Red Carpet Romance

The Handsome Prince

Chapter 18: The Handsome Prince

Melissa was flown back to New Zealand and to the familiar set of Red Rider. The cast had one day to recover from jet lag but then it was back to getting up early for work. As fun as acting was, it was still a job that required a lot of effort.

The first scene of the day was a village meeting starring Marina, Cypress and Derek with Luke on the sidelines. Typical, typical.

"I thought we'd start with a little dialogue before we got to all the action and riding scenes. Brace your butts, Riders. After this scene, its horseback for all of you for the rest of the day," Benedict announced.

"Did he just tell us to brace our butts?" Melissa asked.

"Apparently," Vivian said.

Vivian had apologized to Melissa multiple times but Melissa reassured her that it wasn't her fault. Melissa was glad Vivian and her could still be friends.

"Positions," Benedict yelled.

After every villager and Rider got into position, Benedict went through the tedious task of perfecting everything.

"Ready! Action!"

"The time to fight is now!" Melissa said, turning to the crowd. "The Kingdom of Graden will answer our call."

"What makes you so sure?" Vivian demanded. "Where were they when King Eowen was slain?!"

"We need their armies," Melissa argued. "We will send word to them."

"They will not listen!" Another Rider pointed out. "We have sought their aid before."

"They don't think highly of our rebel forces!" another added.

Melissa stood up straighter and stepped forward. "They will answer if the Princess of Tristal calls," she said. "I will go."

"No," Ryan said, stepping forward. "You cannot go, Princess. You are the heart of this war. We cannot risk you."

"I am not going to hide," Melissa said. "I am not the Dark King who hides in his castle as others fight for him. I will ride alongside our armies into battle so why can't I ride to seek aid?"

"I'll go with you then," Ryan said. "I will protect the Princess."

"I will too," Vivian added.

"No," Ryan replied. "You must stay here. The village looks to their leader."

"The leader has long not been me," Vivian said in a quiet voice.

"They need you,"

"Very well." Vivian turned and walked away.

"Luke Magnus," Ryan said. "Will you and several other Riders accompany the Princess to Graden?"

"Of course," Kyle said, bowing. "I will prepare for the trip."

"We must travel lightly and swiftly," Ryan simply said. "We need speed."

Ryan turned back to Melissa. "When do we set out, Princess?"

"Right now," Melissa replied. "There is no time to waste."

Everyone dispersed and left Ryan and Melissa alone. Benedict cut the scene and started off when Derek and Marina were alone.

"You should go prepare," Ryan said.

Melissa nodded and they shared a quiet moment.

"There's something in your room," Ryan told her.