The Seven Deadly Princes

Jessie 13: The Diet of Bananas and Eggs

JESSIE

Preparations for a swimming competition is challenging for both the body and the mind. Training is increased to everyday instead of four times a week. We have one during the morning for land training and another one much later after class for the water training. 

A week before competitions I’m restricted to eating only bananas and boiled eggs which strangely enough Pride enjoys.

“You don’t need to do the diet with me.” I tell Pride during breakfast. For an entire week now we’ve been stuck with only two things to eat; banana and boiled eggs. 

“I don’t mind it.” He says plopping a whole egg into his mouth like it was popcorn. “What I don’t understand is you’re training six hours a day and you’re only allowed to eat this?” 

I nod shuddering as I take another bite off a banana I’ve been trying to finish. The taste is becoming nauseating after eating it for so long with nothing else. 

I wasn’t even allowed to put peanut butter or something else into it. Actually, I was allowed to crush it together with a hard boiled egg but the thought already has me retract.

“I’m allowed to eat as much of it as I want.” 

Pride scoffs at my words and grins mischievously. “They’ll never know that you had strawberry with it.” 

“Don’t tempt me, demon.” I pout swallowing the last of my banana. 

The promise of mischief is written all over Pride’s face as he leans impossibly closer until I could feel his minty breath on my face. “But that’s my job, little human. I’m here tempt you for life.” 

Pride’s words bring a different kind of heat to my body that I jump up from where I’m sitting. No doubt my face is flush red. I could even feel my heart trying to jump out of my chest. 

Why did he have to be so... alluring? He’s too handsome for his own good. 

He chuckles looking extremely proud of himself. 

“You’re a menace.” I whisper turning to grab my gym bag from the floor. 

My body wasn’t ready for another strenuous training but it can’t be helped. The competition is tomorrow and my nerves are all over the place. 

I was still a second away from breaking my record. If I’m not able to do it today, I most likely won’t be able to do it tomorrow. 

Pride notices my frustration and stands from his seat. He places a hand on my shoulder. I expected him to affectionately pat me but instead he gives me a light shove.

I nearly topple over. “Hey!”

He raises an eyebrow. “You’re the human of the strongest and wisest Prince of Hell. If anyone is going to win tomorrow, it’s you.” 

I don’t know why his words reassured me of my performance tomorrow but it did.

“You’ve worked hard my little human. It will have good results.” He continues picking up my bag for me. 

My eyes widen at his words. “Do not manipulate my competition or the results. I want to win this on my own.” 

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” 

It’s gotten a lot colder now that winter is approaching. Pride keeps close to my side as we walk together to the campus. He’s still carrying my bag for me and I’m mildly impressed he has manners. 

Then again, it’s Pride. He’s too proud not to be a gentleman with good etiquette and manners. 

“I hope you don’t mind. I’ve invited Gluttony and Tomas to your competition.” 

“That’s fine. Will you be cheering for me?” I tease bumping my shoulder to his side. 

Pride looks down at me his expression blank now that we’re out in public. “Even if I did, you wouldn’t be able to hear. You’ll be underwater.” 

“It would still matter. I’ve never had anyone cheer for me before.” 

He stops walking for a moment his eyes searching mine. It’s as if he’s trying to figure something out. “I’ll have Tomas cheer. How about that?” 

Remembering Gluttony’s giant companion, I laugh and take Pride’s hand. I’m confident he could put cheer anyone with his size. “Good enough.” 

-

I gasp taking my googles off. My breathing ragged as I hang on the ledge of the pool while I expectantly wait for the assistant coach and his stop watch.

He beams looking extremely pleased. “You made it. You took off a second from your usual time!”

Relief washes over me and I close my eyes to savor the moment. Finally. After an entire afternoon of pushing myself to the limit until I couldn’t feel my arms anymore, I’ve made it.

“It doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to do it tomorrow.” The head coach chimes in. “You’ll have to be at your best condition in the morning.” 

And the moment is gone. 

“Yes, coach. I’ll do my best.” I assure him. 

“Do it again.” 

I’ve always loved swimming. It was second nature. When I was younger they used to tell me that I was a fish or a mermaid in my past life because I could spend hours just swimming and floating. 

I continue my laps until my arms felt numb. Breathing heavily, I float back to the edge of the pool only to see a frowning Pride standing stiffly over me. 

Pride crossed his arms. “It’s eight.” 

My eyes widen. Has it been that long already? Four hours in the pool. No wonder my fingers were only wrinkly. 

“You shouldn’t overwork yourself. You’re no good tomorrow tired.” He reprimanded testily as I lift myself up from the pool. Pride drops a towel on my head and crouches down. 

Deep grey eyes stare back at me and I feel myself flush at his intense look. “Sorry.” 

