The Runaway (gxg)

Chp. 8

"Well look who's having the moment of their life." 

"Nothing happened last night Jeanne, just the both of us getting to know each other."

"Sure Ben. Anyways, you should go down, the meal is supposed to be served this time."

"You're not coming down?"

"No, I and Rai have plans for today." I picked up the scarf that Rai told me to wear, smelling it in the process.

"I see, where are the both of you going?" He asked, like a little child asking for their parents' whereabouts.

"At my kingdom."

"Wait, you're going back? You won't be here anymore? You'll leave me just like that?" He stared down his shoes, the same action he always does when he's sad.

"No, I am not leaving Ben. We're just going to visit in disguise."

"Will Nico be there?" 

"Yes, he'll be there-"

"Can I join you? I can make an excuse to my parents."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes ma'am." He saluted.

"Dress like a villager then. We'll meet you outside."

He hurriedly left my room and went on his own.

I closed the door behind me and was ready to go downstairs until Marge appeared out of nowhere.

"Marge! What's up!" I said while resting my hand on my chest.

"Uh, I know this is weird Jeanne. But I just want to say thank you."

"For what?"

"For telling me that prince Benedict is you know...I also heard him talking with a man last night. He seemed to be happy with him. That's all." She bowed her head and smiled through the pain.

I finally made my way outside the castle. The big carriage waiting for us.

"What took you so long?" Rai grabbed the bag I was carrying and putting it in a safe place behind the carriage.

"Ben and Marge happened."

"Who's Marge?" 

"Uh, the youngest maid here? Why?"

"Oh, nothing. Come on."

"Wait Ben will be-"

"WAIT FOR ME!"

Rai gave me a confused look as she looked between Ben and me.

"What are you doing here Ben?"

"I asked Jeanne to join the both of you."

"Why?" Rai asked.

"I want to see her brother Nico." He shyly smiled and blushed.

"You're actually blushing Ben. Okay, get in."

Ben fist-pumped the air and went inside the carriage.

"To the kingdom of Mazzo please."

"Yes, your highness."

...

"Stop that Ben, you're earning their attention," I whispered.

"Sorry, I am just so excited."

"I can see that." Rai boringly said.

"So where will we stay?" I asked Rai, who is protectively leading our way, or should I say my way.

"I have a friend here, we can stay at her cabin, a little bit far from your kingdom so don't worry."

"Does Nico already know where we'll be heading?" Ben asked.

"I'll send my friend to their palace and ask her to talk with Nico."

Ben let out an excited squeal, making me cover my ears.

"This way." Rai led the way.

"This is a remote area, what a brilliant idea," I said out loud.

Ben laughed and Rai mouthed me a simple Thank you.

"There she is!  Long time no see!" Rai's friend approached us.

"Everyone, meet Sabine. Sabine meets my brother Ben and our friend Jeanne."

"I already know Ben, but this girl is kind of familiar to me. I think I saw you before?" Sabine came closer to me to examine my face.

When Rai noticed that I am getting uncomfortable, she placed her hand between the space of Sabine and me.

"Excuse us Sabine, but can we put these bags inside your cabin?" The impatient tone in her voice is very obvious by now.

"Uh, yeah sure, let me take your bag." 

Sabine picked up the bag I was carrying but Rai blocked her way and grabbed my bag from Sabine's grasp. 

"I can take this Sabine, just go inside and maybe prepare some...tea." She politely smiled.

"Y-yeah, sure." She looked between me and Rai first and she finally went inside her cabin.

"Thank you for saving me. She kind of creeps me."

"Don't thank for something that is already there before you were born."

"What?" I confusedly asked her. She always talks like this, so most of the time I just shrug off the phrases she said.

"You'll find out."