Diary of a Reluctant Ruler

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I crashed at about two o’clock in the morning. The dance had officially ended at midnight, but everyone seemed to take forever getting out of the ballroom, and I couldn’t leave until Grandmother would let me. Plus, my dress was like a strait jacket to get out of and my face just would not revert to its usual state. Felix was long gone to bed- lucky him.

I mused briefly about the press; there had been an article in the papers about a possible rivalry between Philippe and James the other day. Iona had bought the tabloid in and we’d laughed at it over dinner. They hadn’t run anything on me for ages; but Philippe and James' terrace-discussion had brought it back to my mind.

I didn’t know whether to feel thankful or suspicious at the lack of press.

A knock came at my door, and Grandmother entered, entourage in tow.

“Could’ve waited ‘til morning…” I mumbled.

“Can’t wait, they have to go back in the safe,” she replied, “Imagine if the paparazzi got in here and got their hands on the crown jewels and a picture of you in that! I wouldn’t know which was worse.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my pyjamas,” I complained.

“Meredith, we need to get you some proper underwear.”

My eyes widened with fright.

“I’m fine,” I squeaked.

“Hmmm…” Grandma didn’t look so sure.

I quickly moved my tired old bra out of sight from the back of my chair.

The entourage exited, boxes piled up, my beautiful crown disappearing with them. Grandma gave a brief sigh, wished me goodnight, and exited. I turned off my light and lay back, drifting into perfect, weightless sleep. Perfectly happy.

Until another someone knocked on my door.

I groaned and turned my bedside light on.

“Who is it?” I called, going over to the door.

“Jade.”

Oh, I thought, and opened the door for her. She smiled at my sleepy face.

“Hey,” she said softly, “I’m sorry to butt into your sleep, but… well, I thought we’d become good friends over the past couple of weeks, and I really need to tell someone this.”

“That’s cool,” I said, sitting back down on my bed, “What’s up?”

“Um, Nick asked me to keep in contact,” she whispered.

“Ok…” I said, wondering if there was more.

“That’s it,” she said.

“Oh,” I tried not to look disappointed.

She sighed.

“It’s just that… well, in my line of work, I hardly ever get to see anybody, let alone actually start a friendship and well…” she rambled a little.

“I get it,” I smiled, “It’s a big deal for you.”

“Very,” she replied.

“Good for you. Nick seems to like you quite a lot.”

Jade laughed a little, playing with the edge of my blanket.

“Anyway, I was going to ask you what you thought.”

“What I think?”

“Is it un-businesslike to cultivate relationships within my job?” she asked.

“No way!” I cried, “You’re already friends with me.”

“I know…” she sighed, “My sensei warned me against that.”

“Oh, is this a mistake?”

“It was just in case- well, in case you got killed- but- that shouldn’t be happening to you anytime soon.”

O.O

I can’t die! I’m too pretty.

“I hope not.”

“But do you think…?”

“Nick isn’t business related from tomorrow is he?” I asked.

“No…”

“So everything’s fine,” I said, “Keep in contact.”

“I guess…”

“Jade, you said so yourself, this is a big thing.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“I don’t know why you came to me though; I’m hardly the dating expert.”

“No, you’re a friend,” Jade smiled.

“Good,” I smiled back, “Now if you don’t mind, I think I need to sleep…”

“Course,” Jade replied.

She left, closing the door quietly behind her. I turned my light off and settled back in bed, closing my eyes and welcoming sleep. Then the door was knocked on again.

This isn’t a thoroughfare people!!

“Who is it?!” I called groggily.

“Philippe.”

NO! DON’T COME IN!

Thinking of my present attire, I ran to the door, opened it a crack and peered round.

“I’m sorry it’s so late,” Philippe apologised, “But I wanted to see you before tomorrow, whilst I’m thinking straight.”

“Oh, ok,” I mumbled.

I do need some new pyjamas…

“I um, I just wanted to say…” he pondered for a moment.

“Yes?”

“I really like you.”

“Um, I like you too,” I frowned, confused.

“No, I mean, I really like you.”

My eyes went really wide.

Oh dear…

Oh dear oh dear.

I gulped.

“You mean-”

“I just wanted you to know, in case…”

“I- I- I-, I’m really sorry but, I don’t feel the same way.”

Philippe smiled a little sadly.

“No, I didn’t think you did,” he sighed, “James said you’d want to know anyway.”

“James…” I trailed off.

“We had a man-to-man chat,” Philippe muttered.

*envisioning epic sword fights*

I remembered the terrace, and their hurried discussion earlier that evening.

Or yesterday, as it was now…

“Ok… Well, I’m flattered, I just wish…”

“Thanks Phil,” he smiled, “But you don’t have to play the sympathy game. I’m old enough to be mature about it.”

“Oh,” I breathed, “Right.”

I didn’t know I was playing the sympathy game... what are the rules?

“Thanks though, it’s been really nice staying here,” he continued, “You didn’t have to be so welcoming; I normally hate long stays.”

“Well, it’s been nice to have you,” I said, really meaning it.

“Thanks… See you tomorrow?”

“Ok, goodnight.”

I blinked as I closed the door, waiting for a moment, fearing settling back into bed for fear someone would wake me up just as I was falling asleep again. But after a few minutes the gesture seemed futile, and I retired. The one person I really wanted to come and knock at my door that night, happened to be the one who didn’t.

Well, there’s a first for everything.