Chapter 9

AUDREY

As I opened my eyes, I could already feel the dread rising in the pit of my stomach, like a caged lion. I closed my eyes again, the sun glowing red behind my eyelids. With the deathly bright sun never ceasing the strength of its rays, I groaned and got up, giving up and sighing in defeat.

I walk over to my kitchen counter and prepare my breakfast, checking the time on my phone occasionally and drowning out the news on the TV with the sizzling of the eggs in the pan. Eventually, I carried my plate over to the couch where I forgot everything about good posture.

My breakfast in the almost silence of my room was short-lived and was interrupted by a loud and cheerful knocking on my door. Huffing, I stomp to the door, swinging it open with such force that gravity would be jealous of, glaring at the 'way-too-bright-for-seven-in-the-morning' faces.

"I said ten, ten." I hissed, pulling them inside and closing the door. Glancing at my phone I growl, "Why are you here at seven? Couldn't you give me at least two hours alone?"

"We missed you!" Margo answers brightly, throwing her arms out wide. When she sees that I'm not convinced she shrugs and plops herself on the sofa in defeat.

"Okay, we're here for the cooking," Libby admits, speaking for the both of them.

Glaring at them one last time, I eat the remains of my (now cold) breakfast before trudging to the kitchen to make their breakfast; you know, since they can't be bothered to make their own.

I set the plates down in front of them before disappearing to my room to get ready. By the time I'm finished and we all made sure to double-check our bags it was nine and the rest of the students in the apartment block began to wake up.

We walked to the underground car park that seemed to represent the Arctic on this fine Sunday morning, hurling our bags in the trunk and clambering into the car, we set off.

Two hours later we arrived at our destination, grouchy and bothered. Our voices were hoarse from singing along to songs, and our eyes suffered from the sleepiness that came with a long road trip. Due to our parents, we were used to long trips, but since we didn't make stops and we were in a stuffy car, the effect on us was the awakening of the attitude of a tired toddler that would throw a tantrum for sleep.

"Ah, welcome back Margo, Libby, Audrey. You've been away for a long time, we've missed you." Georgina sniffed, taking out her handkerchief and loudly blowing into it.

"We're happy to be back. How's everyone, hopefully not lost while we were away." Margo asks, flicking her hair dramatically at the end.

A shrill of laughter escaped from Georgina as she lightly tapped Margo's shoulder. She beckoned us inside, the servants greeted us along the way, a couple of them carrying our luggage to our rooms. After greeting every servant and having a light snack, we each went to our separate rooms to sleep before the big event.

A small 'plink' sound resonated from my phone, notifying me of a message.

Everything is set. Rachel doesn't know that Sebastian isn't walking her down the staircase yet. The King family will meet you at the banquet at 7 p.m sharp.

I read through the message before chucking my phone into the drawer of my nightstand, giggling when I hear an 'oh, okay' from the guest room beside me. Even when she's tired she's still bright and bubbly. My eyelids shut closed as I felt myself sink deeper, succumbing to the darkness of my dreams.

I was awoken suddenly by the blast of a ringtone and reach over to turn off the alarm and I groggily shuffle to my personal bathroom. Looking in the mirror I see my reflection with pink, tired eyes and showcasing one of her best scowls.

"Lighten up Audrey," I mutter to myself, washing my face and putting my hair up. I begin to make my way towards the kitchen after my stomach growled loudly, the quiet thump of my footsteps on the plush carpet being the only sounds in this empty hallway. The silence was deafening with no one in sight, just like my childhood.

I open the kitchen door, smiling at the many faces that greeted me.

"Miss Audrey!" They chorus. The staff, aside from my mother and sister, were the only ones that talked to me daily with a smile. I walk over to one of the stools at the middle counter, a plate sat before me, tempting me with its delicious aroma.

Alex, the chef, peeks from behind me to observe his work, departing with a quiet, "Dig in."

And that I did, the plate was empty before I could realize leaving me confused. Apparently, I was being watched as the kitchen erupted in laughter, which I eventually joined in.

After catching up with the staff, I trudged back to my room, beginning to get ready for the banquet. Pulling out my dress, heels and accessories, laying them on my bed.

"Audrey?" A petite woman enters the room. Her glossy, black hair shone in the sunlight. Her bright, welcoming brown eyes that always calmed me down now glistened with tears surrounded with faint wrinkles. "I missed you, Audrey, you never come home anymore."

She wrapped her arms around me, placing her head on my shoulder, releasing a sob when I hug her back.

"Sorry mother, I missed you too. I was busy with university work. How are you?" I ask, my voice hushed.

"I'm as good as can be. How's university? You're not overworking yourself are you?" She wondered, the concern evident on her face.

