The Heir and her Guard

Chapter 7

Max had reached her quarters, and immediately fell into her bed, putting her hands over her face. She had to make a plan, and fast.

All these moments she's spending with the Princess aren't helping the feeling fade away, instead it's making it stronger. At the sight of her Max feels like her legs go weak, like she's in complete submission.

This however, is not meant to happen, nor shall it happen. Max had a plan.

She was to distract herself in the day, only go to the princess when necessary, and go to her own room at night. It was the perfect plan. She'd be able to get rid of the feeling while also fulfilling her duties and maybe brush up on some training or find a new hobby.

Max was proud of herself of thinking of a solution, and managed to fall asleep by 1 am.

The next morning, she awoke to Jane and Mike speaking quietly outside. She was a light sleeper, so it wasn't surprising, but as she got out of bed she couldn't ignore the rush of sadness fill her body.

Jane and Mike. That's how it's supposed to be. Not Jane and Max. Fate will never change, no matter how much you try to alter it.

She managed to overhear some parts after getting out the shower, although she wasn't meaning to.

"Stop being so afraid Mike, you know he's taken a liking to you." Jane's voice said.
"I'm uncertain, that's all. How do you know you're attracted to someone?" Mike asked.
"You feel it. A sort of warm feeling in your body, you feel safe with the person." She answered.

Max knew that feeling all to well. She felt it for Jane while Jane felt it for Mike.

"I think I have that feeling too." He said. God, why does she have to have the inconvenience of hearing them confess their love to each other?
"Good. I'm proud of you. Anyway, you must hurry before your carriage comes."

Oh right, Mike was to go back to Hawkins today. As much as she'd hate to admit it, Max was overjoyed at this news.

Once she was in her uniform and her bed was made, she opened the door and was met with Jane and Mike. She noticed the huge blush on his cheeks while Jane was smiling playfully at him.

Jane noticed her first, and smiled warmly at her. "Good morning. Go Mike, and remember what I told you." He nodded and gave her a small bow before walking quickly down the hall. Max noticed him open the door to the drawing room, but didn't think much of it as Jane redirected her attention.

"Come on, I assume you haven't had breakfast?" Jane asked.
Max shrugged, "I suppose not."
"Well let's get you something then!" She said as they walked down the stairs towards the dining room.

Max walked beside her and once they reached the table she just took an apple. "Is that all?" Jane asked, confused.
"It's all I need. Now, if you may excuse me, I need to train. I'll be in the gardens."
"But it's rain-"

Max walked away, eating the apple while walking outside. She was immediately met with heavy rain, but she didn't mind. In fact, she liked the rain, and she preferred it this way. Now the rain will distract her more and she won't get as hot while training.

Since her arrows were all sharpened from the last session, she decided to practice archery first. She grabbed the quiver from against the tree, and held her bow, as she took an arrow out and lined it up to the bullseye a few meters away.

Slowly she aimed, focusing on her steady breathing despite the rain soaking her. She heard a carriage leave, the horses neighing.

Finally, Mike was gone. Even though he'll be back for the ball.

She focused back on the target, and... bullseye. Max wasn't very excited, she's very good at archery, but she felt proud either way. She gave herself a small smile and reached for another arrow.

This continued for around half an hour, and she managed to hit the bullseye a surprising amount of time.

After she used most the arrows, she went up to the target and pulled them out, putting them back into her quiver.

She then decided to train in sword fighting. She pulled out her sword and practiced on the dummy they had. She sliced it a few times, stabbed it other times, pierced through the material a bit.

After a while she sat down under the big tree, the ground providing a bit of a roof from the rain. The ground wasn't very damp under there so she leaned her head up against the trunk, raindrops rolling down her neck.

After a few moments of bliss, she suddenly heard shouts. She quickly looked in that direction and saw the King and the Princess.

He seemed agitated as always, and Jane looked annoyed. She tried to go back in, in hopes to avoid the rain. Jane has always disliked rain, she much preferred the gorgeous sun and the warmth it provides.

The King grabbed her arm and pulled her back, shouting things Max couldn't hear very well. She was conflicted, should she help and get on even worse terms with the King? Or shall she stay here and help only if necessary. That was her plan after all.

"Leave me alone father!" She shouted.
"Why are you always with Maxine?! You're meant to be with Michael!" He said.

Ugh, why's it always about Max with that man?

"I'm not always with her! I don't even know where she is!"
"Good! It shall remain that way! I don't know why you're with her so much, what are you, gay?"

Jane's eyes widened, she felt worry for Will. Father doesn't seem like he'll accept it, much less support him. Also, gay for Max? She hasn't even considered that.

"What?! I enjoy her company is all!" Max's heart lit up slightly at this, although it immediately fell knowing Jane only sees her as a friend.

Good, this is what she needed.

Rejection.

"Now tell me, why is Will hanging around Michael so often too?" He asked.
"Because they're friends, are we not to be around anyone?!"
"Maybe it'll be better that way!"
"Will and I can be with who we want." She said calmly, "If you dislike that, simply walk away."
"Do not talk to me like that! I am your father!"
"I know! You make that clear to me every time we speak!"

"And yet you still don't seem to get the message! Talk to me once more like that, and you are to be locked in your room for a day!"
"I'm 18, father! You can't do that anymore!"
"I very well can! Want to test me?"
"Just- leave me alone!" Jane shouted, going back inside.

Jim huffed and walked inside through a different entrance.

Max sighed, the rain beginning to calm down. Her plan worked. For now.