The Un-Rescued Princess; Chapter 5

by Maryam in A Land Of Desert And Sun

Jolinda let herself in the wagon, noting Jeffery was also there.
'Hello.' She ignored him and sat herself down at the end of the wagon, where she sat, sulking a bit.
'We're moving again after 15 minutes, when Adair gets back. It's better for you to get out and stretch your legs while you can, because we're not stopping again 'till we get to a good place.' Jolinda ignored him, rolling over on her back and folding her arms.
'Suit yourself,' Jeffery said, and she heard him leave the wagon.
Jolinda scowled, and turned over again. She knew she was acting childish and immature, but why on earth would they take her prisoner? It just didn't make sense. What did they care that she was getting married in a few weeks (or supposed to be) to a selfish, priggish, ugly, unintelligent brat?
No, she reminded herself, This is your future husband. He may be all those things, but you are still his betrothed bride. And his bride you shall be, regardless of all those unfortunate characteristics, if her mother and the Queen Maryflot had their way.
'We're back!'
The cheerful voice of Jeffery interrupted
her thoughts, and she turned away stubbornly as they both climbed in. Then she heard their hushed voices.
'What's the matter, Adair, we're going on a long trip, you can't go up front with me!' 'Oh yes, I can. I'm most certainly not sitting the whole time in the whole time in the back with HER.' She knew he was pointing to her, and she frowned even harder. How dare he?
'Stop it, Adair.' Jeffery's voice, for the first time she had ever heard him, sounded low and angry. 'She is, like it or not, our guest. We took her here by force and' - 'All right, all right,' Adair grumbled, and he made his way to the back, taking care not to go very close to Jolinda.
'All right, we're on our way!'
Jeffery's voice's cheerfulness sounded forced, as though he didn't really feel like that, and both young people in the wagon blew out sighs, then shot dirty looks at each other when they realized that they did the same thing.
Jolinda blew her bangs up, then settled back.
This was going to be one long trip.