Surprisingly Royal

👸Chapter 12:Different

How on earth am I supposed to find her now?

I've been walking around, asking random people if they've seen a girl that matches Matilda's description;long hair, bright smile, full of energy. But no luck so far. I'm getting super frustrated. What if she actually left on purpose, thinking I wouldn't be here?

Ugh. I really hope that's not the case. There are so many people in town today. It'll be nearly impossible to find her if she's just roaming around somewhere.

To distract myself and maybe calm down,I start glancing at accessories and clothes hoping to stumble upon a good deal... or better yet, Matilda.

I even check the washrooms and the dressing rooms in search for her but Still nothing.

And then, just when I think I can't get more annoyed, someone bumps right into me.

"Would you watch where you're going?" the guy snaps, turning around.

Great. Just my luck. It's him.

Seriously? Can this day not get any worse?

"Excuse me," I say, folding my arms, "I think you were the one not watching where you were going. And what are you even doing here? Weren't you supposed to be meeting someone?"

"What I do isn't any of your business," he fires back. "Where's Matilda?"

"I don't know. I've been searching for her for like thirty minutes. She's just... vanished."

He groans. "Can't you girls stick together? This is ridiculous."

I roll my eyes. "Oh, please. Don't be annoyed. It's not like I lost her on purpose. And since when do you care? You don't exactly act like a brother who can't live without his little sister."

"You don't know anything about me," he says, voice sharp. "So just shut up and help me find her. It's important."

"Don't tell me what to do. I'll help when you stop being a complete jerk."

"Whatever," he mutters.

I just shake my head and start walking again. He follows. Clearly, we're doing this together now.

"So how'd you manage to lose her, anyway?" he asks.

"I honestly have no idea. I was just admiring the place and then boom she was gone."

He gives me a look. "I should've known."

"Don't roll your eyes at me," I say, frowning. "It's not my fault this place is so full of cool stuff."

"You've never been somewhere like this before?"

"Not really. I'm not the type who enjoys shopping all day."

He raises a brow. "You're the first girl I've met who says that."

"I know it sounds weird, but that's just me."

He nods. "Actually... it's kinda cool. I like that."

I squint at him. "Wait. Are you being serious or are you mocking me?"

He laughs. "I'm serious, silly. If I were teasing, I'd be laughing in your face."

"Fair enough," I mumble. "So why are you here? Shouldn't you be hanging out with one of your many girlfriends?"

He smiles and shakes his head, and for some reason, it makes my stomach flip. That smile is warm and real, one of those rare ones that actually reach the eyes.

"I came to meet some relatives," he says. "They wanted to meet Matilda. That's why I need to find her."

"Oh," I say, suddenly looking down.

He glances at me. "So if you're not into shopping, what do you like to do?"

"I love spending time with my best friend. Or reading. But honestly? I really enjoy watching the soldiers train;fencing, archery... that sort of thing. It looks so fun!"

He tilts his head. "Interesting. You keep surprising me."

"Are you any good at archery?" I ask.

"Are you?"he asks me totally ignoring my question

"I don't even know," I admit. "I've never tried it. Girls around here don't really get the chance. That stuff is more for the guys."

He frowns. "So you just... watch from the sidelines?"

"Yeah. I guess I just like the idea of it."

"Well, if you really enjoy it, there's no harm in trying it out," he says, looking around the shop. "Anyway, do you need anything from here?"

I stare at him. "Are you seriously asking me that right now?"

"Come on. It's not like you'll spend the whole afternoon looking for my sister and leave without getting something."

"You're acting... nice," I say, narrowing my eyes. "Why are you suddenly being nice to me? You were a total pain just five minutes ago."

"I don't want anything from you," he says, holding up his hands. "I'm just trying to be decent. Is that so hard to believe?"

"You're confusing. One second you're being rude, the next you're being sweet. No wonder girls call guys complicated."

"Oh, really? With how many girls I've been around, I think I'd know by now you girls are the complicated ones."

"With all the girls around you, I figured you would've figured it out the right thing by now," I shoot back. "Still doesn't explain why you're being weirdly nice."

He smirks. "Do you have a problem with me being surrounded by girls? Not my fault they're drawn to this incredible face and body."

I roll my eyes. "No one's blaming your face. I was just curious."

He laughs again, and I almost say something snarky about it but for once, I don't. I let it go.

And just like that, I spot her.

Matilda.

Talking to some people a few feet away.

Relief floods through me as we both rush over to her.

⸻

☆☆☆☆

Thanks for sticking with me 😆
—Beryl