The Luxen press core had quickly surrounded the large antique car that had parked outside the castle. Sporting the Luxen flag in front and flanked by two black cars on either side of it there was no mistaking it was a member of the royal family. This specific make and model of car however was quickly identified by Flynn and the press as the crown princess of Lux, Ciara Montgomery.
Armed with flashing cameras and invasive questions the press core waited with baited breath for the princess to come out of the car.
"Noo! Stop we're not going out there yet she's trying to steal my time" Fiona said in a bitter tone. "But Mrs Rose the press are waiting" Mrs Brown said in a concerned tone. With a jealous sneer Fiona turned to Flynn. "You, boy go out there and push through the press. Don't come back in unless you have my sister with you!" she angrily spat.
Taking a deep gulp Flynn opened the door and stepped outside to adress the princess. Nervously walking towards the car his nerves were twisted into confusion and relief when the car suddenly sped off knocking over an eager reporter who attempted to chase after it. Left standing there he scurried back into the house.
"Um...your highness...the princess is gone. She just drove off into the distance and I think she might have killed a reporter" Flynn said shakily. Staring daggers through him Fiona took a deep breath and plastered on a fake diplomatic smile. "Alright tell the guards to announce our arrival and let's get out there" she said to Mrs Brown.
Minutes later Brodie Sr, Fiona and Brodie stood proudly before a clamoring pres core. Blinding camera flashes and a sea of eager eyes met them as they politely waved and smiled. "We will open the floor to only a few questions!" Mrs Brown shouted to the press.
"Yes, Duchess of Burk how do you feel knowing your disappearance meant that your sister superseded you to the throne? As an older sister that must be a hard pill to swallow" a young reporter said probingly.
"That doesn't seem very apropos to ask at-" "Thank you for the question" Fiona said interrupting Mrs Brown. "Now Ms...sorry dear what's your name?" she asked smiling with an undetectable lack of sincerity she continued. "Oh my apologies, Sasha Lucas; Daily Lux" the reporter replied melting in the expert fake warmth of the Duchess.
"Thank you Sasha yes she's my little sister and it is unusual for the younger sibling to be higher on the hierarchy but I love Lilac. This isn't us when we were kids and I was yelling at her to not wear my clothes this is what's best for the great kingdom of Lux. I decided twelve years ago to stand with my husband and our child and subject myself to life underground. I made that mistake, no one forced me into it so Lilic can be the darling princess. I'm just here for my people and my family because those are my priorities" Fiona replied with a nervous glint in her eyes as Brodie was taken aback by the mention of it being a mistake.
Throughout the press conference Fiona and Brodie Sr were probed and interrogated. Brodie however was the new media obsession despite not being asked anything. The novelty of someone of Luxan and Jaran descent being royalty was still seen as a punchline.
"Yes Greg Fuhrman; Luxan Tribune this question is for Sir Brodie the second" he said as the murmuring died as everyone nervously looked at Brodie.
"I'm sorry I don't think Sir Brodie is in the necessary headspace or aware of the climate and customs here asking him a question may be a bit unfair" Mrs Brown said scrambling. "Yeah true he's been surrounded by Jarans his whole life give the kid a day at least" another reporter sounded as laughter emanated from the crowd.
Visibly confused and upset by it Brodie was crestfallen to see his parents laughing along. Plastering on a smile through the confusion and anger Brodie let out a small fake laugh.
"Alright the family of Burk will field more questions in select interviews but we need to cut this off here thank you all for your time" Mrs Brown said as Brodie Sr, Fiona and Brodie returned back into the house.
With the cameras off them Fiona let out a deep sigh an stretched her face with her hand. "Ugh I did not miss doing those" she said in a tired tone. "Better than that mistake you made going with me and dad" Brodie said as he walked away.
"Brodie stop right there!" Brodie Sr said as Brodie walked up the marble steps. "Sorry I'm just a dumbass Jaran I don't know any better" he said dripping with insincerity as he continued up the stairs and went to his room.