Royal Rules

Part 2

"... This is freaking stupid, what am I doing here? I mean, why would she want to talk to somebody like me? I'm not royalty or anything! Hell, I even embarrassed myself in front of the whole kingdom!" I opened my eyes at all the commotion, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Fixing my dress before swinging my legs over the branch, I peered down at the familiar figure pacing a few feet away on the ground.

"Are you done talking to yourself down there?" I laughed as he looked around, searching for the source of my voice.

"I think so."

"Look up." As soon as he saw me, a big grin spread on his face, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing up there?"

"You can call me Amelia."

"Amelia... That's a nice name," he stated, flying up to where I was and sitting next to me. Only then did I notice his wings, the same shine as mine but with a tinge of navy blue. I felt myself
blush at the comment, and I hid behind my hair.

"I haven't heard anyone express my true name in such a long time."

"Not even your parents?"

"No, they usually call me 'daughter' or something formal. I have to do the same."

"I notice that when you're talking to me you sound... different. I feel like this is the real you." I looked at him to see he was staring back at me. His face was only inches from mine, and I exhaled gently.

"You're very observant of me, aren't you?" His eyes were so piercing that I got lost in them for a second before coming back to my own body, blinking furiously.

"How can I not be? You have always been of my utmost interest."

"Oh? I didn't know I was so interesting."

"You are." I felt heat creep up my neck, a strangely pleasant sensation.

"And why is that?"

"I don't know. Every time I see you I get this peculiar feeling... I can't explain. I have to assume that I've finally reached maturity and realized how beautiful you are..."

I could already tell that my cheeks were turning a dark shade of pink, but I was saved as my messenger squeaked to me from below. By the time I looked down the little squirrel was already at my side, chattering impatiently.

"Theo my friend, has my mother called for me yet again? It must be another few hours before I'm needed in the castle!" I listened to him go on about a celebratory party that had already been planned for my choosing and that it was to continue although the choosing never happened, and I mentally groaned.

"Alright my friend, I'll have Jacob escort me to the castle as soon as possible." They both raised their eyebrows at that, and I giggled. Theo chattered at me one last time before giving Jacob the dirty eye and skittering away from us.

"Well, I guess I'm your escort for the night," Jacob joked, and I blushed as I realized that I'd volunteered him without his consent.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put you out there like that. I usually have an escort but today it was supposed to be someone... else."

"It's ok; I'd be honored to escort you Prin...Amelia. Shall we go?" He held out a hand to me, and I hesitated before reaching out. He reached the rest of the way when I stopped, and my heart beat faster as our skin made contact. His hand was slightly callused and warm, and it reminded me of a bear's paw. Shivers crawled up my arm, and he smiled uncertainly at me.

"Okay, let's go," I smiled and ignored the pounding of my heart, wondering why I was acting so strangely. He curled his fingers around mine, pushing off the branch and floating in front of me, still holding my hand. I fit my fingers into the spaces between his; making sure my dress wouldn't ride up as I slid off the branch and let my wings carry me as I floated in the air beside him.