Forever
1167 Words
☆♤ Zara ☆♤
I sat still—so still I might have frozen over time. He ravaged my lips, tugging at my bottom lip in search of entrance. That was when I shook free of the haze building around me. I bit him—hard. A metallic taste exploded in my mouth, and he smiled against my lips before pulling away.
His blue eyes locked onto mine as he raised a fist to his lips, dabbing at the small smear of blood. His lips curled slightly, and I had never feared a smirk more in my life.
The room had fallen into an uncomfortable silence. My father and his men stood motionless as Lucien turned to face them.
"We're leaving," he said, his voice low and cold, sending a chill up my spine. My fingers trembled slightly, and I curled them beneath the table. Maybe—just maybe—I shouldn’t have bitten him. It had only made my fate worse.
My father cleared his throat before looking at me. "Zara." Just one word, yet I knew he was letting me go. Not that there was another choice. I was his now—married in front of a dining table, with food still spread before us.
I rose to my feet, willing my expression to remain neutral. My emotions were haywire, tangled and unreadable, even to me. I risked a glance at Lucien before quickly lowering my gaze.
"I’ll get my things," I murmured, turning to leave.
"Princess," he called, amusement lacing his tone. I stopped but didn’t look back, my mind scrambling for a way—any way—to escape this mess.
"Pick just two things. We’ll get you new belongings in New York."
I turned to stare at him, my brows knitting together. What?
"What?" I whispered, searching his face. He only tilted his head slightly, silent, unreadable.
"There are a lot of things I cherish," I argued. "More than two." From the corner of my eye, I saw my father’s glare.
"Then choose. You don’t love them equally, do you?"
I clenched my jaw, anger rising like a flame in my chest. I opened my mouth to protest, but my father cut me off.
"Zara."His voice was sharp, making me flinch. A muscle twitched in Lucien’s jaw, his gaze unreadable as I lowered my eyes. Without another word, I turned and walked away.
Tears burned the backs of my eyes as I made my way toward my room. He had already taken my life—why wouldn’t he let me take something of value with me?
Inside my chamber, Mireille was nowhere to be seen. Disappointment settled in my chest. I had hoped to see her one last time. Who knew if I ever would again?
I moved to my box, reaching for the small stash of money I had saved. It wasn’t much, but it might help if—when—I needed it. I tucked it into my dress, my fingers pressing it against my skin. He wouldn’t know.
My gaze fell on my mother’s picture. I traced the edges of the frame, lingering, before slipping it into my hand. I never got to meet her—she had died when I was born—but Mireille always told me she was kind, gentle. That she would be watching over me. And now more than ever, I hoped she would.
Then, there was the teddy. Worn-out, torn in places, yet holding more comfort than anything else I owned. Mireille had given it to me as a child, and even now, I knew it would bring me some measure of peace.
Clutching both items, I turned and walked out of the room—only to collide headfirst into Lucien.
I stepped back sharply, my heart hammering. Up close, he seemed even taller, towering over me by at least five inches. His blue eyes flicked to my hands, his jaw tightening.
"That teddy, you…" He trailed off.
I straightened, lifting my chin. "What? I can’t take it with me? Do you want this, too?"
For a split second, he looked almost… thrown off. His gaze flickered back to the teddy before returning to my face, unreadable once more.
"I’m just surprised you chose that," he said flatly, before turning on his heel. "Let’s go."
I didn’t move.
After a few steps, he glanced back, nostrils flaring. "You want me to get you myself, princess?"
I forced my legs to move.
We walked past the guards and servants, all of whom bowed slightly as we passed. The cold night air hit my skin, sharp and unforgiving. I spotted King Eldric standing among a few of his men, but my attention slid past them, searching.
Where was Mireille?
Then I saw her, standing at the edge of the courtyard, dabbing at her eyes.
I didn’t think—I just moved.
I rushed toward her, and she caught me, already bracing for the impact of my hug. Her arms wrapped around me, her body trembling.
"My dear girl," she whispered, running a hand through my hair.
"I’m sorry, I can’t save you."
I shook my head against her shoulder. "It’s not your fault."
She pulled back, framing my face in her hands, her touch warm despite the chill in the air.
"Try to get into his good graces," she said, voice breaking. "He might let you live a little longer."
Tears blurred my vision. I tried to hold them back, but it was impossible. The woman who had raised me was crying. I was leaving her. And we both knew this might be the last time.
I gave a small, watery smile. "I love you so much."
She pulled me into another hug. Over her shoulder, I felt the weight of eyes watching us, drilling holes into my back.
She wiped my tears. "Don’t show him fear. Don’t cry. Don’t cower."
I nodded.
"Princesses don’t cry," she whispered, her gaze flicking behind me.
"He’s coming."
She took a step back just as I felt his brooding presence behind me.
"Let’s go." His voice was curt, leaving no room for argument.
I stared at Mireille, memorizing every detail of her face. I didn’t want to forget her.
Then, without another word, I turned and walked away. I didn’t look at my father. I didn’t look at his men. They were letting me go—why should I meet their eyes and see the mockery in them?
Lucien led me to a sleek black car. I got in, settling into the seat, my hands gripping the teddy as if it could anchor me.
He slid into the driver’s seat, turned the key, and the engine rumbled to life.
As he pulled away, I kept my gaze forward staring into nothing. I didn’t turn back to look at the house I had known my whole life.
I just let him drive.
Drive me into the unknown.
I wasn’t going to make it back.
That, I was awfully sure of.
- Writer
