HELLO EVERYONE!
I'm going to make this short, since I doubt many people read these author's notes.
I am SO SO SO sorry that I haven't updated in so long. Seriously, I could've updated like a week after my last update, but then my stupid computer wouldn't let me put the document on fanfiction. Then I forgot to try again for like three months, and now here we are. But do not fear! I have about five more chapters ready to upload after some edits, and so the chapters will be coming - hopefully - quite quickly after this.
Thanks to all those who have stayed/waited/followed/read/reviewed/even glanced at my story. I really appreciate it.
I guess I kinda broke my promise about keeping this "short." Oops. At least the chapter is long...?
Before I forget: Review. Review. And also, did I mention, Review? Just a simple "I like this" works. It motivates me.
ENJOY THE STORY! I hope this chapter suits your needs!
~Very~
Chapter Ten
"America! America!" Someone shouted my name gleefully the next day. I turned, looking for the owner of the excited voice. Chelsey, her hair unkempt, hurried down the hall towards me with a huge smile. A few other maids, who had been cleaning the hallway with me, looked up. Chelsey, smiling sweetly, politely asked them to continue their work. When the then embarrassed maids turned around, Chelsey grabbed my hand.
"C'mon, I have something I need to talk about with you," She told me as she pulled me into one of the rooms.
It was a small parlour, so we sat on the couch. I sat rather hesitantly. "Are you sure we're allowed to be in here?" I asked, and Chelsey waved a hand.
"It'll be really short, don't worry." Her eyes twinkled as she smiled. "But you'll never guess what happened!"
I raised an eyebrow, amused. Chelsey looked like she was about to burst with excitement. "What?"
"Alyse's father died. She has to leave!"
My smile disappeared quickly. I remembered all the death I had experienced in my life… my father, Aspen, and recently Raychell. I felt a spark of guilt at the thought of Raychell. Had she even crossed my mind the last couple months? It had been awhile, but I felt like I was disgracing her memory. "Chelsey." I gaped at my friend. How could she be happy about something like this? "How exactly is this good news?"
Chelsey's eyes widened in realization. Her grin turned into a frown. "Oh… that sounded so mean," she groaned. "I'm sad for Alyse, of course, but her having to leave, well… it's good news for you." Chelsey sighed and winced. "That also sounded bad, huh?"
My lips quirked up, despite myself. "Who's Alyse?" I asked curiously. It was strange that a woman who I didn't even know was influential on me. "And why is it good news that she's leaving?"
Chelsey smiled again. "Well, Miss Alyse was Chase's nanny. With her leaving, there's a spot available for a couple weeks until she gets back." Chelsey's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Guess who got the job?"
I grinned widely. It couldn't be… "Me?" I wondered incredulously.
Chelsey nodded enthusiastically.
"But… why?" I asked.
Chelsey leaned back in her seat. "Well, Maxon asked me to recommend someone. I mentioned you, and how you have experience with children. He seemed interested in you, and he specifically told me that he wanted someone younger for the job." She grinned. "So. Do you want it?"
"Well, of course!" I remembered the prince. He was adorable, and I was pleased Chelsey had recommended me. I was even happier that Maxon seemed to want me for the job too. I hoped that maybe being Chase's nanny would help me with missing Adelynne.
"Great!" Chelsey exclaimed cheerfully, and then stood up. "I'll be taking you to Prince Chase now. Today's your practice day, and I'll be showing you the ropes, as they say." I stood up too, and followed as she led me out of the room and through the Palace.
I was mostly excited, but part of me worried if I was really qualified. How would I be able to take care of the prince? Personally, I didn't think I really had experience, even though I loved and took care of my own daughter. Sometimes I even felt as if my mother spent more time with Adelynne than I did.
I let out a sigh as I tried to keep up the pace behind Chelsey - for such a petite woman, she really was fast. I was really overthinking this. If Chelsey thought I could do this, and Maxon agreed, I couldn't be that bad, right? I already had a job at the Palace, after all, so this was really only a promotion. Some more money (I hoped), more time with Prince Chase…
And more time with Maxon, a part of me added happily. I clenched my fist as my cheeks warmed. As we turned a corner, I wondered what I was thinking. Maxon was my… acquaintance? Friend? More like my boss and king. I thought guiltily with a slight shake of my head.
