The Heir and her Guard

Chapter 15

The pair began their journey back to the palace, emotions and thoughts racing through the both of them. They were glad they were finally able to confess their true feelings to the other, but the reminder they were never going to be able to be together was still fresh in their minds.

Max was looking down at the ground, both to not trip over her own feet and to not meet Jane's eyes. Every time she does she drowns in them, and reaches vulnerability to a point where she will be perfectly content in revealing any secret as long as it means she can stay in them a second longer. And right now she was in no place to, she felt like she had already revealed too much tonight.

They must've been around 20 minutes walk away from the palace, but it wasn't a big deal to them. Together they went back the way they came, walking through the thick trees and over fallen logs.

Jane was still quite upset, she couldn't be with the one she loved. Anyone would be upset over that. But it's just that, well... Max was right there. She'll always be there, by her side, no matter what. Would it really be that bad to risk it? To risk being together? They'd be able to make it work, she's sure she'd be able to convince her parents to accept it.

Sure, it'd be safer to find someone else. But she's sick of trying to be perfect for a father who couldn't even stay loyal. It's his fault she's in such a hurry to get married, it's his fault Aveington could be under attack at any moment.

For her sweet mother she'd do anything. Joyce was the one who raised her, despite being the queen she always made sure to spend time with the twins and raise them to be as respectful as her. That's what Jane plans to do with her future children, if she decided to have any.

Never mind, she has to provide an heir for the throne. She has to not only look for a suitable partner, she also has to find someone who will be an able and trustworthy father.

While Jane was deep in thought, Max decided to take a glance and noticed her shivering. Immediately she took her sweater off, offering it to the princess.

Jane just looked at her with confused eyes, not saying anything. Max walked closer to her and lifted the sweater, putting it over her head as she put her arms through.

"What about you?" The princess asked.
"I'm fine, don't worry. You were just shivering is all."
"Oh, well thank you." She said, resting her head on Max's shoulder.
"You're welcome." Max replied, a small smile on her face. She put her arm around her neck and rubbed her shoulder so she could warm up quicker.

Together they reached the palace, still illuminated with the lights coming from the ballroom.

"It's still going on?" Max asked, surprised.
"Many people were invited, it makes sense." Jane shrugged, just wanting to sleep after her exhausting day.
"Fair enough. Now come on, I'll walk you to your room."
"What about your clothes?"
"You can keep them, I have plenty anyway." She said.

Jane nodded and tried to keep her eyes open as they got nearer, feeling comfortable in Max's clothes.

They snuck inside the palace, rushing through the halls to get to Jane's room. Luckily no one seemed to catch them, and Max opened the door before swiftly entering with the Princess still beside her.

"Don't fall asleep yet Jane, your bed's right there." Max chuckled, shaking her gently as she began dozing off.
"Huh?" Jane asked, looking around with half open eyes.
"Here, before you fall over." She said, letting Jane go before scooping her up with her strong arms, one under her legs and the other supporting her back.

Max carried her over to the bed and carefully set her down, taking her shoes off. "Do you sleep with socks on or-"
"I'm not a bloody psychopath." Jane mumbled, on the verge of sleep as she took her socks off.
The guard smiled and lifted the blanket over her, tucking her in properly. "I'll see you tomorrow Princess." She said, reaching over to get Jane's favourite teddy and handing it to her.
"Goodnight." She mumbled, cuddling the teddy closer as she closed her eyes.

Max looked at her for a moment longer, before walking towards the door and slowly closing it behind her.

On her way back to her room, she was met with Will who was walking with a big smile.

"Max!" He said, patting her shoulder appreciatively. "Where have you been?" He asked with a small smirk on his face.
"I've just been out. Why?"
"No reason. Anyway, I'm heading to bed." He sighed.
"Me too, goodnight." She said, opening her door.
"Goodnight." He smiled.

Max entered her room and shut the door. As soon as Will saw this he sprinted down the hall to Nancy, excited to tell her the news.

"Nancy, Nancy!" He shouted.
"Will? What's the news?" She asked, excited.
"I saw Jane and Max sneak off just less than an hour ago. And now they're back."
"So?" Nancy asked, now confused.
"That's not all. Max was wearing a T-shirt and tracksuit, and she left with a sweater on, I'm sure of it."

The lady grinned, "Tomorrow when Jane gets ready I'll check to see if she's wearing the sweater. This is so exciting, it's like we're undercover spies."
Will giggled, "We're undercover matchmakers. Anyway, as it's late I better head to bed."
"Goodnight. Make sure to talk to Michael." She winked.

"I do not like him! ...maybe."
"Exactly my poi-"
"Hey! Go back to Jonathan and sleep, Nancy. I shall talk to him tomorrow."
"I shall be matchmaking 2 couples at once." She said, clapping her hands together.
"Tease me one more time and I will look through your diary."
"How do you know about-"
"Goodnight Nance!" He laughed, going back to his room.

Max sighed and laid in bed, feeling tired. Today was hectic, hopefully tomorrow will be calmer.