This one's dedicated to my friend Alex, cause her birthday was yesterday! happy birthday Alex! Hope you had lots of awesome mashed potatoes!

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Chapter 2

After the meeting, my aunt told me that queen wanted a word with me and I looked at her nervously. “Is that a bad thing?” Aunt Patty shrugged. “Thank you, you’re so helpful.” I groaned sarcastically before following my aunt to the study where the queen was waiting. I walked in and closed the door behind me. Queen Cassandra looked up from her chair and smiled, gesturing for me to sit beside her. I joined her, sitting stiffly my hand nervously fiddling. She let out a chuckle.

“Don’t look so nervous, Lana. How are you taking the news of your new job? Your Aunt Patricia said she wasn’t sure if you were ready, but I told her to give you a chance. I can see potential in you, Lana. I trust you with this job and my children.”

“But-…” I started, and she cut me off shaking her head.

“I looked at your resume and the recommendations from your professors. You’re very well qualified despite your lack of experience, Lana. You need to have more confidence in yourself. I just wanted to let you know that I believe you can do this, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. I know my children are difficult, but I hope that you can become a new role model for them.” I gave her a wry look and she giggled. “At least try. I’m sure you will do well.”

I nodded, realizing I had barely said anything this whole discussion. “Thank you, your highness.” I replied, graciously. I stood with her and followed her out of the room.

“I know you were going to be living with your aunt, but I would like for you to live here in the palace as well. I already have people moving your stuff over. I feel that the closer you are, the easier it would be for you to keep an eye on the troublesome trio.” She gave a laugh.

“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly-…” I began to argue.

“I would really love it if you accepted, Lana.” She insisted. I nodded again.

“How could I refuse such a request? I would be honored to stay here.” I accepted. She looked over to the sound of a voice calling her.

“Mum, do I have to keep doing this thing-…oh hello.” Christine was walking toward us. Her blonde hair was pulled back and she had a bow slung over her arm. “It’s nice to see you again, Lana. I was just practicing my archery, as instructed.” She added with a look at her mother.

“Archery is a valuable and respectable sport.” The queen explained calmly. “You will learn to like it with time.” Christine rolled her eyes and turned back to me. “So, what’re you up to right now?”

I looked between her and the queen and gave a nervous chuckle. “Well, I guess I’m going upstairs to my new room.” It was too bad really. I had only spent one night at my aunt’s apartment in the city. At least I hadn’t unpacked yet…

“Oh! You’re staying with us now? That’s brilliant! I’m so excited!” I was confused by her excited demeanor, seeing as it was my job to make sure she stayed out of trouble.

“She’ll be staying in the quarters across from yours, Christine. Perhaps you should show her up there?” Cassandra suggested and Christine grabbed my arm, dragging me along.

“Of course! The room is beautiful, Lana! You’ll love it!” I wasn’t able to reply as she lugged me behind her. She carried me up the main staircase and down a few halls. “You’re room is in the same hall as mine, Alex’s, and Ian’s. I guess she did that on purpose, hm?” Christine giggled. We stopped at a door and she opened it up for me.

I walked in and gasped, hearing her laugh behind me. The room was beautiful; everything about it screamed royalty. The colors were of gold and cream tones, a large king-sized canopy bed sat at one wall. Beside it was an ornately designed vanity and on the other side of the room was a large wardrobe. There was also a pocket door leading into a private bathroom. I smiled as I walked in to see a large tub and a walk-in shower. I was going to enjoy living here.

I turned back to see Christine watching me, an amused expression on her face. “Excited?” She teased and I returned her laugh.

“Yes. When I accepted this opportunity from my aunt, I had no idea it would be like this.”

“We’ll get to be great friends.” Christine winked and I shook my head.

“I’d like that.” She suddenly gasped in joy.

“We’ll go out and have fun! I finally have a girlfriend to go drinking with!” She yelped in glee and I stopped her.

“Oh no no no! We can’t do that!” I exclaimed. “That’s exactly what I’m supposed to prevent!” She pouted, but it curved into a smirk.

“Oh don’t worry. We’ll get you out and about.”

“We?” I gulped.

