Chapter Text
Mayfair, UK 1:08 a.m.
Being a prince was complicated. To Anthony, it meant having access to unlimited funds—taxpayers' money—to spend on yachts, booze, and clothes. Yet, every indulgence was met with public scrutiny, as the world criticised his every move from the comfort of their homes.
The complicated part came to his mind whenever his parents got involved. He hated disappointing them, especially his father. Anthony wanted to live his life on his own terms, free from the relentless pressure to be perfect. He remembered the look of quiet disapproval in his father's eyes the last time he’d been caught in a scandal. The weight of his expectations was a constant shadow, but his yearning for freedom was equally strong.
“Anthony,” his mother’s voice was sharp, her face etched with disappointment. She stood in the grand hallway, arms crossed, her eyes reflecting the familiar mix of concern and frustration that greeted him every time he came home late. “You missed dinner, again.”
“Sorry, Your Majesty,” Anthony quipped, attempting to walk past her. “You didn’t have to stay up to lecture me, you know.”
Violet scoffed, stepping in front of him and blocking his path. “Not so fast. Where have you been?”
Anthony sighed inwardly, the sarcasm in his apology barely masking his frustration. “Out with friends. I needed a break.”
Her eyes narrowed, scanning his face for signs of deceit. “A break from what, Anthony? Your responsibilities? Your family? You know, your father and I would like to see you at family dinners. It is important for you to be there.”
His jaw tightened, but he kept his tone light. “Family dinners aren’t important to me.”
Violet huffed, uncrossing her arms. “But drinking and clubbing are important?” she shouted, her brows furrowing in frustration. “Anthony, I swear I don’t understand you. Your brothers act like this, but at least they show up when they need to.”
“Mother, just stop,” Anthony yelled, stepping back, his voice cracking. “Just stop trying to...to change me. This is who I am, who I always have been. Get used to it.”
Violet's expression softened for a moment, a flash of hurt crossing her face. “That is a lie and you know it. You are the crown prince, for god's sake. Start acting like one!”
Anthony’s eyes burned with unshed tears, his hands clenched at his sides. He turned away, unable to face the pain in his mother’s eyes any longer. “Maybe I don’t want to be the crown prince,” he muttered under his breath, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.
The tension hung in the air, the silence stretching as they faced each other. Anthony’s breath was shallow, his heart pounding in his chest. Violet bit her lip, another disappointed look written in her eyes, her hands trembling slightly before she clasped them together.
Anthony sighed. “I’m going to bed,” he replied, turning on his heel and walking down the dimly lit hallway. The grandeur of the palace, with its ornate decor and endless corridors, felt like a gilded cage. The weight of history and expectations pressed down on him with every step.
He longed for the simplicity of Aubrey Hall, a time before his father became King. Those days in the countryside, when his father was just a Prince, were the only period in Anthony’s life that he felt truly happy. He could almost hear the laughter that once echoed through the meadows, the smell of fresh grass, and the sound of birdsong filling the air. Back then, life was filled with adventures in the woods and picnics by the lake, away from the suffocating scrutiny of the public eye.
Anthony laughed bittersweetly to himself. That was in the past, and there was no point in revisiting it. His father was now the king, and all he cared about was maintaining the crown.
“Brother!” Benedict called, swaying a bit as Anthony approached him.
A smirk formed on Anthony’s lips, realising Benedict was drunk. “Drunk in the palace, brother? What a scandal!” he mocked, his tone lightening.
Colin came running around the corner with a bottle of champagne in his hand, laughter bubbling up from his chest. “Anthony, you’ve missed the party!” he exclaimed, eyes bright with mischief.
Anthony’s smirk widened. Despite everything, moments like these with his brothers provided a brief escape from the heavy crown of expectations. “Well, we can’t have a scandal without me, can we?” he joked, joining them.
Benedict hiccuped, laughter bursting from his lips. “We-We are pregaming before the party, Colin.”
Colin giggled, rubbing his head as if he had forgotten where he was. “Oh, right.”
