Chapter 2

Ben’s POV

After having a really good American style breakfast, I began my walk into town. It took a while, and I was exhausted, but I reached town.

I must’ve looked weird. A stranger walking around town completely lost holding a huge suitcase. I had no idea where to go or if this place has a hotel. I’ll even settle for a motel or B&B.

I sat down at one of the benches and watched the lives of normal people. Here are people who are out with friends and family, not having to worry about leading a country and being a public figure.

I wish my father could understand that I desire freedom. Just for a day or two. But I never got it. Everytime I tried to sneak out, my father would be there to stop me and give me a big lecture about how kings can’t take breaks when they feel like it.

So a few months before my 19th birthday, I thought why not sneak out and leave the country. In fact, leave the whole continent. That’ll give me enough time for me to have a break and when it’s time to return I’ll be ready for the throne.

There’s so much I want to do here. First is to swim in a public pool. I’ve only swam at the palace’s pool but a public pool sounds fun! Also, hang out with normal people. All my “friends” at home are the sons of aristocrats and earls and dukes. None are my friends and the dogmatism in them really gets on my nerves. And have my first kiss. Despite being a prince, I’m still a virgin in everything.

Oh my gosh it’s a communal fountain!!! I walked up to it and admired it. The large button on the side said push and I did. A small stream of water came out from the faucet. I put my lips close and took a gulp of water.

Yep, it tastes like water.

I returned to my suitcase and decided to walk around and see more. I got up and saw the small town with shops on the side. This kinda reminds me of Mayfield back at home. Do I miss home? A little. I miss my sister and mom. I kinda miss my father but not really.

As I turned the corner, I ran into someone. I fell on my ass and stumbled back. My suitcase fell next to me.

“Sorry, sir!” Whoever crashed into me said.

“It’s fine. I’ve been through worse.” I said. Which is true. Cause I’ve been stabbed several times.

The guy got on his knees (hehe) and helped close my suitcase which opened. I got up and helped the guy up too. He was smaller than me, probably 5’11 while I was 6’4 (king genes).

“I haven’t seen you here before.” He said. His voice was soft, like a harp.

“Oh yeah… umm…” I needed to come up with an excuse. “I’m visiting from California.” I said.

“Makes sense. I’ve heard guys from Cali are hot.” He said. I blushed.

“So uh, um, I uh.” Oh fuck he’s already made me a mumbling mess. “D-do you know where the nearest hotel is?” I asked.

“Hotel? There aren’t any in Verona.” He said. Dammit! Where am I supposed to stay now?

“Shit!” I mumbled.

“Do you have a car to go to the next town over?” He asked.

“No. I uh, I’m stranded.” I can’t tell him I came via private jet.

“You can stay with my mom and I.” He chirped up. I looked at the little man next to me. I gawked at him and lifted an eyebrow.

“You sure?” I asked.

“Mmhmm. My mom won’t care. We have a guest room you can stay in. Roof over your head and food.” He said.

“Sold me at food.” I said. He chuckled.  And pulled out my wallet that I stacked with American currency. “How much?” I asked him.

“Oh no please. It’s the least I can do after running into you.” He refused money. Already like this kid. My other “friends” would hop on to get free money.

“So, what’s your name?” I asked him.

“Mason Howard. I’m 18 right now.” He said.

“Pleasure to meet you Mason.” I grabbed his back palm and gave it a small kiss. A kind gesture in my home country. “I’m Pri- Ben.” I almost spilled my secret.

“Ben. Is that short for something?” He asked, blushing from my kiss.

“Nope. Just Ben.” I said.

“Very well. Come on, mom is preparing lunch.” He said.

I followed him, admiring his back. Sounds weird but I have a thing for admiring the smallest things about people. Now I just have to hide in plain sight and hope and pray father doesn’t find me.

Mason walked fast when I passed by a shop window with a TV. I froze when a foreign news channel from the UK had a picture of me.

“Prince Benjamin VIII from the Kingdom of Artois has gone missing. The kingdom has issued with the EU to have search warrants in all European countries to find him before he takes the throne this July.”

Fuck. The entirety of Europe already?

I think I’m safe in America for now. And even then, I doubt they’ll look at a small town in Minnesota.

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bye! i love you all!

<3