Chelsey stopped suddenly, and I nearly crashed into her. I shook my head of my thoughts and looked around. Without realizing it, I had followed Chelsey to the Royal Chambers.
Chelsey confused my distracted thoughts for worry. She put hands on my shoulders with a warm smile, even though I was taller than her.
"You'll be fine." She told me soothingly, a confident smile on her face. "Maxon and I chose you for a reason." Then, she reached out and opened the door in front of us.
Once inside, I nearly gasped. The room was huge! A huge, round playpen was suspended a couple feet above the ground, so it looked like a very large circular crib that stretched six feet in diameter. I knew it was Chase's play area because many plushy toys were littered around inside it. The rest of the room, however, was spotless. There was a couch and rocking chair in the corner and I saw a door leading to a large bathroom. Wide windows let in tons of light, and the walls were decorated with pictures of animals and the ocean. I smiled. The room was filled with warmth and comfort. I could imagine working in here.
"Alyse?" Chelsey called out. The room was big enough where we had to call out, and I didn't know how many more there could be around here. From the next room, a woman rushed in, a worried look on her face.
"What?" She saw us and breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, Miss Chelsey." She gave us a strained, but still kind, smile. "How may I help you?" Her eyes were clouded and rimmed with red, and it was obvious she had been crying. Probably about her father. She was older than Chelsey and me, probably around forty, and her hair had a couple of grey streaks in it.
"Oh, I'm just showing America Singer around." Chelsey told her. "Where's Prince Chase?"
"King Maxon and Lady Keahna took him to the gardens for a picnic lunch."
My heart clenched. I grit my teeth. "Lady Keahna?" I asked with a frown, confused.
Alyse nodded. "Yes, King Maxon invited her to come with him to a picnic in the gardens with Chase. I think." She added hastily.
I blinked, then glared in another direction. I couldn't describe what I was feeling, which only made me more confused and angry. Was I disappointed that Chase wasn't here? Or was I more disappointed that Maxon wasn't here? "Right." I mumbled.
In the corner of my eye, Chelsey shot me a concerned look. She turned to Alyse. "Is it okay if I show Miss America around Chase's rooms and yours?" Alyse nodded.
"Oh, sure, Miss Chelsey." She replied with slight unease, and then gestured to a room adjoining Chase's.
It was spacious and large, but not as large as Chase's - which was a bit odd. It too had large window, and a queen sized bed. A dresser sat in the corner, along with a desk. I was surprised I would have such a big room. Being the prince's nanny did have it's perks. Right now, though, clothes were covering the floor and the bed, and a large suitcase lay open.
"I'm sorry," Alyse said embarrassed as she rushed and tried to pick up a couple dresses. "I was… packing." She muttered. I felt a surge of compassion for her, even though I didn't know her. I could tell that her being timid and flustered was due to the fact that her father had died. After all, I had acted similarly.
After showing me the bathroom, Chelsey led me to Chase's rooms. Besides the large play room and bathroom I had seen earlier, he also had a napping/feeding room. I enjoyed exploring the Prince's Chambers, but seeing all this space and wealth for such a tiny little baby made me feel stunned and the slightest bit bitter. While I had been hungry all the time at home, people were living like this? It surprised me, even though I knew I shouldn't be shocked by things like this anymore. After all, this was reality.
As Chelsey was discussing something with Alyse in her room, I wandered into Chase's room. I walked over to his playpen, smiling at the cute plushy pillows and blankets surrounding the area. It was clear that whoever had planned this room out had been very careful and deliberate.
I started as the door behind me opened suddenly. Whirling around, I faced King Maxon, Lady Keahna, and a giggling Prince Chase. They too, stared at me for a second in shock, their smiles frozen on their faces. After a second, though, Keahna rushed over to me with a grin, enveloping me in a hug.
"America!" She smiled at me, and I attempted a smile back, but all I could think about was the happy look on Maxon's face when he had entered with her. "What are you doing in here?" She asked happily.
Maxon walked over and set his son in his play area. "Miss Singer is Chase's new nanny." He told Keahna, a small smile on his face. "I believe she is in the process of a tour."
