At my interruption, Sophie twirls her head in my direction and stiffens, her eyes growing wide as saucers. Ignoring her for a moment, I cast a malevolent glance at the man who is still holding on to her wrist. He shrinks under my intense gaze and starts backing away.
"Sorry man, didn't know she was with you," he says, letting her go and scuttling away. I watch him leave before returning my gaze to Sophie, standing like a goddess under the shifting lights. My breath hitches, heart skipping a beat as I stare at her. By the gods, she looks absolutely divine.My eyes trace the contours of her face, the subtle play of shadows accentuating the delicate lines that define her. Her lips, parted in surprise, and filled with so much sexual allure I'm overcome with the urge to go over there, crush her against my chest, and kiss her. Instead, I drop my gaze down to her straight shoulders, her tattoo sleeve on her right arm, and delicate fingers before dragging my gaze back up to her face. The flicker of the neon lights dances in her eyes, turning the familiar shade of brown into a kaleidoscope of emotions.Taking a deep breath, I force myself to speak. "Long time, no see, Sophie. How have you been?" My low voice has barely any emotions in it.That seems to snap her out of her reverie as she looks around furtively, panic flaring in her eyes. "M-Marcus? What are you doing here?!" She stutters through clenched teeth, surprise and disbelief clouding her features."Nothing. I came to see you. Been waiting for you to step out of that office ever since I walked in." I reply, taking a step towards her.She takes a step backward, her gaze hardening at my statement. "You followed me here!?" She mutters, her eyes glowering. "That's too bad, because I was just starting to leave." She says, walking past me.I reach out, my fingers grazing her arm, pulling her back to me. Leveling her with a glare, I growl. "We need to talk, Sophie. I've been waiting for you," I say, my voice a low murmur, drowned in the thumping music.I feel the tension in her muscles as she tries to pull away, the wariness etched on her features. "Why are you here, Marcus? Shouldn't you be with your fiancée?" she questions, a tremor in her voice and she glances past me, probably looking for the woman.I lean in, the proximity igniting a quiet intensity. "Just like me, she's occupied with other matters. I came here to speak with you. Alone." Stepping away from her, I direct a calm gaze at her despite the emotions raging in my heart. In a suggestive tone, I ask, "Why don't we have a drink together?"She seems hesitant at first but then agrees, walking back to the barstool she stood up from just moments ago. I follow after her, settling on the one next to her and ordering two glasses of whiskey. Once our drinks have been placed in front of us, I nod at the bartender, taking a sip and looking at her again, greedy eyes unable to focus elsewhere.She's looking everywhere, her body still tense but it doesn't stop me from being fascinated by her. Just like the first time we met, I'm awestruck by her beauty. her brown shoulder-length hair that was dyed the last time I saw her, the soft line of her jaw and the graceful arch of her eyebrows show how beautifully she exists. Even though the club is loud and busy, Sophie stands out like a calm and beautiful masterpiece."How have you been, Sophie?" I ask, taking another sip of my whiskey as I forced my gaze to settle on her face."Well, I was doing fine before you showed up!" she snaps, eyes narrowing with anger. Swallowing down a chuckle, I cock my head to the side."That's too bad. I, on the other hand, was missing you and looking everywhere for you." My gaze lingers on her, capturing every fleeting emotion as the neon lights continue their kaleidoscopic dance on her body.She peers at me through her lashes, her gaze distrusting. "Why would you do that?" She asks, a tinge of curiosity in them. Shrugging, I pick up my glass, twirling the cup before making to speak."Let's just say you left rather unceremoniously and when I woke up, I thought something bad had happened to you." A flicker of emotions crosses her face but she blinks, and it disappears, a blank expression replacing it almost instantly."Well, nothing did. No need to be so worried." She replies tersely. I nod, my gaze dropping to her arms and something there caught my eyes."You got a new tattoo... 'mijn lieveling.'?" I question and Sophie immediately reaches out to cover it, a light flush staining her cheeks as she glares at me."It's not about you." She murmurs, fidgeting with her arms. The sight almost brings a smile to my face. Almost."Of course it isn't. Why else would you tattoo the words 'my darling' on your arms?"Her cheeks flare with color again and she opens her mouth to speak but immediately snaps it shut, directing her gaze elsewhere. Taking in a deep breath, I clench my jaw, trying to focus on the reason why I was here. Why I had been looking for her all these times?"Why did you leave the way you did?" I suddenly ask, holding my breath as she slowly turns her head to face me, an inscrutable expression on her face."Am I supposed to answer that?""Well, I did ask the question." I mutter, keeping my gaze leveled. She bit her lower lip, turning her gaze to the glass of whiskey she had yet to touch."Was there a reason to stay? It was just