Annalise Stark, orphaned after losing her parents in the military, is desperate to find a way to pay off her sister's medical debts. She finds work at the palace, home to the infamous Prince William. Despite her efforts to ignore him, Annalise soon...
"Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike." ~JK Rowling
For the next week, I avoided William as much as possible. Thankfully, the only times I saw him were during breakfast and lunch when I helped James serve the royal family.
James and I quickly became good friends. He turned out to be the same age as Mark, which potentially explained why he gave off the 'big brother' vibes. Instinct told me if the two boys ever met, they'd hit it off. I also knew I'd receive endless teasing.
Both boys attempted to get me to loosen up, to have a little fun once in a while. Mark didn't try as often as James because he knew about my sister's situation. James didn't. I'd have to tell him one day, but it was still hard to think about it, let alone talk about it. Knowing I could lose my sister, the only family I had left...
Currently, I waited on tables at Donaldson's, attempting to keep up with the constant crowd of patrons. I went to the kitchen to pick up some food orders when Mark came in.
"I thought you were supposed to be hanging out with Eric tonight," I said.
"Change of plans. He met a girl named Everly Ward, who apparently is a 'babe,' and he wanted to take her out on a date," Mark replied, tying an apron around his waist.
"So, in other words, he ditched you?"
"Pretty much. When were you going to tell me about your man?" Mark's eyes glittered with amusement.
"What man?"
"A dashing young man is waiting at the bar for you. He says he needed to ask you something."
My first thought was that William had somehow found out where I worked and decided to torture me here. Then I realized if the prince was here, Mark definitely would've told me.
"Take these orders to the MacDonalds. I'll go see this dashing young man."
Mark obliged, and I went to the bar, pleasantly surprised to see James. He did look casually dashing in a grey hoodie and dark jeans.
"Hey, James! What are you doing here?" I greeted cheerfully. "What are you doing here?"
"Anna! Listen, I hate to ask you this, and you have every right to say no, but I need help," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Whatever you need, I'll do it."
"I was sent to get William from a club. He's drunk out of his mind. I've been trying to get him out of the club for over an hour, but no luck. Could you help me get him out of there? You don't have to, it's just I think he'd come running to you, which means I could grab him and drag him out of there."
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"Let me go tell my boss I'll be gone for a little bit. I'll meet you outside."
"You're the best, Annalise. Thank you!" His shoulders sagged in relief as he walked off. I made my way to the kitchen, sidling up next to Frank.
