The Heir and her Guard

Chapter 10

Half an hour or so later, the pair reached the palace. Jane seemed to realise something on the way, so she quickly got off Sterling and led him to the stables before running inside.

"Jane! Where are you going?" Max shouted, getting off her horse.
"I have to ask Will something!" Jane replied, entering the big doors.
Max sighed and thanked Steve before heading inside too, not in much of a rush knowing Jane was in the palace anyway.

Jane urgently knocked on Will's bedroom door, and once she got a reply she barged inside. "I have to ask you something." She exhaled.
"Why were you in so much of a hurry?" Will asked, confused.
"It's very important. So..." She shut his door behind her, "I've seen you and Michael get along well."

She smirked at his blush, "I- well... of course. He is to be my brother in law after all. It's good we get along, is it not?"
"It's amazing you get along. But what if he's not to be your brother in law?" Jane asked, sitting on one of the cushioned stools.
Will looked at her, "What are you implying?"

Jane sighed, "Well, I'm not interested in him like that. He's a nice man and everything, but I just don't picture myself marrying him. And," She smiled, "I noticed that certain look you give when you take an interest to someone."
Will laughed, "You're saying you think I like him?" He shook his head, "That's unheard of."
"Doesn't mean it's impossible." She shrugged, "All I'm saying, is that he's all yours if you want him. We are to remain friends no matter what. Plus, there might be a chance he takes a liking to you too." She nudged him and he chuckled.

"Maybe I'll consider it." He nodded.
"That's all I'm asking for. Anyway, I need your help now."
"Sure, what's up?" Will asked.
"How do I get father off my back? He always seems to have eyes on me, it's quite annoying."

Will smirked, "I heard he was on your case about spending too much time with Max."
Jane furrowed her eyebrows, "That was ages ago, and why are you looking at me like that?"
He shrugged, "Maybe you and Max...?"
"No no no. That's totally absurd to suggest!"
"Is it really though? Maybe a bit of forbidden love in the palace?" Will teased, nudging her back.

Jane laughed, "You've been reading too many books William. Plus, you haven't even answered my question!"
"Oh yes." He chuckled, "I suppose you could either be completely secluded from life until marriage, or simply ignore his rules and live life as normal."
"But life isn't normal anymore."
"That's because you aren't living it as you once used to. Stop applying unnecessary pressure to yourself. Why don't you go relax with Max?" He smirked and Jane rolled her eyes.

"You have got to stop with all this, it's out of nowhere!" She said, standing up.
"Jane and Max, will their love survive the harsh obstacles?" Will stated dramatically.
"I shall not hear any more." Jane concluded, heading towards the door.
"Falling in lo-"
"No more!" She said, closing the door before laughing to herself.

Just as she took a step down the hall, Nancy ran up to her.

"Jane! Oh thank god I found you." She said, breathing heavily.
"What's wrong Nance?" Jane asked, concerned.
"It's your dress- Holly was running and she just- it was a complete accident I promise you."
"Woah woah, calm down. What's happened?" Jane replied, being dragged along by Nancy.

They reached Jane's room, and her eyes widened as she saw the skirt of the dress completely ripped into shreds.

"I'm so sorry, I don't even know how she got in here- I guess her and Erica were doing arts and crafts and she must've not understood the instructions I gave to her." She exhaled and Jane looked at her.
"It's alright, I'm sure there's a second option somewhere."

Nancy looked at her, "We only have until dawn tomorrow your royal highness." She thought for a moment, "In fact, there is a dress that is most lovely. It's just a matter of whether Prince Michael is willing to change his suit colour."
"Oh, I'm sure it'll be fine." Jane smiled, "Shall we go look at it?"
"Yes, follow me."

They went down the halls and into the sewing room, where a beautiful red satin dress stood on a display. "This is the one." Nancy said.
"It's gorgeous." Jane said in awe.
"It's made for your measurements. I apologise again for your previous dress."
"What colour are you wearing at the ball tomorrow?" Jane asked.

"Navy blue. I am to match with Jonathan." She smiled.
"Oh, are all the couples matching?"
"I wouldn't be surprised. I know Dustin and Suzie are matching, and I'm guessing the others will too. That's why we must suggest Michael to match with you."
"We're not a couple-yet of course." The Princess quickly added.

"Well the good thing is that not many people are planning to wear red, so you'll still stand out."
Jane chuckled, "I don't need to stand out. I prefer simply enjoying the ceremony."
"Of course. But you must keep in mind the fact that you are the celebration. Our princess is getting married, it's very monumental."

She faked a smile, "I suppose you're right. Anyway, I must head to bed."
"I shall get the dress prepared. Goodnight ma'am."
"Goodnight."

Nancy bowed and Jane left the room, thoughts rushing through her mind as she entered her bedroom.

Maybe she should just really find a husband.