a flimsy fling. It's not like as if we promised each other the future or anything.""If you had waited, maybe I would have," I mumbled underneath my breath but she caught it all the same, her eyes slowly widening. I looked away from her, my expression grim. "I woke up that morning and couldn't find you anywhere, Sophie. Do you know how worried I was? We were on an island, estranged from the world. The least you could have done was leave a goodbye note.""Are you scolding me for what happened months ago? It wasn't like you were truthful to me either. I just found out now that you are a prince!""Okay, we both lied to each other. But it doesn't excuse you leaving the way you did. We spent a good portion of time together. I wasn't just some stranger to you. You could have accorded me some form of respect." I argue back.Sophie groans, running her hands through her hair and glaring at me. "I can't believe I'm having this conversation with you." Shooting to her feet, she picks up her bag and slings it over her shoulders. "I'd like to go home now.""Wait... Wait, Sophie wait! We aren't done yet!" I said as I stood up after her, ready to stop her but she turns around, shooting me with a glare."Then why are you keeping me here? What exactly do you want!?" She asks, exasperated.I freeze on my feet, unable to think up anything. That, I have no answer to. I honestly don't know why I was looking for her as well. But seeing her in that office, months later had unraveled so many things inside me, meeting her again felt like the only right thing to do."Did the night really mean nothing to you?" I found myself asking. A blunder, I know, but I can't take it back.A flicker of emotions crosses her eyes but she blinks, and it's gone. "It was just sex. Get over it. It was fun while it lasted, but that's it. We have different lives now. Can we focus on that?"For some reason, her words hurt, but I can only stand there and watch her, unable to say anything because whether I want to admit it or not, she is telling the truth. We have no reason to keep seeing each other. Yet, I spent a great deal of my time looking for her everywhere, hoping to find her.Her gaze becomes softer, and she let out a sigh. There's a vulnerability in her gaze, a vulnerability now that tugs at the corners of my soul. "I'm going now. Don't come after me. It would be better if we just treated each other as strangers now. Nothing more."When I show no inclination to stop her, she lets out a sad smile, "Goodbye, Marcus, or should I say, Your Highness. Let's never see each other again." With one final glance at me, she turns around and walks out of the club, leaving me in a mess of myself.Just like the first time.The pounding music fades into the distant hum of New York City as I step out of the club, leaving the neon lights behind. The cool night air hits me, a sharp contrast to the heat and chaos inside. I pull my coat tight around me, the city lights stretching high into the sky. A slight shudder courses through me. I purse my lips and make my way to my car, getting in and driving off without so much as a backward glance. I'm too scared to turn around and find Marcus standing there, a distraught expression on his face.The road is alive with the energy of the night, cars rushing by, and people weaving through the sidewalks. But I can barely register anything going on around me, lost in my thoughts. Absentmindedly driving home, I turn on the radio, needing the noise to drown out the voices and emotions Marcus has stirred within me. New York City, with its towering buildings and bustling streets, feels both comforting and suffocating.I finally get to the high-rise building where my apartment
After that night, things continue normally for me: no messages from Marcus, no unexpected encounters. I immerse myself in my world of design, pouring my heart and soul into creating the perfect dress for Reina. Progress is steady; each stitch is a deliberate step closer to creating a masterpiece.Days blur into nights, and before I know it, months have gone by with me painstakingly crafting this beauty. The sketch begins to take shape, slowly becoming real. Slowly but surely, I feel pride seep into my system as another dress comes alive in my hands. I soon realize I'm well ahead in my project, and it's time for a fit check. I let Reina know about it, and a day is fixed.Reina is supposed to come to New York, but when the day of her appointment rolls by, she doesn't show up. I become worried, wondering what must have happened to cause this delay. Jessica soon notices, and it doesn't take long before she starts asking questions."Does she not know today is her appointment, or is she not
I hate flying. That is the thought that confounds me the moment I step on the plane. It is why I rarely take trips that require me to board planes unless it is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, this happens to be one of them. Looking out the window, I try to calm my racing heart by focusing on the floating clouds, trying to admire the beautiful scenery before me. It doesn't work much.The plane rumbles beneath me as I clutch the armrests, my knuckles turning white. My breaths are shallow, and my heart races faster than the engines propelling us through the sky. Anxiety tightens its grip on me, twisting my stomach into knots. Looking away from the window, I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing my back against the lush leather seats, my jumbled nerves making it impossible for me to relax.The air hostess must have noticed my distress as she appears beside me, all smiles and professional composure. "Good afternoon, ma'am. We'll be landing in the Netherlands shortly. Please fasten your seatb