“Looks like you’ve done too much,” Anthony replied, patting his brother on the shoulder. “Perhaps you both should go lie down.”
Benedict swayed, blinking slowly. “Lie down? But the party…”
Anthony chuckled, his frustration momentarily forgotten. “Yes, the party. But you need to be able to stand to enjoy it. Come on, let’s get you both settled.”
He steered his brothers towards their rooms, the laughter and camaraderie easing the weight of the evening’s earlier confrontation. In these moments, amidst the chaos and the expectations, he found a semblance of peace.
Being the oldest child, minus the responsibilities of being a crown prince, had always weighed heavily on Anthony’s chest. He had watched out for his younger siblings since the day they were born. Sometimes, he felt they were more important to him than anything else.
“Anthony, please,” Benedict playfully begged. “Do not make us go to bed.”
Anthony knew he was being a bit harsh, but he also knew the responsibilities that awaited them the next day. “Alright, but take it easy. We have to be up early tomorrow.”
Benedict pouted, but Anthony’s firm tone brooked no argument. “Fine, but just a little longer.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” They both teased with a grin.
Anthony watched as his brothers stumbled away, the warmth of their bond easing the weight on his heart, if only for a moment. He chuckled to himself, savouring the brief respite from his responsibilities, before heading to his section of the palace.
He unlocked the door to his suite, the familiar click echoing in the empty hallway. As he stepped inside, the grandeur of his surroundings did little to comfort him. The ornate furnishings, rich tapestries, and antique décor only accentuated the emptiness he felt.
Anthony kicked off his shoes, letting them thud against the marble floor, and walked towards the large window overlooking the palace gardens. The night was quiet, the soft rustle of leaves barely audible. He leaned against the cold glass, his breath fogging up a small section as he stared into the darkness.
The room felt colder and lonelier than ever. Despite the lavish surroundings, the weight of his isolation pressed down on him. He sighed deeply, the sound breaking the heavy silence, and walked over to the plush sofa. He sank into the cushions, pulled out his phone, and stared at the screen without really seeing it.
His thoughts drifted back to the brief moment of joy he shared with his brothers. He wished he could hold onto that feeling longer, but the responsibilities and expectations that came with being a prince always seemed to catch up with him.
Anthony sighed, tossing the phone down next to him, it landing on the sofa without a sound. He fumbled for the remote in the dark, switching the telly on. The screen came to life, a flash of bright colours flickering across the room as a woman’s voice began to speak.
He flipped through the channels absentmindedly until something-or rather, someone—catched his eye. Her complexion glowed on the high points of her face, her swirling brown eyes glimmering as the camera captured her perfect posture.
“Thank you. It is an honor to be here,” she replied, her perfect white teeth catching the light. “I hosted this gala to spread awareness about child hunger—”
The reporter nodded politely, her practised speech appearing natural to the untrained eye. But Anthony knew better. He had seen behind the curtain.
Leaning back, a smirk played on his lips. Kate Sharma is America’s sweetheart and the daughter of President Miles Sharma. She was always so composed, so perfect. Yet he knew the truth beneath the facade. She was full of empty promises and rehearsed sincerity.
His mind drifted back to the last time they had spoken, the tension palpable even through the screen. He remembered the way she could effortlessly command a room, her charm both genuine and practised. But beneath that polished exterior, he had seen the cracks.
Anthony’s fingers tightened around the remote as he watched her. The flawless smile, the poised demeanour—it was all an act. He had spent enough time around her to know that much.
Anthony flipped the telly off, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. Sometimes he wondered what she was up to, but his thoughts always told him to ignore her captivating smile because it wasn’t who she was. It was an act—a facade to prevent her family from being deemed unfit to run a country.
He grabbed his phone from his pocket, unlocked the screen, and scrolled until he found their text messages. The last one was sent two years ago. I’m sorry , Anthony had written.
He stared at the message, the weight of unfinished business pressing down on him. Why had he sent that? What had happened between them? The memories were murky, clouded by the passage of time and the intensity of their last encounter.