Keahna grinned. "Oh, really? That's great, America!" She said cheerfully, but my jealous self only felt like she was mocking me. I also couldn't help but wonder how she could look so gracious and beautiful with a simple smile. Quickly, I shook those thoughts from my head. Now was not the time to be jealous. "Where's Chelsey?" Keahna asked me.
Like magic, Chelsey appeared suddenly. "Right here. Hello, Lady Keahna." She then curtsied to Maxon, and I felt a rush of embarrassment when I remembered that I hadn't shown any sign of respect to Maxon at all. "My King," She smiled, her eyes twinkling as they usually did when she saw a friend.
Maxon bowed his head. "Miss Chelsey. Are you done with your tour?"
Chelsey nodded. "Yes, but I was wondering if America could have some time with Chase?"
"Of course." Maxon replied graciously.
"Is it okay if I leave her here alone?" Chelsey questioned hesitantly. "Alyse is packing in her room, and I have to meet with Lady Valleree about something."
Maxon smiled. "Of course. I was planning on staying with Chase for a while anyway, so she'll be with me." I bit my lip. Alone time with the King? This could either go very very badly or quite well. It all depended on me, really.
Chelsey grinned. "Wonderful." She turned to me. "Congratulations for getting the job." She laughed. "Even though I chose you for it." With that, she curtsied to Maxon and waved to Keahna before hurrying out the room.
"Well, I'd better get going. Bye, America." She waved at me, and I attempted to smile back. "See you later Maxon."
Keahna stepped towards Maxon and gave him a hug, making me stare at them wide-eyed. I knew they were close, but did that hug hint at something more? My fists clenched at the thought, but I didn't know why.
When she left the room, the only sound was Chase's gurgling noises as he waved a stuffed bear around. It was incredibly awkward, but my uncomfortableness evaporated when Chase crawled over to me and grinned at me. He had no teeth, and I couldn't help but giggle and smile back.
I bent down until we were eye level. His green eyes, clear and full of humour, blinked lazily as he babbled something softly. I stood up again, suddenly aware of Maxon just a few feet away. I felt his gaze on me, and I couldn't help but look up to meet his eyes.
"Your Majesty," I bowed my head, curtsying slightly, but Maxon just smiled.
"Please, America," he smiled kindly, "you can call me Maxon, remember? If we are to be working together from now on, I am certain it will be appropriate for you to call me by my name." His brown eyes twinkled.
I couldn't help but grin back, pleased at both the prospect of working with the king and with being allowed to call him by his real name. It was still getting used to it, though.
Chase let out a cry, and both of us looked towards him. He was pouting, sniffling slightly. I felt the desire to pick him up and comfort him. Then, I realized I could pick the prince up. With a hesitant glance at King Maxon, I gently picked up the baby heir, supporting his still slightly unsteady head. I rocked him gently with his head resting on my shoulder, humming under my breath. I could feel Maxon's gaze on me again, and I worried for a second when Chase continued to whimper. After a few seconds, though, the baby quieted down. I raised my gaze, looking up to see Maxon smiling at me.
"He likes you," he told me approvingly.
I grinned, pleased. "That, or he's very tired and can't help but fall asleep."
Maxon chuckled softly. "Yes, I suppose this afternoon may have been a little tiring." We stood in silence for a moment, with me rocking Chase in my arms and Maxon standing a few feet away. He asked, "Do you have very much experience with children?"
Immediately, I was on high-alert. Was he testing me? I adjusted Chase in my arms. "Well, I have four other siblings, and two of them were younger than me. So yes, I suppose I have experience."
Maxon's eyebrows raised. "Four siblings?"
I nodded, brightening at the idea of my family. I really did miss them. "Yep. I'm the middle child, and I have two older siblings, Kenna and Kota. My younger siblings, May and Gerad, were born around the time I started helping around the house, so I… um, I was able to take care of them." I ended awkwardly, rushing my last few words, suddenly worried I was talking too much. My family was a passionate subject for me, but I wondered if I was making the king bored.
Maxon smiled at me. There was a slight sadness in his eyes. I realized, suddenly, that he had no siblings. He had always been an only child, for his entire life. I felt a spark of sympathy for the king before me. I couldn't imagine how he must feel. True, I too had lost my beloved spouse, but afterward I had at least had my family. Maxon… he had nothing. His parents were dead, he had no siblings, and he was required to lead an entire country… by himself. I clutched Prince Chase a little tighter.
