Chapter Text
Pendergast walked into the throne room. He was summoned by King Zøg. To his surprise, the whole royal family was there. He bowed when stood in front of them. Derek was holding his teddy bear and focusing on it while Oona sat straight and proud. Zøg was leaning to the side, head in his hand, he was bored. Bean sat low in her chair, upon seeing Pendergast she straightened up a little. She still kept her arms crossed but she was now interested.
“Pendergast,” Zøg started, “I called you here ‘cause I need you to keep your eye on Bean.”
“I will, sire,” Pendergast. Bean rolled her eyes at her father. She was nineteen, why did she need a bodyguard? She scoffed and started head out. Just like that, his task began.
He followed her out into the garden and then lost her. He panicked, he couldn’t have lost her that easily. Then, he heard a laugh from above. He looked up and there she was, in the tree.
“Your highness-”
“You can just call me Bean,” she interrupted.
“Bean, could you get down from there, a princess shouldn’t be climbing trees,” he replied.
She crossed her arms, “And how do you know what a princess should or should not be doing?”
“I live in the castle and it’s part of my job,” he told her bluntly.
“Oh,” she scratched the back of her head. She then got out of the tree and back on the ground. She pursed her lips in thought. An idea came to mind and she headed for the secret exit in the garden.
“Where are you going? Your father said he wants you in the castle walls,” he said as he followed her.
“My dad never said that,” she retorted. She had him there. Zøg never said anything about keeping her in the castle walls. She opened up the secret entrance to Pendergast’s dismay.
“Well, you should still stay here where it’s safe,” he said.
She looked back at him, “Oh come on, have a little fun. Besides, you'll still be keeping a watch on me.”
He sighed and followed her. He followed her through the tunnel, down the streets of Dreamland and all the way to The Flying Scepter. He was starting to get nervous, he was scared that Zøg would kill him for this. He tried to shrug it off as they took a seat at a table. Bean signaled for two beers. Once they were brought over, she gave Pendergast one.
He shook his head, “I shouldn’t be drinking, I am on duty.”
“Come on, one beer won’t hurt you,” Bean responded. He looked down at the mug of beer then to her. He shrugged, one beer wouldn’t get him drunk anyway.
However, five will get him drunk. They were laughing up a storm by the sixth beer. He had been telling her about how Turbush and Mertz one time they tried to trade armor.
“They were convinced that it would work,” Pendergast laughed before taking a swig of his beer.
“Why didn’t you stop them?” Bean laughed too. He set his beer down and wiped away the excess with the back of his hand. She had set her head in hand. She never noticed how handsome he was. Sure she’s known him for a while but this, this was different. His laughter was nice.
“Well, it was a slow day at the castle and I needed some form of entertainment,”he replied dismissively.
They talked some more and shared some more hilarious stories. During this time, Pendergast was so focused on Bean. It was probably the alcohol talking but he was finding her attractive. He was about to make a move when Odval walked in.
“Pendergast, you’re supposed to be watching the princess, not drinking with her,” Odval said when he approached their table.
“Chill out, Odval, we’re just having a couple of beers,” Bean slurred just a little. Odval wasn’t impressed. Pendergast was sobering up fast though.
“Your father has requested your presence, Princess,” Odval said dryly.
“Come on, Princess, we should go,” Pendergast said while he stood up. He went over and offered her hand to help her up. She was upset that he didn’t take her side, even if there were sides in this. She stood up on her own and they were escorted back to the castle. Pendergast figured he would just ask her out later when he was truly sober.
They arrived in the throne room with Zøg waiting for them.
“Beanie,” Zøg greeted, “I have some great news for you!”
“I have a feeling I’m not going to like it, you have that weird look on your face,” Bean replied. She had sobered up by the time they got to the castle.
“I don’t have weird look,” Zøg said. He did have that look when the news he had for Bean was going to upset her.
“Just spit it out, dad,” Bean replied irritated. She had lost her buzz and was upset.
“We’re forming an alliance with Bentwood! Ah, see not bad, eh?” Zøg was trying to make light of the situation but Bean saw right through him. Zøg sighed and ran a hand over his face as she gave him that look. He then spoke, “You’re just like your mother, always seein’ straight through me. Okay, well, I, ah, Odval why don’t you tell her?”
“What your father is trying to say is that you’re getting married to their son, Guysbert,” Odval said. Bean’s eyes widened.
“No way! You can’t make me marry anyone!” Bean shouted. She thought that she’d get to choose who she wanted to marry. She didn’t want this.
“Eh, Pendergast, escort her to her room, I can’t deal with female emotions,” Zøg said before he sat back down on his throne. Pendergast gently took her forearm in his hand. She shrugged him off and just walked away. He followed close behind.
“Your highness, if I may,” Pendergast started.
“No, you may not,” she replied shortly. It was a good thing she said that because what was he going to say anyway? He didn’t know what to say. He felt bad for her but it was her royal duty and he knew that it always came first. Even if it did suck.