Through the ice and the universe

Rika's plan

Rika stood dumbfounded and stared at the prince for what felt like an eternity for the two maids. They glanced at each other, marveling at how the mood in the air could change so quickly.

When Rika had started yelling at their prince, they thought an even more heated brawl would break out between them, instead the prince had managed to silence his fated mate by making her blush.

The maids held back their giggles, biting their lips, delighted over the golden opportunity for some new juicy gossip. Details of their prince's long-awaited mate, was something that everyone in the whole kingdom wanted to know eagerly. Everyone had been waiting for this, especially their beloved prince Zeke, who now waited patiently for Rika's answer to his claim on her.

The prince was still holding Rika's cheek, fondling her soft warm ivory skin with his fingers. It was like electricity was going through them and they both felt it. However Rika denied it. She forced herself to believe that the feeling simply was some weird imagination caused by all the chaos she had been through in the last few hours. The prince on the other hand, let his heart fill with burning desire.

His eyes were soon drawn to her rose pink lips. And when his temptation became too strong to resist, he leaned even closer and let his thumb wander over to them. His light touch pushed an intense shiver throughout her body, that made her flinch and woke up from her trance to then slapping his hand away.

Both the maids and the prince gaped in surprise. The prince looked especially stunned and his heart ached concerned at her strong reaction.

Of course he understood that Rika was very emotional right now because of my disappearance, but he still couldn't comprehend why she kept pushing him away.

I'm her fated mate. Isn't she glad we've finally found each other? He wondered confused.

From Rika's perspective, the prince seemed delusional. I mean, who would blame her, she had only just met him and suddenly he announced that he would make her his wife! Oh, and let's not forget that he also claimed to be a prince right before that. Which... yes were true, but to Rika, at that moment the thought of it was just simply insane.

He is crazy! Insane! He and... these two poor girls, they... Oh my god, did I accidentally end up in the middle of a cult or something!" Rika thought in distress, as she also took notice of their unique pieces of clothing.

While the maids wore similar gray brown dresses with white aprons, the prince wore a navy blue uniform that reminded her of a soldier's. Gosh! Even their clothes are weird! I don't have time for this! I need to escape from these odd people! I... Oh my god, why didn't I think of this before! My phone!

Her phone, which was in her jacket's right pocket. Her yellow winter jacket that... she was not wearing anymore to her discovery. In fact, her black jeans and white knit sweater were also gone. She realized that she had been running around wearing a white nightgown instead.

Weird, but...anyway, I need my jacket! She tried to focus. She needed a plan to get it back!

She sighed deeply and began to think. Worried wrinkles grew on the prince's forehead as he watched her.

His gaze then met the maids' for a moment and nodded towards the door for them to leave. They both understood and quickly bowed and slipped out of the room.

Then he turned back to Rika who was now massaging her temples while she started pacing slowly back and forth.

"Rika..." He began softly. "Please... please tell me what's on your mind?" Rika stopped and glared at him, but then she remembered that she was dealing with a madman who shouldn't become her unnecessary enemy for now.

Just you wait you i***t! As sooooon as I manage to escape or call the police, you're dead! I will throw your bully ass straiiiight into jail! She sang determinedly in her head as she plastered a fake smile on her lips.

"What did you say your name was again?" She asked, taking a confident step forward.

"You... may call me Zeke." The prince answerd. Growing a little bit suspicious over his mate's sudden change in behavior.

"Okeydoki, Zeke! First of aaaall, thanks for saving me from drowning. I am very grateful for that!" Rika almost croon out with fake joy. Then she spun half a turn and continued walking towards one of the room's large windows. Glancing discreetly out, hoping to see something.

Damn! It's still too dark outside... I can't see shit... Rika thought before she continued speaking.

"Secondly, hmm... you mentioned sending out... did you say warriors?" Zeke nodded at her question and began to feel hopeful about where their conversation was leading.

Finally we can calmly resolve the misunderstandings between us. He thought. Rika saw his faint smile, which made her want to laugh out loud. But that would of course blow her cover away, so she bit her tung instead.

Rika continued walking along the bookshelves in the room. Then her gaze landed on a massive desk, that had beautiful patterns carved in the wood.

Strange... this room appears to be an office? But, there are only ancient books in here. Where the f**k is the computer?! Oh, wait I know! How stupid of me. Of course it must be in one of his seven other offices. Rika thought and took a new turn towards Zeke again as she continued talking.

"Well thank you.. for that as well... Though I am... very disappointed that you will not allow me to go out and look for my friend myself."

"It's for your own good. I promise." Zeke explained briefly, causing Rika to seethe.

"That's your opinion, which... I don't share. But...how about weee... compromise?" Rika said as she stopped in front of him, leaning forward a bit. Luring him into her trap. He needs to believe that we can resolve this conflict.Then... when he least suspects it... I can escape!

Zeke's smile twitched into a curious grin. "I'm listening..." He replied.

"In a few hours, the sun will rise, right?" Rika smiled widely.

"Yes?" He asked amused at her sweet way of trying to persuading him.

"So! Let me look for her then! When it's light outside! Much less dangerous then, right? Oh, and with youuuu.. by my side, who is obviously so BIG and STRONG! There is nothing to fear!" Rika blinked flirtatiously, causing Zeke to laugh. Convinced now, that something suspicious definitely were going on inside her sweet little head. Still, that didn't worry him at all.

At least she's much calmer now and not yelling at me anymore. He thought relieved.

"That was already my thought from the beginning." Zeke sighed while scratching the back of his neck. "But... you ran away before I could finish explaining..."

"Aaaah, I see... my bad! As you know, I've had a VERY tough, emotional day." Rika said, teeth grinding behind her smile that was becoming very hard to hold up. "But nice to hear that we can AT LEAST agree on this. Anyway! How about you knock on my door as sooooon as the sun comes up, yes?"

Zeke nodded slowly. Mesmerised at Rika, hit by her spell and beauty.

"Yeay, then it's decided! Then I only have one question left..." Rika cleared her throat. "You know... my clothes and possessions I had when you saved me? Could I possibly get them back? Before I go and... rest?"

"Of course." He vowed. "I'll ask the maids to go get your belongings at once."

"Thank you Zeke! You're the BEST!" Rika cheered. Unaware that the prince, was already onto her plans...