Lockets chapter 10

Maya POV.

Well shit. My mind searches desperately for exit routes and explanations but comes up empty handed. I'm in the middle of an unknown forest with a horrible sense of direction and how does one really explain illegally crossing a border and falling out of a tree anyways?

I hesitantly glance up and the man whose voice had thundered dangerously at me moments before. "Um...hi?" Wow brain. Great way to seem less suspicious. I really can't blame it (or would it be myself?) for such a stupid response. This stranger was even more attractive physically than his voice was.

A tall figure with defined muscles, his shaggy brown hair haphazardly sweeped back from his face giving him the sexy bed head look. His eyes a lighter brown, surprising as his deep voice made me imagine dark and dangerous ones. That same voice that interrupted my drooling moments after my response.

"Let me repeat myself miss. What the hell?" So charismatic is not a word to be associated with the stranger. "I'm so sorry. I was just climbing that tree to search for a pine cone to crush and make paint from when I heard your voice and became startled." I spewed fluent lies to cover my embarrassment, silently begging him to believe them as truths.

"Most would look for pine cones on the ground." Seriously dude? Why use logic at a time like this? Think stupid! "Well. I am not most people. I happen to like the challenge of climbing the tree. Plus the best pine cones are fully alive not dying on the ground for passer byers to kick at will." That definitely sounds believable, I think giving myself a mental high five.

"You are most peculiar. I have never heard of making paint from pine cones either. And I do not recognize you. What family do you come from?" Why must he make life so difficult? "I...Why should I tell you? What family do you come from?" The companion next to the man gapes at me turning his head between me and the stranger.

"You do not recognize me? I am Joshua. The future king of Peridot!" That's such a perfect name. But I have the absolute worst of luck ever. Do I tell the truth? Should I just run? Work brain work! "Um...I'm sorry? I'm from outside the city. I don't get out much?" That would have sounded way better without the questioning tone. Should I bow?

"Paul, remind me to make a visit to the outskirts of Peridot. Everyone must recognize me on sight. And no you do not need to bow." I said that out loud? Oops. That's strange though, in Emerald you must at least bow slightly to indicate you are aware of their position in power. I would expect since Peridot's reputation holds more importance in status that you would have to kiss their feet or something gross like that.

"What, may I ask, are you doing so far from home? You surely have pine cones in your own village miss...?" "Maya. And I am here because...I wanted to see the city for myself." That's mostly true, I'm just withholding a little bit of information.

"And how has that experience been?" "Painful so far." I blurt without thinking. I should have said wonderful or life changing or something teeth rottingly sweet like that. Princes like to hear that about their kingdoms. To my surprise though, he starts laughing. Even 'Paul' seems flabbergasted by the sudden burst of a deep (and very attractive) laugh echoing through the empty forest.

"You are a funny little sprite!" I resist the urge to contradict his 'sprite' comment and fake a smile. "Thank you your highness. I will be on my way if that's alright with you." He hesitates for a second before granting permission. It's was almost like he didn't want me to leave...

Ugh don't be stupid, I tell myself. The last thing I need is a 'cruel' boyfriend from a different kingdom. Besides I'm a peasant and he's a king, that only works in fairytales. "I wish you a higher rank in the future." What a strange thing to say. I guess maybe that is a common phrase here?

I begin to walk away pondering these thoughts, before tripping on an unseen rock and falling straight into a solid chest. Arms wrap around my waist, steadying me as a correct my balance. I can feel my face heat up as my words too stumble to apologize. "I am so sorry! I swear I didn't mean too it's just the rock and I wasn't paying attention and I am so sorry your Highness!"

Laughing off my apologies, Josh appears a little red himself. "A clumsy one aren't you Maya? That's alri..." His sentence trails off as our eyes meet with intensity. Paul clearing his throat jolts us out of our hypnotic state and I realize I am still in Josh's arms. Without thinking I let out a small squeak and scurry out of his warm, comfortable embrace and practically sprint down the path out of sight.

It might have been my imagination, but I thought I heard my name called out, the wind carrying it subtly to my ears. I hide in the trees and start walking in a random direction in case he followed me. Yet, I began daydreaming about what would happen if he found me. He would take me into his arms, look at me with such love and adoration that I would return and our lips would passionately meet.

The sound of a twig snapping alerted me of my surrounding. With a start I realize I am surrounded by tall trees on all sides and have absolutely NO IDEA where I am. Sighing I begin to recognize that I am lost, in the middle of a forbidden kingdom, alone, and extremely vulnerable. My only hope is that the thing that snapped that twig was a civilized person, not a ravaged animal who wanted dinner.

Hey guys! Ending the chapters 8 and 9 both in "what the hell" was completely accidental but ya know whatever. I didn't even notice it until I went back to reread where I had left off with Maya. But it makes their two plots seem more connected right? Any who's I am very sorry for this late update :/ I know it's a little short but it's solidly a struggle to even find time to write. Let me know what you think! Reviews make my day :)

Silvertipwings