My Wonderful Second Life

Chapter 9- Caught in mischief

I turned to look at those golden eyes, that were so oddly familiar. Not before cursing at my unluckyness. Of course I would have been caught by Prince Francis! Worst than this only if I was caught by his bitch sister or that fool I avoided to death.

He looked at me with an agreeable smile on his lips as I got up from my spot behind the bushes. Right there I knew he was enjoying this very much. Too much to my likening.

"Is there a problem, Miss Lucreatia? Or should I say, Lulu?" He asked, taking my hand to kiss it.

My brain went on overload, trying to figure out an answer to his question. What could I tell a fox prince like Francis? Nothing truthful I imagined.

As I continued in silence, he pressed my hand gently to remind me to answer his question. Bracing myself, I turned to glance at his eyes in pretended fearlessness and prepared myself to lie with all my soul. Even if he didn't believe me entirely, he wouldn't do much if my excuse was satisfactory. I was ready to spew the first satisfactory thing that could come to my head, but his cold smile stopped me for a moment. It chilled me and made this poor girl realize, that may be lying was not the best option. Not with him at least.

Then out of nowhere, the fool's voice was again in an earshot. That indomitable plague was calling for me and coming closer and closer. My already overloaded brain started to fry and I did the most unthinkable thing. I hid back behind the bushes. Alone? No, of course not. I took Francis with me, pushing him down with me and silencing his questions with my hand.

My stupid self was more afraid of a fool than of a royal fox... not my brightest moment.

We heard the plague pace around and yell my name several times before he left to search for me in other places. With his voice growing weaker, I got confident enough to peer through the thick bushes to confirm the fool's exit. My hands pushing the greenery for a better view.

"Hiding from your fiance is not a good start for a healthy relationship." Whispered Francis with a hint of mockery.

Upon hearing his voice I realized what I had done and quickly got up. In my distressed haste, my dress got covered in small leaves everywhere. For fear of Fanny's angry scolding upon seeing my state, I tried to shake them off the best way possible, by shaking myself. Unfortunately, it was not enough to take them all out of my dress, I would have to face the ire of Fanny at end of the day...

It was at of this realization that I heard a laugh coming from my side. Francis was having a blast with this, not even pretending to be a gentleman anymore. Because gentleman did not laugh out loud at a lady's misery as he clearly was doing.

Well, since he was not pretending, neither would I, so I gave him my dirty eye.

"He is not my fiance, only a candidate!" I responded in a harsh voice, crossing my hands over my chest.

The comment made Prince Francis stop his laughter in an abrupt manner. After recovering, he gave me a cold smile with his knowing eyes, before turning his glance to where the fool had ran to.

"But I hardly can see better suitor for you. I am sure you ought to accept his proposal." He told in a warm voice as he returned his glance to me.

His pity and condescending attitude made me angry. I was not to be pitied by these fools!

"I am sure I can find a better partner!" I replied in a dry tone.

At this, prince Francis's smile turned into a mischievous grin as he came closer, which caught me so unprepared I stepped back without realizing it.

"Oh really? Who can be a better partner than a son of the Great Duke of the North? Better than the future Duke of the North?" He whispered as he came close, then in a pretended shock, he continued. "Maybe... oh... it cannot be... better than a duke? Only a prince! Are you showing your intention in pursuing me?" He had gone full mocking on me.