Chapter 4: The Old Familiar Feel

Elma’s POV

Lost in deep thoughts, I made my way back ignoring the maids that were either walking behind or giving me skeptical glances. As soon as I reached the elevator that was difficult to spot, I turned around.

“Can you please stop following me? I need some lone time.” I said as politely as I can and watched them bow their heads before walking away.

I sighed and entered the elevator; waiting solemnly for it to get going fast. It did but as soon as it did; it stopped immediately at the next level. I was alert. Whoever it was, I hope they wanted to go down and not take this elevator.

The elevator doors opened with much anticipated suspense and my breath stuck in my throat as I watched the tall figure walk in. His head was hung slightly; hairs covering one eye. To my dismay, I watched him stand right beside me and waited for the elevator to get going. I was heaving by now. As soon as he entered the elevator, the temperature suddenly went warm. It was suffocating me considering how I couldn’t breathe. All the more, I was baffled at the fact that he was so damn handsome that it was causing my heart and stomach to go in turbulence.

My eyes discreetly watched him. There was a stubborn frown set on his face; lightly. His lips were set in hard line and I think… I think I saw his nose twitch. It made me paranoid.

Am I smelling?

I don’t know but my mood that was in a roller coaster suddenly took a dip. My jaw clenched and I somehow wanted to escape this small confinement as soon as possible. As if it wasn’t enough, I heard him grunt, getting my attention.

In the next minute, he swirled so fast that I couldn’t catch his speed. He caged me between his arms and the elevator as he dipped his head slowly near my face. I sucked in a breath; going deep red without oxygen.

He shamelessly touched my chin with his nose and inhaled sharply. Even though, it throbbed my insides weirdly, I was angry. Frustrated.

“You… who are you, exactly?” He asked as if trying to figure out a mystery and it scared me.

His voice caused my thighs to clench and it reminded me of the old familiar feeling I had when I was sixteen.

How can… it be possible? With mere words and actions? No, no, no! I can’t betray the boy I liked.

“I… I told you.” I answered meekly.

I said and stuck to the elevator as much as possible to avoid touching him. A constant fear that if I touch him I might burn, persisted in my subconscious mind. Thus, I eagerly waited for him to back out.

“Pl-please move.” I requested.

He cocked his head and something was not right.

Before I could even think, the elevator dinged followed by an awkward cough. Terrified at the closeness and relieved that the door opened; I pushed the Prince hard and ran out. I didn’t even stop to acknowledge Caitlyn. I dashed past her to the nearest door that was open; closing it behind me.

My body was unexpectedly warm; heart beating in my ears and blood running thick in my nerves. I was panting and heat released from me; causing me to slump down right next to the door. In a daze, I managed to get up and lay flat on the single bed that merely supported my body. I was annoyed by the heart beating in my ears; it was distracting me. I tried to calm myself as to think about something else. In vain. Something was wrong with my brain, though. It kept flashing me the images of the close encounter with Prince Sebastian. I hated to accept that he was handsome, strong and muscular.

There was something else though. When I talked, he cocked his head to his right. Despite staring into my eyes; his eyeballs were unfocused and I think it was weird. If I remember correctly, it was the same earlier too. It was as if… he was picking up sounds.

Could be that he can’t see?

*Thud*

I jumped out of my skin when I heard the door slam. To my utter horror, the Prince stood right there. In my room!

He looked furious. I covered my mouth to stay silent.

I stared around only to regret being here. It wasn’t my room! Though it was same yet there was a portrait hanging in the mini drawing room that definitely wasn’t in my room. Also, I had no single bed near my sitting area!

I smacked my head, at the nuisance.

I don’t want anything to do with him. He looked like he can punch someone. It was terrifying. He un-clipped his cloak and threw it over. I gasped as it perfectly landed on my face; blocking my vision.

“Den!” he shouted and I immediately covered myself in the cloak.

On second thought, I grabbed the duvet and got under it; watching him storm around in the place. Turning to my left, I wondered if I can make to the bedroom. That would be safer than staying here near the sitting area. I don’t even know why he has a bed here too. God, that isn’t my concern for now.

As soon as I hid under the covers, a man who was fairly young rushed inside standing feet away.

“Why does my room smell like floral? Get it cleaned!” he shouted and I felt tears brim in my eyes.

“Also find more about this… Elma. Who is she and what she really wants.” He dictated and started unbuttoning his shirt.

I ducked deeper in the comfort of this thin duvet. Unfortunately, Den’s eyes fell on me and we both stared wide-eyed at each other. He looked like he has seen a ghost and I bet I mirrored his expression. Swiftly, I sat and gestured him to be quite; pleading with my eyes.

He was annoyed but nodded. Immediately, the Prince’s shirt came down on my face.

“Why are you still here?” The Prince asked and I froze.

His eyes were on me and I paled out. It was as if I would be going in hysteria if not helped.

“I-I’ll leave.” Den replied and left; hesitantly.

I was astonished. Confused and out of mind for now. Was he really talking to Den? But, his eyes were on me!

Was my theory right?

Can he not see?

In that case, how can he move around so freely?

Suddenly, a sigh of relief escaped my lips but I felt sad. My eyes ran over the Prince. He was so handsome but with limitation. Was it okay with him? Or was this the reason he was so hyped up?

My dreaded thoughts came to a halt when he started stripping his pants. Quickly, covering my mouth, I glanced away; trying my best to not fret. My ears turned red and I knew I cannot sit here for the whole day.

I summoned up the courage and started to flop down the bed. The duvet rustled and I froze. It was so silent that the rustling was loud; or I was being paranoid. Whatever, it was, I dared not turn to look at him.

There was a huff and I literally shook. The fear of being caught was so high that I felt tearing up. I really hope he wasn’t approaching me. With strong guts, I turned around and I flinched to see him walk my way. My head was reeling. I was about to die the same moment but out of nowhere, a knock sounded at the door.

His face turned and I sized this opportunity to run off straight towards the door. Inside came a servant carrying a room freshner. I ran past him; brushing him off. He steadied himself but I was too much of a coward to stay and apologize.

As soon as I was out, I ran to my left and almost crashed into Caitlyn.

“Princess Elma!” She held my hand while I stumbled and hit the wall to my side.

I was out of breath while she fretted over me.

“Are you hurt? Did something happen? Shall I call the doctor? Lady, please say something.” She knelt beside me and I tried to breathe normally.

It was… unusual. I watched Caitlyn’s fearful face and instantly calmed down.

“Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I… I happened to…” I started but was cut off by a loud voice.

Oh no!