Seeking The Present

Chapter 9 - A Terrible fight.

“You’re my whole world as well. I hope you believe that.” I said to Lee as he sat in silence. “Please talk to me.” I asked him.

“I don’t know what else to say. My feelings are conflicted. I want to grab you and leave but I know I can’t. I feel like I have to stand by and wait for him to be done with you so I can have you back. It’s like…” he trailed off.

“It’s like what?” I pushed him to tell me.

“I think I can’t stay here Hannah.” He put down his hand and looked at me.

“What?” I stood up.

“I can’t watch him shower you with gifts and affection. I can’t sit there and wait for him to take his turn.” I was shocked. His words hurt.

“Take his turn!? What are you saying?” I waited.

“Exactly how it sounds. James had his turn, Arnold had his turn. Now the king?” He threw up his hands and shook his head. I took a few steps away and stopped.

“You’re right. You should go.” I walked out the door and into my room. I turned and locked the door. I stood there a moment thinking he would come. There wasn’t even a attempt. I bit my lip trying to hold back my tears. My heart was hurting and as I turned there Arnold stood. Seeing him I burst into tears and jumped into him. He didn’t ask me any questions. He just let me cry.

“It’s ok. Everything will be ok.” He rubbed my back and slowly pulled out of our hug. “Let me get you some tissues.” He said and I nodded. I walked over and sat on the bed. Arnold came and sat next to me handing me the box. He put his arm around me.

“Thank you.” I said blowing my nose.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Arnold showed genuine concern.

“Lee wants to leave.” I said and Arnold was quiet. “He said he doesn’t want to share me with the king. Told me everyone has had their turn.” Arnold stood up and started walking to the door. “Arnold?” I asked and he opened the door and walked into the hall. “ARNOLD!” I ran after him. He thew the door open and walked up to Lee.

“Apologize.” Arnold demanded. Lee stared at him. “Apologize to her now.”

“Arnold come on.” I grabbed his arm and he shrugged it off.

“I don’t have anything to apologize for.” Lee said standing up and stepping in front of Arnold.

“Come on you guys. Let’s not fight.” I said and without a second thought Arnold punched Lee in the face landing his hit right on Lee’s jaw. The fight was on as Lee swung back and Arnold dodged him pushing him down. “Stop! STOP!” I held up my hand as calm washed over them. A maid ran in hearing the commotion and quickly ran off. Lee stood up touching his lip that was already swelling and bleeding.

“What did you tell him!” Lee yelled at me.

“Exactly what you told me! If you have nothing to apologize for, then go! You act like I let everyone have a ride for fun!” I turn to leave and I stopped. “The entire time I was with Barion, I reminded him that you were my mate. If you can’t see how much I love you, then why are you here?” I held out my hand and Arnold took it as we left. We went back to my room. Arnold let go of my hand and locked the door. He turned and held up his hand that was swollen and red. I sighed and pulled him to the bed. We sat down and I laid his hand on the bed and started to heal it.

“I’m sorry Hannah. I couldn’t let him talk to you that way.” Arnold looked at me and I looked at him. I gave him a weak smile.

“I know, thank you for caring about me. Just try not to punch anyone anymore.” I said finishing healing his hand. He clenched his hand a few times.

“I’ll try not to. I can’t promise anything.” He smiled at me. I smiled and looked away holding back tears. He grabbed my arm and pulled me into him. “It’s ok to cry. I’m here.” His words instantly made me let go. I cried as my heart ached.

After what felt like hours I heard a tapping on the door. Arnold got up and cracked the door. He opened it fully revealing it to be DeAnna.

“Good evening Ms. Langoria.” She stepped in and Arnold closed the door.

“Hello DeAnna.” I said avoiding looking at her.

“Well, first I have to say reports of a fight between your gentleman happened. Just a reminder the King will not tolerate this. If it happens again, you all may be removed from the villa. Second, King Barion has instructed me to give you this.” She handed me a envelope. “He said Jensen will take you noon sharp for dress shopping.” She did a slight bow and left. Arnold locked the door as I tossed the envelope and got in the bed. Arnold walked over and picked up the envelope. He placed it on the side table.

“I should go so you can sleep.” He turned to leave.

“Wait please!” I called as he went to leave.

“What is it?” He asked as he unlocked the door.

“Please just stay.” I asked him. Arnold stood there thinking for moment. He nodded.

“Ok, I’ll stay.” I smiled wide and my face made him smile. He came and laid in the bed. “Once you fall asleep, I’ll go.” He said. I laid my head on his chest and he rubbed my back.