The Lost Princess

Chapter 2: James

Yah, I do! I exclaimed softly! Leora looked at me in surprise! If she only knew the powers that are about to unlock in the next few days as her birthday comes to an end. Sixteen! My dear sweet love will be sixteen the age all Royals get their powers! Ever since I learned of her from my parents and learned it would be my duty to find and protect her; to bring her home, I fell in love with her and now meeting her. Shes more than I ever dreamed! Ive been traveling for years to find her and now there was no denying that Leora was the lost Princess Ruby of the Star Kingdom! I could get lost in her bright jade green eyes for hours if she let me.

HELLO?! JAMES ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME? Anna was yelling at me?

Sorry I was lost in a jade forest.

Ugh lovebirds! Leora laughed as Anna facepalmed and shook her head. I couldnt help but smile. Her laugh was heavenly and I couldnt get enough of it!

Anna was asking if you wanted to join us this weekend for our end of the year beach party trip? Leoras question sparked shooting stars across my chest! Of course, I wanted to go but if I see any man look at her, I would go nuts. Its as if she didnt even notice all the attention, she brought to herself and if I see her in a bikini, I might just fall even more in love with her. Its my duty to protect her not date her.

I can sure try. I couldnt shut her down completely that would be rude! So, a not a yes not a no answer would have to do!

Oh please! You would love it! And besides who else would I dance with while Anna is flirting with all the guys? Okay now I definitely cant say no. Not while shes giving me those sad beautiful puppy dog eyes!

Okay! Ill come! Pick you up say around noon?

Sounds like a plan! Anna grinned!

Do you mind if I bring a friend, hes supposed to be coming over this weekend and I cant just ditch him.

HIM?! He can definitely come! Now Anna was jumping up and down while holding onto Leoras arm. Leora was laughing at Annas excitement. I could see the wheels turning in her head as she started to plan the events of this weekend without even consulting either Leora or I.

Arent you even going to ask him what his name is? Leora asked a hint of a tease in her voice. I couldnt help but smile at their banter.

Oh yah! James, what is his name? And is he hot?! Anna was now clutching Leoras arm in anticipation waiting for me to answer her questions.

Well, his name is Nicholas, Nick for short. I started to rub my chin pretending to think.

As for if hes hot or not, I couldnt answer that.

Oh, why not? Whined Anna. Leora was trying her best not to bust out laughing as I prolonged describing my best friend since we were in diapers!

Because dear Anna Im not into men! That and because Im biased when it comes to my best friend in the whole galaxy! Both girls lost it and started laughing their asses off at my words!

When will he be here? Leora asked innocently.

Tomorrow. He will be arriving at my place while we are in school and will be meeting us here afterwards. Anna squealed as I finished my sentence and Leora just rolled her eyes.

Im glad youll have someone youll know here with you. I guess that means you wont be needing me to show you how to get around. Leora stated a little hint of sadness in her voice.

Oh, I will always need you amica mea! Leora blushed as I pulled her close to me and ran my nose along her neck. Her smile was all I needed in this world. I knew I wouldnt see much of it when I bring her home, but just having it now I will cherish it for as long as I can.

We should be getting home its getting late! Anna Interrupted. I reluctantly let go of Leora after kissing her forehead.

'I will see you tomorrow amica mea!

Noon? Leora asked sweetly.

Noon. I promise! I confirmed! I watched as they walked away until I couldnt see them anymore and chuckled to myself as Anna had to drag Leora away from the blue roses just as she had to do on the way to school this morning! I turned and headed towards my two-bedroom apartment the King and Queen had me rent just for this trip. Walking in I messaged my father to update him about my findings leaving out that I was now dating Leora! The deal for me to do this was I couldnt get too close to the Princess!

Well, you took forever getting home! Nick stated scaring the s**t out of me!

Nicholas! You scared the stars out of me!

Not my fault your easy to scare! He laughed!

Did you find anything? I nodded my head smiling and just started running my mouth a thousand miles a minute!

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Slow down J!

Sorry man! Shes just so perfect! I never expected her to be this way! We HAVE to wait till her powers start showing before we can tell her about her heritage though. I dont want her thinking we are insane!

Makes sense, but James are you sure getting this close to her is good?

She wont believe us any other way!

BUT A PARTY! And dating her you know your father wont approve of this and neither will the King! Nick exclaimed. I understand his worry. I cant help the way I feel and I feel that she feels the same way about me!

I have everything under control Nick! I hope!

I hop into the shower and try to ignore what Nick said, but I know hes correct! I can only enjoy this while we are here. Once I take Leora home, we wont be able to have the same relationship. Shes a Princess and Im meant to be head of the Kings knights when my father retires! All I can do is pray she doesnt think Im using her and forgives me.

I get out of the shower and put on some boxers and a pair of my pajama pants. I grab my backpack and get to work on todays homework that way I can spend all weekend with Leora.

Need any help? Nick asks like he has no care in the world.

No thanks. You suck at French. Earth Science was never your strong suit and you cant act to save your life! Nick just shrugs his shoulders knowing all this to be true. I finish all of my homework within the hour and look at Nick. Want to surprise the girls with a moonlight picnic?

Nicks eyes light with a mischievous glint. I will start packing the basket you message the girls and then help me after getting dressed! I grab my phone as I head to my room to change. I message Leora as I try to figure out what to wear.

Hey what are your plans tonight?

Not much just hanging with Anna. Why?

Get dressed in something outside worthy. Both of you. Nick and I will be there in 15 to pick you up!

