Chapter 12. It Takes Two (1)

[2018, December 4th. 5 minutes to sunset]

As Aaron set Zoey down in front of the gates of the Arden residence, he knew his opinion of Zoey had changed.

She was still exactly what he had pictured: innocent to a fault, lacking in experience and sure to have a difficult time as a royal. But there were other things too, like the way she crossed her legs when she ate ice-cream on that bench like she was at home. Or the way she claimed her name as an Arden and demanded to have the gates opened. Zoey had her own way of doing things and was skilled in getting what she wanted.

“One future princess home on time,” he smiled, pulling some leaves out of her hair.

He locked his hands behind his back, afraid that old habits would betray him to her even more before asking, “So, lunch tomorrow?”

Zoey thought for a moment. She knew what she had done today wasn’t a feasible plan. She had no money and all her belongings were still in a room behind those gates. So maybe she