Ashton's POV

I wore my green tux jacket, in accordance with the dress code, and straightened my bow tie. I walked into my ensuite bathroom. I paired it with a black Rolex watch and a black diamond ring. 

I strode towards my ensuite bathroom and took one last look. I nodded in approval but in the space of 2 seconds I suddenly thought about her. Why do I still think about her I mean she forgot me.

"But you can't bring yourself to forget your one and only true love...", softly whispered a masculine voice in my head.

I ignored the remark and shook my head as if all my thoughts of her would fall like leaves in a windy autumn day, but it is never that easy.

As I mentally prepared myself for my departure Lilith entered the room. I raised my brow silently asking myself why she didn't knock. As if she heard my thoughts, she smiled and chuckled, "I did knock but I didn't hear a reply, so I entered."

I nodded and looked at her in expectation and a slither of boredom. Honestly, I don't feel like having meaningless conversations. 

"I just wanted to say, don't worry, everything will work and have a great night.", she said as she pulled me in for a tight, warm and motherly hug.

I hugged her and slightly relaxed in her arms feeling the comfort she was sending. I wanted to smile but I failed epically. We pulled away and she smiled warmly and wordlessly sensing that I need my space. 

I silently thanked her as I heard the door click. My back slumped and I sat down on my bed in mental exhaustion and held  my head in anxiety thinking of all the possible outcomes of not just tonight's ball, and how Riveria will probably find out that she will have to be marring me whether she likes it or not- which is probably the latter - but I am also thinking about how my life will be. Frankly at this very moment I am utterly terrified.

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The shiny metallic body of the Range Rover Land Rover 3.0 D300 HSE Dynamic Black 5dr AUTO 2023, shimmered in the starlit night sky. I walked away from the car with my usual bravado and strode down the red carpet. With my usual boyish grin as the media swarms me with questions. I slightly thank God for the black Chopard de Rigo Vision sunglasses that I am wearing otherwise I would have been blinded by the bright light of the rapidly flashing cameras of the obnoxiously loud paparazzi screaming out my name.

Being famous is horrendous but being a famous Royal  is an absolute nightmare topped with extreme fatigue and pretense as the juicy cherry on top. It is just awful, you get the point. The large dark manicured double doors made of Blackwood were opened for me and I walked in. 

The moment I walked in I heard the most angelic laugh I have ever had the pleasure of hearing and I immediately skimmed the slightly crowded room hoping to find the source of such an immaculate sound . My breath hitched as I laid eyes on the guest honour, Riveria Crystillion. It came from her... Of course. I have only heard such a laugh from her.

I snapped out of my dazed state and went to my table, table 12. When I got there Victor and Xavier were there. 

"Good evening, gentlemen.", I said as I took a seat, disrupting what seemed like an intense conversation between the two princes. I rested my arms on the long black spandex covered table.

"Good evening." they both muttered in reply while in the middle of what looks like a glare down.I looked between the princes then around the magnificently decorated venue.

"Looks like House Crystillion has outdone themself once again with this exceptional decor."

Victor turned his attention away from Xavier and towards me. He smirked and said smugly while raising his hands and motioning to himself, "Well I mean exceptionalism is in Crystillion blood just look at me I am a perfect living example."

I chuckled amused at his humourous display. He then looked at me up and down.

"Well I do not know if we can say the same about House Vermillion judging by you.", he started with his pretense of mockery.

This time I could not help but laugh.

"Well I suppose House Vermillion must pull up their socks or well will get left in the dust huh?", I played along jokingly.

We both burst out laughing.

It's nice to know that I can still have these small nice moments were I get to be the least bit, normal, for the lack of a better term.

"Ahem!", someone cleared their throat. Our heads whipped in the direction of the source of the sound.

Oh yeah. I forgot Xavier was still at the table.

"Well, I will leave you two gentlemen to your fun. Victor would you like me to say anything to sister dearest since I am going to her right now.", Xavier announced to us as he got up from his chair.

I silently growled with anger, what does he want with Riveria?

I noticed that Victor was shaking with anger as well but he didn't try to hide as I did when he slammed his hand on the table gaining attention and side eyes from a few nearby tables.

"How many times must I tell that you should stay away from my sister!", Victor hissed venomously.

