♡ Odette's POV ♡
Delia's coronation day came faster than I anticipated. I was personally grateful for no more manner lessons, Miss Rita would no longer be making any more appearances in my life.
But there was one person who I wished would make one, but for an entirely different reason.
It would be the first time I would see Zayn since our screaming match in his room, and honestly I just wanted to get this coronation over with so I could go to my room and be by myself. I didn't want to look at or talk to Zayn, and I'm sure he felt the same about me. The only way we could work this out if he formally apologized to me. I wasn't going to accept any other wimpy way of trying to win my affection back.
Falene laid out for me another gown concealed by a black bag that morning, more than likely one similar to Zayn's sisters' dresses. I couldn't help but remember the old family portrait hanging in the room Zayn took me to so long ago, wondering if Zayn himself would be wearing the same uniform as in the painting.
Falene had continuously apologized to me over and over again about the drawing room incident, but I assured her it wasn't her fault. People made mistakes, I had simply made one of my own. Falene shouldn't have to take the blame for something I did, especially after the whole downfall Zayn and I were having now.
I said nothing as Falene did my hair and makeup, preferring to keep the easier silence in the room rather than having an awkward and forced conversation. My mind was still reeling from yesterday, Zayn had no right to say those things he said. His behavior then made me anxious for our inevitable meeting later in the day.
I tried distracting myself with the thrill of seeing Delia again, who I'm sure would make a perfect queen. She really was a lovely girl, maybe she could tell me how to work things out with Zayn, or even better, make Zayn apologize for the things he said.
I thanked Falene for my hair and makeup, watching as she picked up the black bag that contained the first dress the world would see me in.
"It's a showstopper, believe me. Not too fancy to upstage the crown princess of course, but a showstopper nonetheless." Falene offered me a small smile before beginning to unzip the dress bag. She stopped halfway, only allowing me a peek of wine-colored fabric before telling me to close my eyes. I found her actions humorous, but I complied, letting Falene slip me into the dress. The fabric was soft and smelled freshly cleaned, and it made me excited to see it.
Once Falene told me to open my eyes, I couldn't believe what I saw.
The whole dress was a deep wine color, very simple on the bottom but eye-catching on the top. The fabric draped beautifully into a huge ball gown, but it was the top of the gown I was fascinated with. The red fabric cut off at my waist, leading up into a nude-colored top, wine colored lace fabric accents providing the necessary coverage on my chest and extending out to my forearms.
It really was a showstopper.
Falene smiled at my astonishment, adjusting the swirling bun my hair was placed into so it didn't fall. I didn't need any jewelry, the dress was a statement as it was. With tears in my eyes, I turned and hugged Falene tightly, Falene fussing that my mascara was going to run if I started crying. I laughed at her worries before stepping outside my room, letting a younger guard escort me to the limousine that would take all the Maliks and myself to the coronation.
I noticed the young guard staring at me a little, a blush starting to heat my cheeks.
"Why're you staring at me?" I asked quietly, the guard immediately straightening up and clearing his throat, embarrassment clear on his face.
"I'm deeply sorry, Miss Carlton, it's just you look very nice. I apologize if I was making you uncomfortable." The boy told me. He looked a little older than my age, with short, brown hair and light blue eyes. He looked like a very sweet guy, and he was quite polite.
"It's alright." I assured him. "I haven't seen you around the Manor before, what's your name?" I tried to make polite conversation, plus I've been wanting to get to know all the servants' names. I felt it was nicer than just calling them servant.
"Seamus Deeney, Miss." he answered with a soft smile.
We were approaching the limo now, and I figured I should end the conversation soon.
"Well thank you for the lovely compliment, Seamus. Hopefully I see you around here again sometime." I smiled and gave him a wave, Seamus looking dazed that someone of such high stature was actually talking to him. He was a nice guy, but it didn't look like he had anyone to call his own. I noticed no add-on to his Mark of what looked like a spade, one you would find on playing cards.
Wedding bands weren't a custom of showing your devotion to a loved one anymore, instead the woman got her husband's Mark, and the husband had something added to his Mark to show the presence of his other half in his life.
It upset me a little that someone as sweet as Seamus didn't have anyone yet.
I got into the limousine with the help of the driver, noticing Zayn was the only one in it.
Wonderful.
Zayn's eyes didn't seem to leave my dress, his caramel eyes much wider than normal as he took in my appearance. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but quickly shut it. I had a feeling he understood what dangerous water he was treading in.
"You look lovely, Falene did a wonderful job." Zayn spoke, reaching to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. My breath caught in my throat. He was trying to get me to forgive him by being nice to me.
"Thanks." I mumbled. Zayn took one last look at the Manor before instructing the driver to begin our route. I gave him a questionable look before he reassured me.
