The Soot Princess [Hiatus]

11-Tonight

Prince Dean

I ordered to my room and I just asked for a simple sandwich. I'm not too hungry, plus there is that charity ball tonight and the best food is always served. I hope it's a tuna or grilled ham & cheese sandwich. They are the best.

I walk in my room and I smell the aroma of melted cheese and toast. Delicious, might I add.

I went over to my desk and saw that there was no ham. I sighed and thought, "Well I did say simple..." I chow down and drain the glass of creamy milk that sat beside it.

As I finished my meal, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," I said hoping desperately it wasn't my bullheaded brothers.

"Good afternoon, my prince!" said an unfamiliar voice. I turned around in time to see him bow deeply. "I am your new stylist, Steve Goulse!" He said in an overly chipper voice that easily grates on my nerves.

I was surprised to see an older man. Normally we've gotten the fresh and new stylists, but this guy must have some experience up his alley.

I surrendered myself to him as he started his magic. He chose a formal navy blue suit with very few ruffles. Score! He gelled my hair so it had that perfect shine. He shaved my face so there was nothing left, but my actual skin.

How the hell did my mom find this guy!?! No way, is anyone ever going to fire Steve Goulse.

"You are finished my prince!" Steve pronounced.

I was lost for words. "Mr. Goulse... I look..."

"Oh no!!! You don't like it, do you?"

"No! No! Mr. Goulse, you have it completely wrong! It's the best make over I've had in a long time."

"Good, cause you were starting to scare me there kid..."

"Don't, ever, call me, kid, again!" I said heavily punctuating the words and continued in a lighter tone, " Please, it's just Dean."

"Okay, Just Dean... Odd name for royalty, odd name in general!"

"No! My name is Dean! Not this Just Dean stuff or..."

"I know, I'm just kiddin', Dean, and you can call me by my first name. Just because I'm your elder doesn't mean we have to be very formal, only in public," he winks. "I've also been told to bring you up to speed on tonight's 'ball' or event. As you know several orphanages from around the area are coming to the event. They have been told to bring three to five children with them, but you don't know that your mother is planning on dumping them on the four of you princes to basically babysit."

"Seriously?" I inquired.

"Except, you'll still be in the ballroom."

"I'm glad you told me this before it actually happens. Will the kids be just wearing their normal clothes?"

"No, your mother has had several people call the orphanages and get them to arrive, about now, so they can be fitted for clothing appropriate for the event."

"And now is?" I inquired.

"3:34 and two seconds, make that three..."

Bing, bong, bing, bong, BEEP! BEEP! Bing, bo... "S'cuse me my prince, but I am being paged to help with the children. It seems my prediction was right on the mark..." Steve leaves the room without me telling him to and takes his bing, bong, beeping with him.

Normally this would get on my nerves, but he isn't quite normal... For once, I felt comfortable in my own skin around someone. It was like I could say anything and I wouldn't be judged or perceived as wrong.