•Annie•I quietly read my book as I sank even further into the sofa that sat next to the large bookshelf in my Queen's study. This piece of furniture had no business being this soft and if it was up to me, I would literally live on it.The afternoon sun shone brightly and it was a hot day. I made sure to wear light garments and they really helped to cool me down. Queen Heather is usually dressed in extravagant clothing but it must be an inferno under all that material.Speaking about the Queen, she has been down for the past few days. Of course, I have experienced her bad days but this one was more severe. I slowly lowered the book that I was reading and discreetly glanced that her Majesty.She was seated behind her desk as she went through some documents. Her beautiful blonde hair was up in a messy bun and the dark circles under her eyes were unsightly. Anybody in the palace could tell that the relationship between the King and Queen was strained right now. On that day, she was so de

•Heather•My heart thudded in my chest as I squeezed my eyes shut. My body was trembling and it took me a moment to realize that I wasn't hurt. I hesitantly opened my eyes and noticed that Benjamin had caught me in time.My heart failed to calm down as my ears heated up at his tight embrace that surrounded me. When was the last time that he held me like this? "Benjamin," I began softly as I hesitantly wrapped my arms around his waist, "uhm.... I'm fine now.""Yeah. I know," he said with a sigh as his hold on me tightened.I closed my eyes, realizing that he was trembling as well. It was barely noticeable but with how tight our bodies were pressed together, I could feel it. I slowly raised my hand to stroke his back so that he could be assured that I was fine but before I could do so, he moved away from me."Are you crazy!?" He suddenly yelled as his brows knitted together in irritation. "What the heck were you thinking?" I stared at him in shock for a moment. "Me? You're the one who

•Heather•I stared at the passing trees as I rested my head on the window of the carriage. We were riding through a forest and despite the heat, it was very cool under nature's shade. I lost count of how long we've been on the road and I tried my best to not fall asleep. "We are almost there," Benjamin said as he gently rested his hand on my arm.I hummed and sat up straight. "I thought that the main castle would be closer."He smiled in amusement. "That would defeat the whole purpose of having a separate castle.""I see. We won't have time to rest when we arrive, will we?""No, but we will be able to retire to bed earlier if the schedule is followed without any disturbance." I frowned and he added, "Are you that tired?""Not really. I just want to lie down.""Was I too rough with you last night?""My King!" I scolded as I blushed furiously.I discreetly glanced at Annie, Bridgette and Scott, who were seated across from us. Scott had his eyes closed as he rested against the seat, Brid

•Benjamin•I held Heather's arm and laid gentle kisses from her hand up to her shoulder. I went on to kiss her neck, collar bones and chest before continuing down to appreciate her beautiful body. Just as I reached the top of her center, Heather gently pushed my face away."I can't," she said before she sat up. "What happened to the fiery passion that you had the last two rounds?" I asked teasingly as I sat up as well."It finished together with them. Any more and I'll just be aching."I hummed and kissed her neck once again. "We can't have that. Want to take a bath together? I can call a maid to prepare the water.""Yes, please." I got out of the bed and pulled on a black robe. Without tying it closed, I walked into the bathroom and paused when I noticed that it was renovated as well. It was a whole new room altogether. The only thing that I was grateful for was the shower. I walked close and checked if the hot water was running. Discovering that it was, I went back into the room

•Benjamin•I stared at the blood stained prison cell with a frown etched into my face. The door of the cell was still locked with no sign of forcible entry yet the man on the other side was laying on the ground with his throat slit open and a badly bruised face.It was the same man who bumped into Heather earlier this very same day. The guards had locked him up to teach him a lesson and other than that, I did not give any more orders. Especially not one as gruesome as this.This cell was one that was built outside the security station. It was a punishment box that was used when trying to use someone as an example to prevent others from imitating a similar crime. Everybody who used this route saw the person who was locked up and most wished to never be put in it.And here was a dead body that was sending a deafening message."Gossip spreads as fast as a hurricane," Scott said as he observed the scene with me. "Some subjects have began to raise their eyebrows in question and the common