Maxon seemed to notice my discomfort. He took a step closer. "America?" He questioned. He reached out a hand, gently touching my shoulder. His touch electrified me for a second, snapping me back to reality.
"Yes… Maxon, I'm fine," I reassured him with a slight smile.
"You look a little tired," he offered. "Maybe you need some rest." He gently took Chase from me, and the Prince muttered restlessly. Maxon was wrong, though. If anything, I was especially excited right now. I had just gotten a new job, I would get to spend time with the Prince and the King…
Nevertheless, I nodded, trying to be as mature and pleasant as I could. I needed to, of course, if I was going to impress Maxon and be a good nanny. "Of course. I… come here tomorrow morning, then?"
Maxon smiled, looking relieved and slightly surprised I was being so obedient and agreeable. I admit I'm not usually so subdued. "Yes. Chase has his night-sitter, but you'll watching him in the day. Oh, by the way, we're still going on our beach trip. With you as nanny, this is the perfect time."
I brightened at the thought I finally visiting the beach. With a curtsy, I smiled widely. "Well, thank you, Maxon. I'll see you tomorrow." Flashing him a brilliant smile at the thought, I headed towards the door, but he stopped me with a call.
I turned and watched as he lowered Chase into his crib, and then hurried over to me. Once in front of me, he smiled. "I just wanted to let you know that I couldn't be happier at who Chelsea recommended for Chase's nanny," he told me kindly in a low voice. There was barely a foot between us. "I know you'll do wonderfully, so there's really no reason to act so nervous."
I let out a breathy laugh, suddenly finding it difficult to breathe with Maxon's intense gaze staring right at me. I smiled. "You could tell?"
He smiled. His only answer was, "You'll do great." And before I could do anything, Maxon grabbed my hand and slowly brought it up to his lips, kissing it gently. Where his smooth lips met my cool skin, it tingled. I let out a breath I hadn't known I'd been hold as Maxon dropped my hand. My arm fell limply to my side as I smiled at him.
His lips quirked up. "See you tomorrow, Miss Singer," he told me cheerfully. Clearly, he didn't know what his small gesture had done to me. He turned and headed back towards Chase, and I breathlessly opened the door and hurried out into the hall.
I leaned against the closed door with a smile, my eyes closed; my hand pressed behind me, resting on the silver door knob. I looked both ways down the hallway, suddenly charged with excitement. The idea of being the prince's nanny hit me on full force. I'd be looking over the Heir to the throne. I'd be working alongside the King. I grinned again.
Looks like life was finally turning around for the best.
The next week was busy with preparations for our trip, packing, and… oh, of course, my job.
The young Prince Chase seemed to be getting cuter every day. Playing with him was something I would wake up looking forward to. Even putting him to sleep was adorable, because while sleeping the little prince would occasionally let out a small snore. I found that I even dreaded my breaks, and would occasionally just tell my assistants that I would stay with him.
And then, of course, there was the bonus that I got to learn a lot more about the King. Every morning, before he had to start his 'kingly duties', Maxon took a walk with me and Chase in the gardens. Maxon had made up his mind, he told me, that he would make a tradition of walking in the gardens with Chase as long as he was able. Selfishly, I had to be a tad jealous that I wouldn't always be Chase's nanny, that the little prince wouldn't always need one. But I tried to take advantage of the daily morning walks with Maxon.
Every morning I would wake up eagerly, get myself and Chase ready, and head to the grand entrance hall, where Maxon would sometimes be waiting for us. Other days, however, we would usually wait for the king for awhile. Luckily, Chase was a pretty easygoing baby. He loved babbling to the guards stationed in the hall, or grin at passing maids. I would walk him around the room, looking at the paintings, telling him about my sister, and my dad, who were both artists. I, myself, also had an eye for art, and I loved inspecting the paintings lining the halls. Soon Maxon would arrive, though, and the three of us would head out into the usually cool but comfortable Angeles morning.
We would talk about the most random things sometimes. We talked about our families, our lives. We even started to develop a closer relationship that allowed me to tell him silly jokes or for us to share our hopes and dreams. It was really nice, sometimes, that I was able to have another friend at the Palace. Maxon and I became so close in just a week that I wondered sometimes how it was possible.
The walk in the garden was usually one of the highlights of my day.
