Page 11 of Guarding the Princess
One a real-life princess.
The other her best friend who doesn’t know she’s a princess, but obviously loves her.
Now if I could just figure out who I’m supposed to be in this scenario right now.
5
Charlotte
I’m such an idiot.
I was so busy chatting with Rhys out on the patio, convincing her I was fine and that the breakup didn’t mess me up and that Ryker wasn’t my new boyfriend but he certainly wasn’t my bodyguard either, I completely missed the fact my apartment was stuffed wall to wall with party people. The vast majority of whom I didn’t know at all.
When the music reached eardrum-breaking level, Rhys and I finally pushed our way inside and learned it was out of control. I’d told Rhys to go find Ryker and I’d gone to my bedroom for my whistle. Yeah, a whistle. Like a lousy whistle was going to break up a mass of people. I know the plan was stupid, but in my defense, I’ve never had a raging party before. Parties in Regora were sedate affairs with staff and security to deal with crowd control. I was woefully unprepared.
“Are you okay?”
Ryker has me by the arms, his grip light, but his jaw looks cut from granite. I hate that he came in the room right then. I’m sure I could have gotten rid of that guy without Ryker’s help, but I am grateful just the same.
I nod, feeling Rhys rubbing my back in support. Jake is going to kill me. I put Rhys in danger too. I glance over at her.
“I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”
She smiles and slings her arm over my shoulders. “I may have gone to a rager or two in my life before Jake. This one wasn’t so bad.”
“Um, yes, it was very bad. Very dangerous and stupid to let people you don’t know into your house.” Ryker’s voice slashes into me like a physical blow. A fifty-pound weight settles in my gut. He lets go of my arms and exits the room, tossing over his shoulder, “I’m going to make sure everyone is out. Stay here.”
Rhys looks at me, her eyes comically wide. “Guess he’s not too happy. What’s his deal?”
I shrug, noticing my hands are shaking. Sitting down on the bed, I tuck them under me and will them to stop. Nothing happened. I’m fine, Rhys is fine. “He’s just super protective, I guess.” I pat the bed next to me. “Come have a seat.”
I have to tell her something before I take matters into my own hands. She needs to know how much she means to me. If I disappear back to Regora or run away, she’ll at least know how much she’s loved.
She gives me a funny look, but has a seat anyway. “What’s up, Buttercup?”
Her phone dings and she lifts a finger while she checks her phone. “Ah. Jake’s on his way back over to pick me up.”
I don’t have much time. Her attention is back on me and I know now is my moment.
“I-I just want you to know—I mean, you have been the best friend a girl could ever have. You know that, right?”
Rhys narrows her eyes and grabs my hand, holding it tight in her grip. “Charlotte. For the last time, tell me what’s going on. I know you keep things locked away and I respect that, but I promise I’ll be there for you no matter what. Just tell me.”
My heart lurches in my chest. The temptation to spill all my secrets is so strong I wonder how I’m not splitting apart with the need to trust her with who I am. But the thought of that tender look in her eyes changing keeps me silent. People always change when they find out you’re royalty, or that you have wealth. They see your title before they seeyou. I’d rather never see Rhys again than have her change how she sees me.
I squeeze her hand back, forcing my muscles to hold a smile I hope doesn’t come across as forced.
“Nothing’s wrong, I promise. It’s just that now you’re living in Texas, it made me realize how much of a good friend you’ve been to me. I want you to know how much I appreciate your friendship. That’s all.”
Her gaze darts across my face, trying to find a clue I’m lying. She doesn’t look convinced by my smile. Her shoulders drop and she lets go of my hand.
“Okay.”
“Okay?” Nothing about her body language seems okay to me.
“Yeah. I know something’s going on, but if you won’t trust me, then there’s not much I can do, right? I’ll just say one thing: no matter what is going on, or who you are, you’re first and foremost my friend and nothing can change that. Maybe one day you’ll believe me.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach the sadness in her eyes.
My own eyes fill with tears, knowing I’m failing as a best friend. I’m failing as a daughter. I’m failing my country. And I’ll soon fail Ryker when I run away. The weight of everyone’s disappointment is slowly crushing me.
