Lockets Chapter 14

Maya POV:

Why does my mouth say things without consulting my brain first? I should just take a needle and thread to stitch the thing shut. Maybe that would keep me out of trouble.

Agreeing to go to dinner with the crowned prince of Peridot is perhaps the most unintelligent decision I have ever made challenged only by the sheer stupidity of coming to Peridot in the first place.

But when I look up from my internal argument I see his face and damn it's practically glowing. I can see his dimples and my heart practically melts because he could not be more adorable if he tried.

There's a sort of awkward silence as neither of us know what to do. A low grumble fills the void as I hear Paul say, "I suppose I shall set another place for the peasant at your table Your Highness." I can tell he accentuated the prince's title to remind me of my place. I can't help but be slightly disappointed as for a moment I thought Peridot might be better than Emerald with the treatment of servants.

I tuck my head so that my hair hides my eyes and perhaps Josh won't see the tears that have begun to prick my eyes. But not before I see the frown etched into Josh's face. Prince Josh, I remind myself.

"Thank you Paul." Again I feel disappointment seep in and reprimand myself for even thinking royalty other than Riley would defend me. I hear myself sigh. This will be the longest dinner of my life.

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

Scratch that. Staying was totally worth it. This food is AMAZING. I can hear Josh chuckle as I take my third helping of mashed potatoes. "So...how long do you plan on staying in the city?" Josh asks attempting to engage in dinner conversation. I slowly lower my fork as his question hits home. How long do I plan to stay? My thoughts wandered back to Riley and the Emerald kingdom. Should I just return now? Or should I try to explore this foreign place while I have the chance?

"Maya?" His questioning voice breaks my daze. "Um...you see I'm not entirely sure. I was hoping to explore a little but I think it might be for the best that I cut my trip short and return home." I answer truthfully. I almost thought I saw his face fall... I must have just imagined it.

"Well. I. You. Maybe." He seemed to struggle for words before he finally clears his throat. "I cannot permit that I'm afraid." He finally said. "Excuse you?" I answer incredulously. "I believe the expression is excuse me." He replied. "No. Excuse you! I don't need you to 'permit me' to go anywhere! I have two feet and I walk where I want when I want and I don't need any man to allow me to do anything!" My outburst left him looking shocked but slightly amused while Paul seems to have lost control of his jaw.

"You are not allowed to talk to the crowned prince of Peridot in such a manner! Why you should be beheaded!" Paul exclaims. Well. It seems I really do need to invest in a needle and thread...

"No Paul. While she could learn some manners I appreciate her fire. Allow me to rephrase my thoughts Maya. I request your company at the palace for a few days in order to better...plan my excursion to the outskirts of Peridot. I would like your help crafting these compromises you mentioned." I almost hear him mutter 'Nice save' under his breath.

He looks at me waiting and I can't help my heart's light fluttering at the fact he didn't reprimand my sass like other royals. Going right into the heart of Peridot's castle would be a good way to gauge if it differs from Emerald...

"Sure I will come with you Prince Josh. But only for a few days and then I return to my home." His face beamed, but Paul gave me a death look. But hey, I wanted adventure.

Hey guys. I don't know if anyone is still waiting to read this. Honestly school just took precedent so I decided to put the story on hold in November until the summer. But the long wait is over! If people still want me to continue I'm willing to try to keep up with it. I don't know about you, but I hate when writers abandon their stories. Anywho let me know your thoughts!

Silvertipwings