A Glimpse Of Vulnerability.
1700 Words
As I ventured down the passage, a hooded figure caught my attention. Intrigued, I trailed behind, navigating unfamiliar territory. The passage ended abruptly, giving way to three dark corridors. I pondered, "Which one did he take?"
My intuition guided me toward the left passage. I quickened my pace, sensing someone had recently passed through. The air carried a faint scent, confirming my suspicion.
The passage opened up to a secluded clearing, overgrown with wild grasses. I stepped cautiously into the abandoned space, my senses heightened.
As I navigated the dimly lit pathway, a sudden force dragged me into a nearby room. I hadn't even had a glimpse of my surroundings before I was restrained. My hands were yanked upwards, pinned above my head, with an iron grip. Another hand clasped my waist, holding me firmly.
"What's the meaning of this?" I demanded, struggling to turn around, but unable to break free.
"You!" a low, husky voice exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
My mind racing, I scoffed, "Don't tell me it's you?" The hidden prince's image flashed in my mind.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through me, threatening my balance. I strained to regain composure. The unknown figure slowly turned me around, our faces inches apart.
I locked gazes with him, and somehow, the shadows receded, illuminating his face. Despite the dim surroundings, a faint ray of light highlighted his features. Though his face wasn't fully visible, our eyes met.
His eyes mesmerized me – an enchanting depth that drew me in. They were breathtakingly beautiful.
His grip relaxed, and he stumbled backward, kneeling to the ground. I bent down, shocked by his reaction.
"He's shaking," I whispered to myself.
"Are you okay?" I asked, concern etched on my face.
He clutched the ground, his body trembling uncontrollably.
"Don't hold back," I urged. "Let yourself be."
He shook his head violently. "Please, shut up."
I wanted to storm off, leaving him shattered, but my feet rooted. "If you keep suppressing, it will consume you," I cautioned.
He remained silent, clutching the ground tighter.
"Unleash your power, don't restrain it," I pleaded.
"I want to hurt you," he whispered, his voice laced with anguish.
I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Then why hold back?" I asked, confusion etched on my face. "You tried killing me. Why spare me now?"
His grip on the ground tightened, but he remained mute.
I grasped his hand, squeezing gently. "Calm down," I soothed. "If you want to, then do it."
He lifted his gaze, eyes reddening, but slowly returning to normal. I held his stare, gently tapping his hand.
His breathing steadied.
The moment I released him, his eyes flared crimson. A blood-curdling scream echoed.
I stared, astonished.
"Leave!" he roared.
I rose, obeying, but my feet felt rooted.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Just leave, please," he pleaded.
A dark thought flashed: to kill him. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to act.
I stood frozen, witnessing his agonizing scream. Paralyzed, I couldn't move or look away. My instincts urged me to embrace him, but I restrained myself, transfixed.
His screams subsided, replaced by violent tremors. Fear wrestled with compassion within me. Defying caution, I knelt beside him.
Our gazes met, and without words, I wrapped my arms around his shuddering frame. His trembling ceased.
Assured he was calm, I gazed into his face. His eyes fluttered closed, and he collapsed, unconscious.
Disoriented, I surveyed my surroundings. Darkness enveloped me, visibility near zero. I stumbled forward, seeking the window, but none existed. Desperate for escape, I felt my way to the door.
I grasped the handle, turning it. The door refused to budge.
I hesitated to harness my power. "How can this place not have a window?" I wondered aloud.
Something within me whispered, "It does."
Undeterred, I resumed searching. My hands explored corners, probing every inch. Finally, my palm sank into a hidden recess. A curtain slid open, and light burst forth.
A force hurtled toward me. I stood firm, unwavering. The curtain dropped, and a body collapsed onto mine.
I caught him, holding tight to prevent his fall. Cradling him securely, I utilized the faint light to navigate.
Assuming this was his quarters, I gently laid him on the bed.
After gently laying him on the bed, I sat beside him, concern etched on my face. His temperature was alarmingly high. I realized I couldn't heal him; Derek was my only hope.
"I need to call Derek," I muttered to myself.
I approached the door, hoping it would open. It didn't.
Suddenly, Derek's words echoed: "When you need me, call."
"How?" I wondered.
"Derek!" I called out, my voice laced with urgency.
But no answer.
"Derek!" I tried again.
No response.
I prepared to call once more when a low voice cautioned:
"You could damage my eardrums."
I spun around, astonished.
"You're awake?" I asked, incredulous.
He nodded weakly.
"Help me up," he requested, extending a trembling hand.
I assisted him, supporting his fragile frame.
