The Princess and the Prince

Chapter four

After an eventful day of arguing with my..parents, yet again. I drift off to sleep. The next morning, I am awakened by Camden.

"Yes?" I ask her, sitting up.

"The King and Queen have planned a day for you and Prince Lucas, my lady." she says.

"Oh, alright." I sigh and stand up. "What are the plans?" I begin searching through my closet for a dress.

"Well, I believe you will be going to the gardens for a walk..but that is after the lunch by the lake." Camden thinks aloud.

"Hm. So, this dress?" I ask her, pulling out a dark red dress that stops just above my ankles.

"Yes, I believe that will do. Shall I braid and twist your hair?" Camden suggests.

I nod, and quickly change into the red dress. Then I sit at my dresser and Camden braids my hair, then twists it into a bun.

"Thank you, Camden." I say as she opens the door to leave.

She curtsies. "My pleasure, Majesty. Breakfast is waiting," she replies.

After breakfast, the maid leads me to the front door where the carriage is waiting for me and the prince. I step in and sit down. The prince didn't come until a half hour later.

"Took you long enough," I mutter as he steps in.

When he sits down he sighs and rolls his eyes, "At least I'm here, right?"

"Maybe it would've been better if you weren't." I reply hotly, crossing my arms and looking out the window.

The carriage had just begun moving, and things were going smoothly. We drive into the village and people race beside the carriage.

"Well, seems you have adoring fans.." Prince Lucas states surprised.

"Why the tone?" I ask him, still looking out the window.

"I just never assumed the villagers would like the princess.." he mumbles.

"Oh?" I look at him with raised eyebrows. "And why, pray tell, was that?"

"Because, I assumed you were a snob, who would jump at any chance to go from Princess to Queen."

"Well, I can assure you, that that is not the case. I'm doing this for my parents." I reply angrily.

He purses his lips and is silent for the rest of the ride.

At the lake, we eat in silence and then I sit at the edge of the water, my feet just barely touching it.

Thankfully, at the bottom of the basket, Camden packed a book for me. I open the book and begin to read.

After a half hour, I hear footsteps and Prince Lucas sits next to me. "What are you reading?"

I don't answer but move the cover so he can see, Jane Eyre.

"That's a great book!" Prince Lucas exclaims.

I look at him, shocked. "You've read Jane Eyre?"

"Of course.." Prince Lucas stops. "Hasn't everyone?"

"Not anyone that I know!" I reply, closing the book. I sit for a moment, and then look at him again. "Okay, so I know you've read Charlotte Brontë..how about Shakespeare? Jane Austen?"

"Oh, of course. Romeo and Juliet, the best. And Pride and Prejudice.." Prince Lucas pauses, seemingly embarrassed. He clears his throat, "I apologize for judging you based on what I thought."

"No need to apologize! Honestly, I had my own thoughts on how you would act too," I answer.

"Oh? Was it the same as how I thought you would?"

I smile, "Just as much, if not worse." I joke.

He throws his head back and laughs. "We should be getting back, it looks to be about three o'clock." he states after a moment, standing up.

"Oh, yes, of course." I reply, grabbing my book. I look up to see him leaning over and holding out his hand.

"May I help you up?" he asks softly.

I nod and grab his hand, he pulls me up quickly. As soon as I stand I release his hand, and begin walking to the carriage.

"You know, despite the..disagreement we had in the carriage today, I enjoyed this day very well," Prince Lucas says.

"As did I, Prince Lucas.."

He he opens the door to the carriage and steps in. "But that doesn't mean I won't be a Prince," he states, winking.

I laugh and step into the carriage as well, closing the door. "And just what does a Prince do?" I ask jokingly.

Prince Lucas doesn't reply, so I look up to see him staring at the floor.

"Prince Lucas?"

He looks up at me, "He takes care of his kingdom, no matter the cost.." he replies softly.

He's talking about the treaty..

"I'm sorry.." I say after a long time. "I don't know who made up this idea about the marriage thing, but I'm so sorry. I know just as much as you I'd hate to marry someone I don't know. It's terrifying to think about that."

"Well," Prince Lucas smiles, "It won't be so bad. We have our books in common. At least we'll have something to talk about at the dinner table."

I laugh and the carriage stops in front of the castle. "So, our thoughts on today?" I ask him.

"Thoughts on today..started out badly, but ended with a..acquaintanceship."

"Acquainanceship? Seriously?" I raise an eyebrow at him..

He chuckles, "All right. Friendship..somewhat."

The he door opens and the footman appears, holding out his hand for me. I look at Prince Lucas, and he waves his hand as if to say, Ladies first.

I walk into the castle and my mother is waiting for me. "How did it go, my dear?" she asks.

I glance at the Prince who is walking down the hall in the other direction. "It was fine." I answer. "We argued the whole time...but it turned out okay in the end."

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In the bookstore in France, Mr. Jones is reading the story, Anabelle has been gone for over an hour.

In reading her progress with Prince Lucas, he smiles. "Ahhh, my little Annabelle, you are doing very well my dear very well.. Continue on this road, and your journey shall be over soon."