He remains quiet before placing a hand on my head. “You’re going to do great.”

I feel myself melt a little at his words but I do my best to mask it. “I know.” 

Pride grins. “Good.” 

I watch him reach for something from inside his coat. A rectangular package comes out of it wrapped in a glittery black wrapping paper. 

“For good luck.” He says handing it to me.

I blink several times not knowing how to react. For a demon of Hell, Pride is extremely thoughtful. It’s mind boggling. 

My hands wrap around the expensive looking wrapped gift and carefully open it. I can feel Pride’s eyes on me waiting for my reaction. 

I suck in a breath at the sight of the brand new  expensive goggles. It’s beautiful. Black with grey linings. He knew I liked the color grey. 

I’ve never had my own store bought goggles. All I ever used were what the school provided for me. 

I look up to meet piercing grey eyes. He looked a little lost at my expression his cheeks reddening a little. I notice him swallow and was about to speak when I throw myself at him. 

I didn’t really care that I was still in my suit and was dripping wet. We fall to the floor in a heap. He didn’t protest and wrapped his own stiff arms around me.

“You’re wet.” He said plainly but tightens his hold on my waist. 

“You can easily dry us.” I whisper back my eyes closed feeling emotional.

I’ve never had anyone before. With Pride, annoying as he is, I didn’t feel so alone anymore. 

-

I take a long calming breath. Ten minutes before the competition starts. The last few minutes are usually the worst. It has my mind racing and my heart beating a mile a minute. 

Upbeat music is playing through my earphones as I try to calm my nerves by jumping in place. I close my eyes and visualize the pool and the warm water. My strokes, my breathing and my form. 

I’ve worked hard for this. I can do this.

Before heading to the lockers to change for the competition, Pride and I met with Gluttony and Tomas. They were armed with bags of popcorn and multiple cans of soda as if my competition would last longer than a movie. 

The two Princes were wearing fancy looking dress shirts attracting a lot of attention especially from the female audience. It’s not every day modelesque looking men came to small swim meet. I didn’t have the courage to tell them that this wasn’t a posh gathering. 

At least Tomas wore casual comfortable clothes. He even wrapped me in a hug but Pride pulled me away before I could return it. 

“No human to human contact.” He muttered looking annoyed at our closeness.

Pride had nothing to worry about with Tomas. If anything, he’s just like a big brother or an old uncle. We were in the same bizarre situation and it just felt right to be close. 

The five minute warning sounds in the locker room and I dip my head. Gluttony promised win or lose that we’ll celebrate after the competition. He would be taking us to his all time favorite restaurant. I’m just happy that my banana and hard boiled egg diet is going to end. 

I start to stretch my limps making sure to rotate my shoulders. 

And then it’s game time.

My group and I walk out the lockers. My eyes immediately shift to the bleachers searching-

“GO, JESSIE!” Tomas screamed at the top of his lungs while holding up a banner with my name and a poorly drawn version of me. 

I should be embarrassed because of how loud and boisterous he was being but I smile widely and wave back. Tomas was dancing a little jig despite his built of pure muscle. He looked like Maui the demigod of the wind and sea from Moana. 

The two Princes had their mouth open at the sight of him. Gluttony was the first one to break from his shock and stands with Tomas to clap.

“That’s our girl!” He shouted happily. I could see pieces of chewed up popcorn flying from his mouth from where I was standing.

Pride stayed quiet like how he promised. He meets my eyes and we hold each other’s gaze for a moment before he smirks and winks.

I nearly fumble in my steps knowing well I’m red as a tomato. 

Stupid Pride.

I make it to my area and remove my jacket. Doing one last stretch and making sure to pop my neck, I get into position.

My eyes focus on the water below me and I let it relax my thoughts. Suddenly, a calm goes through me.

I put on my brand new goggles from Pride and wait for the signal to begin. My heart starts thumping against my chest in excitement and anxiousness.

A loud sound pierced through the area and I jump making a perfect start. The water surrounds me instantly as I push forward. It takes several seconds before I break the surface of the water. 

My strokes are fast, controlled and powerful. Years of training showing in my movements. I tilt my head to the side and breath in air for my suffocating lungs. In no time at all, I reach the end of the pool and perform a perfect tumble turn pushing off the wall with my legs with as much strength as possible. 

Almost there.

Just a little more.

My fingers touch the end of the pool and I raise my head turning to the monitor where our times are. 

It takes another second before...

“Yes!” I yell triumphantly pumping my fist up in the air.

My eyes find Pride instantly and the sight surprises me. He’s on his feet clapping and grinning from ear to ear. Didn’t he say he wasn’t going to cheer? What a softie.

Tomas and Gluttony were jumping and stomping howling happily whilst holding hands. I smile at the sight of the Prince of Hell jumping around. 

What would the other demons say about that?