“What are you doing here Dem?” I leaned against the doorframe. He smirked at me.
“Every dinner the girls’ personal guard is supposed to escort them to the dining hall. Oh and I heard about how you’re supposed to be with Kia tonight you naughty, naughty girl!” He tisked. I rolled my eyes and smack his head.
“Nothing will be happening tonight!” I defended myself. I was more of a wait for marriage kind of girl. He chuckled like he didn’t believe me, not my problem if he did or not.
“Sure. But you better not steal my man away from me!” He warned. I laughed.
“Sure, okay!” He rolled his eyes chuckling. We walked to the dining hall passing some other girls on the way. When we passed, Elise she sneered at me. I looked serious.
“Sorry I don’t speak wild boar.” I said lightly. Dem laughed next to me and even her guard snickered. She huffed, and couldn’t come up with a comeback. Ha! When we arrived Dem dragged me to where we were sitting before and I scowled at him.
“You did this on purpose!” I hissed under my breath knowing full well that I had to sit next to Zach. He looked innocently at me.
“I just want to sit next to my best friend! Is that a crime?” I could see the amusement in his eyes. I rolled my eyes.
“No it’s not, but when I don’t have to sit next to you and you drag me here, then yeah, I get suspicious.” I narrowed my eyes. He shrugged indifferently. When everyone was seated the doors opened revealing Zach. I choked on my water.
“My son! You finally cut your hair!” The King smiled. Dem and I were in silent hysterics, because we both knew that his new haircut was due to the comment I made earlier. I have to say he looked good. Yummy even- No! Wait, I already admitted to myself that he was indeed yummy, but it doesn’t mean I like him.
“Yes father, I figured it was time to cut it, since it was getting in the way when I trained.” Dem snorted under his breath as Zach sat down.
“Yeah right, more like a certain red head liked shorter hair.” He mumbled quietly. But we both heard him. And funnily enough we both smacked him on the head at the same time. We looked at each other for a moment. He was grinning like an idiot while I was dumbfounded. Dem just rubbed his head and whined.
“Ow! What was that for?” He sounded like a four year old who didn’t get his candy. I rolled my eyes, and at the same time Zach did too.
“Because you’re an idiot.” We both said.
Everyone was watching us with an amused expression, well some of them. The other girls were glaring. I glared at Zach while he was smirking.
“Stop talking at the same time!” We both yelled. I shook my head.
“No you stop!” Again it was at the same time. Now we were both annoyed.
“You!”
“No you!”
“Stop it!”
“Uhg!” We both sat back in our chairs with a huff. Dem was cracking up while his father and mother was in the same state. I rolled my eyes. I don’t see how that was funny. It was more annoying than a three year old on a sugar high! Then they had finally served dinner, which was spaghetti! Mmmm!
I raised my hand and I looked at the King.
“Um two questions! One, can I call you Julie for short of Julius? You look like a Julie, and two…can I please skip out on tonight?!” I begged. He chuckled at me while I swear Zach looked pained.
“No I would not appreciate Julie…”
“J?” I suggested. He laughed and nodded.
“Alright J it is. And no, you cannot ‘skip out’ as it were. You must follow the rules.” He said in finality. I frowned and stabbed my spaghetti angrily and mumbled.
“Stupid prince! Trying to kiss me! Who does he think he is?” I felt someone shift beside me and lower their mouth to my ear.
“Someone who knows you wanted me to kiss you.” Zach replied angrily. I scowled up at him and then did something unthinkable.
I took a big fork load of my spaghetti and smashed it on his head making sure to squish it in there. Everyone stopped talking and looked at Zach and I. Dem was crying and howling with laughter, while pounding the table.
“Oh my gosh!” Dem hollered while Zach glared at me before taking his dish and aimed it for my head. I ducked and it managed to hit Dem in mid laugh. He sputtered blinking for a few moments before retaliating.
“You’re going to pay for that Kia!” He yelled and threw his spaghetti in Zach’s face. Haha! They both looked at me and with a nod I was dowsed in sticky, gooey pasta.
The girls around us were squealing and took no part in our little war. J was watching in amusement but I knew he was about to call it to a stop so I took a plate from across from me and grabbed two handfuls before rubbing spaghetti in both their faces.
“Enough!” J announced. We were all frozen before I busted up laughing at the two spaghetti heads beside me. Soon they were laughing too. Sydney, Rachel and Carol were laughing as well, but the other girls were glaring at us for even coming close to them and their expensive dresses.
Sighing out my last laugh, I got up and shook the excess load of noodles off of me. I turned to the maids and butlers apologetically.
“I’m sorry about this. Can I get a mop and broom please?” I asked kindly. Some people gasped and J spoke.
“Anna you don’t have to do this…” I cut him off shaking my head,
“No, no it’s alright. I started it, and even though I’m cleaning this up it was totally worth it.” I said, chuckling to myself. My mom always taught me to respect other hard working people and I was not going to make the castle staff people work that much harder because I made an impulse decision. It was worth it though!
