28 Teenager

Gene loves when sunlight invades her room and she wakes up to brightness and warmth. She stretches in bed, feeling the sweet ache of every sore muscle in her body and smiles.

She remembers last night and feels her grin getting bigger. In fact, she doesn't think she is able to stop smiling at all. 

'Last night was amazing, Brandt was amazing, life is amazing.'

She turns to the side and hugs the pillow, where Brandt's scent still lingers. She wishes he was still here, but she can't even imagine the ruckus it would cause if someone found out that the prince spent the night in her room. She looks forward to spending every night in his arms.

Gene takes her time getting out of bed and ringing for Veda. She relaxes and allows her body to soak in the hot bath she prepares for her. It feels good. Then, she helps her change.

"You seem in a very good mood, my lady."

"I am." she beams. "How about that marigold dress for today?" 

Veda gives her a surprised look before reaching for the yellow dress.

"I am happy to see you doing better, Lady Siv."

"Thank you for all your help. Veda."

When Gene reaches the dining hall, Queen Ylva is the only one sitting at the head of the table. Three servants are standing not too far from her, waiting for orders.

"Siv, darling, how are you feeling?"

"Your Majesty," she greets her before joining the table. "I am alright, thank you for asking."

"It must have been quite a scare, I am just glad you're not hurt." 

Gene is about to comment when Brandt enters.

"Good morning," he says.

Goosebumps spread through her body. She meets his eyes and gives him a shy smile. She feels her face heat up as memories of his kisses and touches flood her mind.

"Good morning," Ylva utters. "Where is everyone else? I have been waiting here for fifteen minutes."

"Your Majesty, Princess Bodil has an early class," one of the servants informs her.

"What about Bjarte?" she asks with frustration.

"His Highness has requested to have breakfast in his room, Your Majesty."

"Alright then, please start serving breakfast."

Gene steals glances at Brandt with every bite and he does the same. Ylva seems not to notice as she goes on about the Autumn Gathering.

Gene really hopes that she is not sharing some important information because she has no idea what she has been saying.

"Ready?" Brandt asks Gene with raised brows, she nods at him, excited.

"I hope you're not leaving the palace."

"We are," the prince answers, rushing to Gene's side and taking her hand. "I am taking Erling with us."

"Is that enough?" Ylva throws them a worried look.

"Yes, Mother, it is," he reassures her as he plants a kiss on her forehead, then he pulls Gene by the hand and they hurry out of the room.

"Be careful," the queen's voice reaches them in the hallway.

Brandt stops walking and turns to Gene, he pushes her gently against the wall and surprises her with a breath-hitching, knee-weakening, and heart-stopping kiss.

"I have missed these lips," he breathes.

Gene was sure that without the support of the wall, she would have found herself on the floor. Her legs feel like jello. She also can't seem to find the right words to comment back, which seems to amuse the prince.

"Come on, let's go," he titters. "Erling is waiting outside."

'God, why am I this awkward? I'm making it weird.'

They find Captain Erling waiting for them, standing like a statue by a black carriage. Like last time, they put on some capes with hoods before they leave. 

As usual, the ride is awful for Gene. She wonders if she could introduce cars here, she could be the Karl Benz of this world. 

'I should have studied Auto Engineering. I would have surely become a billionaire here.'

"Ready, dear?"

"Have we arrived?"

"Yes."

Gene has spaced out the whole way. Brandt helps her get off the carriage and she finds herself in the middle of a town.

"Where are we?"

"I thought it was a shame that, even though you have been here for a few weeks, you still haven't visited the capital," he answers with a sweet smile.

She enjoys every second she spends walking around with Brandt. They visit a few shops and buy a few things. They try some street food and some bonbons, which she buys a whole bag of, to take home. It feels like a date back home, if they ignore the very serious third-wheel hanging around them the whole time.

'One of these days, I am going to have Erling loosen up and have some fun.'

"Is that—" Brandt mumbles before taking off, "Erling, stay with Siv," he orders before disappearing into the corner.

'What the…'

Gene immediately follows him. The captain tries to stop her but she slips through her fingers.

"Sheath your sword, boy," a voice echoes through the walls of an alley. "And who are you?" A man asks, turning in our direction.

The three of us stand shocked in front of Prince Bjarte holding a sword and facing a dozen men who are all double if not triple his size. Thankfully, they haven't started fighting yet. 

Brandt takes cautious steps toward his brother as Erling and I mirror his action until we stand beside Bjarte.

"Sheath your sword," Brandt orders his little brother with a voice stripped of any emotion.

"This is my fight, I can defend myself," Bjarte complains. 

When Brandt throws him a cold glare, he hesitates for only a moment, then complies.

"Erling."

"Yes, Commander," she utters, taking position next to him as if he sent his orders through his mind.

"Siv, take Bjarte and walk back to that wall." 

Gene has never seen Brandt this serious. She takes the young prince by the arm and does as told.

"Are you done?" one of the men asks, causing the others to burst into laughter.

"What is your problem with my brother?"

"So he's your brother, huh?" The big man takes a couple of steps closer. He looks like a wall of muscles, but Brandt looks very calm. "He keeps courting my sister, even though we told him to stop many times," he shrugs. "So, we decided to teach him a lesson."

Gene looks at the fifteen year old boy clenching his teeth next to her. So teenagers are trouble makers no matter what world they live in.

'I swear, if he says that he is in love with the girl, I'm gonna slap him myself.'

*********

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