Dating A Prince: A Royalish Series, page 8
Marissa waited to hear what Freya would say as Mike and Renice returned to their seat.
“I can only imagine how much they’ve been pestering him, especially with the allegation of him getting a woman pregnant. He’s adamant he has nothing to do with it,” Freya replied, rather absentmindedly. She was trying to figure out why she cared.
They spent the rest of the evening on a different topic, discussing Mike’s work which gave Freya an idea. He was a carpenter, and she always had ideas and projects for the studio.
“Mike. I know you have plenty of work as it is. But I have a proposition for you. How would you feel about exchanging work for tuition? We can figure your hourly rate and set a monthly schedule. I can create a list of things that need to be done around the studio, and you tell me what supplies you’ll need and at your discretion, during the month, you get those items taken care of?”
Mike looked over at Renice who was wearing a huge smile. “Freya, I don’t know what to say.”
“He will!” Renice enthusiastically replied. “It’ll get him off his butt on the weekends, and if both girls are at the studio, we’ll be there more.”
“Just keep in mind this wouldn’t include private lessons. You’d still have to pay for those separately,” Freya confirmed.
“I suppose we can work something out.” Mike smiled.
“Excellent. So, you let me know when you want to meet at the studio and we can write out a contract. I like to put stuff in writing. It is in both of our interest,” she said.
Chapter 7
Magnus sat back in the bed. It’d been a long day, and he was exhausted. But sleep seemed to have escaped him. He was catching up on emails and going through some voting propositions, scrutinizing every word and trying to decide how any of it would impact his country. When he tired of reading and re-reading, he finally went over his father’s advisors’ notes and his father’s comments.
One reason Magnus was more discreet about his politics than his father cared for was that he didn’t see eye-to-eye with his father’s more conservative approach. Magnus was more progressive. He also wasn’t as churchgoing as his parents or ancestors. Not that he didn’t believe in God. He didn’t have the same relationship with the church his family would like to see. And still, they gave him his space, believing he’d eventually come around.
When he looked at the time again, it was close to three in the morning. Hiking was in the plan with Freya. But Freya had suggested they invite Marissa and Justine, mostly to try averting further speculation. Magnus agreed.
After forcing himself to sleep for a few hours, Magnus awoke to his phone’s alarm. There was an extra spring in his walk as he whistled on his way toward the shower. He’d grab a coffee and a scone on the way down. He didn’t want to overeat. Not before a big hike.
Freya had sent him the directions to Rattlesnake Ridge. She and the ladies would meet him there. He’d looked it up online, and while it wasn’t the most advanced trail, it seemed to offer an amazing view of Mount Si and Mount Washington. It also helped it was a year-round trail, and it was gloomy and rainy in Seattle. He supposed it would discourage most from venturing outdoors, especially since it was cold, but not him. He was excited to enjoy the panoramic views and the company of his new friends.
Gerard and the other agent drove him there. The drive was pleasant although there was traffic.
Magnus noticed the number of larger vehicles on the road. It seemed to be common; the more they got outside the city, the bigger the vehicles. Big trucks with huge tires, SUVs, even crossover vehicles seemed too much. Maybe it was Martierra, but public transportation and walking, or a smaller more efficient car, was more the local's style on the island.
“Prince Magnus,” Gerard said, “I’ll have one man go up the trail with you all, and the rest of us will stay below to keep watch. Unless you’d prefer something different?”
“That’s fine. I’m not sure how great the phone reception will be up there.”
“I have you covered. When you were grabbing hiking gear, I picked up long-range walkie-talkies.”
“Those things still exist?” Magnus joked.
“Yes, they do, Your Highness.”
He was glad they did. It made sense to have something like a walkie-talkie which they could rely on better than cell reception. There was only one thing they needed to be careful of, radio frequencies. The open airways often picked up others. Therefore, they could say nothing compromising over the radios. However, he needed not remind Gerard and his men. They were all too familiar with this. It was all part of their training.
