The Heir and her Guard

Chapter 30

Will was on his horse, riding beside Max and Jane who were going through the town. Many guards accompanied them, just in case, but right now he only had one thing on his mind.

He sighed and looked down at his horse, giving it's hair a gentle stroke. The wedding was barely a week away, and yet he couldn't seem to stop thinking of Mike. His confession, the kiss, Jane's advice... it was all so confusing to him. How could he know it was genuine?

Well he had to make his choice quick, Mike was coming back to Aveington in a weeks time, and it's going to be his final chance. Either he confesses to the Prince and hopes for the best, or he hides his feelings and doesn't get hurt.

———

Jane had arrived back to the palace, as did everyone else. It was around 5 pm now, but she wanted something to do. She decided to go visit Jonathan, he was her older brother. Now you might be thinking, how come he's not the heir? Well Jonathan had stepped down from royalty when he was 19, he adored his family but being the king was definitely not the kind of life he wanted.

He had met Nancy at 17, and had fallen in love almost immediately. He officially stepped down as heir almost 2 years ago now, and originally thought he was going to be demoted to a duke. After some discussion his parents and the parliament agreed for him to remain a prince, but made a deal that he couldn't and wouldn't ever be king.

This was perfect for him, and he happily agreed. He had brought a beautiful manor barely 10 minutes from the palace, but he usually remained in the palace with his fiancée and his family. He wanted Nancy to be the only one he loves, but right now they're in no rush to get married.

Jane knocked on his door, and Nancy opened it with a smile on her face.

"Jane!" She exclaimed happily, bringing her in for a hug, "Come in!"

Jonathan appeared from the en-suite, his brown hair freshly washed. "Congratulations." He said calmly, hugging her once Nancy pulled away. "I was wondering, well..." He paused for a second as he thought, "I was wondering how father was. I haven't heard from him in a while, is he okay?"

Jane sighed, "He's alright, just a bit upset. He has been since I decided to marry Max."
Nancy gave her a sympathetic look, "Where is Max?" She asked.
"I'm not sure, she told me she was going to speak with someone."

The lady in waiting glanced at Jonathan, who just shrugged. Neither of them had any idea who this someone could be. "Well I've noticed Max has been sleeping in your room more frequently." She said playfully, sitting Jane down on an armchair.

"It was only twice." Jane replied, "And it's nice having company- plus you sleep with Jonathan every day!"
"What?!" The Prince exclaimed, flushing red.
"I didn't mean it like that!" Jane laughed.
"Well I'm engaged!" Nancy said, matter of factly.
"Um, so am I?!" The princess answered.

Nancy found no reply and sighed, "Fair enough. But I uh... actually have something to tell you." She said, suddenly sounding nervous.
"What is it?" Jane asked, curious.

She looked at Jonathan who nodded and gave her a supportive smile before turning back to Jane, "Well I... I'm p-"
A loud crash was heard outside, and they all looked at each other before rushing out of the room.

Will was on the ground, paint splattered all over him.

"Will?!" Jane asked, confused. "What are you doing out here? What was that noise?"
"Sorry." He apologised, standing up and getting his rag out of his pocket. "I just had a little slip."
"Little, okay." The princess said, unconvinced.

Will rolled his eyes sarcastically before giving her a smile. "Actually," He began, soon deciding to not say anything, "You know what, never mind. Go back into the room."
Jane scoffed and shook her head before going back into Jonathan's room where the other two were.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" She asked, wanting to know.
Nancy looked incredibly anxious, and shook her head. "Don't worry, I shall tell you another time."
Jane was disappointed, and now she really wanted to know. But she also didn't want to overstep so she didn't say otherwise. "Okay, well I shall see you both tomorrow okay?"

"Of course." Jonathan smiled, putting a hand on Nancy's back as Jane left the room.

———

Max only had one mission at the moment. She was going to repair the King's relationship with his daughter, while also producing a mutual bond between them as well.

She knocked on the door to the dining room, where the King was sat eating his dinner. He enjoyed having his meals earlier than others.

"Sorry to interrupt your majesty." She spoke as he set his fork down to finish, "I was hoping to have a word with you?"
Jim looked up at her from the end of the table and huffed, "I suppose you can. Meet me in the throne room."

Max nodded and left the room, grateful he agreed.

A few minutes later, they were both in the throne room, and the King waited for what she was going to say.

"I wanted to apologise." Max began, "I know me marrying Jane wasn't ideal to you, and I apologise for that. However, I don't think it should ruin your relationship with her. I know how close you both were when she was younger and I'm sure you'd both appreciate that same connection."

"What are you saying?" The king asked, sounding unimpressed despite being intrigued inside. He had missed his daughter lately.

"I know that if I ever had the blessing to become a parent, I wouldn't trade my love for my children for anything in this world. And I'm aware you're angry at me, furious even, but I don't want you to be angry at Jane for anything, none of it was her fault and it never will be, no matter how much you tell yourself otherwise." The guard said, feeling like she was getting through to him somehow.

"I just feel as though you both should have came to me before doing everything yourself. I'm not... angry, at either of you." He sighed.
Max was surprised by this news, but nodded, "I completely understand why you were upset. But, the wedding is only 7 days away, and I don't want anything to stop us both from getting along. I'm certain Jane misses you too."

Jim stayed silent for a few seconds, thinking. He looked at Max, "Very well. I shall speak with Jane and we will sort this whole ordeal out. I really am happy for you both, I know you love her."

Max nodded, she really did love Jane, with everything in her being. "I do. Thank you." She said.
"And I do care for you too, I've watched you grow up and I must say that you've become a very strong and independent woman and I respect you for that. I'm proud of who you've become."
"Thank you." Max repeated, suddenly feeling a lump form in her throat, she remembered all of the times she had wished her step father had said that.
"Anyway," The King said, not a big fan of emotional moments, "I shall go speak with Jane now."

The guard nodded, giving Jim a bow as tears entered her eyes. The king gave her a small smile and a pat on the shoulder as he walked past, leaving the room.