Princess by Blood

21

We arrive at the charity dinner and I am in the dress, diamond necklace and the matching diamond tiara. Nicholas helps me out of the car and we walk in through the red carpet stairs.

Once we enter, our names get announced and we walk into the dining area. People greet us as we walk by and we stop for conversations here and there.

"Anna darling. I have to go talk to some men privately. I will meet up with you again at dinner." I nod and Nicholas kisses me on the cheek before leaving me. 

I walk around talking to more people about France and everything in between before sitting walking upstairs and sitting in one of the secluded balconies.

I feel someone sit down next to me and I turn to see Luca. Seeing him brings a smile to my face and he hands me a drink.

"Whiskey. Looked like you needed it." I nod and drink it all in one go.

"Merci." He nods and we look back over the room.

"Does it ever get too much for you?" I turn to him confused.

"What?"

"I mean, my life is very hectic and a struggle with that, but it's nothing compared to yours. You always have to attend events and talk to people. You're always the centre of attention. You have to act a certain way and you always carry these heavy jewels and big dress around. I mean, don't you ever get overwhelmed?" I laugh and he stares at me waiting for my answer.

"Oui, oui. I understand. I mean, yes of course sometimes I get overwhelmed, everyone does. But you have to understand I have done this since I was born. I'm used to it. I don't know any different." He gives me an understanding look and a silence falls over us as we look at the rest of the people conversing and having a good time.

"I don't think I would be able to live in your position." He laughs and shakes his head and I simply nudge him.

"It's not as bad as you think. Plus, I think you would be able to hold up a tiara." He turns to me and gives me look.

"That thing? No way." I laugh at his reaction and gently take my tiara off my head. He looks alarm and stands up, backing away from me.

"No no no. That thing is worth more than my whole families life. That is not going anywhere near me." I sit him back down on the bench and roll my eyes at him.

"Oh relax. I have been wearing one since I was three. It's not that hard. Just sit still." I giggle as he stiffens up and I carefully place my tiara on his head. He refuses to move his head as I take a couple steps back to look at him.

"Is this illegal?" His question makes me burst out in laughter.

"Non, non. Don't worry. Go for a walk in it." He looks alarmed but know I won't stop until he walks around. He huffs and stands up, carefully taking small steps, making sure the tiara doesn't fall off.

Suddenly, Giovanni stands in front of him, but Luca doesn't notice. I giggle at the sight of Luca walking towards Giovanni in a tiara.

"What are you doing?" Giovanni startles Luca, causing him to bring his hands up to the tiara, making sure it doesn't fall off. He quickly takes it off his head and gives it back to me.

"Just looking at the diamonds on Anna's tiara." Giovanni giggles and shakes his head. He notices me struggling to put the tiara back on and walks over to me.

"May I?" I nod and he carefully take to tiara out of my hands, placing it on my head. He brushes a piece of hair behind my ear and stares into my eyes.

"Perfetta." Luca coughs behind us to grab our attention and we turn back to him. (translation: perfect)

"I have a question." Giovanni leans against the balcony, looking over the venue and I lean my back against the balcony, looking at Luca.

"Go ahead."

"How much is that thing worth?" Giovanni chuckles at his statement.

"More than your life." I laugh at him and shake my head, looking at Luca again.

"It's valued at over 5 million dollars." Luca gasps at my statement and Giovanni looks shocked next to me.

"You mean to tell me you're just casually walking around with 5 million dollars sitting on your head. I don't even want to know how much that necklace is worth."

"7 million." Luca gasps even more and Giovanni's eyes widen.

"Merda santa." Giovanni says something in Italian next to me and starts inspecting the necklace. (Translation: holy shit)

"So these are real?" I nod my head.

"Gesù christo." Giovanni moves away and they both look at me in awe. (translation: jesus christ)

"I don't know how you do it." I laugh at Luca and bell sounds out.

"I have to go boys. See you later." I leave them in awe and walk back downstairs to find Nicholas.

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