Ignoring the stares the butler handed me a broom with awe like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. It wasn’t like I had two broken hand.
“Thanks!” I smiled at him. Again he looked dazed but nodded wordlessly. I looked at Zach and Dem whose jaws were dropped. Wow, were they not used to seeing women who work? That’s a little pathetic if you ask me. Even when I started food fights in schools I always volunteered beforehand to clean it up. It’s the right thing to do.
“Don’t look at me like that. Now you two go get cleaned up before I take this mop and wash off your face with it.” I warned. They shook off their excess noodles and made a run for it, knowing I meant business. I got down on my hands and knees and piled the pasta into the dustpan.
“Just the way she should be.” I heard Elise snicker. I rolled my eyes.
“Yes Elise, I am on the floor picking up the mess I intentionally made. So what? Because even after I’m done with this I still have better friends, and more respect.” I said honestly. The Queen beamed at me and I sent her a warm smile in return. Elise scoffed but said nothing else.
I was pacing around my room in nervousness. Why did I have to go tonight? Couldn’t they let it pass knowing I wasn’t supposed to be here?! There was a knock at my door and a maid came in. She was short like me and had short black hair. She looked to be in her early thirties.
“Miss Anna? It is time to get you ready for your night.” She announced with a warm smile. After my volunteering to clean up the mess, the Castle workers have been very nice to me, knowing I don’t look down upon them like some of the girls here.
Sighing begrudgingly I followed her out into the hall. Sydney gave me a thumbs up and I rolled my eyes at her. I didn’t want to do this! The maid leaned in.
“If I may be so bold Miss Anna, I hope you win the heart of Prince Zachias. All the workers here are rooting for you!” She smiled.
“Please just call me Red or Anna. What’s your name?” I asked.
“Jamalin.” She answered.
“Well, Jamie, I’ll call you that, I hope he doesn’t. I don’t belong here.” I answered simply, but even as I said that a strange piercing went to my heart. I tried to shake it off. She led me to a room filled with what looked like sleepwear and jewelry.
“You choose what to wear when I take you to his room.” She gestured for me
to pick. I began looking but quickly noticed that they were all nightgowns! Not one pair of sweatpants! I sighed and picked a long gown that was cream colored, since it was the most modest, and covered everything well.
I didn’t want to give him the wrong idea! I decided against the jewelry, since I didn’t see the point and walked out. Jamie looked startled.
“What?” I asked, feeling self-conscious. She shook her head.
“N-Nothing. You look beautiful. Here let me fix your make-up.” I stopped her though.
“Why would I want to wear make-up if I’m sleeping?” I asked, amused. I mean seriously! That would be annoying! She chuckled.
“Okay then. Let’s get you to the Prince!” She announced. I bit back a groan, but followed her. It was just next-door so the girls who get ready aren’t parading around the castle. She knocked 3 times and I heard a muffled, ‘Come in’.
My heart was beating fast in fear and excitement. I tried to squash both of them I was afraid with what might happen, because I seem to loose myself around Zach, and I feel excitement because, well because, I don’t know! Jamie opened the door, and allowed me to go in. With a deep breath I did what I was told.
His room was nice. It looked clean cut I guess you could say. It was white with different shades of blue. But then my breath caught as I saw Zach sitting on his bed. Without a shirt.
Breathe Anna, breathe! I chanted silently to myself. When I looked at his face again because I didn’t realize I was still checking out his very nice chest. When I saw his face though he was checking me out! I cocked a hip out.
“Done?” I asked, pretending to be annoyed but secretly a little flattered. “And could you put on a shirt?” I asked slightly annoyed. He snapped out of it and I hadn’t noticed Jamie had left. His eyes held me captive, as they smoldered making my stomach flutter.
“Yes. You look beautiful.” He complimented. His voice a little a whisper that made me shiver slightly. No! Stay strong! I couldn’t believe the hold he has on me! Was it just the thought of us totally alone, or the candlelight that was illuminating the room? He got up and began walking over to me. He was getting too close! I thought, knowing if he got too close I’d lose myself again.
I dodged out of the way and began to try and look distracted. I heard him sigh as he approached me again from the corner of my eye. I backed away and narrowed my eyes at him.
“I don’t think so mister! Y-You just stay away!” I said, trying to sound firm but failing miserably.
“Why do I need to stay away? Do I make you nervous?” He asked with a slight knowing smile. I pretended to be sick.
“Oh yeah, because of you that’s why!” I said defensively. He stepped closer to me so I could feel his body heat.
“Are you nervous now?” He asked softly tucking some hair behind my ear. I shook my head gulping loudly.
“N-No.” My voice shook and I silently cursed myself. He chuckled lowly making me want to squirm. He stepped even closer to me so our chests were touching.
