The Forbidden Love

2. Beca

It was 1:00 in the morning by the time the brunette got home and snuck into the castle. The head maid recognized her. "Princess Beca!" She hissed. "Where have you been?!?"

"I'm sorry, Carlotta. I was taking a walk and didn't realize how late it was until the sun had started to set." She apologized.

"Next time, pay attention. You're father was worried sick! Hurry and get yourself cleaned up. I'll bring you some dinner to your chambers." Carlotta demanded.

Beca sighed and did as told. Carlotta did bring the young princess a small plate of dinner and she ate quickly.

The next morning, Beca awoke and stretched. She got dressed in her most casual dress with her corset though she absolutely despised the thing and went to the dining room where her father was waiting for her so they could proceed with breakfast. "Good morning, Father." She greeted politely.

The king looked up at her. "And where were you last night? You had me worried sick!"

The brunette had the decency to look ashamed. "I'm sorry. I was only out for a walk. I didn't realize how late it had gotten until the sun had started to set. It won't happen again."

"It better not. Look, Beca. I know it's been hard since your mother passed, but you have to understand I'm trying my best. I only want what's best for you. You're my only child and the only heir to the throne of the Winchester kingdom. I need you to be more responsible. I need you safe. The war has only gotten worse with the kingdom of Barden. It's not safe out there."

"I know. But I can't just stay cooped up in the castle all the time. I need freedom, sunlight..."

"Just please be careful and make sure you're back by sundown." He said not wanting to argue.

"I promise." She replied and sat at the table as two of the maids brought out their breakfast.

When breakfast was done, Beca left for her daily lessons. She hated them, but they were necessary if she was to become queen. By 1:00, the lessons were over and she didn't hesitate to change into a maids uniform and take off straight for the woods like yesterday.

Beca loved the woods because it connected all the kingdoms and it was a way for her to keep safe while doing what she loved. No one ever ventured there, so it was a surprise when Barden's princess found her yesterday. But thinking about Chloe and their conversation, she smiled. She wasn't anything like her father has told her over the years. The princess was kind and sweet. And she even had similar problems to her own. The brunette found a nice tree and sat under it. And thinking of the Princess Chloe, she started to sing.

An hour later, there was a familiar voice from in front of her. She had her eyes closed as she sang. "Hello again."

Beca opened her eyes in shock. "Princess Chloe!"

Chloe giggled. "Sorry. I snuck out and heard you singing again. You have such a beautiful voice. Where do you come from?" She asks as she finds a nearby log and sits on it.

"I can't say. But thanks for the compliment. You snuck out?"

"Trying to change the subject?" The redhead asked amused. "Fine. Yes. I've been cooped up in the castle for three weeks and yesterday was my first day out since. Today, Prince Conner and his father came for a visit. He seemed excited to meet his 'fiancée' and I was completely repulsed." She said using air quotes around fiancée. "The man wanted to talk only about himself and I had to escape. So I found a way to sneak out and then heard you singing again, so came looking."

"Wow! Talking about only himself? That IS repulsive. What a prick."

"I know. I can't believe I'm being forced to marry him."

"You should be able to marry whoever you want. I mean you WILL be queen."

"I know, but there's nothing I can do. I want to change these stupid marriage laws, but I can't until I'm officially queen."

"I bet you could if you made a good argument."

Chloe looks at the younger woman in surprise. "Really? Like what?"

"I don't know. Like maybe explaining it's the 20th century and arranged marriages are outdated. I'm sure you could add more to that and make it convincing." Beca replied.

"I think you just gave me a great idea. Thank you... uh?"

"Beca. Beca Mitchell."

Chloe's eyes widened. "The Winchester princess."

"Yes. I'm sorry I didn't tell you yesterday, but I was afraid you might hate me or have me taken in if I told you. But after thinking about it, I feel like I can trust you."

Chloe smiles. "I feel like I can trust you too. See you again?"

Beca smiles. "I'd like that. I gotta go. I'll be in trouble if I'm not back by sundown."

The redhead nods. "See you later, Beca." She says and goes her own way back to town.