably a million moments.
“No.” I cleared my throat and repeated in a stronger voice, “No. Let’s
go.”
I checked my hair and clothes one last time before we exited my suite.
Everything a royal family member said and wore in public had hidden
symbolism, and I’d dressed for battle today in a sleek Chanel suit, heels, and
a subtle ruby, gold, and diamond brooch that reflected Eldorra’s flag colors.
The message: in control and ready to take over.
The reality: a complete mess.
As Rhys and I took the elevator down to the lobby, a certain numbness set
in, making the world around me fuzzy.