(ooo)
On one such walks in the garden, Chase was being surprisingly energetic. He was squirmy when I tried to hold him, so I had to let him crawl around.
The little baby was very curious, which was a usually good trait. But you know the saying… 'curiosity killed the cat'. Fortunately, the Prince's enthusiasm for inspecting new things didn't get him too hurt. The baby seemed to especially love the roses, though, and so I would have to scoop him up quickly he strayed too far from me or too close to the pretty but dangerous flowers with thorns.
Maxon, of course, simply laughed when I would rush over to Chase nervously. I couldn't help but smile too when I thought of myself rushing over to a baby with an exasperated sound.
"What's so funny?" I asked him, feigning innocence. He had laughed for the fourth time because of me chasing Chase. I propped a struggling Chase on my hip.
Maxon just smiled bemusedly. "It's cute."
He, at the same time as I did, realized what this sort-of implied. I awkwardly ducked my head slightly as I put a whining Chase back on the ground.
"He's growing up rather quickly, isn't he?" Maxon commented lightly, and I was both disappointed and relieved at the change of topic.
"Children do that." I watched Chase, but my eyes occasionally flickered to Maxon. "One day they're little children, messing around, and the next moment, they're leaving." I pause. "Or you leave them..." I tell him, slightly sadly.
"Did you ever travel anywhere from your home in Carolina? Were you always around your family?" Maxon asked curiously.
I nodded. "Mostly, yes." I paused. "But I almost left, once."
"When?"
I froze. "... When I was seventeen." All my memories returned from when I was seventeen. How Aspen had told me to sign up for the Selection, how I refused to, how my mother wouldn't speak to me for a week after...
"Where were you planning to go?" Maxon asked, noticing my falter and trying to bring me out of my thoughts.
I kept my eyes lowered to the ground. "Here. I was planning on entering the Selection… your Selection." While the topic is awkward, I can't help but raise my gaze to look him in the eye.
"Really?" His look is unreadable, but his eyes aren't cold or uncomfortable, so I keep my gaze. "Why didn't you?" There's something in his voice. Curiousness on why I didn't do something that nearly all girls my age back then had done? Envy that I had gotten a choice to do something I wanted to do?
"I was in love." I told him carefully. He looked up at me, smiling, and all awkwardness faded. I smiled back.
"That's quite a good reason," He told me. I nodded, unable to speak because of the pure intensity of his gaze. And I was also shocked. No one had ever accepted anything I'd done so readily. Many people from Carolina had always sometimes doubted me. My mother, my siblings, my friends… Even Aspen had sometimes doubted or mistrusted me.
I felt a surge of compassion for this man in front of me. He actually understood why I hadn't entered the Selection. Well, maybe not understood. But he accepted it, without questions. Most people who learned I hadn't entered the Selection would ask me why. My mother had held that against for years afterwards, and Aspen too had tried to convince me to sign up. Maxon simply accepted my choice and supported me, even if it had happened ten years ago. I wanted, at that moment, to simply hug him. I wanted to tell him without words how simply awed by him I was.
Something held me back embracing him, though. His eyes were concerned, and they even showed… regret? I wondered what about the Selection could have made him regret so much? What would he change if he could? What did he dislike about his Selection? I mean, besides the fact that it nearly forced thirty-five women onto him. Maybe that's why he regretted his Selection. Maybe he was forced to marry one of the girls… Maybe he never loved any of them. Did that mean he didn't love Kriss? I wondered with a start.
I quickly pushed the idea out of my mind. I broke my gaze with him, scolding myself. Of course Maxon loved Kriss… He still loves her. How could I be so blind to assume he didn't love her? I was really overthinking this.
"What are you thinking about?" Maxon's curious voice made me look up again, and I attempted a smile. His face wasn't regretful anymore, and I tried to push my silly thoughts away.
"Everything." I tried to honest truthfully. I didn't want to say I didn't really know what I was thinking. Would I sound like a liar?
Maxon put his arm on my shoulder… in a totally friendly way. His hand draped over my right arm, and I relaxed into him with a small sigh. "Well, try not to worry," he told me lightly as I looked up with a smile. "And that's an order," he tried for a stern face, then winked, and I giggled. He pulled his arm off my shoulder, and it suddenly felt cold without his warmth there. "We'll be going to the beach in a couple of days, and then we can relax."
