by T. M. Mendes
“You – you jerk! You made me fall into this freaking pond!” She yelled. I couldn’t help it as I laughed. If you were seeing what I was you would be too! She looked like a drowning kitten. Her anger was humorous and frail. But her eyes held furry and passion that I hated to admit made me like her a little more.
Trying to be a gentleman I lent her a hand, and she took it forcefully, as I helped her out. I called for a towel, and by then a crowd had gathered, causing some laughter from haughty women, who enjoyed Anna’s embarrassment. Anna then glared at me, and pushed me hard so then I fell back, and I felt myself hit water.
Splash!
I came up bewildered and shocked, sputtering out the water and blinking profusely. I heard a laugh and looked up to see Anna having her hands on her knees, huffing out of breath because she’s laughing so much.
I felt angry that she had embarrassed me like that in front of my peers and family. I never pushed her in. She fell in on her own because of her stubbornness. But she had to push me in! I stalked towards her, glaring angrily. She stopped laughing when she noticed everyone else was not. When she looked at me, her eyes widened in alarm. She took the towel she had and gave it to the person next to her, which happened to be Demetrius.
“I got to go!” She smiled innocently and took off running, laughing the whole way. I glowered after her angry. I looked at everyone else.
“Go on! There’s nothing more to see!” I ordered. They all split their separate ways. My dad was laughing to himself while he walked away. I sat down on the grass looking into the golden horizon. I felt him sit next to me.
“So that was hilarious!” Demetrius started laughing so hard he cried. I glared at him, punching his arm, “Ow! What the hell?! It was funny and smart, and you know it!” He accused. I took in a deep breath and thought it over, then started to chuckle quietly. He playfully pushed me.
“See? Funny!” He grinned. I gave him a small one back and then I had to start laughing. I guess it was funny. Embarrassing, but funny. I should have expected as much from her. Demetrius sighed and lied back.
“She’s an amazing girl right?” He looked at me. I nodded still sitting up.
“I wonder if she has a sister?” he voiced his question out loud. I laughed and mock punched his shoulder.
“Maybe. I guess we don’t know too much about her.” I paused thinking about how mad she is at me even though I didn’t really do anything! “How am I supposed to get on her good side?” I asked wearily. He began to think for a moment.
“I would let her call home. She’s got to be missing her family.” He shrugged. “But you better hurry up and catch her, seeing as your one night with the ever lovely Elise starts soon.” He smirked, looking at the darkening sky. I groaned and stood up.
“Thanks for reminding me.” I said sarcastically. He chuckled.
“No problem Kia!” I dusted off my pants and set out to look for Anna.
I searched around the castle quickly but came up empty. Then I checked the first level of where the girls are supposed to stay. And sure enough I saw Anna sitting there with her head resting on her knees in black silk shorts, and matching silk tank top on one of the colored couches. She must have gotten the pajamas from her stylist.
I sat down quietly next to her. She didn’t acknowledge me, but I heard her sniffle. Oh no, is she crying? I placed a hand on her shoulder and felt that electricity I had felt earlier.
“Anna? Are you okay?” I asked hesitantly. I saw her shiver, and she turned her head on her knees to face me. She had tears in her eyes that had yet to be spilt. Her eyes shown vulnerability, and I knew even from just meeting her that she didn’t like that.
“No. I’m not okay. I’m half way around the world away from home, and I have no idea when I can go back. I miss my mom and two best friends!” She let a single tear escape and I wiped it gently away. She flinched against me, not expecting my touch. I searched my jacket pocket that I luckily had off before she pushed me in earlier, and found my cell.
“Here. Call who you need to call. I ask that you don’t go into specifics. Just say it’s a national issue or something. That you are unharmed, and will be home as soon as you can.” I handed her the phone and she looked so grateful. She gave me a huge hug, and it felt so good that I didn’t want to let her go!
Her hair smelled of vanilla and strawberries, and her skin felt soft and perfect. I wish I didn’t have to let her go! Wow! What is she doing to me?! We let go and I see that her cheeks held the most adorable shade of scarlet, and she murmurs a thank you before scuffling out of the room.
I left quickly as I was not supposed to be in here in the first place. It was against the competition rules. I snuck out through a servant’s stairs hidden behind a bookcase, and made my way out, the whole way thinking of the red headed beauty.
Chapter ten
Anna
Splash!
I pushed Zach in the pond with all my force. I know it wasn’t his fault I fell in, but still! I was beyond ticked off! And he just so happened to be near me. I was laughing so hard I was hunched over. That is until he came out looking like he stepped out of a magazine. Snap out of it! Uh-oh, judging by his dark look, he’s ticked off! I smiled innocently at him, tossing Dem the towel I had.
“I got to go!” I took off, running and laughing. I ran inside hearing laughter behind me, and ran inside the castle all the way into the lobby like place on the first floor below the rooms we’re staying in. But not before changing into pajamas that I found in my closet.
