The Prince's Curse

Chapter 22 - The Suitcase

~Chapter 22~

*The Suitcase*

It was miraculous how quickly Ashton perked up after knowing his friends were there waiting for him. Luke saw a huge change in the prince's attitude. He wasn't stiff and forced anymore, everything he did was pure and positive. It relieved Luke that he was acting more normal.

After their afternoon, Luke wasn't sure he would like his surprise. It was why he'd insisted Ashton go to the ball. Ordinarily he wouldn't care if Ashton decided he didn't want to go, would have encouraged skipping a castle wide event, but that's where the lads were going to be waiting for him, so he'd wanted things to go smoothly.

    Ashton danced with his mother one time before he essentially ended the party. Once that dance occurred, it meant people were able to come and go as they pleased, and the royals would leave the party.

    One unfortunate lady had asked Luke to dance, but he was able to fend her off and not participate.

    "They are in the west drawing room on the third floor, Your Highness," the girl Ashton had asked to escort his friends earlier told him. She had been waiting in the main foyer for him all evening.

    "Thank you, I appreciate your service," she curtseyed as Ashton made his way past her up the stairs.

    He didn't even bother to make sure Luke was behind him, walking as quickly as propriety allowed. If there was ever a time he wanted to ditch all the rules and do what he wanted, it was now. Unfortunately, there were still too many people around, lingering couples walking the halls from the ball, servants and guards, and he knew he wouldn't be able to get away with it.

    "Ash!" the cheer went up as he opened the door to the west drawing room. Ashton grinned, slipping inside the room and rushing to Calum to embrace him. Michael, Harry, and Louis joined the group hug, crushing the prince with their love.

    "Oh, get over here, Lucas," Michael rolled his eyes, watching Luke stand slightly off to the side, eyes flitting quickly around the room. Luke pursed his lips before walking over, putting his arms around the group.

    They untangled themselves and Calum looked at the prince.

    "Oh, Ash, why are you crying?" he chuckled, wiping the tears from his face.

    "I am just so ecstatic that you are here."

    Michael cooed, jumping up and giving him another hug.

    "Dude, we missed you too! School just isn't the same without the two of you,"

    "Yeah, and now that we know the truth, your whole story makes more sense," Harry chimed in from where he was lying on the couch with his legs thrown over the armrest.

    Ashton frowned as Calum helped him over to one of the loveseats.

    "I am sorry that we misled you all. It was not right, but we found it necessary for my safety to do so,"

    "Ash, we're not mad," Harry interrupted, sitting up. "Trust us, we get it. I mean, it's dope as fuck that you're an actual prince," said prince giggled.

    "Yeah, mate, we don't care that you had to go into hiding, we get why you didn't say anything. We're just glad we get this chance to visit you," Michael patted his arm. All the boys were sitting in a circle of couches next to each other.

    "Well, now that that sappy moment is over..." Louis began slowly, "I say we bust open my suitcase and play some games!"

    Everyone cheered as Louis brought his suitcase over, setting a small backpack against the wall. He unzipped it to reveal four or five games as well as a bunch of bottles of alcohol.