I grinned. "That sounds nice." My gaze lingered on his face, and then something caught my eye, and my grin faded. "Oh, Chase!" I cried.
Maxon laughed loudly as I rushed to grab Chase from the horrific rose bushes.
Friday came up quicker than I had suspected. Soon, I was strapping Chase into his seat in his limousine… well, technically not his limousine. But he was the prince, so it might as well be.
As the car started, I noticed that we were being led by a black jeep, and followed by a black car. Both cars, I noticed from the emblem on their doors, were RGT Vehicles, which was short for Royal Guard Transportation Vehicles. I was still slightly surprised on how many people were needed to go on a small weekend vacation, but at least I knew we would be safe.
During the ride, I stayed in the back with Chase and a sweet maid named Mary-Kris who would assist me. Maxon and our chef Pierre were sitting up front, and a chauffeur was driving us. I mostly talked to Mary-Kris and played with Chase the entire ride, but I also looked at the scenery. Being in Angeles, we were pretty close to the coast, so the ride only took about an hour. Mary-Kris was shy at first, but she was quite friendly after a few attempts to talk. I could tell she was really sweet and hard-working, and I could see a fire in her eyes too.
Upon arrival, I tried to get out of the car, but found it locked. When I wiggled the handle and hit the door lightly, Mary-Kris laughed.
"They're going to open it for us," she told me.
Before I could ask who they were, the lock clicked and the door opened. A guard stood straight and tall outside, holding the door open for me. For a second I just stared, confused on why it had to be locked from the inside, but then I shook myself. I unbuckled Chase and picked him up, trying to slide out of the limousine as gracefully as I could. Mary-Kris got out on the other side, and I was a little disappointed when she rushed over to assist in carrying our bags. Her working reminded me of what my job used to be. Now, I was a nanny for the prince himself. It seemed now that I would never be able to adjust back to a maid. I dreaded Alyse coming back and taking over nanny in a week.
As I had suspected, Chase fell asleep quickly once we got inside and things calmed down a little. Mary-Kris offered to watch him while he napped, so I unpacked my bags in the room I shared with her.
My room with Mary-Kris was slightly small, but comfortable. It was adjoined to Prince Chase's room by a bathroom with connecting doors. There was a small table and two twin beds in the room, and a large window that looked out to the ocean.
As I was hanging up my dresses, I remembered another difference from my old job and my new job as a temporary nanny; the wardrobe. The dresses were nicer, and had a wider selection. Not all of them were long and hot, making me sweat while I did my work. They were looser, shorter, and prettier. There were more colors too, not just white or gray; there was a blue one, a light yellow one, and a purple one.
The best part, though, was that I sometimes got to wear pants. And the selection of pants were always so comfortable. After all, I was a nanny to a hyperactive, energetic little baby boy. I had to be able to move around easily so I could take care of him.
Today I was supposed to be allowed to wear pants since we were taking a trip, but I had decided to wear a cool summer dress. It was the beach, after all.
After finishing packing, I opened the window to air out the stuffy room. A cool ocean breeze slightly messed up my hair, but I didn't care. Closing my eyes for a second, I breathed in the salty sea air and took my hair out of its bun. Running my hand through my tangled red locks, I leaned on the window.
I sighed. The view was gorgeous. Even better than pictures I had seen. When we arrived I hadn't really gotten a good look at the sea, since the car's windows had been tinted so you couldn't even really see outside. I had caught a glimpse when coming into the house, but it took my breath away now. The ocean was a deep, rich blue. Its waves crashed on the white sand. The sky was a light blue, with only a few puffy white clouds in the sky. A breeze fluttered the hair on my shoulders, and I shivered slightly in my light dress.
"Finished packing?"
A voice startled me, and I whipped around suddenly.
"Oh, sorry for scaring you." Maxon stood in the doorway, dressed the most casually I had seen him… Basically ever. Not that that was saying much. He wore slacks and a short sleeved polo, and his hair was less-perfect than usual… not that I minded the way it was slightly messed up and windblown. Maxon noticed me staring. "Oh, yeah, I know." He rubbed the back of his neck as he walked towards me. "It may not look very comfortable, but this is what I usually wear when I'm more casual…" He trailed off, smiling slightly.
