Aideen's Answer

~Chapter Twenty-Seven~

Aideen gulped, but accepted this as inevitable and stepped out of her room, closing the door behind her. Enrique stood at attention as soon as she was within sight, but she did her best to ignore him.
'A bodyguard! Honestly!' Ran through her mind, but she knew it was best to leave such thoughts to herself. 'For now.'
She took Garrett's arm, tried to return his gentle smile with one of her own, but she knew how strained it would seem. Aideen gave a slight start when she realized that they were not alone, Enrique was keeping pace, though a few yards behind the couple. She stopped sharply and turned to face her oncoming bodyguard, unceremoniously dragging Garrett with her. Aideen was irritated to see a slightly smug look on Enrique's face, as though he knew what was coming.
"Enrique."
"Yes, Mistress?"
"There is no need to accompany us, we are merely walking to the library, then out to the garden."
"Yes, Mistress."
Satisfied, she turned back to continue on to that dreaded meeting. They had taken no more than ten steps, however, when she stopped once again.
Sure that her suspicions were correct, this time she spoke without turning.
"Enrique?"
"Yes, Mistress."
"Are you, or are you not capable of understanding simple English?"
"I am most capable, ma'am."
"So you simply choose to disregard it?"
"Not at all, Princess. However, I have my orders from the king, which are to accompany you wherever you go and see to it that you are protected. Even at the expense of my own life, I will do it."
Aideen had her mouth already opened in order to retort, but his last statement took her completed by surprise. She turned slowly in order to look into his face, releasing Garrett's arm as she did so.
"You will not heed what I say, then?" She asked slowly, much softer this time.
"Not if it contradicts with my orders, Princess," Came the reply.
"And if your orders change?"
"Then I shall serve my king with the best of my ability, ma'am."
"I shall merely take this up with him, then!"
"Whatever you deem necessary, Princess."
Nodding, Aideen turned, straightened her shoulders, took hold of Garrett's proffered arm once more, and began walking resolutely toward the library.
Beside her, Garrett did his best to hide the fact that his shoulders were shaking slightly. She really would make the most marvellous queen.

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They walked along in silence, each one completely immersed in their own thoughts. Garrett would sneak glances at her occasionally, trying to guess what she was thinking. Was it merely his imagination, or had she grown slightly pale? Was she feeling ill? Or perhaps it was purely discomfort at his presence? Maybe she was pining for the worm. What an unpleasant thought. Whatever the problem was, it seemed to be getting worse. Her face was now dreadfully pale, and she seemed to be increasing her grip on his arm. When Garrett could stand it no longer, he spoke up.
"Princess Aideen? Are you feeling all right? Perhaps I should escort you back to your chambers?"
"Hmm?" She answered vaguely, "Why would you need to do that?"
Had he been mistaken? But no, even he could see that she was not herself.
"Forgive me, Princess, but you are looking rather pale."
She smiled slightly and cast a glance to the library door, which they had almost reached.
"No, no, I am quite all right. Really."
Understanding dawned upon him suddenly and Garrett began calling himself every type of fool. The poor girl was sick with nerves at the reception which she would receive! Who was he, to smugly announce that he would be joining them? How could he presume to intrude on such a personal family matter? The fact that it affected him greatly was obvious, but perhaps he should allow them time to privately sort out matters before joining them. Yes, that would be perfect, and just in time too, as they were just stopping outside the door.
Garrett was just rehearsing what he would say to King Daniel when the library door swung open to reveal the man himself, looking grave. He nodded curtly as Garrett bowed and stepped aside to allow them entry.
"Good, come in. Both of you," The king added, having noticed Garrett open his mouth to speak.
Humbly, the prince nodded and allowed Aideen to precede him into the room, as the king closed the door behind them.

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HELLO AGAIN!!!!!!
It is so wonderfully good to have updated again! I know it is short, but hey, it is something, right? :) I hope terribly that I will not let so much time pass between updates again! But, interest and encouragement do help so please vote/comment/message me! ;) Have an amazing weekend, all of you, and remember, if you are reading this, you are completely, totally awesome and I love you :D good night!
-Susie:)