The Perfect Princess

Chapter 2 : I Get Hit with the Cold Hard Truth

I SAT BOLT UPRIGHT IN my bed, breathing heavily. I used the back of my hand to wipe the sweat from my forehead. I had the oddest dream. Haley ran away with an ex-convict named Lizard or something and I was expected to take her place.

I grabbed my remote and I switched my lamp on, my room immediately being illuminated. I spotted a tray with cookies and a glass of milk on my side table and I didn't hesitate to dig in.

I was just sipping my milk when there was a knock on my door. "Come in," I called out, scarfing down another cookie.

The door opened to reveal a worn out Gavin. His tie was loosely hanging around his neck and the first few buttons of his shirt were undone. All in all, he looked utterly exhausted. "Hey," he greeted, his voice husky.

"You look beat," I told him bluntly.

Gavin strode to my bed and plopped right on top of it. "Nice milk moustache," he remarked, ignoring my comment.

Just to annoy him, I grabbed his arm and wiped my upper lip with his sleeve.

Gavin scooted closer to me and he propped himself on his elbows. He wrinkled his nose at me. "That was definitely uncalled for."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Seriously though, why do you look dead?"

"Gee, thanks, Court," he grumbled sarcastically. Gavin rested his head on my lap and I absentmindedly stroked his already disheveled hair. "Mm, keep doing that," he said in content.

"Did you have a long day?" I inquired.

"What do you think, idiot?" he fired back. "Besides, if anyone had a long day, it should be you. It's not every day your sister runs away with a creep. Not to mention you're the new heir to the throne."

Darn, it wasn't a dream!

I groaned out loud, flopping down on my bed.

Gavin sat up and looked at me curiously. "What's wrong with you?"

"I don't want to take on Haley's role," I admitted. "I like being out of the spotlight."

Gavin snorted. "You're incredibly stupid."

That earned a glare from me. "Care to explain how?"

"This is a once in a lifetime chance!" he exclaimed. "Imagine how cool it would be to be the ruler of a whole freaking country!"

"But I don't want that," I pointed out.

Gavin shook his head at me and clicked his tongue. "That's too darn bad..."

"You can't convince me," I stated firmly.

He snorted. "Well you have to do it either way, Princess."

"Shut up." I chucked a pillow at his head.

"Oh no," he cried out in mock pain. "This hurts so much! I think I'm going to die!" He placed a hand on his chest dramatically. "Tell my mother I love-"

He was cut off by three knocks on my door. "You better be sleeping, Hale," General Niche bellowed. He paused for a moment. "Who are you talking to?"

"Uh..." I looked at Gavin with wide eyes, indicating he should hide. "No one, General, sir."

"You just talked to me with respect," he said in astonishment. "You're definitely hiding something."

Just as my bedroom door swung open, Gavin, the idiot, slipped under my blanket. Considering my bed was practically bathed in pillows and blankets, I doubt the General would notice Gavin.