“I think I do.” He said. Before this got out of hand I stepped back.
“Let’s talk?” I offered, trying to maintain my sanity and dignity. And his smell was not helping my train of thought. He smelled like sandalwood and something else. He sighed, but was still smiling slightly,
“Of course. Let’s go to the balcony?” He offered, and so he led me out to his balcony. The view was incredible. The moon was high now and made everything glow. There were rolling hills and in the distance I saw the ocean.
“It’s beautiful.” I murmured. He nodded.
“So, tell me about yourself?” He asked. I shrugged leaning against the railing that was marble.
“Not much to tell. I live at home with my mom as my dad ran away with a twenty-year-old. I don’t care though since he was a moron. I’m a straight A student and I think working hard is the only way to get anywhere in life. I don’t like liars and can’t stand stuck up girls, and obviously they can’t stand me, via Elise. Your turn.” I smiled. He laughed beside me.
“Okay. I live here in the castle obviously. My best friend is Demetrius, and I’m not 100% sure if I want to be King. Nor did I want to do this competition to happen. However lately it doesn’t seem so bad.” He finished looking at me with a soft smile.
We stopped speaking for a few moments, enjoying the sounds of the distant ocean. I could feel myself start to develop some feelings for this guy beside me. It scared me, because I have always been in control of things around me. Zach made me feel out of control.
The atmosphere changed, and I found myself looking up at him. He was looking down at me too making me feel like there was a herd of Bessie’s in my stomach. His hand came up and cupped my cheek. It felt like time froze, but the distant sound of a seagull broke me away from my daze.
I turned my head so his lips landed on my cheek. “I can’t…I don’t really know you.” I said with a slight wince, but I saw he wasn’t upset or mad like I thought he might be. In fact he looked understandingly down at me.
“You don’t need to look apologetic. I’m the one that’s sorry. I should always respect a lady’s wishes.” He said softly and tucked some hair behind my ear.
His lips pressed softly against my forehead making me fan girl on the inside.
When I opened my eyes I saw his starring back at me full of want and something else I didn’t want to think about.
“Too soon?” He asked with his voice very low and raspy. I nodded still unable to speak. He pulled me to him again and just held me, burring his face in my hair.
“I will win you over Anna.” He vowed to me. I sighed. You already started to. I thought and closed my eyes, enjoying his closeness. Dem is going to have a field day with this.
Chapter fifteen
Anna
Zach pulled away after a few moments and I finally got some fresh air to clear my head. What was I doing? I stepped away further as I got more and more panicked. I shook my head back and forth, having a mini panic attack.
“Anna? What’s wrong?” Zach asked trying to come closer to me. I side stepped him and tried to run out of the room.
“Anna!” He called after me. As soon as I got to the door I sprinted down the hallway. Tears were blurring my eyes and I ignored the concerned looks. How could I be so stupid?! That wasn’t supposed to happen! My lungs were burning as I kept running. I didn’t realize I was outside until the cold air hit me like a slap in the face.
Collapsing on the ground I buried my face in my hands groaning to myself. I was internally yelling at myself. One part was saying why was I running away? While the other half was saying I was completely stupid for wanting to kiss him, and for developing these feelings for him. I suddenly felt a hand on my back and I stiffened, praying it wasn’t Zach.
“What’s wrong dear?” I heard a woman’s voice. I looked up to see Lillian the Queen. I hugged her tight, needing a motherly hug right now since mine was half way around the world. She hugged me back making her blonde hair fall around us. I was crying and I hated it! I hated to show that I’m weak!
“What did my son do? I don’t care if he is my son, I will punish him if he did something!” She vowed. That earned a giggle on my part, because all I could picture was Lillian hitting Zach over and over again like a small boy. I wiped my eyes and looked up at her.
“No, he didn’t do anything. That’s the problem. He’s sweet, and funny, I just, I just…” I couldn’t find the words.
“You’re just scared.” She finished. I nodded, and she gave me a warm smile that reminded me much of my mom’s as her green eyes twinkled with compassion.
“I was where you are now years ago. I didn’t want to be in this competition deary.” She told me. I looked at her confused, and she elaborated.
“I was young like you, when I received an invitation in the mail to participate in the said competition. My mother was thrilled, where I was not. I grew up in France and came from a line of noble blood, but I never wanted any titles or the status. I wa
nted a normal life.” She paused and chuckled.
“So naturally, I threw a hissy fit, but my mother made me go as it was the rudest thing you could do was turn it down. It would’ve brought shame to my family. When I arrived I was hard set on making sure Julian didn’t like me. I was rude, and said horrible things to him. But that only seemed to intrigue him more.” She looked down at me and brushed some hair out of my face.
“I was petrified as the longer I knew him the more my heart ached for him. All I wanted was for this competition to be over so I can return home to my family and friends. I soon began to realize the harder I fought against him, the harder I fell for him.” She had a soft smile on her face as she remembered.