To Win the Prince's Hand

Chapter 20

20.

A week and a half later, I vented to Gabriel about the tight reigns Madame Goustav had on me ever since I ran away.

"I haven't been able to see anyone besides you!" I complained.

"Why don't you invite them here?" he suggested.

He'd been giving everyone updates about me, but he hadn't told them about Serena by my request. However, as he said this, I thought about it a bit more.

"Do you think they'd tell?"

"Well, Jasmine might tell Christian. She tells him everything," he reasoned.

"I still haven't gotten to meet him," I grumbled.

"Well, he's not as amazing as I am," he joked before becoming a bit more serious. "But he really cares about Jasmine and she cares a lot about him. They're a good match. When she's loud, he's quiet, and when he's loud, she listens with rapt attention." He said this with a distant look as he trailed off.

"Tell me more," I prodded so he wouldn't stop.

"Well, he knows her parents fairly well, and they talk about home a lot. They look at each other like the other is the most precious thing in the world. You would think she was always happy, but you haven't truly seen Jasmine happy until you've seen her with Christian. They have a relationship anyone would want."

"Do you want a relationship like that?" The question was out of my mouth before I could stop myself and I blushed a bit at my bluntness.

"Of course," he replied, looking intently at the lantern.

"Do you think you'll have one?" I continued much more cautiously.

"I hope so," he answered.

A silence came over us, only filled with the quiet sounds of the forest. I leaned into Serena, letting a small sigh pass my lips. "I hope you have one, too," I admitted, also looking at the lantern.

The peace was interrupted, however, as Serena smacked me in the back of the head. She gave me a look to signal she felt left out and I laughed.

"Oh, shut up," I told her, and Gabriel began to laugh as well. "You too, Gabe."

"So, Serena, do you want to meet the others?" he asked her. She nodded her head and gave me a pleading look.

"No! She knows I'll give in!" I yelled, shielding my eyes. He laughed even harder.

"We all know you're going to give in, Danielle," he pointed out.

--

I suppose that was why I found myself standing just outside the gate the next day as everyone including Gabriel tromped up.

"Guys, be quiet or we'll get caught!" I whisper-yelled, looking around for Madame Goustav.

"Why are you so nervous anyways?" Jasmine asked as she finally reached me. Gabriel came and stood by my side with the lantern.

"She has something to show you all," he answered for me.

"Now, everyone needs to stay quiet at first," I instructed. "If you dislike the dark, stay close to Gabriel. Watch the ground."

With that, I turned around and made my way through the woods. Luckily, the moon was out tonight, so the ground was well lit. An owl in the distance 'hoo'ed and Abigail jumped, clutching onto Mark, who was beside her, much to our amusement.

Only one person fell, Ethan, which made my night. As I helped him up, I laughed, unable to stop. This, of course, made Gabriel laugh, and then Abigail, and soon, everyone was laughing.

After that distraction, we continued on. I could hear the others whispering behind Gabriel and me, and I became nervous. "What do you think they'll think of her?" I whispered to him, and he gave me a sympathetic look.

"Don't worry; they'll love her," he responded and I gave him a grateful look.

Finally, I stopped everyone and ran ahead, leaving him behind. Serena looked up a pleased look on her face. I patted the top of her head with a small smile on my face.

"You ready? Tonight's a big night," I told her and she wagged her tail. "Don't scare them." She sent me a mischievous look and I replied with a stern one until she gave in. With one more pat on the head, I walked back to the group.

"You guys can talk now," I announced to them. "One rule though: Don't scream."

"What are you going to do, kill us?" Ethan asked. I simply ignored him.

"Gabriel?" I offered, and he handed me the lantern before walking into the clearing.

"Oh no! It's eating me!" he yelled a few moments later. They ran ahead, following him, as I walked behind.

Their reactions were priceless. Abigail and Jasmine looked beyond terrified, while Ethan and Mark tried to look brave, but failed miserably. Gabriel was rolling around on the ground laughing. Serena was giving everyone a quizzical look, as if she was confused as to why everyone looked scared.

"Everyone, meet my dragon, Serena," I introduced, much to her pleasure.

Everybody seemed to like her, although Abigail still seemed a bit wary of her at the end. Several jokes were made about the fact that Gabriel and I had been going alone.

All in all, the trip was good. And as the next month passed, it was the only time we met together. Madame Goustav refused to let up on me, and she gave lessons everyday.

As she began to focus more and more on details, I knew something big was coming, I just didn't know what.

-----

Sorry, sorry, I know it's short. However, it's a Monday update! So... I estimate 7-8 more chapters. So... you ready? It gets even more interesting.

Dedication to BETHANY because I always think of her when I write forest.

AND IMPORTANT: I have two ideas for part two! Please check that chapter and let me know!

And don't let up on the votes and comments because it's summer!

Vote. Comment. Enjoy!

Becca