"Trust me mother, it's not going to happen again, I promise. Honestly, I'm finding university much easier than before. The Cupid's Database is going smoothly and I'm on a case right now." I smile brightly at her, pausing for a while before quietly, almost inaudibly asking, "How's dad?"

She didn't answer right away, she just watched me with her brows furrowed. She brought her hand up to my cheek, her thumb stroking a slow rhythm across my cheekbone. "He's the same as usual. You know he misses you, he's your father after all, even if he doesn't show it."

I drop my head, moving my gaze to the floor, feeling the edges of my mouth turn down. Frowning, I nod, stepping back from her and turning to my bed, keeping my sight on my dress. "I missed him too, but I can't bring myself to believe that he missed me." I chuckled sadly, reaching out to smooth the dress.

"It's just the way your father is, honey. He says things he doesn't mean and I know he can be harsh sometimes but, you have to give him a chance. You know he loves you." She rambles, standing beside me and reaching over to tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. The gesture familiar, she would do it every time she caught me crying at night. "You should start getting ready, I'm sure you'll look lovely dear."

The door closes, causing me to release a sigh. I throw on the dress and slip on the heels, walking over to the mirror to do my makeup and hair. There I stood, in a black body con dress, with a crisscross neckline and nude heels, my hair hung in curls in a half-up half-down style, and I felt beautiful for once.

My phone chimed once again, alerting me of the time, let the banquet begin.

SEBASTIAN

"Bonjour, the famous King family. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is ours." My father replies, meeting and greeting people a second nature.

The hall we currently stood in was luxuriously decorated, fit for a... king. The grand staircase was the centrepiece, the red carpet standing out to the cream marble floor that followed. The gold furnishing on the bannisters shone in the light from the glittering, crystal chandeliers.

The second floor was held up by magnificent columns, a wide-open space for others to look down on us with orchids and other exotic flowers hanging down. The ceiling-high and dome-like with intricate details around the largest chandelier that hung above us.

A buffet was lined on a long table on the wall to my right with smaller tables adjourned in white surrounding it, the seats featuring the same white as well as silver bows on the back.

The room felt stuffy with the crowd around me, I pulled on the collar and tie of my tux, trying to loosen it, trying to breathe.

We were approached by many, all wanting to greet my parents, and their successful son. My stomach twisted into knots, I could feel the disappointment eating away at me even though I knew to expect it. My head was cloudy, everything blurred around me, my chest tightened and I felt every breath become harder to achieve. I stumbled to an outside balcony on the left, the sheer curtains hiding me, always looking back to make sure no one saw me depart.

I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that I hadn't been spotted, when I turned, I wish I hadn't. Before me stood a girl, in a black dress and nude heels, surrounded by the flowers and fairy lights that decorated the balcony, the lights of the city blurred behind her.

Noticing my stare, she slowly turned to face me. "Sebastian?"

"Audrey?" I breathed, "You look beautiful." She smiled softly, sadly.

She ran her hands through her curls, shrugging. "How's the party?" Her voice was soft, her eyes were reserved.

"It's fine, I think," I reply, walking over to her and leaning on the balcony.

She looked up at me with her brows furrowed. "You think?"

"Well, I don't know. I couldn't breathe, I had to get out." I shrugged, looking out at the city, the lights twinkling in the night sky, a duet with the stars.

"Are you claustrophobic?" I looked back at her, as she too, watched the city. The lights of the night twinkled in her eyes, whether it was the city lights or the stars, I couldn't tell.

I chuckled, sucking in a sharp breath. "No, but sometimes stuffy rooms get the best of me. There were just...too many people."

My eyes widened as she reached up to me, her hands resting on my tie. With a small tug, I felt the tension die down, feeling able to breathe again. "There," she glanced at her watch momentarily, "We have to go back in soon. It's going to start; will you be okay?"

I nod, holding out my elbow for her to take. We both enter the hall, this time, I feel at ease, for a while at least.

A man stands before us and grabs Audrey's arm. "Where were you?" He hisses, completely ignoring my existence.

"I needed to take a breather." She solemnly replies, guarded.

He clicks his tongue before roughly dropping her arm. "Well get back in there and don't disappoint me again. Why can't you be like your sister?" He sneers before leaving us.

"Who was that?" I cry, reaching over and rubbing her arm, which now has begun to redden.

"No one. Come on, we should find your family, they must be worried." She smiles brightly, her eyes, however, are dull. It's fake.

I spot my brother instantly in the crowd, not only is he tall but he is surrounded by a bubble of laughter and smiles. I feel my face drop, instantly feeling distanced. I'm beginning to regret coming back in here until I feel a hand enclosing mine, giving it a light squeeze.

"Breathe, we'll be okay." She glances over at me, causing me to nod and begin towards the bubble of happiness.

My brother spots me, smiling widely and waving us to come over. "Sebastian! Where you been?"

