I'll Show You A Villain

Cameras flashed.

A media circus followed us as Anastasia and I walked across the street, hand in hand.

We were at The Goldenes Quartier[1], doing some shopping.

Ever since our first meeting, Anastasia and I had been hanging out quite often. Sometimes we would enjoy concerts together, go on boat trips, have lunch and dinner dates. At first, there wasn't too much attention on us, the odd reporter would snap our pictures from a distance, and we would end up somewhere near the back of a tabloid.

But then overnight our outings became a hot topic. It had gone somewhat viral online and now wherever we went we were followed by a hoard of journalists and fans. People around the globe were talking about us.

"They are the most beautiful couple, they're so stunning, I can't imagine what they'll be like all grown up."

"A Genius and a Princess, it's like something from a fairytale."

"They're so young and yet engaged, I thought arranged marriages ended years ago!"

"They're both rich, and gorgeous and they're not even a decade old yet and they're in love. Life isn't fair."

"Young love!"

People were fascinated. The fact that we were in an arranged marriage, that we were both different races, that Anastasia was technically royalty, that I was a genius...there were many reasons for us to hold the Publics curiosity.

Anastasia loved it.

She would go out of her way to wave at people and flash around a pretty smile. She had never received so much attention before and I could tell it was getting to her head.

I, on the other hand, was annoyed.

I felt trapped.

....

We walked into Cafe Am Hof and the staff greeted us excitedly. One of the workers noticed how Anastasia and I were holding hands and excitedly muttered "Aww" to one of her colleagues.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

I flashed a pretty grin, "We booked a table for two."

I heard a few 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' and people smiled at us fondly. "Of course," said the waitress at the very front. "Let me take you to your table."

She escorted us to a more private and secluded seat upstairs.

I made a show of politely pulling out Anastasia's seat for her before sitting down myself. I heard other people seated much further from us, remark "Such a little gentleman, I heard he was a very polite and kind boy."

I inwardly smiled, doing small things like that to maintain my good image was tiring but well worth the effort in the long run. Anastasia seemed to notice my glee at hearing that comment and smirked at me, "You're such a narcissist."

She crossed her arms in annoyance, "I'm eight, not five, I know what a narcissist is. My English is just as good as yours, and Aunty has me taking Korean classes now, so soon I'll be fluent in that too."

"Mmmmm" I nodded, I didn't really care. While Anastasia bragged about her language skills I glanced out the window and noticed the crowd of onlookers slowly dispersing, although some did linger, and the press lurked around at the entrance.

I then looked at the entourage around us. There was Min Ho and the eight bodyguards that belonged to the House of Romanov.

"You know I already know some Korean words" Anastasia was still going on, unaware that I wasn't listening.

"Hey" I interrupted her, "Let's get out of here."

"Huh"

"I chose this place for a reason, their toilets here are connected to an emergency exit that leads to the back of this place. Let's both go separately and use the exit to meet outside."

Anastasia shrugged, "Why though, what's the point? It will just cause the guards to panic and I'm having fun now."

I laughed, "Woah, you're so boring. I thought you were going to play with me...or" I tugged at the collar of my turtleneck, "Should I show everyone what you did to me?" although the bruises had somewhat faded I still had an ugly purple mark there.

"You better show me a good time."

I simply grinned at her and then turned to Min Ho, announcing loudly, "I need to go to the bathroom."

I quickly got up and left, mouthing to Anastasia silently as I went 'you better come as well, or else."

She pouted but I knew she would follow my instructions.

...

As Min Ho took me to the toilet I said, "I'll be leaving soon with Anastasia as planned."

He nodded.

"I will text you to update you on our location, make sure to keep the guards occupied and lead them in the opposite direction of wherever we are. I'll be sure to call you to pick us up before 5 pm."

"Do you really need to do this?"

"This is our last full day here before I travel back to Korea, after that I won't be able to see Anastasia for a long time. I want her to remember me. I want us to have some fun alone without everyone watching us." I gave Min Ho a pitiful look. As expected he easily gave in.

"Then I expect to see both of you back by 5, if I don't get an update every 30 minutes I will ȧssume the worse and come after you immediately."

I nodded, "Understandable."

After that conversation, Min Ho waited outside of the toilets while I walked past the stalls and towards the fire exit. Before long I was behind the cafe on Schulhof street. I went behind some bins and found a duffel bag that I had made Min Ho pack and hide there the day before.

I looked around, just like I thought, this place was a blind spot. No cameras at all.

I opened the backpack to see it filled with two black padded jackets, two black caps, and two pairs of children's black plimsoles.

I quickly put them on.

"Wow, you definitely planned this out, were you that bored being with our security. Although I did find them a bit tiresome as well, so I don't blame you." I looked back at Anastasia and threw the duffel at her.

"Put these on, we don't have long before they realise we're gone."

I rolled my eyes at her, "You're only just noticing now?"

"Narcissist" she stuck out her tongue.

I didn't bother responding to her comment as I grabbed her hand and led her down the street.

It was now time for fun.

[1] The Goldenes Quartier is a really expensive shopping area in Vienna.