The Little Princess

28

"Yes, the schedule is pretty low key. You'll start at 9 and finish at 1. You'll have the whole afternoon and evening to do whatever you want. And the University is willing to pay for all your expenses, including a five day trip to Sorrento, where I want you to spend two days with a colleague based in Pompeii. He just wants someone to give some fresh ideas on the sites development, but you'll mostly just have free reign to wander around all day taking in the sites. I'll set up a few some networking events with some of our Italian benefactors. What does he do anyway?"

"So what's the plan when we land?" Pierre asked. He knew y/n hated flying and was trying to distract her. They had been on the plane for about an hour, so they were halfway there.

"Well, I have to go straight to the site, you go to hotel and chill." 

"Why can't I come too?"

"You'll find it boring"

"At least give me a chance"

Two hours later, Y/n did give Pierre a chance. He was standing, watching her coordinate people, who were attentive listening. Pierre had never seen Y/n so deep in her element, she looked so natural. When she started directing people to start digging, Pierre wandered over.

"Can I help?"

"You want to dig?"

"Yeah"

"Why?"

"Stop asking questions and let me help!"

Y/n through her hands up in defeat and handed him a shovel. Pierre hadn't realised quite how much hard work this was. Getting through the top layer of dirt was like getting through rock. He was very grateful when someone else offered to take over.

"Not as easy as you thought, hmmm?" Y/n said smuggly.

"No need to gloat."

When 1 o'clock rolled around, Y/n was covered in an inch of dust and dirt, and Pierre was lying down in the shade of a tree. 

"Pierre," she said, lightly nudging him with her foot. The man just grumbled. "Pierre, get up!" her foot nudged him a lot harder.

"Yes, hello, what!" Pierre sat up very quickly.

"It's time to go, we're finished for the day."

"You're covered in dirt."

"Yes, and?"

"Let me take a picture to send to your brothers, they'll find it hilarious."

Y/n just smiled holding up her small shovel and trowel, smiling at Pierre's phone.

"How do you manage to look so pretty, even when this dirty."

"Genetics. You've seen Arthur and Charles sweaty, it's the same gift." Y/n laughed, before extending her hand out to Pierre to pull him up.

-----

After that first day, Pierre went to the site with Y/n every day. She found it embarrassing but he loved seeing her so enthusiastic. They were on there fourth day in Rome, and they had an evening event that night. Tamsin had organised for the pair to attend a party run by one of the main benefactors.

"So, I need help." Y/n was standing at the sliding door of the balcony, wrapped in a towel. 

"I'm listening," Pierre said, looking up smirking, "You didn't need to be naked to get my attention."