Anthony's fingers hovered over the screen, tempted to type something, anything, to break the silence. But what would he say? What could he say that hadn't already been said or left unsaid?
He sighed again, locking the phone and tossing it onto the sofa. Some things were better left in the past. Or were they?
The room felt colder and lonelier as he lay back and stared at the ceiling, the echoes of old regrets mingling with the present's unresolved tensions. The soft hum of the palace at night and the distant rustle of leaves outside his window only accentuated his solitude. He closed his eyes, hoping sleep would come and bring a reprieve from the thoughts that haunted him.
Anthony's mind drifted back to the last time he and Kate had spoken. The sharp words, the lingering looks, the unspoken emotions that had filled the space between them. He remembered her eyes, how they had sparkled with unshed tears, and how his heart had ached, knowing he was part of the reason for her pain.
Despite everything, he couldn’t shake the hold she had on him. Her image, her voice, they were imprinted in his mind, a constant reminder of what had been and what could never be. He sighed deeply, rolling onto his side and pulling the blanket tighter around him.
As sleep finally began to claim him, his last thought was of Kate’s smile, both a comfort and a torment. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, he allowed himself to dwell in the bittersweet memories, hoping for a moment of peace.
Washington, D.C. 7:08 p.m.
“Kate? Kate? Are you listening?”
Kate blinked, her eyes wandering until they met Edwina’s concerned gaze. “Sorry, my mind is somewhere else.”
Edwina nodded slightly, leaning forward to pat Kate’s shoulder. “Didi, you should let loose. This is my bachelorette party. I only get one.”
Kate forced a smile, her eyes darting to the nearby group of Edwina’s friends who cheered as a blonde woman did a shot. The nightclub was a whirl of neon lights and pulsating music, the air thick with the smell of alcohol and sweat. This was definitely not the time or place to cut loose.
Anyone could spot Kate and Edwina, take an unflattering photo, and upload it to Instagram, causing them to be on the news pages within minutes. The weight of potential scrutiny hung heavy on her shoulders.
Kate sighed inwardly. “I know, Edwina. I just... we just have to be careful.”
Edwina squeezed her shoulder. “I get it, but try to have some fun, okay? This night is for both of us. We deserve to have some fun. Papa said we could.”
Kate nodded, her forced smile softening slightly. She wanted to enjoy the moment, but the constant fear of public judgment was hard to shake. As Edwina turned back to her friends, Kate’s gaze lingered on the crowd, her mind wandering back to the pressures that never seemed to leave her alone.
Being the eldest daughter of a President had its perks, such as hosting galas, getting one's hair done every week, and meeting influential people. But it also meant living under a microscope, where every move was scrutinized and every mistake magnified.
She glanced at Edwina, who was now laughing with her friends and felt a pang of guilt. Edwina deserved this night, free from worries and the weight of expectations. Kate took a deep breath, resolving to at least try to let loose, if only for her sister's sake.
With renewed determination, she stepped closer to the group, forcing herself to join in their laughter and conversation. The neon lights flickered around her, and for a moment, she allowed herself to be just another girl at a bachelorette party, pushing aside the ever-present fear of public scrutiny.
But even as she laughed and chatted, a small voice in the back of her mind reminded her to stay vigilant. The world was watching, and the stakes were always high.
“Wanna dance?”
Kate turned, spotting a handsome, dark-haired guy lingering near her with a beer in his hand. His casual smile and easy demeanor stood in stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the nightclub.
“No, thank you,” she replied politely, offering a weak smile. She shifted her weight slightly, feeling the familiar weight of caution settling over her.
The guy stepped closer, his interest clearly piqued. “Why not? Not much of a dancer?”
Kate glanced at Edwina, who was still engrossed in conversation with her friends. She took a small step back, maintaining a polite distance. “I just don’t feel like dancing right now.”
He tilted his head, studying her with a curious expression. “You sure? You look like you could use some fun.”
Kate forced another smile, her mind racing with the possible repercussions of a misstep: a photo, a headline, another round of public scrutiny. “I’m sure. Thanks, though.”
