The Heir and her Guard

Chapter 8

It's been a month, and Max's plan was still working. She only stayed with Jane when necessary, and she didn't seem to notice any change.

Mike was to arrive in a few hours, since the ball was tomorrow. Max had her outfit ready, as did Jane. Obviously no one knew what they looked like, that'll defeat the whole point of being incognito. Well, normally the mask would hide only the top half of your face, but in Aveington they had custom made masks that hid your lower half and most of your top half, except your eyes.

The material used made it possible to breathe, and it was quite comfortable to wear.

Max still wasn't out of love, but she wasn't falling more in love, which was a good thing. Another batch of princes were invited to the ball, so she had to make sure Jane was okay, which wasn't very good news. She had to keep on eye on her, and she's tried to avoid those pretty eyes for the past month.

It was okay though, it's only a ball. God, she's been to loads of balls. Engagement balls, masquerade balls, even just random balls. This was nothing unusual, so she mustn't act like it is.

After laying in bed for a couple minutes, just thinking, Jane finally decided to get up. Someone knocked on the door, and her heart leapt. She was hoping it was Max, she's noticed their encounters becoming less frequent lately.

She'd still walk by her side, but she couldn't engage in conversation, and always seemed to be in her own world. Or she'd be on her horse for either fun or training.

Jane just hoped she was alright.

"Come in." She said, and the door opened to reveal Nancy. They smiled at each other and Nancy opened her closet.

"Good morning Jane. Are there any plans today?" She asked nicely.
"No, I suppose not. I might go into town." Jane shrugged, feeling a bit bored staying in the palace.
"I shall get you something casual then. This?" She asked, lifting up a flowy pastel green gown. The weather was pleasant today, so she agreed to the outfit.

Once she had gotten changed, she headed to Max's room. Unsurprisingly, she wasn't there. Her bed was already made and her uniform gone, which means she's already out doing something.

She sighed and went into the dining room, eating breakfast with Will before going out to the stables. "Will, would you like to join me?" Jane asked him.
He shook his head, "I shall join you later, I've got to escort Michael to his room once he arrives."
She smiled despite being kind of disappointed, "Okay. Tell anyone who asks I'm in town."
"Of course. Bye Jane."

She waved and rode down the streets, not having a real destination.

Max wandered down the halls, looking for Jane. She hadn't seen her all day, which was weird considering she'd normally be around talking to people. She ended up outside her room, and knocked.

"Jane?" She asked, "Are you in here?" Slowly she opened the door, but the room was empty. She sighed and closed the door, retracing her steps.

Upon her way, she found Will. "Hi Max." He smiled.
"Good morning. I uh- do you by any chance know where Jane is? I haven't seen her at all today."
"Oh, yes. She's in town."
"Alone?" She asked, shocked.
"She left alone, I'm going to join with her later."
"Okay. Thank you." Max smiled and bowed before rushing out the palace.

She noticed Sterling wasn't there at the stables, so she got onto one of the other horses and rushed into town.

Around 10 minutes later, she reached the bustling streets and looked for the Princess. After a bit of panic, she ended up seeing her sitting on the park bench, talking to an elderly man.

Jane held the man's hand in hers, an empathetic look on her face. Max got off the horse and gave the reins to one of the patrolling guards. "Keep him safe for me." He nodded and since she was in a higher position than him, gave her a small bow.

She turned and slowly approached Jane, wanting to talk to her but also not interrupt their heartfelt-looking conversation. Accidentally she stepped a bit too close, and Jane's eyes shot to hers.

The man turned and gave her a small smile, his eyes sad.

"I'm very sorry sir." Max said, "But could I talk to Jane? It's urgent."
He looked back to Jane who had her jaw clenched, "Of course. Thank you for your help princess."
She smiled and slowly stood up, patting his shoulder a couple times. "I shall see you at the ball?" She asked.
"Yes. I will inform my wife."

Max noticed Jane's eyes soften, but she nodded and walked over to Max.

"What." She asked, not sounding too impressed.
Max grabbed her arm and led her further away, so no one else could listen in to their conversation. She looked around and made sure no one was around before looking back to Jane.

"What were you thinking going off on your own? You could've gotten hurt!"
"But I didn't! And what do you care?" Jane answered, upset.
"What do you mean? I'm your guard Jane! It's my duty to ensure your safety!" Max exclaimed, confused.
"Really? Because lately you've not done any of that! You don't talk to me anymore, you don't even look at me! See, you're still not!" Max hesitantly met her eyes, "All you've been doing, is avoiding me! So tell me, what did I do for you to act like this?!"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Max said quietly.
"And now you're lying to me. If you want me to go back, I'll go back!" She began walking off but Max caught her wrist.
"I didn't say you had to leave!"
"Then what are you saying? You've come over here and interrupted my conversation, and then just stood here not doing anything in particular except looking everywhere but me."

"I am looking at you Jane." She said.
"Only because I told you to. What are you doing here anyway?" Jane wondered, calming down.
"I suppose I wanted to make sure you were okay. Was that man alright? He seemed upset."
"Oh. He's got dementia, and he just remembered his wife had died 15 years ago. He was crying when I came up to him, so I comforted him for a while and invited him to the ball so he wouldn't be so alone. And then you arrived."
"But didn't he say he's going to tell his wife about the ball?" Max asked, confused.
"Yes." Jane's eyes were sad, "He's forgotten again. So when he reaches his home he's going to realise she's not there again, it's a big loop he told me."

Max stayed silent, not knowing what to say.

"Anyway, I'm guessing I have to go back?" Jane asked.
"No, you can stay here if you'd like. But I'll stay with you."
"There's no need. I know you would rather do other things."