The Rejected Princess Elodie

CHAPTER 11

The next few days, I spent avoiding him. If he was in a room with me, I refused to raise my head. I would look at everyone, anyone, but never him.

On the road, I'd turn my face away and pretend not to see him. This was my only way of surviving here without my heart being trampled on. Because I knew if I cared too much, much more than I should be caring then I would be wounded so much.

I was tired. Tired of being the one to pour out all the love inside me while the other person acted like I didn't exist. Ignoring him was the only way to protect myself.

By the fifth day, I think he'd had enough.

It was just the two of us in the dining room. As I ate, I hummed my favorite song, nodding to the rhythm in my head. I could feel his eyes on me, hot and heavy, but I didn't move. I didn't even flinch.

"What do you think you're doing?" Zoe's voice cut through my thoughts. She was frustrated, like she always was these days.

I ignored her, smiling faintly to myself.

For once, I wasn't living just for her. I was going to make myself happy again and I was going to live just for me and be more than happy regardless of what happens.

"I don't like this," she grumbled again and II laughed softly, despite myself.

That's when he snapped.

The sound of his fist slamming against the table made me look up. His eyes burned with a fury I hadn't seen before. He glared at me, daring me to cower, but I didn't. I held his gaze, matching his intensity.

The silence stretched between us, electric and unbearable. He looked like he wanted to say something, but the sound of the door opening broke the moment.

My sister Elsa walked in, her gaze darting between us.

"Am I interrupting something?"

I shrugged and turned back to my food, letting her distract him with her chatter. As she talked his ears off, I finished my meal and left the room with a full stomach and a sense of satisfaction.

The almighty Williams could feel something other than pride after all.

So he cared much about the attention I was giving him but then he acts like he doesn't. Only that made me more full than I can ever admit.

That night, Zoe wouldn't stop complaining. She wanted to run, to let loose, and she wouldn't shut up about it. After what felt like hours of her whining, I gave in.

The field was quiet, bathed in moonlight, the perfect place for her to stretch her legs. Yet she was still restless.

She complained and wouldn't stop grumbling no matter how much I tried to tell her that I'm doing exactly what she wants me to do, she wasn't satisfied, not at all.

"What exactly do you want from me?" I asked, setting my clothes down by the tree. I stretched, closing my eyes as relief washed over me.

My life wasn't where I wanted it to be , not even close but small moments like this made it bearable.

I was about to undress when I heard a rustling nearby. My body tensed, and I darted behind the tree, scanning the area.

"Zoe, do you smell anyone?" I whispered.

She didn't respond, but I could feel her sudden excitement.

Then I saw him. Williams stepped out from the tall grass, his hands raised in mock surrender.

"I didn't mean to interrupt," he said.

I eyed him warily, my body on edge. "What do you want?" My voice was sharp, defensive.

The moonlight illuminated his face, making the sharp lines of his jaw and the curve of his cheekbones look almost ethereal. He was handsome-so handsome it made my chest ache.

I caught myself staring, and his lips twitched. "Like what you see?"

I scowled, folding my arms. "What do you want?"

His expression grew serious. "Ian misses Zoe."

The words hit me harder than I expected. His voice was low, almost reluctant, but there was no mistaking the sincerity in his eyes.

"He wants to run with her," he added, his lips tightening as if he hated admitting it.

I froze, the weight of his words sinking in. Zoe stirred inside me, her joy bursting through our connection like sunlight after a storm.

"No pressure," he said quickly. "I'm not trying to force you. I just... I needed to ask. Ian won't stop pushing me, and when I saw you coming out here, I figured..."

He trailed off, his eyes searching mine.

Zoe's excitement was overwhelming now, her voice ringing in my head. Please. Let's go. Let me run with him.

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "Fine," I muttered. "But just this once."

Williams' shoulders relaxed, though his face remained stoic. "Thank you."

As he stepped back, his eyes lingered on mine for a moment longer, and I felt a strange pull-something I couldn't name but couldn't ignore.

Then he was gone, and Zoe was practically howling with excitement.!

** *

I let Zoe take over completely. The transformation was seamless, her joy bursting through me as her paws hit the ground. She wasted no time, throwing her head back in a howl that echoed through the field before sprinting toward the tree line.

Ian appeared almost immediately, his dark fur shimmering in the moonlight. His eyes were locked on Zoe, their amber depths intense and filled with purpose. Zoe's excitement surged through our bond, and I felt it as if it were my own.

Finally, she whispered, bounding toward him.

Ian dipped his head in acknowledgment, his posture calm yet commanding. Zoe mirrored his gesture before stepping closer, her tail wagging in excitement. They sniffed each other briefly, a mix of formality and familiarity, before Ian took off into the field. Zoe followed without hesitation, her body moving in perfect harmony with his.

I didn't realize how much I'd been holding my breath until I felt the rush of wind through Zoe's fur and the sheer exhilaration of the run. It wasn't just hers-it was mine too, a heady mixture of freedom and connection I hadn't felt in a long time.

They wove through the trees and across the open field, their movements fluid and synchronized. Every now and then, Ian would slow just enough for Zoe to catch up, letting her take the lead. She loved it, her joy spilling over into our shared consciousness.

He's perfect, she murmured, her voice filled with awe.

I didn't respond, though a small part of me agreed.

When they finally stopped, it was in a quiet clearing bathed in moonlight. Ian turned to her, his posture relaxed but his presence commanding. He nudged her shoulder playfully, and Zoe nuzzled him back, a soft growl of affection escaping her.

Their bond was undeniable.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I felt Williams' presence again. I didn't see him, but I could feel his gaze, heavy and unrelenting, as if he were watching through Ian's eyes.

Let yourself enjoy this, Zoe urged, her voice gentle but firm. For once, just let go.

I hesitated. Zoe's happiness was undeniable, but my own walls remained firmly in place. Still, as Ian leaned against her, their breaths mingling in the cool night air, I felt something shift-a sliver of warmth breaking through my defenses.