The Princess and the Prince

Chapter five

"Camden, can we take a trip to town today?" I ask her, as she's fixing my hair.

"I don't see why we can't." she replied.

"Good. I'd like to see if Luke is there.."

Camden gives me a look, smirking. "Oh?"

"Shush."

Camden laughs. "If you'll give me a moment, I will collect the outfit for you to wear today." she says, opening the door.

A half-hour later, we're in town looking at the new jewelry being sold.

"I knew I'd see you two again!" Luke appears in front of me, exclaiming this excitedly.

I take a step back, shocked at his sudden outburst. "Oh. Luke! I didn't see you at the castle at all lately."

Luke pauses, "Um..yes...well, I was..busy!"

I raise an eyebrow, "Busy, huh?"

"Yes. The..prince sent me on trips."

"Oh, really..like what?"

Luke bites his lip. "He sent me to go look for some books. That's actually what I'm here for now."

"What books?" I ask, suddenly interested to know what Prince Lucas' book interests are.

"Mostly Shakespeare. Have you ever read the taming of the shrew?"

"Oh, yes. It's a great play." I reply. "Were you able to find it?"

Luke shakes his head, "Sadly, no. I hope to by the end of this fortnight."

"Ah, yes, of course," I answer, remembering that in a fortnight the prince will be going back to England to prepare..

"Belle. People will be wondering where we are..." Camden says after a moment.

I look at her and nod. "Yes, right.." then I look at Luke.

He seems to hesitate, "Would..would you want to meet up tonight?"

"I..I don't know.."

"We could exchange our favorite books, and talk about our lives.." Luke tries to persuade. "Please, I'd really like to see you again, Belle."

I finally cave in. "Okay. Where?"

Luke points to a small pond at the end of the village. "Does that seem good?"

I nod, and Camden pulls on my hand. "I have to go..I'll meet you there, eight o'clock!" I turn to walk away.

"I'll be there," Luke says from behind me.

Once I get back to the castle I search for books by Shakespeare, and finally found The Taming of The Shrew, the book Luke was looking for.

I bite my lip. "Yeah..this should work."

I walk into the hallway, and pass by Camden, "Camden. Tell my parents I'm going on a walk if they ask." I tell her.

She nods, knowing where I'm going. "Of course. The basket you asked for with 'snacks' is waiting by the front, m'lady." she replies, curtsying.

I thank her and walk to the front, grabbing the basket. Once I walk outside I step into one of the carriages and open the basket, finding the outfit I need to look like Belle.

Quickly, I change into it then put my Royal clothes into the basket; hiding it in the bushes. I ask one of the gardeners what time it is.

"Seven fifteen, majesty. I'm off to supper." he replies, bowing and walking away.

I sigh. "I should've made plans to meet with him earlier.."

"Well, you're in luck. Cause I'm here!" I gasp in surprise at Luke's outburst from behind me, and turn towards him.

"You goon! You almost scared me half to death!" I exclaim.

He gives me a cheeky grin. "Sorry, anyway, we can walk there together now. Unless you want to walk in the garden?"

I shake my head. "No, let's go to the village."

We walk in silence for a while before I remember the book in my hand. "Oh!" I exclaim. "Here, I found this."

Luke's eyes widen, "How?! I've looked through the castle library a thousand times!"

"Um..I..borrowed it from the Princess," I reply.

"Ah, yes. You're one of her ladies in waiting? I haven't seen you with her.."

"And I haven't seen you with the Prince, your point?" I smile.

Luke laughs, "Touché. Thanks Belle." he grabs the book, slightly grazing over my hand.

"It's not a problem.." I answer.

As we make it into the village, we walk to the meeting place. Before I can walk any further, Luke stops me. "Wait! I have an idea,"

"Oh?" I look at him.

"Stay there." he rushes to the place, and doesn't appear for minutes.

Finally, I begin to wonder where he went. "Luke? Where are you?" I call out.

He suddenly appears. "Ah, Belle! You came!"

I give him a confused look, before realizing this is his idea. "Yes, I did. I told you I would, didn't I?"

"Well, yeah. But I didn't think you actually would..." he takes a step closer to me.

"Why not?" I ask softly.

"I assumed you felt like you didn't think I was worth the time, maybe you had some other guy to meet with.."

"No. I don't."

His eyes brighten a little. "Can I ask you a question Belle?"

"You just did," Luke chuckles, and I smile, "Yes, you can."

"Can I see you again? After tonight?"

I'm ready to answer yes when I remember Prince Lucas, and I can't stray away from my duty, even if this is some fairytale. "I.."

"Please? It doesn't have to be...courting.." Luke pauses in the middle of his sentence, seemingly remembering something as well.

"Just as friends?" I ask after a moment.

Luke nods. "Yes, just as friends.."

"Then yes, I'll meet with you again soon."

"When?" he asks.

"I don't know. Next time I come to the village maybe."

"Well..okay. I guess that will work. We should probably start heading back.."

I nod and we start walking, talking about silly things, stuff that has happened in our childhood.

I stop at the door to the castle, "I had a fun time, Luke. Thank you."

"Me too. Bye Belle." Luke smiles and then walks into the castle.

I grab the basket that I had hidden behind the bushes and run to my room, where Camden is sitting in my dressing chair. "How was it?" she asks me as soon as I close the door.

"It was great." I answer, picking up the nightgown that is laying on my bed.

"I have a message from your parents," Camden says after a minute.

"So that's why you're here." I mumble.

"They said to be ready for lunch in the garden with the prince tomorrow." Camden laughs.

"The garden? With the prince? Ha. That's hilarious. I see what they're doing, okay. I'll be ready. Thanks Cam, I'll see you tomorrow."

Camden opens the door and curtsies, "Yes majesty, have a good sleep."

I nod my head to her and then slip into bed, instantly falling asleep.