Page 134 of Tabloid Princess

He ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t believe this. I hate those bastards.”

“Oliver, it’s not just the press. I will never be an equal to you. You would never be able to introduce me to anyone and have them look at me as though I should be by your side. This was just a foolish error. The press will forget me eventually and we will both go back to our own lives.”

I wanted to scoop my tongue out with a spoon.

He reached for me, his familiar touch sliding around my face. “If you think for one moment, I’m going to forget you, then you are wrong. You gave me the first slice of normality I have ever experienced. And not because you aren’t a royal, or things are different with you, but because with you and Daisy I felt something I never expected. Leia, I’m in lo—”

He cut off at the sound of the phone ringing.

“Saved by the bell.” My laugh rang flat and lifeless. A deep frown scored into his face as he watched me get up and answer my own phone.

“Leia, you need to be careful. You don’t know who has your number.”

I waved him away though. The number was easily recognisable. I froze. My reaction made him sit up straighter.

“What is it?”

“It’s the school.” My fingers struggled to answer the damn thing. “Hi.” I said, trying not to sound like I was in the middle of an argument.

A sliver of ice crept into my veins as I listened to the receptionist in the school office.

“I’m on my way.” I almost screamed. My lungs tightened and tightened.

“Leia? What’s wrong?” Oliver stood from the table, knocking back his chair.

“It’s Daisy. She’s had a bad asthma attack. They’ve rushed her to hospital.”

He snapped into action without hesitation. “Where is she? The Whittington?”

“No.” I began to shake, my legs unable to hold my weight. “They’ve taken her to King’s; it’s really bad.”

He grabbed at his phone from his back pocket and pressed the screen. “We need a car, now,” he shouted into it.

I could barely hear over the static in my ears. “Leia?” He brushed at my hair, holding my gaze and I welcomed his touch as it soothed me in the moment. “We’ll be there.”

I screamed, so loud it tore through my lungs. His phone beeped and he pulled me towards the front door.

I was going to be too late. I was going to lose the only thing I’d ever wanted.

Twenty-Six

“Stay.” I didn’t even turn to look at him. I pushed at the door as soon as the car came to a halt outside the entrance to the hospital.

The catch in his voice paused my frantic actions. “Leia. Let me come with you.”

“No. This isn’t about you. This is about Daisy.”

I left him and ran for the doors. He’d got us through town in record time. His driver, once we’d passed the mob of reporters, took turns and corners I’d never have known. No taxi could have got me here so quick.

Daisy.

The tight panic banding around my chest made it impossible to breathe. I pushed against it, but it tightened with every gasp of air.

“Daisy Lawrence,” I shouted, crashing into the welcome desk of the emergency department. “She was blue-lighted in from Winterborn Primary. She’s had an asthma attack.”

The lady clicked her mouse and stared at her computer. I pulled at my hair, groaning so loud people started to stare.

“Please hurry.” I begged. I rested over the counter to try to balance myself, and the woman shifted back a little bit. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m not being rude, my legs are shaking.” I couldn’t hold myself up. The trembles in my thighs made it impossible. Her gaze focused on me a little, clarity coming with her recognition. My name whispered behind me Princess Leia. I just wanted Daisy. The moment stretched out like a bad horror movie until a hand grasped my elbow. The air shifted around me. My lungs exhaled a painful rush of air.