Through the ice and the universe

A prince's promise

Rika's heart was pounding so loud! So loud and fast that she thought the whole castle would hear it. Dazed by the strange sensation, she found herself drowning for the second time that night. Though this time it was not through icy water, but into the depths of the prince's hazel brown eyes that burned for her.

His hungry lips slowly kissed her hand. Savored the salty sweetness from her skin. His touch lighted an intense spark which grew into a blazing fire. A feeling that ran through Rika's veins like boiling lava. Taking her breath away.

God! What... what is happening to me?! What the hell! Stupid idiotic heart! Stop pounding so fast!!! Rika shouted within at her own thoughts. She tried to get her hand to smoothly slide out of the prince's, to not hit it away like before. If I do, he might realize I'm planning to escape...

I wish I had been there so I could have laughed at her and said; "Sorry Rika, but your poor acting skills have already made him suspicious of your plans!" Yeah... Watching her dumbfounded face while I said something like that would had been fun.

When Rika's hand was inches away from slipping out of his fingers, the prince suprised her again by suddenly lift her hand even higher and kissed her wrist as well.

Rika teard her eyes away from the prince's piercing gaze as she felt her hot cheek blush. Confused over her own body's unexpected reaction to his touch. She staggered back a step, but was immediately caught by Zeke's other arm, which all of a sudden had snuck around her waist.

"Careful." He breathed out. "You are still very weak..."

"I... I'm not weak!" Rika stuttered out, now both annoyed and embarrassed. "I'm just surprised! That's all!" Rika exclaimed, taking a steady step backwards. "And anyone would have been, you know! Why... why did you just... pull me into your arms so suddenly and... and start kissing my hand out of nowhere?" She continued, instinctively jerking her hand away anyway even though she had decided not to. Zeke's hurt expression made Rika realize her mistake.

Damn it! I had a plan! Make him think we're friends and then run away from this insane place. Why... why does he continue to try to flirt with me? So annoying! I... I can't pretend to be his future wifey! To be his friend is one thing but his, what, princess? Oh no! But... I need to find Nova...

Her thoughts on me quickly filled her mind. Flashbacks on how I had fallen down into the icy water with her. She knew that the chances of me being still alive was low, but she still couldn't stop hoping because... she herself had survived after all.

Maybe Nova got out of the water too? Maybe someone else helped her, just like the madman here helped me? Oh... f**k it! Saving Nova comes first, my pride comes second!

Rika took a determined step towards Zeke and fluttered her eyelashes with a new fake smile on her face.

"I'm sorry Zeke... but please remember... that the two of us don't know each other. We just met... Can't we... take this, Uhm...what did you call it? Fated mate-thing... a bit slower, alright?"

Zeke's eyes widened in surprise. Because he then realized something.

"Do you... not know? Can't you... feel it? Our bond?" Zeke asked with acing worry in his heart.

Rika nervously bit her lip.

Damn it! What should I do? I can't risk offending him... Oh, just lie! He has a meatball brain anyway. He'll believe whatever he wants to believe. Just... smile bigger and be his little princess for a few more minutes, how hard can it be?

"Of course I do!" Rika lied. "I'm just... a little shy. That's all."

But while her words might have sounded more convincing, her emotions had already betrayed her. Zeke had felt it all. Through pulsing waves her emotions had struck him. His shoulders slumped down as he realized that she was lying to him.

"Anyway! Once again, good niiiight, Zeke. I'll see you tomorrow!" Rika sang while quickly spinning around.

"Do you know the way back?" The prince asked, trying to hide the sadness in his voice. His question made Rika stop mid-step.

"Of course!" She lied and glanced over her shoulder at him. "No problem, you don't need to worry." She said and dashed away. But soon she came to a divided corridor and hesitated.

"This way..." The prince murmured and walked passed her. She froze.

Why is the mood so stiff all of a sudden? Rika wondered while she met his eyes. She gasped when she saw the pain in them. It was as if she had suddenly been punched in the stomach. Is he sad? Why? Why is he looking at me like that?

The prince turned and Rika tried to catch up and walk by his side. To Rika it felt very uncomfortable to walk in total silence all of a sudden. She always hated silence, but this time it was truly unbearable for her. So she did what she always used to do in similar situations. She started to babble about everything she could think of.

"Well, I must say you really own an impressive building, Zekey." She began, hoping the mood would lighten up. "How long have you lived here? All your life I guess, right?"

But prince Zeke didn't answer her. He just continued to walk in silence, deep in his own thoughts. So, of course Rika continued. She went on, and on and on...

"Do you have any siblings? Any pets? What do you do for a living, I mean... besides this whole prince thingy you've got going on? Any hobbies? I just started Sky walking, ever tried it? It's a lot of fun, I promise! That is, as long as you are not afraid of heights... are you afraid of heights? If you are, maybe boxing is more your thing? Or...uhm... Yes I know! Sword fighting! Yes of course! What prince doesn't do sword fighting?"

After listening a while at Rika's gibberish, Zeke suddenly stopped. Rika looks up at him in surprise, then at the door Zeke had stopped in front of.

"Ah, finally here! I mean... Oh, already? Well, nice chat Zekey. I've feel SO much closer to you now! Good niiight! Agaaain!" Rika sang and reached for the doorknob.

She opened the door, but suddenly, Zeke's hand caught hers on the doorknob and closed it again. Rika turned around in shock and met Zeke's sad gaze. Rika rolled her eyes and sighed frustrated.

"Ooooh, so you have something you want to say now? Well, out with it then!" Rika scoffed at him and crossed her arms with a glare.

"I want to apologize..." He whispered hoarsely. Rika's eyes widened in surprise when she heard the pain in his voice. She couldn't understand why he was so sad and slowly, she began to feel sorry for him. She almost wanted to give him a hug.

"It's just that... I'm so happy to have finally found you... And to feel the connection between us... is truly overwhelming. Sensing your feelings I..." Zeke sighed deeply. "You don't understand what I'm talking about, do you?"

Rika stared at him confused, observed him silently, as he continued to speak. "Don't worry, my love..." Zeke said softly and suddenly reached for her cheek with his hand. She tried to avoid his touch with a step backwards, but she was immediately met by the door, with no way to escape. She gasped when his fingers cupped around her cheek.

"I don't know what life you've lived so far... Where you haven't been taught the knowledge of what a fated mate is, of what it means, but..." Zeke leaned closer, taking in her sweet scent. Listened to the sound of her fast beating heart while she was freaking out.

"What... what are you doing?!" She peeped perplexed of what to do.

Zeke slipped his other hand around her waist and pulled her closer. "I'm giving you a promise, Rika." He whispered as he leaned even closer so that their noses touched.

"A... a promise?" She stammered as his touch began to make her body fold again under his magical spell.

"Yes... a promise." He answerd and let his thumb touch her lips. This time, his touch made Rika let out a moan.

"What... what are you... what is this?" Rika panted out of breath.

"The mate-bond... it's getting stronger." Zeke explained softly. "Don't be afraid, I promise... to teach you everything. I... promise to love you... with an honest tongue, a devoted heart and... with exclusive eyes." After announcing his promise, he let himself fall and kissed her deeply.