After sharing pleasantries with Marcus and discussing a little more with Reina, I am finally ushered to my room. My jumbled nerves make it impossible for me to admire the grand hallways, since I can't help but notice the peculiar way the maids are staring at me, especially at my tattoo sleeve. This, of course, makes me feel very self-conscious, and before I know it, I am trying to cover it up with my other hand with little success.When I step into the room assigned to me, I freeze on my steps, a gasp escaping my lips. It's like entering a fairytale. The room is much bigger than the apartment I have in New York, and lavishly decorated as well. A grand canopy bed sits at the center of the room, covered with silk curtains. Antique furniture lines the walls, and the floor is covered in the softest carpet I've ever seen. Not to mention the crystal chandelier and the exquisite wallpaper. It is so beautiful it feels foreign. Walking towards the bed, I collapse onto it, feeling the exhaustio
Leaving my room with Reina, I try to steady my nerves as we make our way to the grand dining hall. The hallway seems longer than before, each step echoing my heartbeat. Reina, walking beside me, flashes a reassuring smile, but it doesn't completely ease my apprehension.I can't help but think, 'Will they like me? Won't they see me as weird? What if I don't meet up to their standards? They are royalty after all. Calm down, Sophie,' I mentally chide myself when I catch myself thinking of all the worst-case scenarios. You've not even gotten there yet.We enter the spacious dining hall, and I meet the rest of the family already seated and discussing amongst themselves. A hushed silence falls over the room, and all eyes turn towards us. I freeze slightly, burdened by the weight of their gazes. Reina sees this and comes to nudge me forward. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I make my way towards the long dining table, my palms sweating.We approach the long dining table, and I try not to fo
Sophie.A new day has begun, and I'm already hard at work, trying to get this dress just right. Warm sunlight spills into my newly put-together fitting room, located in one of the many rooms in the castle, casting a warm glow on Reina as I make the final adjustments to the gown. The delicate lace and intricate details seem to dance in the light, taking shape around Reina's figure. I meticulously ensure every seam aligns, every fold drapes just right."We're going to be making adjustments here, here, and there," I mutter as I stick pins to the extra material on the dress and mark areas where I would be making adjustments with chalk. Reina stands before a full-length mirror, her reflection revealing a mix of excitement and anticipation as I work. The wedding gown, a masterpiece in the making, hugs her figure like a second skin. She watches the process with a mix of anticipation and delight, occasionally letting out soft gasps as I tweak and perfect. Finally, I step back, my hands restin
Walking around in the bustling textile shop, surrounded by bolts of fabric in every color and texture imaginable, I start to get busy. The air in the textile shop is filled with the familiar scent of fabrics, each roll holding endless possibilities for the perfect wedding gown. I run my fingers over the silks, considering the texture, envisioning how they will drape and flow. It's a crucial decision, and I need everything to be just right.As I scrutinize the fabrics, an attendant approaches, offering assistance."Kan ik u helpen iets specifieks te vinden?" (Can I help you find something specific?) She speaks but I have no idea what she's saying. Lost, I look around before sheepishly gesturing that I didn't understand. She looks surprised but before she can speak, someone interrupts."She's asking if you need any help." A voice says above me and it turns out to be Marcus. I turn to look at him, surprised. When did he get so close? Remembering what he said, I quick reply."Oh... Not rea
Leaving Marcus in the grand hall, I hurry to my new workspace, eager to lose myself in the comforting rhythm of sewing. Blocking all thoughts of Marcus away from my mind, I busy myself with creating Reina's wedding dress. For hours, I work my ass off, the soft fabrics whispering under my fingers as I stitch, the wedding dress slowly taking shape. Time slips away, and before I know it, the room is dark, and my stomach rumbles with hunger.Forcing myself to step away from my work in progress, I let out a weary sigh, stretching my stiff muscles. A small smile hits my lips when I see how beautiful it looks. Although I have made good progress, there's still a lot to do before it becomes finished. The thought of food had faded in the face of my determination to finish the dress and I don't know if I can get anything now since it's so late. Yawning loudly, I decide to retire to bed. I clean up all of my materials and quietly step out of the office and amble to my room.The castle is silent,