When they arrived, he took in the sight that was Freya. She wore tan hiking slacks and a pink windbreaker. She had on a cap and had pulled her hair through the back part. Fully outfitted, he realized she wasn’t a novice at hiking. He wasn’t either, but it had been a few months. Coupled with the fact he hadn’t been exercising regularly, he knew it would wind him. And still, he pushed forward, almost forgetting Justine and Marissa.
“Good morning!” Marissa perkily greeted him.
“Good morning. How are you all?” Magnus asked.
“Great! Did you get any sleep?” Justine inquired.
“A little. It was a long day, and I had stuff I needed to go over. Before I knew it, it was the wee hours of the morning. But I still slept for a few hours.”
Freya circled around him, causing Magnus to second guess his gear, wondering if they did this differently out there.
“Wow! You really went all out. I suppose when money is not an issue you can spend on the good stuff,” Freya joked.
Magnus knew she was poking fun at him, so he played along. “You know? If you need any tips on where to shop, I know of a few good places in the area. And I can tell you where to find the best deals.”
Marissa laughed. “I pray the two of you will not be taking jabs at each other this entire time. But if you are, don’t get upset when I join in and own you!”
Justine and Freya laughed, but Magnus didn’t understand the idiom. Justine caught on to it and quickly explained.
“So, I figure we do the five-mile trail. We can always do the longer one. But I don’t know if you want to do a ten-mile trek. Plus there is snow. If you survive today’s hike and want to do another, we can always come back. Or there are so many other hikes we can go on,” Freya suggested.
“Five miles seems barely long enough. Are you sure you don’t want to do more?” Magnus pressed the women.
“If you want a long hike, we can do the thirty-five miles one. The trail starts by the parking area south of the lake and goes all the way to a town called Duval. It was a former railroad, now converted to a trail.”
“Oh! I don’t believe I’m ready for that.” Magnus smiled.
“Do you have snowshoes?” Justine asked.
“No. Did I need them?”
“Not if we do the hike we intend. If we do the ten-mile trek, because there is likely to be snow, it's best to have snowshoes.”
“Oh! Oh!” an excited Marissa said, “we can go snowshoeing? Not today. But it is so much fun! We went the first time last year with Freya. I complained almost every day until we went. But let me tell you, I really enjoyed it.”
“Snowshoeing is enjoyable if I say so myself. I’m open to the adventure. Just remind me to get a pair of snowshoes.” He winked.
The hike was everything he’d expected plus some, being in great company and all. It was nice to be on the group date with Freya and the ladies. It allowed for the easy flowing banter and questions without seeming too creepy. Plus, it helped that both Justine and Marissa understood he was very much interested in Freya. So, they did their best to keep the topics going in a direction which allowed both Freya and he to get to know each other a little better.
Magnus wasn’t sure if Freya was as perceptive as he, but she seemed entirely comfortable which he sincerely appreciated.
The fresh cold air was great in his lungs. Often, he visited places with a warmer climate, so this was a nice break.
Gerard only checked in on them once, to inquire about lunch, just in case he needed to make any arrangements for them. They welcomed the interruption as food was everyone's mind, especially Marissa‘s.
“Where do you ladies want to go out to eat?” he asked.
“Go out? I don’t know if that is a good idea right now,” Freya said. “Would you like to come back to my place, and we can make something there? It won’t be fine cuisine,” she mused, “but it’ll be edible and fulfilling.”
Marissa chimed in, “Or we can always order in. I love you, Freya. But I want some serious carbs.”
They all laughed.
“Well, take out it is,” Magnus said.
He rode back with them in Freya’s vehicle, while Gerard and the boys followed.
“I don’t recall coming this way?” Magnus said.
“You probably didn’t. The studio is close to here, just off this highway. Remember, we are in the suburbs,” said Justine.
“I see. So, do the three of you work downtown aside from the studio?”