I smiled as he came nearer. He was almost next to me now, but he stopped a foot away. I wanted him to come closer. "You look fine, Maxon." I had become more comfortable with the king the last week, and now it came naturally for me to call him by his first name. "But I hope you dress a little more casually for the beach."
He smiled. "Of course. Maybe I'll even wear shorts." I laughed.
He looked at me for a moment, cocking his head to one side. "I don't think I've ever seen your hair down, America." He told me with a curious expression on his face.
I ran a hand through my hair, shrugging. "Oh, yeah. I used to wear it like this all the time, but I just put it in the bun now."
He walked up next to me, leaning on the window. "Why? You look nice with it down." He said it matter-of-factly, and I tried to hide a smile.
"Habit, I guess. I had to put it in a bun as a maid, and…" I trailed off.
"What?" He peered down at me, his brown eyes twinkling.
I smiled teasingly, raising a eyebrow at him. "Why do you think I want to say something else?"
He smirked. "You said 'and'. I could also tell by your expression." He broke our gaze, and I felt a little bit of disappointment as he stared out at the sea. "So what's the other reason you don't wear it down?"
"Well," I started carefully. "I guess I just don't want to be too different from the other maids."
"But you are different. A good different."
I sighed. "Thank you. But… I came here less than a year ago, just a maid. Already, I'm serving the prince." I stared at the ocean waves crashing on the beach. "Sometimes I feel like the more experienced maids are jealous. They act as if I don't deserve being his nanny."
Maxon frowned. I rushed on. "I don't believe them, really." I added for good measure. And it was the truth. I didn't really care about what they thought, but Maxon always seemed to get me to talk about topics I didn't talk about with anyone else. "I like my job, and people say I'm good at taking care of Chase-"
"You are." Maxon interrupted with a large smile. "You're very good at taking care of him. He really likes you."
I smiled at him gratefully before continuing, "Anyway, I don't let it get to me." I shrugged. "I know some older maids who can't even handle their jobs now, so obviously they couldn't manage being a nanny." I rolled my eyes, and Maxon smiled. "But I guess there's really no point in trying to act like them. I'm pretty sure they're always going to be jealous, even when I go back to being a regular maid."
Maxon's eyes traveled to mine. He looked at me thoughtfully.
For a moment there was silence. Then a light breeze played at my hair, and I grabbed the red strand, tinted slightly gold in the light. Twirling it around in my fingers, I smiled at Maxon.
"Maybe I'll wear my hair down more often." I said. Maxon's quiet thoughtfulness disappeared. His eyes twinkled with happiness, mirroring the peace I felt inside. I felt content here with him. I wanted to stay here for as long as I could. "If you like it, that is," I added.
He grinned at me. "I do."
For a moment, we looked at each other. But I heard a seagull squawk from outside, and my gaze traveled back to the beach. The two of us looked out at the ocean together, enjoying the cool breeze and bright sun.
Maxon broke the silence. "Oh, I forgot what I had come in here for!" I looked to him. "Pierre wanted me to let you know that lunch will be ready soon."
Indeed, I heard the sound of pots clanging downstairs and smelled the delicious aromas of warm food. Suddenly hungry, my stomach rumbled loudly. I hadn't eaten on the ride, and I didn't remember any breakfast either.
I blushed a little as Maxon laughed, but had to join in with a small giggle.
"I take it you're hungry, then?" He asked in amusement.
I nodded, my cheeks still a little warm. "Yes." I added, "But I'm sure that Pierre's food will satisfy my needs."
Maxon looked out the window. The breeze nipped at his hair playfully. "Wasn't it you who said Palace food was delicious?" He glanced down at me with a smile. "Well, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I chose Pierre for a reason." Maxon smiled. "His lasagna is exquisite!" I laughed.
"I'm looking forward to it."
He smiled at me, his look hard to read. Then, he held out his hand, inviting me to take it so we could go downstairs.
I smiled back and grasped his hand firmly in mine.
Maxon was right. Pierre was an excellent cook. We didn't have lasagna, but instead enjoyed a delicious casserole. Chase slept all through lunch, giving me a little time to relax for awhile. As we were finishing our meal, though, Mary-Kris came down holding him in her arms. Luckily the little Prince was in a good mood after his nap, so I took him happily.
