The Heir and her Guard

Chapter 5

Finally, the day was finished. Max lay in bed, her mind racing. How could she fall for the princess? And realising while she's finding someone to marry. God, how selfish.

She hated this feeling, she felt as if each moment with Jane was a lie, a stab in the back to her. They must remain friends, nothing more. Her job is to protect Jane, not fall in love with her.

Maybe it's not love, maybe she was mistaken. But the feeling is still there, such a warm feeling. How can something so destructive feel so... safe?

Perhaps she should ask the princess for closure. Tell her what she feels and get reminded they are merely friends, that way the feeling will die down.

Normally Max was brave, not scared to confront anyone and definitely not afraid to go to the princess. But this time was different.

God Max, it's only Jane. You've known her since she was an infant, since you were 2. What's there to be afraid of?

Max decided her conscious was right, and got out of bed, heading to Jane's room. With only one purpose she walked down the halls, and once she reached the familiar door she seemed to freeze.

Was this really a good idea?

Yes, Jane deserves to know. Gently, she knocked on the door.
No answer.
She knocked again, slightly harder this time.
Once more, no answer.

"Princess?" Max asked. She slowly opened the door, her body tense. Jane's bedside lamp was on and she relaxed as she realised Jane was already asleep. It's been a long day after all.

Slowly she headed towards the bed, chuckling at her weird position and how uncomfortable her childhood teddy must be, hanging off the side like that. She carefully took the teddy from Jane's arms, and leaned down to lift her head back onto the pillow.

As she touched her hair, Jane stirred. "Shhh." Max soothed, pulling the blanket up higher once she was in a better position. She then slotted the teddy back into her arms and turned the lamp off.

"Goodnight." Max said softly, walking out and closing the door behind her.

Just as the door clicked, she realised she had forgotten about her whole plan. Ugh, that cute sight clearly wasn't going to help. Next time she's actually going to confess.

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The next morning, Max was woken up by rapid knocks at the door. She groaned and got up, opening the door. Immediately she was greeted with Jane running inside, already dressed in a pretty but casual gown, a big grin on her face.

"Good morning, sorry for waking you. Will here, is very rudely threatening to throw paint on me. Isn't that right?!" She said, making sure Will could hear from wherever he was.

Max was half asleep, and very confused. She had barely gotten any rest last night, her thoughts keeping her up til the early hours of the next morning. "Huh?" She asked, making her bed.

All of a sudden, Will jumped inside the room and onto Jane. She screamed, pushing him off. "God Will, you're like 5'9, don't jump on me like that!" She exclaimed, standing up.
"Just coz you're short-" Jane punched him in the chest and he grimaced before quickly smirking and running outside.
"I'm telling mother you still sleep with your teddy!" He shouted, running down the halls.
Jane followed after him, lifting the bottom of her gown so she could sprint faster. "Don't you dare!"

Max chuckled as she headed to her bathroom, she's gotten used to these hectic mornings.

An hour or so later, everyone in the palace was ready and Jane surprisingly didn't have any paint on her gown.

As always on gorgeous summer days such as these, everyone went outside. For some reason, Michael was here, and Max didn't like that. He sat next to Jane on the grass, and she clenched her sword handle, watching as Jane leaned closer to whisper in Mike's ear.

God, she couldn't handle this. What does Mike have that she doesn't?
Titles, Max. He's a prince, he's a man.
Know your place.

Mike had a faint blush on his cheeks, and he smiled at Jane before standing up and heading over to Will.

Max kept her eyes on Jane as their eyes met. Jane smiled and waved her over. She walked over and sat down, guilt already flooding her. How could she sit here and pretend everything was normal?

"Can I talk to you... privately?" Max asked, hesitant.
"Su-"

"Attention everybody!" The king said, standing up, "I'd like to give a toast to the new couple!" Everyone cheered as Jane and Mike frowned. Couple? "But that's not all! I'm also inviting you all to the engagement next month!" He smiled and sat back down.

Jane's eyes widened and she turned to Max, "I'm so sorry- I'll be right back." She said, quickly standing and walking up to her father.

Max nodded and sat there, thinking of what she was going to say. Will she be upset? Maybe she'll not want her near her anymore.

She came back just a minute later, and sat back down. "So what were you saying? You wanted to speak in private?" She asked, looking straight at her.
Max felt her hands get sweaty, and her heart rate picked up. What is happening? "I-uh... yes." She stuttered,

Max you better stop it, I swear.

"Okay." Jane smiled, "Let's go." She stood up, offering a hand to Max. She hesitantly took it, and luckily Jane didn't seem to notice, or comment on how clammy they were getting.

Max quickly wiped her hands on her tunic, following Jane into the forest. Eventually they made it back to the opening they had been in just the week before, and sat down.

"This should be our spot." Jane said.
"Huh?" Max asked, confused.
"This place." She said, looking around, "This opening should be our place."
"Our place?"
"Yeah. Like, if we ever want somewhere to get your mind off things or a spot to just go to, this can be our spot."
"Only ours?"
"Sure. Only ours."

God, every time she even looks at Jane she falls more and more in love. She doesn't want to ruin this moment, it shouldn't be too hard to keep a secret, right? Just ignore it. Sounds easy enough.

"What did you want to talk about?" Jane asked, not tearing her eyes away.
Max avoided her gaze ever so slightly, "Nothing in particular, I just wanted to enjoy time with you. Without all the people around."

Jane chuckled, the sound sounding like heaven to Max. "Well, thank you for taking me away. Father was driving me crazy."
Max smiled, gaining the courage to look into her eyes.

It was as if a fire set alight inside her, and she found herself her closer. Not too close though, a good few inches away.

She quickly stopped herself from getting any closer, and decided to lie on her back instead. "So, tell me about this Mike. Do you like him?"
Jane smiled and laid beside her, both of them staring up at the sky. "I don't know. He's amazing and all, but we're making a plan."
"What plan?" I asked.
"It's a secret, I'll tell you at some point."
"Mmm, we'll see. But, if you don't like him, who do you like?"

She stayed silent for a second, and turned to face me, "I don't know that either." She sighed, "I'll find someone eventually."
"I'm sure you will. Who wouldn't want to be with you?"

She gave me a small smile before rolling back onto her back.

Well done Max. Why didn't you just tell her?