A Royal Arrangement

Chapter 4

Rey heard a knock on the door and Olivia answered it. It revealed a guard standing there and looked at Olivia and Rey. He was tall, had short, wavy blond hair and bright blue eyes. Rey thought he was handsome. He was in his early twenties.

"Hello." Rey said smiling at him warmly.

"Umm--- hi?" The guard responded a bit confused.

"What's your name?" Rey asked walking towards him as Olivia silently followed her.

"My name?" The guard replied.

Rey smiled nodding not saying a word.

"My name is Fred." Fred answered.

"I'm Rey, I'm from England." Rey said and took Fred's hand and shook it.

"I know princess," Fred chuckled. "But it's nice to meet you."

"You really don't need to call me princess. You can just call me Rey." Rey said.

"But princess, it is not polite to address you like that." Olivia gasped.

"But I'm telling you that I'm fine with it, the king does not have to know about it." Rey giggled. "It'll be our little secret." Rey said putting her index finger over her lips.

"Your highness, the king requests you for dinner." Fred said pointing at the door.

"You must hurry then, princess." Olivia said.

"Alright," Rey sighed and rolled her eyes and grinned. "But you will learn to listen to me." Rey giggled walking out of her bedroom.

Rey entered the dining room where Ben was already standing there. Rey gave Ben a small bow and Ben led her to a seat. Ben pushed Rey in her seat and sat on the chair across from her. The table was very large. It was enough for a big party to eat their meals there. Rey stared at Ben and wondered why he wouldn't sit right next to her until she remembered what he was like.

"Thank you." Rey said as her voice made an echo in the room.

"You're welcome." Ben responded.

"You don't have to sit all the way over there." Rey replied.

"And I don't have to marry you either." Ben coldly responded, glaring at her.

"Right," Rey mumbled looking down at the table. "You're right, you don't have to."

"Then we agree, I don't have to do anything with you." Ben said as he rolled his eyes.

"If you cannot stand the sight of me, then why are we to wed?" Rey scoffed.

"Before my father passed, he and your father arranged it." Ben answered.

The rest of the dinner was silent and awkward. Rey didn't know what to say nor did she think he'd care to hear her speak.

Fred had escorted Rey back to her chambers. Rey wanted to dress in her nightgown and go to bed so this day would end.

"Was dinner that bad?" Fred asked breaking the silence as they continued to walk.

"Yes." Rey answered nodding.

"I'm sorry."

"I just wish I could have at least one friend to talk to." Rey sighed in defeat.

"I may just be a guard here, but I'll try being the closest thing you have to a friend." Fred assured her.

"Thank you." Rey said in a soft whisper and smiled.

"Here we are." Fred said as they stood in front of her bedroom door.

"Thank you for walking back with me."

"It's part of the job, princess." Fred chuckled.

"Please call me Rey from now on." Rey quickly responded.

"I'll try." Fred laughed nodding.

"Well goodnight." Rey said.

"Goodnight... Rey." Fred replied.

"Now you're catching on." Rey giggled.