To Know Love

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

My heart sank. Crowds behind me cheered, shredding any hope left of an enjoyable summer. Girls shrieked with delight at the very sight of him. The band played. Why oh why did I have to be here.

My father, mother, Sky, and just about everybody who’s attending this dreaded event began clapping for his Highness while I defiantly folded my arms across my chest. You can sign my name on a piece of paper promising to give my life away to someone I hate, but you can’t expect me to play along.

“Bella, be nice!” My mother warned, deathly staring at my crossed arms. I swore in that moment she could have had laser vision.

I don’t have to,” I retorted, sounding like a 5 year-old brat. My mother pinched my forearm.

“Ouch!” I yelped. She ignored me mercilessly, keeping her eyes on Derek, her smile oozing with fakeness.

I stared at Derek as he made his way down the steps from the ship. He was smiling and waving to his adoring fans. To my annoyment, he blew a kiss to a screaming girl as he stepped of the stairs. The girl fainted and her friend caught her, bewildered. He then winked to the friend. I gaped at him with disbelief. Self-centered. Typical.

I suddenly felt the sensation of someone gripping my arm very tightly. I turned around confused and found Sky looking like she was about to pass out.

“Umm…" I said, looking at my arm.

“Sorry!” She yelped, and attempted to smooth out my sleeve. I laughed.

And then I groaned.

Somehow, Derek had found his way to us and bowed down low before my parents.

“King Carter,” He marveled, his voice reeking with respect. He kneeled down on one knee, carefully lowering it on the grimy concrete. Good. I hope you fancy-schmancy pants get ruined, I thought with satisfaction.

“Queen Eliza” Derek grabbed her hand and kissed it. She blushed. I couldn’t believe what I just saw. Gross!

He then strided toward my direction. I grimaced, forcing my right leg behind my left. I felt a cool breeze sting my skin as I lifted up my dress to curtsey.

“Prince Derek.” I said rigidly, as I bowed down.

He reached to take a hold of my hand, then kissed it, staring at me until I practically yanked back my hand. “Princess Isabella, how nice it is to see you again.” Always the charmer. His eyes mocked me.

“As to you.” Oh God, this was so painful.

“What a fine young man,” my father chuckled to me.

I gaped at him.

On one foot Derek turned to walk back to his guards to properly greet the kingdom. With his back turned toward us, I decided to examine him. Alright fine, maybe he was a little handsome, but only a little. His white suit with honors and medals pinned to his shirt made him look very accomplished, and his shaggy blond hair and green eyes would make any girl swoon. But that didn’t cancel out his personality. Just so we’re clear.

From the distance, I heard a anguished reality that broke my level of consciousness:

“Ladies and gentlemen of Analei, please make your warmest welcomes for Prince Derek Jeremiah of Clarkington!”

He turned around to look at me and smirked as the crowd went berserk. I winced. Summer had officially started.