“Oh Danny boy would have loved that.” I sighed to myself. Without my own consent I started to tear up. The reality of this situation finally started to set in. I didn’t know for certain when I can see my friends and my mother again.
Sniffing and wiping my eyes I curled my knees to my chest and rested my head on them. I missed them like crazy. My mom is probably worried out of her mind that I haven’t called her yet, along with Danny and Missy.
They have to let me talk to them right? I won’t tell them my exact situation, but they deserved to know right? I don’t have to worry about school considering I already have enough credit to graduate. I’m sure Mr. Anderson will miss me. I thought sarcastically.
My thoughts drifted to Zach. Uhg! Why can’t he stay out of my head? Sure he’s yummy, but he’s the reason I have to stay here. Well the country is, but he’s a big part of it! There’s no winning with him!
Even if we did end up being together, and for some reason he chose me, it still wouldn’t work out! I needed to go back home! I couldn’t stay here and run a freakin country! No way, no how! And then there’s the situation that if I fall for him or develop feelings and he chooses someone else. I can’t win with him, so might as well not try. And when it comes to my night, well, nothing will happen, that’s for sure.
I felt the couch dip slightly and I turned my head on my knees to face the man from my thoughts. Great. He looked at me for a moment and I felt so vulnerable sitting here next to him with tears in my eyes. That’s not a comforting feeling. I sniffled.
“Anna? Are you okay?” He asked. I shivered from the way he said my name. Dang his sexy accent! But seriously? I hate it when people ask if you’re okay when you’re crying. If you’re crying then no you are not okay!
“No. I’m not okay. I’m half way around the world away from home, and I have no idea when I can go back. I miss my mom and two best friends!” I let a single traitor tear escape, and he wiped it away himself. I flinched because I wasn’t expecting it, and I definitely wasn’t expecting the warmth and tingling sensation.
“Here. Call who you need to call. I ask that you don’t go into specifics. Just say it’s a national issue or something. That you are unharmed, and will be home as soon as you can.” He handed me a cell, and I looked at him gratefully. Oh my gosh is he really going to let me do this?! Without thinking I lunged at him and gave him a hug.
I really shouldn’t have done that. He was a boy and that automatically made me awkward,
plus he had just the right amount of muscles. I could feel them against his shirt. I knew that if I said another word I’d make an idiot of myself! With that thought I hopped up and left to go upstairs in my room, leaving Zach behind.
Once I got into my colorful room I dialed my mom, knowing she needed to know first. On the fifth ring she picked up.
“Hello?” She answered, sounding tired.
“Hey mom.” I greeted, sounding equally as tired. She gasped.
“Anna?!You young lady are in so much trouble! I was expecting a call from you hours ago! You had me worried sick! If you think-” I interrupted her.
“Mom! Let me explain. I’m in some trouble.” I sighed. She was silent for a moment.
“How on earth did you get a cow now?” She said exasperated. I laughed humorlessly.
“Mom! Not another cow incident! Although that one was awesome. Mom, I, I can’t come home for a while.” I murmured. She didn’t talk for a second.
“Anna, what do you mean can’t come home for a while? What happened?” I could hear the fear and concern in her voice and it made me tear up a little. I took a deep breath.
“There was some misunderstanding. Something to do with my passport and what not. I’ll be okay. The King and his family are letting me stay at their castle until it sorted all out, which could take up to 3 months.” I explained briefly, trying hard not to lie too much.
“Oh honey! I’m so sorry. You must be scared! I can fly over there you know! Kick some a-” I laughed, interrupting her rant.
“Mom! It’s okay! Yes it sucks that I can’t see you for a while, but at least I’ll be comfortable. And it’ll be a, social and international experience.” I shrugged knowing she can’t see me. She sighed.
“I already miss you Nala. Maybe you can talk to the King and ask if I can visit? I’m sure Danny and Missy would love that as well.” My mom suggested.
“Oh mom! That would be great! I’ll talk to Zach about it!” I smiled. She scoffed.
“Oh? And who is this Zach? For your sake I hope that he’s not this King you were talking about just now.” My mom held warning in her voice. Oh crap! I didn’t mean for that to slip!
“Uh, no, he’s the prince.” I muttered. She squealed.
“Oh! Well that’s more acceptable! Ooo! Is he cute?! Wait! How old is he?! Are you being safe?-” I hung up on her. Wow, that was embarrassing! I dialed Danny’s phone next, and he picked up after a few tries.
“Hello, you’ve reached the World of Warcraft dome where your wildest fantasies are our realities. How can we help you today?” Danny answered. I stifled a laugh. Only he would answer his phone like that.
“Hey Danny boy!” I grinned feeling so much better now that I can talk to my friends and I talked to my mom.
“Red! Oh, so now you call?!You are in big trouble missy!” He warned, sounding so much like my mom. It was scary and funny. I laughed at him.
“One, you sounded like my mom just now, and two, I wasn’t able to call.” I answered. He huffed.