The guy shrugged, raising his beer in a half-hearted toast. “Alright, but if you change your mind, I’ll be around.”
As he walked away, Kate let out a breath, the music thumped around, vibrating her brain. She felt like a million miles away despite being right here. Her eyes drifted back to Edwina, who was laughing with her friends, blissfully unaware of the weight Kate carried.
She turned back to the bar, leaning against it for support. The world around her buzzed with excitement and freedom, but all she felt was the tightening grip of responsibility and the ever-present eyes of the public.
Kate’s thoughts wandered. It was easier for Edwina, being the second daughter. She had different responsibilities from Kate's. Edwina could enjoy the freedom to pursue her dreams, to live her life without the constant scrutiny that followed Kate.
Just then, a memory popped into her head—something Anthony had told her once. “The second child is the spare to the heir, the backup in case shit goes wrong. They get their freedom to pursue their dreams, to live their lives however they want unless the heir dies.”
She remembered the conversation vividly. They had been sitting in the palace gardens, away from the prying eyes of the public. The scent of blooming flowers had filled the air, mingling with the distant sound of birdsong. Anthony spoke with a mix of bitterness and envy, his eyes distant as he stared out into the horizon. His words resonated deeply with her, a reflection of the unspoken bond they shared. At that moment, they had found solace in their mutual understanding of the burdens they carried.
Kate, obviously, wasn’t destined to take over for her father as President, but she understood how Anthony felt. The relentless scrutiny, the expectations—it was a pressure that never seemed to ease. She longed to immerse herself in a world where she could be Kate, not the President’s daughter.
It wouldn’t always be like this. Her father wouldn’t always be President, but he would continue to be in the public eye, meaning his family would remain under a microscope for the rest of their lives. The thought was both daunting and inescapable. Over time, the intensity might fade, but the shadow of public attention would always linger. Despite this, Kate knew she wanted to continue making a change in the world.
She sighed, running her fingers through her hair. What kind of change did she envision? Her mind drifted to the numerous causes she was passionate about—environmental sustainability, education reform, and mental health awareness. She wanted to leave a positive impact and to be remembered for her contributions, not just her lineage.
Her thoughts wandered back to Anthony, and a slight smile played on her lips at the thought of him. They had shared so many conversations about their respective burdens and dreams. His presence had always been a comforting reminder that she wasn’t alone in her struggles.
Kate’s fingers fumbled around in her purse until they felt the slick screen of her phone. She pulled it out, the screen coming to life with hundreds of notifications popping up. One stood out: a message from her father. Message from Dad: Have fun, Didi, and take care of Bon.
A warm smile spread across her face as she read her father’s message. She clicked on the notification, but her fingers hesitated over the screen. Before she could stop herself, she swiped out of the message and scrolled until her eyes found Anthony’s name.
Two years ago. That had been the last message she got from him. The words I’m sorry lingered there by themselves, a reminder of unresolved feelings and unfinished conversations. Kate’s fingers began to type, but then she stopped. There was no point in rehashing the past.
She remembered the last time they had spoken. Anthony had chosen a life of rebellion, filled with partying and girls, while Kate had faced reality. She had responsibilities and a life with purpose, something she had always taken pride in. Yet, a part of her couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if things had been different.
The neon lights flickered around her, and the pulsating music thumped in her chest. She put her phone away, trying to focus on the present. Her father’s message echoed in her mind. She owed it to Edwina to be fully present tonight, to make sure her sister had a night to remember.
With a deep breath, she pushed thoughts of Anthony aside. She straightened up, her smile softening as she rejoined the group, determined to enjoy the night. Despite the lingering doubts and unresolved feelings, she knew her responsibilities and the life she had chosen were meaningful.
As she laughed and engaged with Edwina and her friends, the memory of Anthony’s words lingered in the back of her mind. She knew finding a balance between duty and personal freedom was a lifelong challenge. Still, tonight, she was taking a small step towards reclaiming a part of herself that had been overshadowed by expectations.