The Heir and her Guard

Chapter 27

Neil had wanted to go out to eat, but due to his unreliable behaviour, there was no way Max was going to agree. So instead she decided to make a homemade meal, using the few ingredients they had left in the fridge.

Surprisingly, they had enough to make a pretty decent spaghetti dish, so she began to get everything out.

Jane was feeling a bit uncomfortable under Neil's gaze, so she headed towards the kitchen. She wanted to help out in some way so she grabbed a tea towel from the side and some disinfectant spray before beginning to clean the counters.

She looked over and saw Max looking focused as she got a chopping board out. Everything seemed to be exactly where it was before she left.

The princess noticed she was a bit quiet, so once she finished cleaning the counters she went over and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. Max jumped, something she never did in the palace, and quickly turned her head to look at her.

"Are you okay?" Jane asked, concerned.
Max's eyes immediately relaxed, relieved it wasn't Neil. "Oh, yeah. Are you?"
"Mhm. I like your mother."

The guard chuckled, a soft smile on her face. "I'm glad she's getting better." She lifted Jane onto the counter so she could talk to her easier. "And my father?"
"I already hated him before coming here, I haven't even really spoken to him."
"That's for the best, he's very unpredictable at times." Max replied, putting her hands on either side of the counter as she leaned closer to Jane.

"I can tell. Are you sure you're okay though?" The princess asked.
"Yeah, it's not too bad so far. Thank you for convincing me to come here."
"It was your idea." Jane said, putting her arms around Max's neck and bringing her closer.
"I would never have come here alone, so... it was kind of yours."

Jane rolled her eyes playfully as Max chuckled, lifting a hand up to her face as her thumb ran down her cheek and towards the nape of her neck.

She placed a kiss on Jane's nose before kissing her softly on the lips. She pulled away a few seconds later and smiled, kissing her once more.

The pair then began to get started on the meal, Max boiled the spaghetti while Jane cut the vegetables.

Susan entered the kitchen, feeling sort of nervous, almost like she was not supposed to be here with them.

Just as she was thinking about leaving, Jane saw her in the corner of her eye and gave her a comforting smile, urging her to come closer.

"I uh... sorry for barging in." She said, hesitantly stepping closer.
"You didn't, would you like to help?" The princess asked.
"Sure."

———

Once the spaghetti was finished, they all gathered around the table, well except Neil who was snoring on the couch.

"Shall we wake him up?" Susan asked, her voice quiet.
"No, we've got to leave after this anyway." Max answered, tucking Jane in before sitting down herself.
"You do? Why?" Her mother asked, sounding disappointed.
"Jane and I have a busy day today, we were only supposed to stay here for a little while."

"Oh... well are you going to return? I really have enjoyed the time with you and the princess."

Jane smiled but said nothing as she handed out the plates full of food. They all ate and talked between them until finally Susan asked what she'd been wanting to for a few hours.

"Actually, I have a question to ask." Susan continued.
Max glanced over at Neil who grumbled and sat up, rubbing his eyes. She took a sip of her drink and nodded, telling her mother to ask.