"The others left in a limo before us. They figured we should arrive together." I nodded in understanding. Zayn took a deep breath. He was nervous, as he should be.
"Who was that you were talking to? A Manor guard?" Zayn asked, clearly trying to stretch conversation longer than necessary.
"Seamus Deeney. He said I looked nice." I told him, worry beginning to settle in me as I saw Zayn's jaw tense. I was anxious for a few moments before I realized with a laugh that Zayn was jealous of Seamus. A prince, jealous of a Manor guard. How ridiculous.
"Is he your personal guard?" Zayn stared at me with a gaze that seemed almost suffocating.
"No, the first time I've seen him was today." I told Zayn, a hint of venom laced in with my words. Zayn and I were still in no way as close as we previously were.
We drove in silence for the rest of the journey, Zayn keeping himself occupied by staring out the window and tapping his fingers against his black uniform. He looked handsome, I had to admit. The golden and silver gleaming medals and various colored pins making him look very accomplished for someone as young as me.
Finally, Zayn broke our silence.
"O-Odette, look, the things I said--" But he was interrupted by the car stopping, the limo driver immediately getting out, rushing over to my door to get us both out.
Zayn sighed, having to cut his probable apology short.
"Get out, wait for me, then take my arm. There will be cameras everywhere, just hold onto me and you'll be fine." He assured me, but I didn't respond to him.
The door to the limo was opened, I stepped out, and was instantly blinded. I didn't realize paparazzi liked taking photos of royals so much, but I was clearly proven wrong. I impatiently waited for Zayn to get out of the stretch limo, my hand immediately taking Zayn's outstretched one as he got out of the car.
There were so many flashes, so many people, it was a little overwhelming to be honest. Zayn must have sensed my fright, because before he led me to the grand white mansion in front of us, he pulled me in close to press a kiss to my forehead.
"I'll keep you safe." He mumbled against my skin, and as soon as he felt my tiny nod, he smiled and led me up the many steps to the huge mansion.
The mansion was all white, a huge staircase much like the Manor leading to a grand entryway. Beautiful flowers surrounded us, shining with their bright colors from the afternoon sunlight. Paparazzi died down as we got closer to the huge building, many of them shouting Zayn's name and asking who I was.
Inside the building, hundreds of people in fancy dresses and uniforms and suits were chatting and having a good time. I thought I saw one of the cousins (Sebastian?) walking around with a girl friend, and with a start realized it was Ivy.
I had to admit Ivy cleaned up well, wearing a black ball gown with some glittering jewels sewn into it. Her hair was pinned up similar to mine, and she seemed to be having a good time with the royal prince. Maybe they were dating? The thought made me smile, it was nice to see Ivy take a liking to someone. She could use that.
Zayn kept me close to him the entire time, telling me it wasn't proper for the girl selected to be the prince's to wander off alone. I didn't say anything, and Zayn huffed before pulling me to the side.
"Look, I know what I said to you was completely uncalled for, and I know you're upset with me, as you should be." Zayn started, and I had to take a deep breath to settle myself. I crossed my arms over my chest, but Zayn quickly grasped my hands, locking them with his own.
"I was drunk, and I know that is no excuse for my actions. I didn't mean anything that I said, and I know nothing in the world can make you forgive me properly. But I can't stand this whole distance thing you're doing to me." I refused to meet Zayn's eyes as he spoke, but he wouldn't take that.
He gently raised my chin with his finger, making me look at him. I couldn't help but stare into his enchanting eyes, almost all my resistance melting away with one look. God, he was good at making girls forgive him.
And then when I didn't speak, Zayn leaned in close to me, so close I could smell his intoxicating cologne. His head tilted slightly to the right, and my heart began pounding furiously. He was going to kiss me, our first real, proper kiss.
And I was going to die from anticipation.
Just as I sucked in a breath to steady my racing heart, I felt a pair of warm lips press against mine. They were soft and perfect, and stole the breath from my lungs. I was blissfully lifted to cloud nine, then all too soon brought back down to earth as Zayn pulled away, a smirk on his lips.
"Did you like that?" He asked humorously, and suddenly I couldn't use my voice, so I only nodded. Zayn laughed at this before leaning in once more, pressing a swift kiss to my lips once more. My hand involuntarily reached up to the back of his neck, keeping him where I wanted longer, extending what was previously a chaste kiss into one that lingered a bit longer than I'm sure Zayn would have preferred.
The prince reached up to remove my hand from his neck, laughing softly when he saw my pouting lip as he stopped our kiss.
"There can be more later, I promise." Zayn smiled before wrapping his arms around me in a hug. He sighed happily as I hugged him back just as tightly, taking his small victories where he got them.
"Are we better now?" he barely whispered.
"A little, but you're not out of the woods yet, Malik." I answered, and he laughed.
"Of course not. Now come on, I believe the coronation is about to start, and you have an Empire to impress."