Eleanor's first feeling when she woke up was a splitting headache.
Her next one was the feeling of panic rising in her chest.
She wasn't sure last night was even real or just some strange hallucination.
Her panic subsided as she turned over and saw Cook asleep next to her, and now that she's noticing, snoring quite loudly. Everything was bright and loud and all she wanted was to sleep for another year. Despite that desire, she knew she would have things to do and lots of questions to answer throughout the day. She dragged herself out of bed, trying to be as quiet and still as possible so she wouldn't wake up Cook. He will definitely have a hangover, and something tells Eleanor he'll deal with it even worse than she is.
She walked over to her dresser for a new pair of clothes, but her hands froze and a small smile crept onto her face as she heard a "Son of a -"
"Good morning Sunshine," she interrupted him.
"Everything's so-" Cook paused.
"Bright? Loud?" She suggested.
"Those are the ones", he replied.
She walked over to the bed and handed him a pair of clothes for the day. He reached out to take them from her and their hands touched for a few seconds before she pulled away. There was that feeling again, of youth and home.
Cook was familiar. He reminded her of a time when she was happy. Or at least a time when she was still okay.
"Did you miss me Princess?" He asked lightheartedly.
"I'm glad you're here", she told him.
A comfortable silence fell upon them for a minute, and they were each just enjoying the others presence.
Cook broke the silence with a remark about how he's pretty sure her mother wouldn't feel the same.
She laughed, "Another bright side".
"Always the rebellious one, weren't you", He laughs.
"You're one to talk", she replied.
"We were a little bit of a wild pair, huh?"
"A little?" She scoffed.
"Our own Bonnie and Clyde", he said as his eyes met hers.
"Cause their story had such a good ending", she remarked.
"At least they went out with style", he responded.
There was a sharp single knock at the door, signaling the end of the conversation.
"What?" Eleanor called out.
Jasper entered her room dressed in his suit, tight lipped, with his bodyguard show all put together.
"The Queen is requesting your presence", he informed her.
She knew she had been a little spiteful to him yesterday, at no fault of his own, and she wanted to tell him she was sorry, maybe even explain or make up an excuse, but now wasn't the time.
"Of course she is", Eleanor rolled her eyes, but continued to got up and walk towards the door.
"Both of you", Jasper said looking towards Cook.
"Well, isn't this going to be fun", Cook said to both of them.
He got up and walked towards Eleanor and they both walked out of the room, Jasper closing the doors and trailing behind.
"So, what do you think she's going to say?" Cook nudged Eleanor's shoulder.
"Some variation of 'I wish I had a better daughter'", she replied.
They arrived at the sitting room and Helena was sat on one of the lounges. Cook and Eleanor took a seat on the couch opposite of her, while Jasper stood behind them facing the door. Still as a statue.
Helena spoke first. "So, "James, what brings you back to the palace?"
Ironic, seeing as Eleanor was wondering all these years what had made him leave.
"Well, You Majesty, that would be your daughter's driver," Cook responded with a deceitful naive smile on his face.
"Very funny Mr. Cook", Helena responded picking up a cup of tea and taking a sip before setting back down on the table."So exactly how long do you plan on staying?" She asked.
"For however long Eleanor wants me here", Cook answered.
"Lovely", she responded shortly with her eyes darting to the princess.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I'll be sure to keep on my best behavior", Cook responded to her with the hint of sarcasm.
"If I recall correctly Mr. Cook, your best behavior is less than most's worst", She replied.
"It would seem you do recall correctly Queen."
It always amazed Eleanor how Cook could manage to say things of all nature with an innocent smile on his face.
"Can I please have a moment with my daughter", Helena asked looking at Cook.
"Of course", he told her, "I know my own way back". Cook got up and left, but not before giving Eleanor a look that meant good luck. This left only Eleanor, Helena, and Jasper together.
Once Cook was out of the room Helena turned to her daughter.
"What the hell are you getting yourself into Eleanor?" She asked exasperated.
"What do you mean what am I getting myself into, he has been here for not even a whole day yet, and you're already assuming that he's going to cause trouble", she abruptly answered.
"Because Eleanor, he is trouble and will bring no good to you or this family", she responded.
"What family?" Eleanor snapped. "A mother who lies all the time, a brother that's dead", she said sharply.
"No, you don't care about this family, all you ever care about is how we look to the public", Eleanor continued, "always afraid of tarnishing the royal image."
"Eleanor I-" Helena started only to be cut off.
"Cook is staying", Eleanor said in a way that left no room for convincing.
"Try not to bring too much shame to this family while he's here", her mother responded as Eleanor turned away to leave the room, brushing past Jasper.
"Don't worry mother dearest," Eleanor called out behind her, " we'll be on our best behaviors".
A/N
Thank you to all the people who are still reading this story, sorry there's been such a long wait for another chapter but I hope you liked it :)