Evolution of a Queen

Leaving

Cam's POV

Why was this girl so annoying? I was trying to be nice because Ash wanted us to spend the day together, but she just had to lash out at me. I never knew a girl that wasn’t a timid rose in front of me. A princess should be even more reserved and timid then I’m used to, but this girl is a wild animal and doesn’t act anything like a princess should. I ignored her as I walked through the compound towards the garage.

“I know what you’re thinking,” She spoke suddenly.

“Didn’t I tell you to shut up?” I snapped without looking at her.

However, she continued as if she didn’t hear me, “You think I shouldn’t be acting like this now that you know my real identity.”

I gaze at her in shock. That was exactly what I was thinking. 

She laughed at my expression, “You were mumbling to yourself, and I heard some of what you were saying. My experiences in that place have shaped who I am right now. I had to fight to survive. I was alone in that place. Yes, I had my mom and my sister, but no one could understand what was happening to me because they never experienced it themselves.” She pointed at the forming scar on her face, “My father gave me this because a diplomat chose to marry me and not my sister.” She pointed to her hair next, “My hair used to be down to my waist, and he cut it because my sister agreed to marry someone without his knowledge.” She grimaced, “It looked awful after he cut it. I’m surprised my maids could save all the hair they did. I was sure I was going to have to shave all my hair off.”

“I think you look good like that,” I interrupt her, “You look like a badass now. You look like someone who shouldn’t be messed with. Just put you in some leather, give you some piercings, and give you a tattoo or two, and you’ll be ready for the compound.”

I could see she was tearing up, but she didn’t say anything. I looked away to give her some sense of privacy. I’ve never seen a girl genuinely cry. All the girls who want to be with me because of how I look always fake cry to gain sympathy. 

After walking for a few minutes, she suddenly spoke up, “Which city are we in right now?”

I look over at her and see her chewing her lip nervously, “Don’t worry. The king won't think to look for you here.”

“What do you mean? He’ll stop at nothing to find me.” She glared at me, “Tell me what city this is now.”

“And if I don't?” I laugh at her.

She crossed her arms, “Remember what happened this morning? I’ll do a whole lot worse if you don’t tell me.”

“Santa Camprichpi. Headquarters of all royal guard training. It’s also the port town closest to Royal City. This town does all the trading with other countries for Royal City, and anyone who wants to go to another country comes here.”

She stops walking, “What did you mean my father wouldn’t find me here? This should be the first place he looks at.”

I laugh at her again, “You do realize that the King sent our people to look for you? Being here is the best place for you. Training to be one of us means that you could potentially go looking for yourself.” I pause and give her a once over, “If you look like us, that is. Now keep walking. We’ve reached the garage. My car is the black one at the end.”

She continues to walk while eagerly looking at the cars.

“You like cars, don’t you?”

She smiles brightly at me, “Yes, I am. I was never able to drive any, but your cars look so cool. If I stay here and earn some money, maybe, I’ll be able to buy myself a car one day.”

I shake my head and open the passenger door for her, “Get in, we have a whole day ahead of us. I don’t want to waste any daylight.”

She gets in and watches me cross to the other side of the car. She eagerly listened to the roar of the engine as I started my Acura NSX. I loved this car, and seeing someone else enjoy it as well made me happy.

“So, where are we going first?” Winter looked out the window as I sped out of the garage.

“The clothing store. All-new looks start with the clothes.” I didn’t look away from the road when I answered.

“And what look do you have in mind for me? I’m assuming it’s not the girly, royal look I rock right now.” She chuckled.

“No. We’re going to put you in knee-high boots, leather pants, crop tops, tank tops, and leather jackets. We’re going to give you that rebel look. It’ll also be good to put some color in your hair. With it being black, I suggest a vivid red or a dark purple.”

“That’s going to be expensive, and I don’t have any money,” She bit on her lip.

“Don’t worry,” I told her, “We get $100,000 from your dad every month, and we get more money every time we complete a mission. Money isn’t a problem.”

“I didn’t realize my country was so rich. Maybe that’s why James’ dad wanted him to marry one of us into their monarchy.”

I look at her sharply, “What do you mean? This country is the richest one because of how much trading we do and everything we do for other countries. Why would someone else’s King decide to marry a princess from this country into their monarchy without talking to King Patton first?”

“We are a vessel state,” She looked at me in confusion, “We have been a vessel state for 50  years now. Did you not know this?”

I shook my head.

“I’ve been learning about our role as a vessel state since I was five, and the public doesn’t even know we are a vessel state?” She looked outraged, “My father has kept many secrets from his people. He needs to be taken off the throne.”

“Whoa, hey.” I placed a hand on her head, “Calm down feisty. Let’s focus on your look today.”

She huffed and crossed her arms, “Fine. There’s nothing I can do about it anyway.”