The New Rangers

Chapter Eighteen

"What are you reading?" Deva asked as she sat down beside Mitchell.

"It's a letter from my mother." He grimaced as his eyes went over the letter.

"So, tell me what that look is for, is it bad news or is your breakfast not agreeing with you?"

He folded the pages and looked at her. "With the possibility of Morgan resurfacing, my parents have decided to hold a ball. They want to speak with all of our allies and try and make some new connections that may be able to assist us."

"Sounds like a good idea."

He grimaced. "She wants me to attend."

"Why?"

He sighed. "Thanks to her overprotectiveness there aren't many people who know me and she believes it would be good for me to attend so I can meet everyone and help foster good relations. especially with some of the younger royals." He scowled down at the folded sheets of parchment. "She also thinks it would be a good opportunity for me to possibly meet my future bride since many daughters of visiting dignitaries will also be in attendance."

Deva tried to ignore the sharp stab of jealousy at the thought of Mitchell dancing with some princess or diplomat's daughter. "I'm sure it will all work out."

"I hate things like balls. Everyone is so pretentious. How does my mother expect me to find a bride when I have nothing in common with any of those girls?" He groaned and leaned his head back against the tree they sat beside.

She shrugged while trying to ignore the happy little feeling Mitchell's words gave her. He didn't want to dress fancy and dance with a bunch of princesses. "Get through it and then forget it. When your mom asks if you found any of the girls appealing tell her no."

His shoulders slumped. "I'd rather remain here at the Battleschool with people I understand and get along with. I don't know how my dad does it."

She nudged him with her shoulder. "You wanna stay and hang out with us dark and mysterious Rangers?" she asked with a chuckle.

He grinned at her. "Yes, that too. You treat me like I'm normal. Not some royal you need to bow to or try to please with your words."

"Oh, trust me you are far from normal, Mitchell."

He pushed at her shoulder with a grin. "Thanks, it means a lot, even coming from a girl in a cloak carrying a bow."

"I knew what I wanted to do and I wasn't going to let anyone stop me from doing it. You need to do the same. It doesn't matter if you're the prince, just figure out how you want to live your life and don't let anyone stand in your way. Even if that person is your mother."

"I wish it was that easy. My mother isn't an easy woman to defy."

"Don't worry, we're here for you."

"You know she wants all of you to attend as well. She wants everyone to feel secure and she figures scattering a few Rangers in the crowd will accomplish that."

Her eyebrows arched. "Perhaps she wants to let everyone know how well protected Araluen is."

He grinned at her. "Perhaps."

"Great, my mom is going to force me to wear a dress, I know it," she grumbled unhappily.

"What's wrong with that? I'm sure you'll look beautiful."

She felt her cheeks heat with a blush. "You think I'm beautiful?"

"Yes, of course. You don't? Miss. Confident, I can shoot you from a running horse, Ranger doesn't believe in her ravishing beauty. I'm stunned."