Modern Princess

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Beckham's POV

It was quite unfortunate that Princess Ren didn't like me. At the same time, it was exactly what I was going for. I couldn't take the chance of either of us falling for each other. That would be disastrous.

In this case, however, I really wish she at least tolerated me. I needed to use her as bait.

I know that sounded bad, but there really was no other way to put it. No matter how I said it, it still sounded bad.

I did need her to stay in this garden though, and the only way to do so was to keep talking and hope that she would stay. Maybe throw an apology in there.

Or, a freak rain storm could just come out of no where and force us to run to a covering in the middle of the garden.

That was always an option.

I trailed behind Princess Ren's guards as they jogged beside her to the nearest gazebo. The storm came upon us so fast that we were all drenched in water.

Ren was already shivering from the coldness that had seeped in with the rain. Since the day had been hot (this weather is so bipolar. I thought it was winter?), she was only wearing a thin, little dress that did nothing to block out the chilliness.

Without thinking, I went and sat beside her, then offered her my jacket.

"What," she snapped, not bothering to cover the glare that was peeking through her lashes.

I put his hands up in surrender and that's when she seemed to notice the jacket I was holding in one of my upraised hands. Her eyes shifted down to my chest for a moment before she turned away, groaning.

"Calm down Charlie Sheen. I was only going to offer you my jacket," I held the article of clothing out to her this time and searched her face, trying to catch a glimpse of what she was thinking.

Even though she did nothing to hide her emotions, I could never tell exactly what she was thinking.

I dangled the jacket in front of her one last time, until she accepted my offer.

"Thank you," she grumbled, slipping it over her slightly exposed shoulders, "but you should know this is a cardigan. Not a jacket."

"Okay," I nodded, even though I had no idea what she was talking about.

Once more, when we were graced with the presence of silence, I couldn't help myself and had to say something.

"Nice weather we're having, eh?"

I wanted to tell her about her Prince Declan or as I know him, Nate, but I couldn't. I didn't know why he was here or why he chose not to tell me he was coming so I didn't want to alarm Princess Ren. Still, I couldn't help being a bit angry that he didn't say anything about coming here to me. I mean, we were friends, why would he have to hide this?

I knew this just added to Isaac's need to hate Nate. We weren't able to really talk about it either since we just saw him and then Isaac was pulled away to meet with King Hugo.

I would have to talk to Nate.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I realized that, for some crazy reason, Ren had her head tilted back and was laughing. I couldn't tell whether she was generally amused or if she was just meeting her breaking point. I was okay with either as long as she stayed sitting here for a little while longer.

I knew he's here so where is he? Or she. The killer could be a she.

I took one slow glance around the gazebo, keeping the creepy level down so Ren's guards wouldn't catch my suspicious behavior.

I thought for sure the murderer would show himself. I didn't expect him to necessarily show up and greet me, but I know he's here. I guess I'm going to have to work a little harder.

**

Ren's POV

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Here I was, sitting next to one of the most annoying guys in the history of annoying guys, in the rain, with five gorgeous princes inside the castle.

I needed to laugh.

And I needed to catch Isaac off guard so I could figure out what he's up to.

First, he shows up in the garden out of no where and now, as we're sitting here, he keeps looking around. I can tell he's trying not to be suspicious, but it's not working.

Is he looking for something? Maybe someone? Maybe I should do another background check on him...

My laughter finally died down and it shocked me to realize that I actually felt better. I guess even forced laughter can fake your heart into feeling better.

"Listen, I don't know how long you will be here with Prince Beckham, but I'd like to be on better terms incase we run into each other again," I looked up at him and saw that he was genuinely surprised by my offer.

He slowly smiled and nodded. "I think that's a good idea, but you should know I will probably still tease you." He shrugged his shoulders and made a quick glance to the side. "It's just part of who I am."

Still curious as to what he was looking for I said, "deal."

****

I was soaking in a warm bath that my wonderful maids drew for me when Alta banged on the door.

"Miss Ren, I'm going shopping for fabrics tomorrow. Are there any specific colors you would like?"

She asked me this every time she went shopping,and every time I would tell her, "you pick."

For some reason, she still felt the need to keep asking me.

"No, Alta. I still don't have any preferences."

"Well, I'm going into the city tomorrow to buy new fabrics and to pick up a few designer dresses. Your other maids will be here to attend to your needs while I'm gone," she replied, ever professional.

"Thank you Alta," I sang, picking my self up out of the bath since Gail would be here soon.

"Do you need help dressing or are you and Miss Gail just going to stay in your room tonight?"

"We will probably sneak to the kitchen, but I'll make sure no one catches us," I rolled my eyes asI thought of her crazy rule.

Alta insists that unless I am staying in bed or in my room all day, that I am to be properly dressed and decent incase we have visitors. Now, since the princes are staying here, Alta is becoming extremely strict with this rule.

"Oh no you don't! Call for one of the kitchen servants to bring the food. Do not roam the palace in your pajamas. How embarrassing that would be!"

She flitted on about being the future queen for a little while before she realized I wasn't listening.

"You impossible child," she exclaimed, stomping away from the closed door.

I smiled at her comment. She had such a big heart for me and sometimes I felt bad about being so disruptive, but then I think she probably wouldn't know how to function with a cooperative princess. That would surely throw her overboard.

I quickly finished drying myself off and then slipped into my pajamas. I didn't have to worry about meeting Gail at the front of the castle since the guards knew she was coming and she knew the palace almost as well as I did.

****

I finally finished this chapter. Whew. I just haven't had time to sit down and really work on it. Luckily, I've been able to write parts here and there during school. I tried to make this chapter a little longer since I haven't updated in so long. Enjoy!

xx