Chapter 3 - That Isn't Proper

Well, here's the next chapter for this, in my flood of updates to all my stories! Do enjoy.

Evx : Hehe, that review made me laugh. cx

Teague's POV

In the Past...

"We should play a game." I stare at Mina as if she's gone crazy.

"A game? I couldn't!"

"You don't play games?" She gasps. "Come on, just try it."

"But it isn't proper!"

"Come on!" She grabs my hand, and tugs me into a clearing. "We'll play a simple game first. Hide and seek! Somebody hides, and the other person counts to ten and looks for them."

"That sounds like a stupid game." I mutter.

"I think you're just too chicken to play." She smirks, and suddenly I can't back down.

"Fine, I'll play!" I sigh, but she just smirks a bit bigger.

"Alright. I'll hide first! Close your eyes and start counting!"

In The Present...

The girls all eat, this time alone, but in the future I will be joining them. Supposedly it's to help me decide early, if I wanted to. I could rig all of these tests so one girl won if I wanted to. After all, I am the one who is deciding who passes and who fails in the rest of the tests. But there's no one I specifically want to have win. I don't want to get married to any of these girls.

However, I do want to find out about one girl in particular. Princess Wilhelmina. I would recognize the little girl from the woods anywhere. Yet I saw not even a flicker of recognition in her gaze as she looked at me. Does she remember me? I would assume so. But then why didn't she recognize me?

And the first ceremony confused me. When she was standing there, she seemed like all the other girls. Just trying to prove herself worthy. But she didn't exactly look like she wanted to be there. Maybe it was my imagination. I don't know. But then, she moved the girls out of harm's way, and saved their lives. She didn't even seem to think twice about being in front, and she stopped and dropped the knives impressively. And yet, then she went up to the crystal bowl and looked just like the other girls. How? Which side of her is actually her? Because I know for a fact both can't coincide in one. Which was she faking?

So, I decided I'd see what I could find out by listening at her door. And possibly coming in the room, if I learn anything.

"This is stupid." I hear the muttering from within the room. "I don't even want to be here."

This sparks my interest. She doesn't want to be here? She came against her will? I assumed all the girls wanted to marry me. Who wouldn't? But she...doesn't? Strange...

That's when the door open, and I'm faced with a disgruntled princess. "What on earth are you doing?" She hisses the words. "Everyone knows spying isn't proper."

"Calm down, Mina, I can explain-"

This just seems to irritate her even more. "I don't know how you know my nickname, or why you aren't being formal, but I suggest you leave."

"Come on, Mina, you know how I know your nickname. You told me it seven years ago!"

"I'm pretty sure I would remember meeting a Royal prince in the woods."

This takes me by surprise. "W-What? You don't remember?"

"No. I don't have any idea what you're talking about. Just, um, leave me alone."

"No, wait!" I grab her hand before she can shut the door, and she stiffens. "Can I talk to you?"

She looks like she hates this already. "Fine."

After stepping back to allow me entrance, I shut the door behind me, frowning. "You really don't remember anything?"

"Is there anything to remember?" I frown harder at this.

"You really don't remember..." It's like a punch to the gut. She doesn't remember what happened. "Mina, seven years ago, your family visited the castle for a treaty, and I ran into you in the woods. We became friends..."

"I don't remember any of that." She sighs, and closes her eyes. "I'm sorry, Prince Teague, because I think you honestly believe this happened. But I think I would remember meeting you."

I glance at her, and sigh. "Do you really not want to be here?"

She looks slightly shocked, and goes a little pink. "Ah, well..."

"Answer honestly. I won't judge you, I promise."

"You'll kick me out if I answer wrong."

"Wouldn't you like that?"

"Maybe." She shrugs. "But my parents wouldn't."

"Oooh." I look at her. "Well, I promise I won't kick you out if you answer honestly. On my honor as a Royal."

"Fine. I don't want to be here." She crosses her arms. "Happy?"

"I'll leave you alone, I guess." I step out, even more confused than I remember.

So the confidence was a sham. The instinct was her actual personality. Just like back then. But then why doesn't she remember? What happened to her after she left? These questions bounce around in my head, taunting me to try and figure out the answer. But I don't know. I honestly don't know why she doesn't remember me. Unless she's only pulling my leg? I wouldn't put it past her, but that didn't seem like it was faked. Maybe she was a different princess? But how many siren royal families were out there that named their princesses Wilhelmina? Scratch that, I don't even think there was more than one royal family for the Sirens. So it had to be her.

I think it's time to do some research.

So, who's ready for the second test?

Also, remember that three reviews will get you the next chapter!

~ Dagger