30 Days As A Substitute Prince

Chapter 19

Yesterday was a long day. 

Unfortunately, the charity event that Aria attended lasted longer than they would've thought, and so they didn’t get to spend the rest of the day together as planned. However, over dinner they arranged that they would definitely continue their plans today. 

The morning was cool and over-casted, providing the perfect temperature for a carriage ride into town. Chad had spoken with the driver, and had him arrange a special route along the coast that ultimately led into St. Neavers Park, where he had a special picnic awaiting them. 

Luckily, the driver didn’t question how he knew of this route, as it is famous for lovers to either walk or have a romantic ride. 

The idea had become more appealing especially after Dania left yesterday. What Chad and Aria needed, was a day away from the castle and other people. Even if it's just to have a great day, they both needed it. 

Breakfast had been lovely, and he could sense Aria’s excitement with every glance they shared. She too was anticipating the trip, and she made him promise not to tell Joshua about it. 

Her paranoia was something else. 

A knock sounded on Chad’s door as he straightened his tunic. The intruder didn’t even wait for an answer—instead she pushed through after her first knock. 

But Chad didn’t mind. In fact, the very sight of her brightened his entire mood. 

“I’m sorry for intruding. I just wanted to see if you were ready,” she said as she curtsied politely. She’d gotten so used to coming into his room, that it almost seemed normal. 

“You are not intruding, Aria,” he assured sweetly. “In fact I am glad you’re here. Could you help me with these?” He raised his hand to show her his cufflinks. He could never get them himself without spending fifteen minutes.

Aria chuckled lightly as she closed the space between them and took a hold of his hands. Her tiny fingers on his wrists felt perfect, and they found themselves staring at each other intensely. 

Dania’s voice from yesterday came ringing in Chad’s mind. She had asked him countless times if he was sure about this act with the princess. His heart will be broken and so will hers. But he knew there was nothing he could do, seeing that they were already in so deep. 

The heartbreak was inevitable, so it helped just to not think about it. 

“My mother told me that the carriage is waiting, even though no one told me where we are going,” she said with a small pout and hidden teasing. Chad’s lips tilted at the sight. 

“You will see once we are there. Shall we go?” He extended his hand for her to take, and she retrieved it with a brighter smile of her own. 

On their way down, they spotted Joshua and Tina talking. The four shared a look with each other, but no one said anything. Joshua suspected that something was wrong with Aria, seeing how she acted around him, and Tina felt awkward, simply because of what Aria told her earlier. 

But Tina couldn’t stay away, and Joshua found it hard to stay away from her too. 

“Let them be, Aria. I do not believe that Joshua has ill intentions towards your sister,” Chad whispered only loud enough so that she could hear. Aria sighed but nodded reluctantly as they took a sharp left that led to the stairs of the castle’s lobby. 

“I know. I can see that he cares for Tina I just… I just do not like that he’s keeping something from us that could possibly be dangerous. I hate secrets.”