A Royal Pain

Chapter 2 - Lady Sophia

Sophia's POV

"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here to..."

I watch the wedding ceremony taking place in absolute silence, with only a trace of a smile, a look perfectly suitable for a lady of the court. One I had been practicing my whole life. 

Unlike most other young royals, I didn't have the luxury of being able to act out, cause scandals, or do anything inappropriate for the royal family. My father, Earl Hans, has been stripped of all titles after having had the most atrocious affairs behind his back the royal family had ever seen - he was caught embezzling money, paying prostitutes, and even having four extramarital children.

My mother Lady Victoria, who is the one of royal descent, has divorced him and gave all our wealth to charity in an effort to clean our family name from the dirt my father has dragged us in. It is why I had to work two part-time jobs while in college, just to be able to afford my graduation. During daytime I'd worked in an accountant's office as an assistant and an organizer for our biggest charity in Britain. I would study at nighttime. But I've made it. 

However, I wasn't aware my debts after graduation would be far higher than only my student loans - I've also inherited my father's astronomical debts after my mother passed away two summers ago. I still haven't recovered from the loss. I don't think I ever will. 

The only thing I find solace in is s*x. But I can't have too many lovers - I have to keep my affairs discrete. So I have only two lovers of sorts - Antonio and Riccardo. They're both hot, easygoing, and eager to please. Most importantly, both are discrete. But Antonio is passionate and outgoing, while Riccardo is sweet and chill. I sometimes need one more than the other. It's difficult to find all characteristics I desire in one person. Besides, I have a fear of bonding. It's better to have options. 

"Oh, how lovely, isn't she?" a lady next to me tries to chat me up. She probably heard rumors about my up-and-coming status, so she's trying to make a connection.

I only nod twice, rising my eyebrows in agreement as I give her the biggest close-lipped smile.

"I've heard there might be another royal wedding taking place soon..." she continues, nonetheless. Which definitely confirms my suspicions.

I meet her eyes and play out the shy girl part perfectly by just slightly lifting my shoulders. Then I bring a finger to my mouth and make a small 'shh' with my pouty lips.

The gesture excites her and she silently claps her hands, whispering a "Congratulations, my dear."

"Thank you," I say softly, tilting my head in faux 'in love' gratitude, then look back at the altar.

"If anyone knows why this marriage should not take place, please speak now or forever hold thy peace," the priest speaks and I swallow hard in anxiety.

This is the question that will be posed on my wedding day as well. My wedding to Prince Christopher. One that will ensure all my debts have been paid off and my new life can begin. In turn, I will provide the Prince with the perfect specimen of a duchess waiting to become Queen consort. Ever since my father's scandals were revealed, my mother enjoyed the status of Britain's sweetheart - the philanthropic royal victim of an unhonourable commoner. Now that she's died, I have inherited her beloved status - the poor, royal, hardworking orphan that many people feel is deserving of a crown, but yet has been met with an unfortunate destiny that made her life tragic. 

That's why I try so hard to keep my reputation intact. But my perfect reputation is only valid in the eyes of those who do not know me well. There are things I do in the dark that no one knows but those involved. I'm just damn good at hiding. 

There's a grudge I carry against the royal family - because they have used my father's bad name to clear some of their own misdeeds. He was their scapegoat. And I've never forgiven them. I never could. I know it's how it works. But instead of being angry at the game, I decided to play it myself. And destroy them from the inside. 

Looking at poor, handsome Prince Christopher, subtly sweating every time he throws his gaze toward me, I suspect King George told him about our arrangement. 

I've been a family friend since our early childhood, but we never really hung out. I was never on the same page with either of the three heir children, regardless of our small age difference. I've recently turned 30, and Christina is only a year older. But she always acted entitled, so I stirred away from her to avoid getting sucked into an unnecessary scandal. 

Catherine places a ring onto Henry's finger and the look she gives him is one filled with love. Both girls found true love and married men of their dreams. Too bad their brother won't have the same privilege. But something tells I'm not the only one who has never loved a partner before. I loved the s*x. I loved the attention. But no one has stolen my heart away.

"I now pronounce you man and wife," the priest says, and as he does, Christopher and my eyes lock onto each other - his nostrils widening as his breathing deepens, his chest rising in an unpleasant way.

"You may now kiss the bride."

The crowd chuckles and claps as the cameras zoom in on the first televised royal kiss, but neither Christopher nor I follow it. Our eyes are locked in on each other. 

I wonder if the cameras caught it and what they will write about it tomorrow... The Prince's look of horror as he stares at his future bride? No, he's too good of an actor to allow himself to be caught showing true emotions. He fakes it well. Just like I do.

Then I have it. A Royal Romance Unfolding in the Chapel - The Future King Can't Keep His Eyes Off His Lady...

I can't control myself anymore - I give the smallest, vicious smile that says Yes, you've no idea what you're entering into, then add a little playful wink.

His panicked big blue eyes now search for his father, his sharp jaw tightening as drops of sweat drip down his high forehead.

Oooh, let the games begin...