“Ian and I.” I tried to argue but we were interrupted by my bags being brought in by some of the workers.

“Oh, we apologize. We weren’t aware you were already in here.” They apologized. “Princess Christine, a pleasure to see you.” She nodded politely as they rested my bags at the foot of my bed. “Would you like us to unpack for you?” They asked and I shook my head.

“That’s all right. I’ll do it. That’s the fun part.” I smiled and they returned it before leaving the room.

“Would you like some help? I don’t have anything to do.” Christine offered, and I nodded.

“Sure, we can get to know each other a little better.” We sat, legs folded, on the ground as we pulled everything out of my bags.

“So, what have you heard about me?” She asked, a smirk on her face.

“Do you really want to know?” I wasn’t sure if I should break to her everything the press said.

“As if I don’t already know? What I haven’t read myself I can guess at.” She shrugged.

“Okay, well...” I paused, trying to summarize it in my head. “I know you’re eighteen, and ever since you turned eighteen you’ve been going to parties at questionable residences.”

She burst into laughter. “What do you mean by questionable?”

“Well, random guys that are known for…” I tried to word it nicely, but she interjected.

“Sleazebags?” She chuckled and I joined in her laughter.

“Okay, we’ll go with your word.”

“Well, what do you think?” It took a moment for me to understood what she meant.

“Listen, I don’t think you did anything. And even if you did, I don’t care. You’re an adult now, you can do whatever you want. However, you have to see it from the point of view of the press. It’s their job to keep the public updated on you. If you blatantly do these things, it won’t bode well for you, or for me now.” I explained and she looked thoughtful for a moment.

“So, you’re not telling me to stop. You’re telling me to be more careful?” She clarified.

“Even if I told you to stop, you wouldn’t. I’m not stupid. But just keep in mind that you have to be inconspicuous. You can’t have things like that hitting the press. Do you understand?”

She nodded. “Yes. How about you come with me next time? This way you can keep an eye on me, and we can both still have fun.” I thought about that for a moment. I hadn’t really ever been able to go out. It would also be nice to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t do anything too reckless.

“Sounds good to me.” I gave in and she surprised me by hugging me. We continued unpacking my things until there was a knock on my door. “Come in.” I called and the door opened, revealing Ian.

“Ah, mother said you would be in here.” He leaned against the door frame and I tried to ignore the wink he gave me. He was irresistibly handsome, I had to give him that.

“Ian, what you do you want?” Christine asked.

“I came to tell you that dinner would be served soon. I also came to welcome our newest house guest. A pleasure to have you here, Lana.” I found myself blushing and he smirked wider. “I’ll meet you downstairs. We can all talk more over dinner.”

Christine sighed. “He thinks he’s so irresistible.” She snorted. “Please don’t let him get to you.” I laughed.

“My job is to keep him out of trouble, not cause it.” She laughed with me, but I couldn’t help but understand what she meant about him getting to me. He was pretty attractive, it was a difficult thing to ignore.

We joined the rest of the family at the dinner table and I noticed my aunt wasn’t present. “Did Aunt Patty leave?” I asked, looking to Cassandra. She nodded.

“She usually doesn’t stay for dinner. She will be back in the morning though, and she wanted me to ask you to call her after dinner.”

“Thank you.” I said, unsure of how informal or formal I should be with the queen. I was living in her home, and even my aunt called her Cassandra. I was a lot younger though and had only been here a few days. I really had no idea what I was doing in this situation. I had been prepared in my education for dealing with politicians, but not royalty. This was a whole new game with rules I wasn’t yet familiar with. I had a lot to learn and not that much time to do it in. I looked across the table where Ian sat. He was eyeing me curiously and I sent back an equally questioning look. He shrugged and looked back to his plate.

“So Lana, what are your plans for us exactly?” He asked and I jumped at his sudden question.

“Oh, well…it’s a bit early to have a definite plan laid out.” I stumbled over my words and looked to the queen, who merely smiled.

“That’s all right, Lana. It’s understandable. Do you have any ideas yet, though? The press are quite adamant in trailing both Christine and Ian. We’ve been able to cover up most of it in the past, but things still leak out.”