I gently touched his forehead to check his temperature. He gazed up at me, his eyes locking onto mine.
I attempted to check his pulse, but he grasped my wrist, holding my hand in his.
"I'm okay," he whispered, struggling to sit up.
I firmly but gently pressed his chest, guiding him back onto the bed. "Don't exert yourself."
"Can you open the door?" I asked.
His expression shifted. "Are you afraid now?" he teased.
"I hate darkness," I admitted.
The faint ray of light that had illuminated the room vanished, plunging us into darkness. Suddenly, lamps flickered to life, casting warm glows. Elegant engravings adorned the lamp stands and walls.
"Stay with me," he whispered, settling back into the bed.
I remained silent, my gaze fixed on him.
"Can you hold me until I fall asleep, then you can leave?" he asked.
I nodded, my eyes never leaving his.
Hours passed. I sat motionless, clutching his hand, as slumber eluded him.
Derek burst in, urgency etched on his face. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
His gaze shifted to the illuminated room, and his expression froze. Eyes locked on mine, he stood transfixed.
"Let him rest," Derek whispered, gently ushering me away.
I lingered, reluctant to leave. My gaze lingered on the mysterious prince, his peaceful slumber a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.
Derek's voice broke the silence. "Lavender, we must go."
I hesitated, my hand still touching his. His grip tightened, as if sensing my departure.
Derek approached, bowing respectfully. "Release her," he whispered.
The prince's grasp relaxed, freeing my hand. Derek guided me toward the door.
Before exiting, I turned, locking eyes with the prince. Derek followed, closing the door behind us.
Derek's anger was palpable. "What did you find so captivating here?" he demanded.
"Nothing," I replied defensively, shrugging.
"Don't cross this path again," Derek warned, his voice firm.
I walked away, nonchalant. "I was just bored."
Derek's furious gaze burned into my back, but I didn't flinch.
My thoughts drifted to the mysterious prince.
"My lord," Derek said, prostrating himself.
"You've compromised the mission," the prince said. "You've taken her interest to heart."
"I was to protect her, not love her," Derek admitted, his head bowed.
"I wouldn't dare," Derek whispered, forehead touching the ground.
A domineering voice emerged from the shadows.
"Prepare her for me. I want to spend a night with her."
Derek hastened to obey. "Yes, my lord."
You may leave the prince said looking towards the window.
Yes, Your Highness he said standing up and immediately giving a bow
Don't be late Derek the prince said with his eyes fixed towards the window
Derek nodded, standing up immediately with a bow.He retreated backwards towards the door still bowing, he gave one last bow and opened the door and walked through it closing the door behind him.
My door flung open and Derek walked in , urgency etched on his face. "Why did you go there?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice. "Why did you take that risk?
"He might hurt you," Derek warned.
"No, he won't," I replied, conviction in my tone.
Derek's expression turned bleak.
"You must trust him now," he said gruffly. "You can vouch for him, but be cautious. He can be more dangerous than you think
"I might be more dangerous than you think he is," I countered. "Dangerous enough that he can't hurt me."
Derek's voice trembled. "He's requested I prepare you for a night with him."
A sting of pain laced his words. I stared, frozen.
"Then do it," I said, my voice flat, walking away to sit on my bed.
The door creaked shut behind me.
Maids rushed in, bearing ointments and luxurious toiletries. I remained indifferent.
All I could think about was Derek's words: "A night with him." Was it true?
I was bathed, dressed in flowing black linen. Soft oil ointments were massaged into my skin.
The maids' gentle ministrations failed to soothe my turbulent thoughts.
With preparations complete, I was escorted to his room.
I stood before the mysterious prince's door, her heart racing. The maids had departed, leaving her alone. She hadn't seen Derek since their tense conversation, and his absence unsettled her.
With a deep breath, Lavender pushed open the creaky door. Darkness enveloped her. Hesitant, she stepped inside.
The door swung shut behind her, locking with a soft click. Panic fluttered in her chest.
Suddenly, soft light illuminated the room, casting a warm glow on the prince's bed. Lavender's gaze fell upon him. Clad in black linen, his chest exposed, he exuded an aura of quiet power.
Her eyes traced the contours of his body, from his feet – one on the bed, one on the ground – to his enigmatic face.
"You sent for me?" Lavender asked, her voice steady, though her heart trembled.
The prince rose, his movements fluid. With each step closer, the lights behind him dimmed, shrouding his features in mystery.
Lavender stood frozen, unsure what to expect.
As he drew nearer, Lavender's breath became unsteady Shadows danced across his face, obscuring his expression.
Their eyes locked, and Lavender felt an electric spark run through her veins.
- Writer