"What are you planning on doing today, Your Majesty?" Pierre questioned as he cleared our plates. mary-Kris joined him, and I almost asked if they needed help before sheepishly remembering that I was holding Chase.
Maxon shrugged. "I was thinking maybe a walk on the beach. I don't want to actually get in the water today, but a walk would be nice."
"That sounds wonderful, Your Majesty," Mary-Kris said with a warm smile.
"Would you like to come?" Maxon asked, and for a moment I didn't realize he was talking to me.
"What? Oh, yes, sure." I glanced to Chase in my arms and smiled as he babbled away incoherently. "He's in a good mood. We should probably leave soon."
Maxon smiled, turning to Mary-Kris as she picked up my plate. "And you?"
Mary-Kris's eyes widened. "Me? Join you on your walk?" She blushed and laughed nervously when Maxon nodded. Her eyes flicked to me, and a smile (which was slightly devious, I might add) flickered on her face. "No, thank you. I'm a little tired." And she scurried over to the sink.
"And you, Pierre?" Maxon craned his neck around to our chef, who was washing dishes. The cook smiled knowingly.
"No, thank you, sir."
Maxon smiled at me. "Looks like it's just you, me, and Chase."
I narrowed my eyes playfully at him, grinning. "No guards?"
He laughed. "No guards," he promised. "At least… none too close. We have to stay in the perimeter, though." His chair screeched slightly as he stood up. "Can you get Chase dressed warmly, please? There's a breeze."
I smiled and stood too, balancing the baby prince on my hip. "Of course." Maxon didn't usually make recommendations when it came to Chase, but usually they were good ones. It was indeed a little cool outside, so Chase would probably need a warmer outfit… I glanced down at my light summer dress. I would probably need to dress warmer too.
"So, say, in fifteen minutes we'll meet on the front porch?" Maxon asked, then headed upstairs when I nodded.
I held Chase out in front of me, smiling sweetly at him. He cooed back at me, his blue eyes large and clear. "Who's ready for a walk on the beach?" I said in a sing song voice as I tickled him lightly.
The baby giggled. Gurgling, he tried to snatch a strand of my red hair. I gently pulled his hand away. "No, no, no." I whispered with a ghost of a smile. "It may look pretty, but my hair's not very fun to play with it." I winced as he tugged at another strand. "Chasey, that hurts." I told him with a small frown. He only grinned at me. Trying to suppress a smile, I asked, "Are you ready to get changed?"
He babbled something.
I smiled. "I'll take that as a yes." Together, he and I headed upstairs.
Unfortunately, our walk didn't last very long.
Once I had changed Chase and then got changed myself, I had gone down to meet Maxon on the porch. Then we headed to the shore, where we walked across the wet sand. In about five minutes, however, Chase started crying.
I realized quickly that his diaper was dirty. (Of course the one time I don't have access to a diaper is when Chase actually needs a changing.) As we headed back so I could change him, I tried apologizing, but Maxon was a good sport and brushed me off.
"It's fine. Really." He had said. "We still have time to continue our walk after we change him."
But after changing him and getting back to the sand, Chase was in a bad mood. He didn't want me to hold him, but he also didn't like to be put down because he was scared of the water. The little prince kept on whining until eventually Maxon just stopped walking.
"We should probably head back," he said, running a hand through his hair.
I tried to protest, but he only smiled. "I'm planning an entire beach day tomorrow anyway," he told me reassuringly. "Don't worry, you won't be ocean deprived this trip."
I couldn't help but laugh and accept my defeat. As we trudged back through the sand, Maxon offered to hold the squirming Chase. As the little boy was the reason we were in the predicament, I was happy to have a break, and miraculously, Chase seemed to like the change too. The baby quickly calmed down when in his father's arms, and I smiled at the delicate but tender way Maxon held his son.
Together, the three of us headed back to the house, with me disappointed by our short-lived walk but excited for tomorrow's beach day, Chase starting to doze off again, and Maxon… well, I wasn't sure what Maxon thought of the whole thing. I did, however, notice his pleased face when his son snuggled his small head into his shoulder and wrapped his chubby arm around Maxon's neck. I recognized the look. It was affection, mixed with mingling pride and joy.
I also noticed the careful way he put his son to bed, and watching him put a smile on my face.
END OF CHAPTER TEN
