Uncharted - A My Sweet Prince Novel (2)

Lunch Date

I climb from bed and decide to make myself look presentable. I have a feeling it wouldn't do to be seen in public with a prince looking like a commoner. Even though that's exactly what I am. I sit at my vanity and look at myself in the mirror. "It was five years ago," I say softly to myself. "Let it go." I blow out a breath and run a brush through my hair, taming the wayward curls into a braid down my back. I slip a small flower pin at the base and dust my face with a natural makeup look.

Standing, I head to my wardrobe and mull over my options. Of course I have everything I had brought, but Asaka spoiled me, having several dresses and gowns delivered in just my size. I run my fingers over the soft fabric and finally settle on a light dress in lavender. I slip it on and twirl in the middle of the room, unable to keep the smile off my face. A girl could get used to this treatment. I feel a little like a princess.

I am just slipping my feet into a pair of ballet flats from my own wardrobe when there is a knock on the door. I brush imaginary wrinkles from my dress and open the door, blinking in surprise. "Prince," I say cordially.

"Just Chezem, please," he says, lifting a hand, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You look lovely, Miss Lina." He holds his hand out to me, but makes no move to come any closer. I hesitate before taking a breath and settling my hand into his. His skin is warm and comforting as he curls his fingers around my hand and gently pulls me out into the hallway. "Are you ready?" he asks.

I nod my head. "Yes. Shall we head into town?" I ask, smiling brightly. He must think I'm a total psycho, losing my crap one second and then friendly as can be the next. I have to tell him, I decide. Asaka is right. We won't have anything to do with each other except when I visit and, as expensive as these tickets were, it won't be as often as I wish it could be.

And, I muse silently, there is always the small chance that he will understand. Asaka says he won't judge. Maybe she's right and I will have someone else who understands me a little better. Chezem is watching me, as if waiting for my inevitable come apart, but I simply start walking and he is forced to either walk with me or release my hand. He follows my lead.

We walk for several minutes, hand in hand, before we both seem to realize it. He drops my hand suddenly and when I glance over at him, his cheeks are slightly pink. I fold my hands in front of me and say nothing and he, likewise, does the same. When we reach the front doors, Chezem steps forward and opens them for me, motioning for me to go ahead. I smile my thanks and step out into the morning sun. I take a moment to bask and sigh softly. I love the outdoors.

Ivan is waiting for the two of us with a car ready to go, engine running. He opens the back door and bows at the waist, and I slowly climb into the dark interior. Chezem waits until I am fully seated before half climbing in. He pauses and glances at me. "Would you prefer I sit beside you or across from you?"

I am a little startled by his question, but think about it. I would feel much more in control if I could see him fully. I motion to the seat across from me. "If you don't mind?"

His answer is to sit graciously and smile at me. "Asaka has told us much about you," he says after a moment of silence.

I blush. "Of course she did," I say with a chuckle. "All good things, I hope?" I fiddle with the hem of my dress absently.

"Yes," Chezem says with a nod. "She is very fond of you. Miss Lina...I am not very good at meeting new people. I truly do wish to apologize if I have overstepped any boundaries with you."

I blink and feel tears sting the backs of my eyes. "No," I say quickly. "You've done nothing wrong." I reach across the space between us and place my hand carefully on his knee. "I just...I have a lot of issues." I wince. "That came out badly."

The car comes to a stop and Chezem looks up. "We have arrived," he says with a tentative smile. Ivan opens the door and Chezem climbs out, holding his hand out to me for assistance. I accept graciously.

"Wow," I say, looking around. "It's beautiful."

Chezem lifts an eyebrow. "Yes," he says. "The Redevelopment is underway, so there may be places we cannot reach. Jun has been working very hard to provide low income housing for many people that does not feel like low income housing." The way he spoke about his brother was endearing. It sounds like he cares about his family deeply.

"That's great," I say, as we walk the streets together. Many people stop and stare, but no one says a word. I squirm uncomfortably. "How do you manage it?" I ask with a sigh. "All the stares?"

Chezem frowns. "I suppose you just learn to tune it out after a while. I am a prince and my mother is a wealthy woman. My life has always been filled with stares and whispers, people wanting something or other. If you pay attention to all of it, you'll go mad." He shrugs, as if it's a simple fact.

"Chezem," I say, a little awkwardly. "Is there someone where we can have some privacy? Big crowds make me a little nervous." My heart pounds in my chest and I'm almost certain he can hear it, it's so loud. He doesn't seem to think my request is odd and turns down a smaller road with fewer people. Unconsciously, I move closer to him and our arms brush. Neither of us comment on it and I am glad.

"You barely ate at breakfast," Chezem says suddenly, stopping in front of a little café. "Would you join me for lunch?"

I peer into the building and see that it is dark and quiet. It seems as good a place as any to share dark secrets. I nod my head. "That sounds great," I say, and follow him inside. I grab the back of his shirt without thinking as we enter, to keep from getting separated in the dark. He doesn't seem to mind as he leads me to a table in the back, away from most of the patrons. We sit opposite each other and he leans forward on the table, voice pitched low. "Is this alright?" he asks me.

I smile fondly. "Yes," I say gently. "Thank you."

A server comes to our table and audibly gasps, seeing Chezem. A slightly annoyed look crosses his face and I glance between the two for a moment. "C-can I get you anything?" she asks, not paying me any attention.

Chezem waves his hand. "Perhaps just the special, whatever it may be."

The woman nods quickly and starts to turn away. "Oh..." she mutters. "And you?" She throws a look in my direction that would make a softer woman crumble.

I sit a little straighter and skewer her with my own shriveling look. "The same," I say, ice in my voice. "And perhaps a side of respect? It's rude to stare. He's a person, not a piece of meat."

She scoffs and turns away without a word. Chezem is looking at me when I turn my attention back to our own table. "Thank you," he says. "It's easy to ignore when you don't have to interact."

"I've got your back," I say, smiling. "Consider me your personal bodyguard against raging females."