Caged (Book One)

Chapter Thirty-Two

Once dusk came, Eveleen waited by the council building. Both parents aside her as the carriage rode down the road to then. Eveleen stiffened, watching the door open. A tall young man stepped out, giving a nod to the driver as he stepped out.

"Hello, I'm Fred." He smiled brightly at them. Eveleen held back any scowl as she smiled back, giving him a nod. Florina grabbed Eveleen's shoulders, nudging her forward,

"This young lady is our daughter, Eveleen." She introduced for her.

"My, hello there Madam Eveleen. You're even more beautiful in person. I'm sure your reputation speaks for itself." Fred commented. Eveleen sighed quietly, looking over the bright colors he was wearing. He screamed Prince to anyone who looked at him.

"Thank you, it's an honor to finally meet you, Prince Fred." She smiled back.

"Please, just call me Fred." He stepped forward, grabbing Eveleen's hand to give a kiss.

"I hope you two get along great. Come back in a few hours for dinner!" Flornia told them and she began shooing them off.

"Shall we?" Fred held his arm out. Eveleen bit her tongue, forcing herself to take his arm and walk with him. The two walked in silence down the road, until they were out of eyesight. Eveleen dropped his arm, crossing her own arms as well.

"Did I offend you?" Fred asked cautiously.

"Oh no. Sorry I'm just not the type for those sorts of things. My mother can be very, controlling as you've seen." Eveleen calmly explained.

"Ah, well, I know a thing or two about controlling parents as well." Fred smiled, continuing to walk along Eveleen.

"I want you to know as well, I have no intention of marrying you. I was asked to at least meet you." Eveleen told him. Fred stopped, with his head lowered. He took a deep breath before raising his head.

Eveleen then noticed, he had deep green eyes that went well with his dark hair that mopped his head. She didn't mind his cheeky smile, he was quite handsome for a prince.

"That's disappointing. I've heard a lot of impressive things about you, Miss Eveleen." He took her hand again, bringing her close.

"I really don't see anyone else who is more perfect as a wife and future ruler." He told her sweetly.

"Hey! Get your dirty hands off her!!" The two turned to see a very angry Hidden Soul marching to them, followed by Kristine and Leo chasing after him.

"Wait Aiden!" Kristine hollered as Aiden approached Eveleen and Fred. He reached out, lunging at Fred. Eveleen backed away as Aiden grabbed the collar of Fred's shirt.

"Back off, Prince. She don't likes you." Aiden slurred as he held onto Fred. Kristine and Leo both caught up, grabbing Aiden to try to gently pull him away.

"What the hell is going on?!" Eveleen demanded, looking at Kristine for an answer. Kristine immediately let go of Aiden, throwing her hands up in surrender.

"No, it was Leo! He let him drink!" Kristine pointed at him. Leo stopped trying to hold Aiden and turned to Kristine. His jaw dropped as he pointed to Aiden.

"It was Aiden's idea not mine! How dare you!" Leo looked so offended as he stared at Kristine.

"Can someone help?" Fred asked as he went between helping Aiden stand straight to fighting him off.

"Nono, I'ma beat your ass!" Aiden groaned, his head lowered. Eveleen sighed,

"Forgive me, Aiden." Fred raised a brow as Eveleen took a step forward, then swiped her leg under Aiden. He gripped onto Fred so he wouldn't fall. Fred took the moment to gently let Aiden sit down for a minute.

"You two." Eveleen shot a look at Leo and Kristine, "Take him to the guest house. Make sure he falls asleep." She ordered. They both nodded, bending down to help Aiden back up.

"No, I was gonna do it!" Aiden whined as he slumped his arms

around them both.

"I was gonna tell her, Kris." Aiden's voice mumbled as he half

walked away with them. Kristine raised a brow at him, glancing to see Leo had not heard him.

"I hate that guy, I'm better, right?" Aiden lifted his head up, looking at Kristine.

"You're way better, Aiden." She rubbed his back comfortingly.

"Adorable." Leo turned his head to hide his grin.

"My apologies." Eveleen told Fred. He waved his hand at her,

"No, don't worry about it. It's part of running things. Which is why it pains me to hear you have no intentions with me." Fred tilted his head, giving her a cheeky smile.

"Sorry to disappoint." She gave him an awkward smile back.

"What if I change your mind?"

"What?" Eveleen raised a brow, letting Fred take her hand again,

"What if I can prove to you, we'd be a good match? After meeting you, I can tell you're worth chasing after." He winked at her. Eveleen almost gaped at him, taking a deep breath.

"If you wanna waste your time with that, then fine." She ripped her hand away. Fred still grinned watching her turn to walk away.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Prince Fred. It's best if I head home now. I will see you at dinner." She nodded at him before leaving.

Eveleen let out a long exhale, finally having a moment to herself as she walked home. Finally able to think more about what Sean told her. Should she even discuss it with Noah? She can't talk to Kristine or Aiden yet about it, but it'd be easier if she had someone to discuss it with. Sean is leaving it up to her to deal with it.

Once she got to her home, she noticed someone sitting outside.

"What are you doing, Noah?" She smiled at him as he lifted his head up from reading the book he was holding.

"I'd thought I'd make sure you returned home. How was your date?" He asked. Eveleen sighed, taking a seat next to Noah on the stairs.

"Nevermind that, I think I need to talk to you about something else." She spoke quietly. Noah closed his book, giving her his full attention.

"Sean returned, and he told me what he had discovered. I need you to promise me you won't repeat it." She gave him a stern look.

"You know I will, what did he find out?" Noah spoke quietly too. Eveleen took a moment, before speaking,

"Krisitne and Aiden's parents, are high ranking members of the Skeletons."