Flames?

Chapter 2

"Good day, Your Highness." I greet the King.

"Yes, leave us." He says and I look around to find the guards leaving the room.

"My Son has been complaining about you. Why is that?"

"Your Highness, with all due respect, I have no idea what it is that your son has been complaining to you about." I say, trying to recall if I have ever disobeyed that asshole.

"Get me the Prince." The King tells the guard on his left. A few minutes has passed, and the Prince arrives in the room. I look at him and he smirks. Maybe he read the room.

"Yes, father, you sent for me?"

"Yes, now, will you tell this young servant what you have been complaining about?"

"She has been disobeying me, she hasn't been carrying out most of my orders"

"What?" I ask.

"Silence, young girl. Now, son, what would you like to do to her as her punishment?"

"Don't worry, father, I have a very special punishment for people who disobey my orders." He says, looking at me and smiling.

"Whatever you want to do son, do it. I have no objection to that." The King says. "You may leave, the both of you."

"Thank you, Your Highness." I say, leaving the room. I go to my room and stay there. I hear a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" I ask.

"Ma'am, its Stephanie."

"Come in." I say and she comes in.

"Ma'am, the prince is calling you."

"What now?" I say, leaving my room to the prince's room. I knock on it and Idris opens the door.

"You called me?"

"Yes, I am assuming that you haven't forgotten what I told you about staying by my side and wherever I go."

"I haven't forgotten, infact, I would love to bridge that contract after what you did to me at the palace." I say and he drags me into the room and shuts the door.

"I told you that you'd regret calling me an asshole. Thank Eventine's blood that I didn't tell my Father you called me an asshole."

"Well, what-" I am interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in." Idris says, and a maid comes in.

"Yes, how may I help you?" He asks.

"Your Highness, Princess Agatha is here to see you."

"Oh! Really? Well, then, make her feel comfortable and inform her that I am on my way."

"Yes, Your Highness." She says, shutting the door behind her.

"Well, your darling is here to see you. If you'd excuse me, I have some business to attend to." I say, pushing him out of my sight. I go to my room, open my cabinet in search of a paper and a feather pen. I thought of writing a letter to my parents to know how they are fairing.

Dear Mom and Dad,

It's been a while, hasn't it? It's been a while since I last saw you. I don't know how you guys are doing. I haven't gotten any news from you people since I left the palace years ago.

Like dad always says: 'live your life happy, don't forget the ones you love,' I haven't forgotten you guys. It might not be a long letter, but I hope to get a reply soon.

From: Your daughter, Eretriabbie

To: The Royal Family.

I write the letter and seal it with a red seal and hide it underneath my skirt. I walk through the corridor and try to act normal. Idris, on the other hand, walks the same corridor as me and I don't think I will be able to hide this letter from him.

I quickly turn back and run as fast as I can, but it's of no use. That arsehole just called me and with the guards at every doorstep, I can't disobey this boy's command.

"Where are you going to?" He asks.

"Uhm... my room."

"But you came out of there just now and you're going back?"

"Uh, yes." I say. "Weren't you supposed to see your princess?" I asked, amusement lace in my voice.

"I did and I came looking for you."

"Well, I have to get going, seems like I remember where I kept my stuff." I say, with my hands in front of me.

I can feel his eyes burning at my back, shooting daggers. I linger for a while, I plan on telling Idris that I'll break the contract him and I made. Maybe I should.

After lingering, I take a shower. Since I am off duty this night, I put on some casual clothes. I am wearing a skirt that is above my knees and a cropped baggy top. Cute, right?

The evening breeze is refreshing, it seems to make me forget everything that made me upset. Still walking, a maid draws my attention.

"Ma'am, the prince has called you."

"Oh, okay. I'll be there." I say and I lift my hands to cover my face while tilting my head up a bit. A loud groan escapes my lips. I angrily walk through the long but massive corridor which is lit by the moonlight and some candles on the walls.

I knock on his door and he opens it too soon. He hasn't said anything, but I care less. I just enter his room and sit on his soft bed, again.

"What do you want from me?" I ask, anger prominent in my voice. He says nothing but eyes me, staring at me from head to toes. I bet my cheeks are pink now 'cause of the way he's looking at me right now. His mouth is slightly parted and that I promise has just been the cutest.

"There there, don't get angry at me, you're the one who started this. You do remember the contract, right? I'm sur-" he starts but I interrupt him.

"Yeah, about that, I would like to bridge that contract. I wish not to do it anymore." I say while crossing my arms and closing my eyes, turning away from him.

"Not happening, young lady. I have already told father about it, and obviously, you will have to obey me, or else you'll be punished by the king himself. I guess it'll best best if you . . . do exactly as I say." He says.

I have no other f*****g choice but to listen to him. God, can't I just take a break?

"Alright, what do you want me to do now?" I say, a sigh escaping my lips as I turn to look at him. He's facing the window.

"Hm, isn't it obvious?"

"Well, if it was, would I be asking you what you want?"

"Stay here, tonight."

"What?! Is this your punishment? Or are you just afraid of the dar-"

"Silence," he says, not too loud. More of a whisper, and with that, I didn't complete my sentence. "You are staying here tonight and that's final. Lie down." He says, and I look at him across the room.

"No," I mutter, looking at the floor while fiddling with my fingers, knowing that he's serious. His voice is a bit husky and cold.

"Eretria."

"Yes, your Highness." I reply. He turns around and walks towards me and I freeze at his sudden action.

"Your Highness? Wh- what are you doing?" I ask.

"Lie down." He says once more and I just do as he says.

"But your Highness, I haven't changed. I can't sleep in this." I say, my voice shaky.