"Calm down Vic.", I said as I gently pulled him down to his seat as he had got up during the altercation.

"Yeah, calm down Victor.", Xavier mocked.

"I mean Riv is my friend."

With that he smirked and went to find Riveria somewhere in the prodigious hall.

That bastard.

How was I ever friends with this guy, best friends at that.

A few minutes after the whole Xavier ordeal I finally got Victor to calm down.

"Victor, what were you a Xavier talking about before I arrived?", I inquired wanting to know because I had a feeling that whatever they spoke about before links with what just happened.

Victor's eyes swirled with different emotions. Sadness, anger and... guilt?

Why would Victor feel guilty?

Victor shrugged off the hand I had put ,unawarely, on his shoulder and stormed off wordlessly.

I shook my head and pulled out my phone from my pocket. There is no point in chasing him, he needs to cool off.

The night continues to drag, with nothing to pique my interest I keep mindlessly scrolling my phone in hopes of worthy entertainment- anything to quench my insatiable boredom.

I suddenly looked up and at that moment I found entertainment I was searching for when a certain pretty blond haired damsel sashayed in my direction and took a seat opposite me.

I smirked, at least the night won't be as boring now.

Lady Samantha Ravindra. We have a complicated relationship. We used to be friends when we were younger as she was raised in a family of esteemed nobility in Vermillion. As we grew into our early teenage years I noticed a change in our friendship. To cut the long story short, Samantha confessed her love for me but I just didn't feel the same.

"Hi Ash.", she purred seductively with her vibrant blue eyes glistening with lust.

"Evening Sam.", I replied huskily.

She got of her chair and came to my side and whispered in my ear all while I stalked her like prey.

"Lets go somewhere more private shall we? Follow me."

With that she slightly nibbled on my earlobe and walked away for me to follow.

I growled and followed behind her until I caught up to her. I held her from behind and whispered into her ear, "Lets go have some fun Lady Ravindra."

I pulled her with discretion to a secluded room and looked the door.

The fun has just begun.

.....

I walked across the ballroom and took a flute of champagne as a waiter passed by. I took a a few sips and placed the glass on tray of another waiter who happened to walk by.

I ironed out my suit and fixed my tie as I approached the table where Riveria was sitting at alone.

I pulled the chair and sat down. I noticed how Riveria looked up from her phone and her facial expression changed to one of confusion as she raised her eyebrow.

She rolled her eyes and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"As far as I know I was invited.", I answered smugly resting my arms on the table.

She puffed out a breath in annoyance,"You know what I mean. What are you doing sitting here?"

I just smirked satisfied with her annoyance, she is so cute when she is annoyed.

"Relax princess, I just wanted to come personally and wish you happy birthday and give you this.", I dug into my pocket and pulled out the beautiful pendant.

I gently it placed on the table and heard a gasp.

"Where did you get this?", Riveria asked me still in shock.

She reached out to inspect the golden pendant whilst I inspected her perfect features.

Her beautiful caramel blemish free skin, her brown coily hair and her plump pink lips.

"Did you open it?", she questioned.

What does that even mean? I respect people's privacy I would never do that- is what I wanted to say but instead I replied with a simple, "No!", very offended might I add.

"Oh, okay... Thank you Ashton.", she said with hint of sincerity. Hmm atleast she tried.

"No problem princess, anything for you.", I winked and had my signature smirk on.

She just rolled her eyes with a small smile.

"Where did you find it?", she asked curiously.

I shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "At your house."

She raised a brow in confusion and seemed to be thinking of something.

I was suddenly bombarded with questions when she asked me multiple questions at once, "Why were you there? Was it this morning? Why didn't I see you then?"

I ignored her questions and got off the chair and shoved my hands into my pocket.

She got off her chair as well and folded her arms while slightly tapping on her foot.

I took this as an opportunity to properly gauge her appearance, she is wearing a green off the shoulder dress with diamonds littering the upper half.

"So, why were you there?"

I inched closer to her until we were mere millimetres apart.

I smirked and said huskily, "You will find out soon enough, princess."

I discreetly inhaled her lemon and cinnamon scent then I turned around and walked away with my hands still in my pockets.

They will probably tell her about the arrangement tonight, if she is as intelligent as I know she is then she will connect the dots.

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