Protecting the Royal Idiot

Protecting the Royal Idiot - Chapter 20

We've reached a milestone, people. Chapter freakin' twentayy! :3

So I just really, really, really wanna thank everyone who's ever read this story. (Italics are fun.) So I'm gonna [at least try really hard] to make this chapter amazing, just for all you lovely fannies. And if it's not good... I'll cry.

Well, not really, but I'll be pretty bummed.

Love you all! <3

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Chapter 20

"Let me go," Alan said weakly, trying to sit up. I held out a hand, motioning for him to stop. I shook my head at him. Alan's brow creased, and he looked hurt. Well, he actually is. Really badly.

"You just got shot, Alan. You shouldn't get up," I said, still holding out my hand. He put his head back on the ground, some dust getting in his black hair. His brow creased and he frowned up at me.

"No need to remind me," Alan said. I could tell he was trying to joke, but instead of smiling, he kind of grimaced. It made me wince.

"Ryan," Mr. BTM said suddenly. I jumped, forgetting for a second how much his voice resembled an explosion. I shot a look at him, but I quickly relaxed after seeing him glare back at me. I shuddered at a sudden gust of cold air. Ryan was looking at Mr. BTM with a hard stare. Ryan's jaw was clenched.

"You have to stay with Alan," Mr. BTM said. Ryan's jaw got tighter; I could see a slight shadow on the side of his face. He hesitated. "Where are you and Jenna going?" he asked. His voice was monotone and hollow. I pursed my lips at him. He seemed really upset. And I really wanna give him a hug.

Wait, no. No I don't wanna give Ryan a hug.

Ahh, who am I kidding? Ryan's good-looking, funny, and actually kind of sweet. And it's pretty... attractive how he can get mature at all the right times.

Wow, how selfish am I? I'm thinking about Ryan when Alan just got shot. I mentally slapped myself, and reminded myself that I wasn't supposed to like Ryan. I was only supposed to protect him, and get my job done.

"To find Falling Rocks," Mr. BTM said curtly. If I weren't hugging my knees under my chin, my jaw would've dropped to the ground. Is he serious?! My eyes widened slightly.

"What about me? Why can't I go?" Ryan asked, catching everyone off guard. Everyone just stared at him; even Alan had his eyebrows raised. Ryan looked around at everyone's shocked expressions, and he sighed.

"I want to go," he said firmly. He nodded once and looked at Mr. BTM. Mr. BTM looked right back at him, his expression calculating, as if he were trying to figure out whether or not Ryan was joking. But Ryan looked serious. Dead serious.

"You can stay with Alan," he told Mr. BTM, "and I'll go with Jenna."

"Why?"

I had spoken up all of a sudden, out of pure curiosity. Ryan barely glanced my way.

"Or Jenna can stay with Alan. I just want to go."

Wow. Ryan really wants to save his parents. I guess just because I don't necessarily like my own parents right now, doesn't mean everyone else has to hate their own.

"I'll go," I said suddenly. For some reason, I felt obligated to do this. I actually wanted to. I know a few seconds ago, I wasn't so sure. But if Ryan's going, I should too. I can do this for the king and queen, and for Alan. And it is my job, after all.

"It'll be dangerous."

"Screw danger, I have no fears," I said, jumping to my feet. Ryan stood up, too. Well, no fears except for... giant man-eating scorpions. But I don't think those exist.