“Well, for now, all I can really ask of you two is to lay low, and try your best to not be seen. Before, you two seemed uncaring. I understand the whole rebellious teenage thing, I really do, but you have to take into consideration the consequences.”

“So you’re telling us to stop?” Ian asked, a smirk forming on his face. “Like that’s really going to work.”

“That’s not what she’s saying at all.” Christine snapped at her brother.

“Thank you, Christine. I understand that you’re young and you want to have fun. You just have to be less reckless about it.” Ian looked shocked for a moment, and I was slightly mesmerized by his large blue eyes as they gazed at me. I shook myself out of my stupor to continue. “I feel that if you both acted more responsibly, and hid a little better, you wouldn’t have as rough a time with the press.”

“Well, it’s not like we haven’t tried.” Ian grunted, continuing to eat.

“That’s why she’s agreed to join us!” Christine said excitedly. Ian choked at the same time as me.

“I said I’d consider it, Christine. And it’s not for me to party, it’s to keep an eye on you both!” I gasped defensively, looking over to the king and queen who looked mostly amused.

“Why would I want a stick in the mud watchdog on my back when I go out? I’m 23, I don’t need a babysitter.” He sneered and I narrowed my eyes at him, starting to feel angry. I wasn’t a babysitter, I was here to keep his record clean. The least he could be is grateful.

“Listen here, prince Ian, you better just be happy I don’t have extra guards keeping you locked up because of the messes you put yourself in. I’m being gracious enough to allow you free reign. I’m the one who’s going to be responsible for anything going wrong, get it? The least you could do is accept the fact that I’m going to be there making sure nothing goes wrong. Stop being a baby and deal with it.” I took a bite of my delicious mashed potatoes, but almost choked at the shock apparent on his face. I heard a chuckle from my side and saw that both the king and queen were fighting laughter as well. Christine was the only one who gave in and started laughing.

“Are you going to babysit me too, Lana? I like when you play with me!” Alex exclaimed from his seat and I couldn’t help but smile. He was so cute!

“Of course I’ll play with you. You’re my favorite prince!” He smiled, pleased with my response and started eating as well.

After dinner I trudged up to my room, exhausted from my event-filled day. I had taken a shower and dressed in my pajamas when a knock on my door interrupted my routine. I opened it and had to blink a few times to make sure I was seeing right.

“What are you doing here?” I asked and Ian looked me up and down for a moment before answering.

“I wanted to…erm…apo-…apolo-…” I inwardly smiled at his difficulty.

“What’s that?” I pushed and he narrowed his eyes, an irritated expression crossing his eyes.

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled and I smiled triumphantly.

“See, that wasn’t so hard.” I said and he grumbled incoherently. “Well…erm…goodnight, then?” I started to close the door, but he stopped me. “What is it?” I asked. It was difficult with him just standing there, being as attractive as he was. Sure, he seemed like a jerk so far, but hormones did what they wanted without my permission.

“Tomorrow night, Christine and I wanted to go out to the club. I figured you should know, seeing as you wanted to come with us.”

“Thanks, sounds fun.”

“Mmhmmm…” he grumbled again before turning to his room. I saw him open the door to the room just two doors down from mine and he turned back, meeting my eyes. He smirked this time. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” He teased.

“Oh please, that’s the oldest one in the book. Don’t flatter yourself anyway.” I snorted before closing my own door. I had to admit though, he definitely was a looker.

I looked over to my new bed and threw myself onto it with a giggle. This was like a dream come true. It seemed like the king and queen liked me. Alex was a sweetheart and the little brother I never had. Christine seemed like she would make a great girlfriend. Ian…well, Ian was nice to look at? I sighed happily. Everything was perfect. It seemed like nothing could go wrong.

Famous last words.

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Hey! Hope you liked that, though it was written a bit in a hurry. I'll work harder on the next one. Promise! Please vote and comment! You guys rock!

Btw, I have a FB fan page now, and I can't quite figure out how to get the link to it. Try this one, if it doesn't work let me know! lol. I'll figure it out eventually :P

https://www.facebook.com/krystin.hussain#!/pages/Kryzme/117525328327757