"Just on the balcony with Audrey," I answered, lightly tightening my hold on her hand as his gaze moves over to her.

"Audrey, it's good to see you again. How long has it been, four years?" He nods.

"Yes, I believe so," she replies, squeezing my hand back, "how is Jessica?"

"She's fine, she texts me every day saying she misses me, she's so cute honestly." He laughs softly.

Before I could ask, the music stops, meaning the entrance begins.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for being here tonight. My name is Chris Heart and this is my lovely wife, Cheryl Heart." He pauses, waiting for the round of applause to cease.

"As you all know," Cheryl begins, "We are holding this banquet for both the release of the film adaptation of my husband's book and for the debut of my daughter's acting career, who will be joining us monetarily."

"And now we have an exclusive trailer for everyone here," Chris Heart begins, his voice loud and booming, and to be honest kind of terrifying when the lights dim. An image is projected on a screen behind them that I didn't even notice until now.

The guests watched in awe at the girl on the screen, looking flawless as she battled a gang of men. Cheryl and Chris Heart stood proudly, wide, smug smiles etched into their faces. It was a cliché trailer, an innocent-looking girl surrounded by vicious men, ready to pounce on their prey. As they approach her, she breaks a mischievous smile, smiling wider when they realize their mistake. She pounces, the roles reversed as she strikes, taking them down one by one, sparing no one.

The trailer ends and a spotlight focuses on the top of the grand staircase where a girl stands, greeted by applause. Rachel stands in an emerald dress, her red hair like a crown, standing out in contrast to her dress. Her dress has a slit down the side, revealing her long pale legs that seem to go on forever, exposing matching emerald stilettos, encrusted with diamonds that glitter in the light. Her crimson coloured lips pull into a modest smile, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

The lights are turned on as she begins to gracefully descend the staircase, an angel in beauty, that much is clear. She throws a smile to her parents as she passes them, her smile slightly wavering when she sees that I am not at the bottom of the staircase, Oliver in my place.

He gazes up at her in adoration as she smiles down at him, on him. Their ranks and social status are clear, even from where I was standing. I glance over to Audrey, she is focused on Rachel and Oliver, after all this is her job. A slight breeze from the open balcony wafts past us, playing with Audrey's hair but not lessening her beauty in any way.

Chris' booming voice breaks me out of my trance, whipping my head back to the staircase and seeing Rachel's eyes wandering, searching for someone. "Let the banquet begin!" He beamed as the audience once again erupts in applause.

Oliver leads her to the middle of the dance floor, passing adoring smiles of the crowd. Even I, someone who doesn't know much about women, know that they are secretly planning a future wedding for them. Only Audrey and I can see the unrequited love in the middle of the dance floor.

"Ugh! I know it's your job and all, but they are so," the voice pauses, I turn to see Libby beside Audrey with her finger tapping her lips, her eyebrows furrowed in thought, "awkward?" she finishes with a shrug.

The orchestra begins their performance, delivering the music perfectly. The dance floor is soon full with couples embracing one another, swaying, drunk off the moment.

I look to my right to see the space my brother stood was now empty, my eyes frantically search the room, finding him walking through a doorway on the right below the staircase. Maybe he's going to the bathroom.

"You must be the current heads of the Cupid's Database? It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Edward King and this is my beautiful wife Alicia." My father greets, smiling at my mother's embarrassment and lightly slaps him on his arm.

"The pleasure is mine sir, I am Audrey Parkinson, the golden cupid. This is Libby Dickson, the black cupid. It's nice to see my mother's work in person, I've only ever heard the legendary King case in her stories." She responds, smiling brightly, her eyes shone with excitement.

"Sir? You are too kind, please, call me Edward. I too am delighted to finally meet the legendary Audrey Parkinson, you are quite the woman, I hear. Setting up my son as your first case and making him change from Playboy to loyal in a couple weeks? That is impressive." My father praised, smiling just as brightly, maybe even more.

"We are really in your debt Audrey, in Katie's debt too. We can't thank you enough. We trust you will do a good job with Sebastian." She giggles, taking Audrey's hand, stroking it affectionately. Audrey looks down at her hand, surprised by the action, but smiles gently nevertheless.

"I'll do my best." She chuckled, my mother began nodding enthusiastically and began babbling about, future weddings?

"So how is your job going? It must be tough work being the black cupid." My father asks Libby.

"Actually, it's Audrey who has the hard job. I thought it was a little tough when I first started out but I got the hang of it really quickly." She smiled politely, laughing along with my father.

The clicking of heels bring us out of our individual conversations, we all turn to the source of the noise, the sparkling emerald shoes so intimidating that even the Wicked Witch of the West would be on edge. Her hair shone with a fiery passion.

"Sebastian," she purred, her eyes shone dangerously bright, they don't bother to hide her mischief, "come dance with me."