Sounds exciting! We will be ready! I toss my phone on my bed and take my pajamas off and replace them with a pair of dark blue jeans and a pair of steal toe boots. I put on a black t-shirt and my blue jean jacket and spray on a bit of old spice and call it good! I head out of the room and swap places with Nick so he can change. I see hes already put in sandwiches and I decide I will get the drinks! I place a few bottles of sparkling Rose grape juice and some strawberries and watermelon in the basket as Nick come back into the kitchen wearing faded blue jeans, a navy-blue t-shirt, his own steal toe boots and black jean jacket.

What else should we add? Nick asks looking into the basket. We both stair at the basket thinking. Nick turns and grabs a blanket for us to sit on as I continue to think.

FLOWERS!!!! I look up any stores that are still open luckily there is still one but its only open for another hour! Nick grabs the basket as I grab the car keys and we race out the door!

We jump into the car and I start it up and carefully drive to the flower shop making it with plenty of time! I leave Nick in the car with the basket and blanket and head inside.

Good evening! You wouldnt happen to have blue roses, would you? I ask the lady running the shop. She smiles kindly to me and waves her hand for me to follow her.

Are these to your liking sir? She asks gesturing to about four bouquets of blue roses.

These are perfect! I need one bouquet of these and a bouquet of a mixture of white and yellow flowers. Are you able to do that? The shop ladys eyes widen with the small challenge as she nodes her head yes and she gets to work. I wait patiently by the counter with the blue roses already in hand. She comes up with a bouquet with white roses and yellow tiger lilies.

That is beautiful! I exclaim!

Thank you, sir!

How much do I owe you! I ask the shop lady eager to get to the girls.

Twenty, thirty-nine! I pay and head back out to the car where Nick is starting to get impatient! I hand him the bouquets and we head to Leoras house where the girls are waiting! As we pull up, I see Nick is getting tense.

Nick, you alright man? I ask as I grab the blue roses?

Yeah. Just nervous for some reason. Nick responded looking down at the bouquet he held in his hand.

Nick, you havent even seen this girl yet! I chuckled out as Nick glared at me.

And you didnt see Leora until yesterday yet you have been obsessing over her since we were young! He shot back. Okay he had me with that one. I placed my hand on his shoulder,

Let's go get the girls!We walked up to Leoras house and I knocked on the door. A short woman with wavy brown hair, sky blue eyes, and toned skin answered the door.

Can I help you?

We are here to pick Leora and Anna up for a date! I exclaimed a little excited to meet the woman who has raised Leora all these years.

Oh, Im Ruby, Leoras mother! Come on in! No, youre not! The Queen is but I cant tell you that. She left the room leaving us at the door as she went to fetch the girls. Nick was right beside me and when I looked at him, he had that same knowing look I did about Ruby being Leoras Mother.

They are on their way down now gentlemen. So, what are your boys names? Ruby asked.

My name is James, and this is my best friend Nicholas or Nick for short!

Nice to meet you James and Nick! Man, this woman made it really hard to dislike her she was so polite and caring!

Honey, whose car is outside? a voice said as a man walked inside the house. He has brown hair, hazel eyes and muscular toned skin.

Tom, this James and Nick! They are taking Leora and Anna out on a date! Ruby exclaimed! Tom looked us up and down then grabbed out hands one at a time and gave them a firm shake.

So, who is taking who out? Tom asked coolly.

Im taking out Leora and Nick is taking out Anna. I replied keeping eye contact with Tom.

Daddy, I hope youre not trying to scare my boyfriend now, are you?

BOYFRIEND!?!?! Ruby and Tom almost screamed!

Since when do you have a boyfriend? Tom tried to stay calm.

Since today, Daddy! Im almost sixteen and hes my first boyfriend please be nice! Leora tried to calm Tom.

She isnt wrong Tom. This is the first time she has actually dated anyone. As long as it doesnt interfere with your school work, Im okay with it. Tom stop glaring at the poor boy! Ruby calmly stated.

Ruby shes still only fifteen! Tom exclaimed!

Let me get some pictures and then Ill let you kids leave! Ruby took some pictures. Some of just Leora and I, some of just Nick and Anna, and some group pictures. Nick and I handed the girls their bouquets. Leora almost started to cry when I handed her hers'. Anna busted into tears when Nick handed her bouquet to her. Apparently, guys have never given her a full bouquet of flowers before just a few here and there. And never her favorite color before.

So, where are you boys headed with our pretty ladies! Tom asked now calmed down after taking some goofy pics with the girls and a few with us boys.

They are taking us on a moonlight picnic! Leora exclaimed excitedly!

Awe how romantic! Remember when we use to do that Tom? Ruby gushed! Tom started to usher us out of the house.

Okay, remember to have the girls home by midnight! Tom reminded.

Not a minute later Sir! I promised!

My dad is really warming up to you quickly! Leora stated excitedly. I linked our fingers together, while smiling. Nick held his arm our and Anna linked her arm through his blushing slightly. Leora was wearing faded blue skinny jeans, a red tub top and her signature jean jacket with her combat boots. Anna had on a blue- jean mini skirt with black legging and knee-high boots matched with a black t-shirt and a navy-blue jean jacket. I had to admit they both looked good!

Shall we? Nick asked gesturing towards the red 2017 Honda Civic. Both of the girls mouths dropped.

This is your car?!?! Anna asked

No, it's James car. Nick replied smoothly. I just nodded my head as both girls looked at me to see if he was telling the truth.

Are you ready to go? I asked the girls. They both nodded their heads as we headed towards my car. I opened the passenger seat for Leora as Nick opened the back passenger seat for Anna. The girls slid in and we shut the doors behind them and then raced around to our doors. I slid into the driver seat and Nick slid in behind me, and we set off.

Authors Note: Sorry for the late post I'm going to try and post a Chapter every Sunday, but being a single mother you're going have to bear with me. Some Chapters may come early and some may come late. I hope you are enjoying the story as much as I'm enjoying writing it!