We rode in silence as I kept my head rested on the window pane looking out at the passing landscape. The space between the prince and I was suffocating and I wished to open the window but didn't have the courage to act like this was my right to do so. The prince already got me out of Sablestone and away from the queen, something I was already thankful for. But, that didn't mean I was comfortable with him in the slightest. No, the exact contrary. More than ever I was terrified of what he might say to me regarding the drugged tea or even worse, my identity. He seemed to be avoiding the two topics and I didn't want to make any sudden movement that could spark the conversation.With only the chauffeur in the front who seemed to be used to driving in silence, it made me reluctant to do anything to break the man's focus either. However, there was something I wanted to say to Prince Leonardo before we got to the new territory. After mulling over the words a thousand tim
**Amber POVThe new territory, newly renamed Torflora, was settled along the base of a section of rolling green hills. Stretched in between the hills were huge fields of tall grasses and wildflowers which had begun to bloom. I was surprised by the sheer variety of flowers that had bloomed there, but then again I had never been away from the Sablestone capital. There was a lot of the world I hadn't seen, but this opportunity to be outside of the capital promised new experiences. I just hoped that the prince wouldn't restrict my freedom here.Already I was grateful for the fresh air and the change of scenery. Sablestone was clean and green, but I'd never seen such a beautiful area full of rich golden grass and so many red poppies. "It's beautiful," I murmured.The driver rolled up a newly paved driveway, which led to the top of a hill. The vehicle stopped at a tall iron gate where we had to be buzzed in. What I presumed to be our new home sat at the cente
"Hey! Get away from her!" a man yelled from down the alley. I peeked desperately in the direction of the voice and saw a rather tall man outfitted in black jeans and a black t-shirt headed in my direction. He was darting towards us, his dark eyes zeroed in on my face. As he approached, his eyes looked virulent and I couldn't help but think he was part of this group of gangsters.The three men who'd attacked me looked at each other and ran off down the alley. They must have decided I wasn't worth the hassle, or because this man's eyes looked too dangerous.My throat burned and my nose stung after breathing so intensely. My stomach was knotted so tight it pained me to stand. With my hand clutching my stomach, I slid down against the stone wall to sit. The big man's clunky footsteps stopped just a few feet away from me. He was wearing steel-toed boots and looked like he was ready for combat. I cowered into a tight cocoon hoping desperately he didn't have any
I approached Prince Leonardo cautiously like I was nearing an injured wild animal. "I told you to go," he said in a rough voice. I gulped down my anxiety and went up to him to look closer at his wounds. Some of them were pretty deep, and there was even a bite mark on his neck and a slash high on his ribcage. "Let me help," I offered, taking the rag from his hand. He clenched it tightly, not letting me have it. He glared up at me and I could see the muscles in his jaw flexed tightly. "Prince Leonardo, let me help you," I reassured, firm but gentle. After an irritated sigh, he released the wet rag into my hands. I didn't know where to start and I didn't want to hurt him.I glanced up at his face to try and gauge what he was thinking but he wouldn't look at me. His eyes were pointed at the ceiling and his lips were now sealed shut.The bowl of sterilized water was warm but already turning pink from the blood. I rinsed off the rag and dabbed it
**Leonardo POVShe was tantalizing, but I couldn't trust her. Not after what she did to me. But at the same time, I needed more of her.I wanted to taste her. So I gave her a second chance to change my mind.With my hand on her slim neck, I could feel her pulse beating rapidly. Her skin was soft and dewy with anxious sweat. She quivered underneath my fingertips like a rabbit under a wolf's paw.I scanned her face. She wasn't wearing makeup and didn't need to either. She couldn't hide who she really was merely with pens and brushes. I knew who she was and who she wasn't.Her sapphire eyes were wide with angst, but she wasn't pulling away from me. Her soft hands ran up my chest. Did she really think I was going to choke her to death?Maybe I was being too aggressive, but that's just who I was.Her arms kept tracing my skin.I loosened my grip slightly to see what she would do with the extra freedom.Then, she spoke. "I
**Amber POVI'd been a maid nearly my whole life. I'd taken care of others; that was my duty. But, I didn't know how to take care of him.After that embarrassing night, I wasn't able to look at the prince again. Really, a nose bleed at that moment?!I couldn't have let him see me so pathetic, so I ran off before the blood had flowed. Yes, I was scared. I'd never experienced another man inside of me before. But, after being the simple maid–the 'good girl'– my entire life, I wanted to get a little taste of a darker side.But, my body abandoned me. I guess I wasn't ready. And maybe, I'm still not.It had been three days since we last saw each other and I didn't care. Or so I thought.Now, by day three, the loneliness was catching up to me.Whether or not it was because he wasn't with me, I didn't know, but every time I thought of him, my body reacted excitedly.To be touched so decisively, to be held so firmly, to feel protected, it was
After a few awkward glances, we all went our different ways. I found a maid who was able to envelope and mail my letter and then I returned back to my room to get my thoughts in order.But, I was interrupted by a knock on my door."Come in!" I beckoned.In came Maia, in a cute little white spaghetti strap dress that flowed to her knees. She had a youthful glow to her.She bowed. "Hi, Your Highness! I hope I'm not interfering with your plans....""Absolutely not, Maia. I'd welcome your company," I assured. Normally I wouldn't mind, but right now I just wanted to be left alone. However, I didn't have the cold heart to hurt her feelings."That's great because I was wondering if you wanted to go shopping for tonight's dinner party!" Maia's eyes were wide open as if expecting a definite 'yes,' but I wasn't so sure about going into town again after what happened last time."I'm sorry, Maia. I'd rather not go out today." Her expression dampened at my decisio
"Your Highness, you wouldn't mind if I had a seat next to my old friend, would you?"Yes, yes I would mind, I thought to myself."Sure, Cami, go right ahead." As much as I wanted to say no, I also didn't want to create any problems. Nor did I want to let the prince know I cared who sat next to him or not."You're such a doll, your Highness." Cami's tone was full of condescension and her patronizing gaze was even worse. Her over-the-top smoky eye shadow looked like it was trying to burn me.I pursed my lips together and continued down towards the only other empty seat at the long, glass dining table. It was next to Prince August. The man I thought I would be marrying. I was now situated next to Cami and Prince August, who was at the head of the table, but the chairs were so far apart it felt like there was an ocean of distance between us.As I approached my new seat, Prince August quickly rose and pulled back the chair so I could sit. "Thank you, your High