Chapter 2

"Velma, that's ridiculous! There's no way something is going on between the princess and Shaggy! If anything I'd be more worried about her stealing Fred from me," Daphne scowled at the thought, but Velma just rolled her eyes.

"Yeah..but isn't it a little weird that she was in his room so late at night?"

"No..they were probably just going over the game plan for today or she was making sure he wouldn't chicken out. And besides it paid off!"

She motioned to the huge dining hall they were in as they all celebrated the capture of the 'ghost.' It turned out to be Alora's younger sister Melanie. She desperately wanted the thrown and the only way she could get it was by making sure her sister never married. She would chase off every prince that stepped foot in the castle. The plan of having Shaggy pretend to be a prince worked perfectly and they soon captured Melanie.

Velma wasn't convinced as easily as Daphne, after all if Alora had no interest in Shaggy why was she still glued by his side so much? She watched them from across the room with irritation starting to boil inside. They sat at a table together surrounded by people, Alora would whisper in Shaggy's ear and they would both laugh.

Velma felt even more sick and looked away. Maybe this is my own fault…maybe if I had gotten the courage to just tell Shaggy how I feel he wouldn't be flirting with someone else right in front of me. But then...who am I kidding. Why would he want me when he could have THAT! A fucking princess..

Velma was started by something nudging her hand.

"Oh Scooby, its you." She didn't try to hide the sorrow in her voice, and Scooby noticed too.

"R'hats r'wrong Relma?"

Velma let out a sigh and glanced at Shaggy again. Scooby followed her gaze.

"'R'its recause r'of her r'isn't it?" He was talking about Alora.

Velma was surprised that Scooby caught on so quickly but she wasn't sure how to respond so she just nodded. Scooby looked at her with sad eyes and nuzzled her hand.

Suddenly an idea hit her. "Hmm…Scooby maybe you could tell Shaggy to come over here. Tell him I want to talk to him."

Now hopefully I can just distract him and keep those two apart for the rest of the time we are here. She sighed. And maybe I should really consider telling him how I feel..

Scooby nodded and bounced through the crowd to Shaggy. She watched as Shaggy started making his was to her. Her stomach started to twist at the thought of telling him. What if he laughs? What if he doesn't feel the same? Paranoia started to swirl inside her head.

"Like hey Velms. What's up?"

"Nothing really," She took a deep breath, "I wanted to talk to you about something…" She hesitated. You already started…don't stop now! "I can't help but notice that you and the princess have been spending a lot of time together."

"Yeah? Like, isn't it awesome! I never thought anyone high class would want to hang out with a guy like me!" He laughed and had his usual goofy grin on his face. "Although I don't think I look half bad dressed as a prince" He ran his hands down the suit he was still wearing.

"But that's not what I mean Shaggy…"

"Huh? What's wrong?"

"Its just...I think the princess has a thing for you. But I…" Velma cringed as the words fell from her mouth and stopped herself from finishing.

Shaggy shifted uncomfortably, "Like, that's silly Velma! Its not like anything is going to happen. We are leaving tomorrow afternoon anyway. But, like, I promised I wouldn't be away long so I better get back over there."

Velma silently cursed herself as she watched him walk away; she didn't even get a chance to tell him how she felt. More than anything she just wanted to go back in her room and curl up in bed. At least they would be leaving tomorrow, how much could happen between them in such a short period?

Nothing I hope.

The day had passed quickly and slowly the party had died down. There were a few remaining people left in the dining hall, along with Scooby and the gang.

Alora pressed her lips to Shaggy's ear causing him to shiver, "I have something very important I want to show you" she whispered.

He looked at her confused and surprised. She lightly tugged his hand and they slipped away without being noticed. "Follow me."

But what about Fred, Daphne, and Velma? And Scooby? Apprehension start to prickle inside and he felt his mouth go dry. What's going on?

They walked in silence until they reached a huge wooden door with guards standing on each side, Alora nodded at them and motioned for Shaggy to go inside.

Shaggy stared in awe; the room was huge! A master bed sat perfectly center in the room draped with a lacy canopy; a cozy fireplace took the opposite end of the room. There was even a chandelier that filled the room with tiny sparkles of reflecting light.

"Like, this is your bedroom, isn't it?" There was no hiding the amazement in his voice, "Why did you bring me here?"

"Please have a seat Shaggy and make yourself feel comfortable. I know I have much explaining to do."

Shaggy took a seat on the loveseat and Alora sat next to him. She gave him a look and he winced at the pain in her eyes.

"You know, finding out that my sister had been the one behind this whole ghost nonsense hurt me more than I let on," She began, speaking in a very hushed tone. "I've never felt more betrayed. It was because of her that I could never truly be happy. Her greed for power was more important than her own sister! She never let me get close to anyone. There was one prince I had cared very deeply about…I knew he was the one. But after she chased him off with her stupid ghost getup he will never set foot here again." The last part came out as a sob.

Shaggy awkwardly put his hand on her shoulder in a comforting gesture. "Like, It's okay princess. Now that she is gone you can move on…and you'll be able to find someone else who makes you happy."

He bit his lip, I really hope I'm helping! But I don't know what else to say…

Alora wiped the tear that fell down her cheek and looked at him with a tender smile, "You're right Shaggy. You are a very sweet guy and I always knew there was something special about you from the moment we met"

His eyes grew wide as she leaned over and gently kissed him on the lips..

To Be Continued ….