“Only Freya works downtown. Marissa and I work closer to the studio.”
He knew they worked for an insurance agency. The background inquiry said as much. It surprised him they made a decent living from this, but then again insurance was different in his country.
“What is Santiago up to today?” Marissa asked cautiously, trying not to give off the impression she was interested, but Magnus knew better.
“I’m not exactly sure. I know he was working out and had a lunch appointment, but I don’t know about later this evening. I didn’t plan on seeing him for a few more days, so I didn’t inquire.”
“If I may be so bold,” Justine said, “you two are so different. Santiago is unreasonable. He has this air about him that is insufferable. It’s like he enjoys pushing his entitled butt around.”
Magnus couldn’t help but laugh. Justine was right. There was no arguing. Santiago was pompous. But he also knew from Freya that Justine was a hardcore feminist. He wasn’t about to get into any disagreements with her. Especially not in the small vehicle with barely any room to escape Justine if she went bonkers. She seemed able to throw a punch, Prince or not. She didn’t look the type to care.
“Not to change the topic, but what are ordering? I’m suddenly getting hungry. All I had for breakfast were a coffee and half a scone.”
“Lots to choose from. What’s your favorite type of food?” Marissa asked.
“I like everything, except a few various Asian delicacies. And trust me, I tried them before declaring I wouldn’t do that again.”
“Oh? Like what?” Freya asked.
“For one, balut. Filipinos enjoy this as a commoner’s food. It’s a fertilized duck egg. Basically, a developing embryo. They steam the egg, and you break away the top of the shell and eat from there. It’s popular in other Asian countries, but I tried it during a visit to the Philippines. Maybe it was more mental than anything else, but it didn’t sit well with me. A few locals suggested I close my eyes. I didn’t. I took it for what it was and regretted it for a full twenty-four hours.”
The expression on Marissa’s face said it all.
“I really admire the fact you tried it and didn’t spit it out on the spot. Or did you?” Freya continued.
“Nope. I ate the whole thing. It tasted like a boiled egg. But the texture was something I could not get around.”
“Okay, that’s enough. I don’t need to know more,” Marissa announced.
Traffic slowed significantly, and it stopped them in the middle of two big rig vehicles.
Magnus looked around. The view of the mountains and the evergreens was breathtaking.
“You know. One thing I’ve noticed since I arrived? Your traffic. Your area has a lot of traffic. I suppose I didn’t expect to see this much traffic around here.”
“It’s gotten worse over the past few years. We’ve had a massive influx of people moving to the area. There are some big-name companies based out of here. As they’ve grown and rebuilt, they’ve attracted more business and thus, more people,” Freya shared.
Magnus thought about the research he’d done. She was right; it was a hub for business, especially with having a well-developed port.
When they finally arrived at the studio, they invited Magnus back into the living quarters. He learned that Justine and Marissa did not live there, but after the weekend they’d had, they ended up staying. They planned to return home that evening. Freya lived alone, and she had done well in renovating the living quarters.
Her taste was clean lines, barely anything on the walls, and a more modern vibe. He liked it.
“Nice place, Freya. I’m assuming from past conversations you did this entire area as well?” he said, walking around and taking in the place. It was an open concept which seemed to be a popular design as of late. The kitchen was all white, with stainless steel appliances along with the smaller details like the handles. The countertop he recognized as Carrera marble. The only reason he knew was it was a feature pointed out in a pamphlet for a penthouse he’d once rented.
“I believe is Carrera marble, am I correct?” He suddenly felt shy for asking. Like really, what did he truly know about the finishes of the interior of a home? The palace he lived in and grew up in was all about preserving the originality of its builder’s original vision. Old.
“It is. Honestly, I regret them because they are high maintenance. I may not cook a lot, but I clean. I’m OCD like that. But my parents splurged and gifted me the kitchen remodel.”
“That was nice of them. I’d very much like to meet them someday.”