“Why the heck not, and I’ll take sounding like your mother as a compliment because she’s awesome!” He exclaimed. I chuckled at him and I heard a struggle.
“Fine Missy! You can talk to her! Geez woman!” I laughed as I heard him pass the phone.
“Anna?! I miss you!” Missy said into the phone. I smiled.
“Yeah, I miss you guys too. However I won’t be able to come home for a while.” I explained the same story I told my mom. By the time I was done they were both laughing, well Danny was squealing.
“You’re so lucky! Dang you! And now you can flaunt yourself around a prince?! So unfair in my books! We have to come visit you!” He screamed. I winced.
“Okay, ow! Tone down your volume! And my mom already said you guys should come over here sometime. Listen this isn’t my phone, so I have to let you go, but I’ll get a hold of another one soon and talk to you guys later. Love you both.” They both yelled bye and I hung up. I shook my head at them smiling, feeling so much better now.
I got out of my room and tried to find Zach, but couldn’t find him. Huh? Where would he be? He was just here not too long ago. I stopped a butler in the hallway. He looked to be in his 40’s, and had graying brown hair.
“Have you seen Zach, I mean the Prince? He left his phone.” I explained. He shook his head, and left. Wow, big help! I sighed and decided to just find him in the morning. I was walking to my room when I bumped into someone.
“Ow!” I cried when I feel on my butt. I heard a chuckle that I know all too well and I sighed.
“Hey Dem.” I looked up and saw him smirking down at me, and gave me a once over. Maybe I shouldn’t have worn these shorts or top, but it was really hot. He helped me up, and I dusted myself off.
“Who were you looking for? Could it be, hmm, Zachias?!” He squealed in a girly voice mocking me. I glared at him.
“Ha-ha! No, well yes, but just to return his phone he let me use to contact my mom and friends.” I answered. He grinned.
“You like him! You want to kiss him! You want to marry-” I cut him off by elbowing his ribs during his singing. He did an ‘oomph!’ and chuckled.
“I do not like him! Shut it! I’m going to bed!” I huff and stomped away leaving him behind me laughing. I stomp to my room thoroughly irritated, and flop on my bed. I looked out my window to see the moon rising through the windows that covered an entire wall.
I fell asleep with my mind going blank not wanting to think of anyone else right now. Especially a certain someone.
Chapter eleven
Prince Zachias
When I got to the servant’s quarters through the hidden staircase, to say they were surprised was an understatement! They all looked startled and scared to think I was down here. I smiled at them hoping to reassure them.
“It’s okay, just got bored and decided to walk around aimlessly.” I lied. They relaxed slightly but they were still stiff, so I hastily got out of there so I wasn’t imposing.
Once I reached one of the main hallways my father approached me, and gave me a slap on the back.
“Alright son, it is now your first night. Go to your room and get to know Elise.” He grimaced saying her name, and frankly so did I. But the rules were every girl gets one night. At least I can get this done and over with. I nodded reluctantly and headed to my bedroom chambers.
When I got there I sighed and looked around. My room was filled with white and clean blues. I had a king sized four-poster bed that had white netting around it for privacy.
The sheets were navy blue and my walls were all white except for one that had a bright shade of blue. I had a terrace that you could go to through glass double French doors.
My carpet was in cream color, and my bathroom connected to my room was very large. That had a huge Jacuzzi tub, and a shower big enough to fit 10 people and had ceiling sprayers for water.
The tiles were in different shades of blue, and had the family crest on one wall of the shower, which was a lion’s head that had thorn bushes around it and a spear at the bottom.
I changed into some cream-colored pajama pants that had gold pin strips going down the side. They were quite comfortable and I usually don’t sleep with a shirt, but with Elise coming I didn’t want to take any chances. So I put on a plain white t-shirt.
I groaned, not wanting to be here if I had to stay with Elise tonight. I didn’t like her attitude towards Anna today. She seems like the very girl I was talking to my father about last week. Then there were three knocks, and I knew she was here. Great.
A maid came in and opened the door widely for Elise to walk in. She was wearing a very skimpy outfit and a ton of the family jewels. That was another thing you do before coming and having a night with me.
You can pick anything to wear, and you get your pick of all of our treasure and jewels. She chose to be dripping in them, which was not a turn on at all. Not to mention the fact she was wearing quite a bit of make-up. All in all she looked desperate.
“Hello Elise.” I fake smiled. I really didn’t want to do this. She smiled seductively at me and sauntered over to me since I was on the bed.
“I guess I’m pretty lucky that I’m the first girl huh?” She said cheekily. I smiled at her. I was only thinking how I was lucky that this would be over and done with within the next handful of hours.
“So tell me about yourself.” I asked, trying to pass time. She grinned and sat a little too close to me, and I felt slightly uncomfortable. She grabbed my hand and though I didn’t want to I was raised a gentleman and I didn’t want to be rude. Plus she’s staying the night with me. Wouldn’t want a tick off a woman sleeping in the same room with you.