He noticed Freya blush, and the last thing he wanted to do was embarrass her. “If it’s okay with you?”
She smiled, nodding her head.
Marissa had already ordered food. She didn’t wait for anyone to offer suggestions; she took it upon herself. She also ordered for the men. Gerard had insisted she not fret about it, but it was Marissa, and she wasn’t listening. One thing Magnus appreciated about being in the States, Royals, unless the ones from up north of Martierra, were just normal human beings.
“So, Marissa. What are having for lunch?” Justine inquired.
“Mediterranean.” She smiled.
“Oh, you mean gyros?” Freya teased. “You make it sound so much more sophisticated.”
“What? It is Mediterranean. Right, Magnus?”
He laughed, “Gyros are very Mediterranean,” he said winking his eye at Marissa and squeezing her arm, causing her to stick her tongue at both Freya and Justine.
“Yes. Very mature of you,” Justine joked, only provoking Marissa to make more silly faces.
“They’re a hoot. I don’t know what I’d do without them,” Freya said to Magnus.
“It’s important to have a tight circle of people you can rely on and trust.”
“Speaking of, did you find out if it was Santiago who outed you about being up here?”
“No. I haven’t. My secretary will let me know as soon as he’s figured it out. But my father isn’t fond of Santiago, between you and me. As I said, he likes to draw attention to himself. Me being here would do so, in his company.”
“Well, it doesn’t sound like you need to be around him very much, anyway.” A thought seemed to form in her face. “Wait, is this why you did the press conference? To get the upper hand again?”
“To a certain extent, yes. It is best to do damage control as much as possible before said damage occurs. The media are probably trying to find the common denominator between the four of us. Basically, how we fit. How we met. Etcetera. If they suspect in the slightest that I have an interest in any of you that is more than a friendship, they’ll try to conflate the issue with the woman and her pregnancy and harass whoever it is they believe they found me linked to. In my country, we have certain laws against this. But these do not protect me as soon as I leave Martierra.” He smiled.
“Understood,” she replied.
Justine and Marissa disappeared to the room to allegedly to gather their belongings. But Freya knew what they were doing, and she didn’t mind. She was feeling comfortable around Magnus, and he wasn’t as formal as she’d expected. He was down to earth.
She glanced up to find him smiling at her, sending her stomach fluttering. That’s when she knew she was in trouble. I cannot fall for a prince, she told herself.
The food had arrived, and they’d all ate while watching a movie, horror once again to appease Marissa.
Freya was sitting next to Magnus as the frame from one scene quickly changed to another, only to reveal a horrid-looking demon. Freya jumped, turning to Magnus to hide her face in his shoulder, not even realizing what she was doing. It scared her, and all that mattered was shifting from the screen.
Through the rest of the movie, she grabbed onto Magnus’ arm, shoulder, once she even hid behind him, and finally when the film was over, and she realized how close she was to him, she quickly pulled back, embarrassed for her behavior. But she really didn’t like scary movies.
“Sorry! I didn’t mean to be such a spaz. I genuinely dislike scary movies,” Freya said, standing to clean up.
“I’ll help you,” Magnus said. “And no worries. I get it. My mom gets angry at my sister and I if she walks in on a scary movie. Cossette and I enjoy them probably as much as Marissa does.” He laughed.
“Your poor mother. I’d totally keep her company, far away from those nightmares,” she joked, noticing Magnus smile.
“Okay, we are out of here. We’ll see you tomorrow, Freya. Thank you both for a fun and interesting weekend. But we need to get back to our place and get all of our weekend chores done,” Justine shared.
“Yes. I have a few loads of laundry, and I really need to feed my fish.”
Freya wasn’t sure if she wanted them to leave yet. Not with Magnus still there. How would they be able to cover that they were just friends? But she didn’t want Magnus to leave either. She was enjoying his company.
He must have read the worry on her face. “Freya, do you want me to leave, too?” he asked. But she could tell he wasn’t ready, and neither was she.
