Protecting Her

Chapter 5

EMILY POV:

Next Morning:

“Good Morning, Everyone” I said as I walked towards the dining table.

“Good morning to you to Sweetheart, All good?” Uncle Sebastian asked while everyone looked curiously. “Absolutely” I replied and said, “Do you think otherwise?”. He stood up from his chair and said, “No dear, in fact you look more chirpy today, it’s just that I care about you and I feel guilty that you’ll have to go through this marriage, I could have worked harder and we could’ve find any other solution, instead of the pact made between Reighton Empire and Portmeirion Empire”. “I know very well Uncle Seb that you must have tried your best, after that only you would’ve agreed to this pact” I said, “And please don’t worry about me, see I’m very happy” I added with a million dollar fake smile. I already knew that he’ll feel guilty about this. That’s what I didn’t wanted. 

“Yeah, yeah I can see that but promise me that if you’ll have any problem with this marriage or regarding anything, you’ll directly come to me.” he said. I promised then we proceeded with our breakfast. 

••••

CHRIS POV:

I watched as she instructed everyone how to decorate the palace for the arrival of Duke and his family. I can’t believe that she’s getting married. I mean it feels like yesterday when she used to run around me in her princess gown in order to play with her, and now she’s getting married. I’m happy for her, she made the best decision for this empire as we can’t go against the Duke, he is much more powerful than us but something about the Duke doesn’t feels right. I mean from all the information that I managed to dig up, he seems to be a nice person, but yet I can feel from within that he’s not right for Emily. If he’s not right for her, then who is? Are you? My subconscious mocked me. No, definitely not. She’s nothing more than a responsibility to me. I never felt anything about her. NEVER. She can marry whoever she wants. My responsibility is just to keep her safe, that’s it. 

“Christian”, a voice called from behind. I instantly knew whom it belonged.

“Yes, Ma’am”, I turned around and said. I know for the record that doesn’t likes to be addressed as ‘Ma’am’, ‘Madam’ or anything like that but I can’t help it, and I definitely don’t care about her likes and dislikes. 

She came forward and whispered, “Can we talk for a while? In private?” Okay, this is new. She never wanted to talk to me in private. In fact, she never talked to me more than needed. Maybe it’s my personality that scares her or something because her relationship with everyone in this palace is so pure, she talks to almost everybody here, she doesn’t discriminates between workers and nobles. Everyone loves her, except me. 

“Sure, Ma’am” I said and she turned on her heels. I walked behind her as always.  When we reached her room, she indicated me to close the doors, and I did. 

“Sit down, Christian”, she said and signed towards the couch. When I sat, then she came and sat beside me. Okay it’s getting awkward way faster than I thought.

She turned towards me and said, “Tell me everything that you know about the Duke”.

“Why do you want to know about him” my voice came much harsh than I would like to. She flinched a bit then said, “Isn’t it normal that I want to know everything about my husband-to-be? I mean everyone wishes to know about the man with whom they’re gonna spend their entire life” Husband-to-be, right.

“I don’t know anything about him” I said and stood up to leave. She held my wrist and said nervously, “Will you please find out, for me?” I looked at her tiny hand which is holding mine. It feels different. I never felt anything of that sort about her, then what is this feeling? And why now? 

When she saw me looking at our hands, she withdrew hers. A sudden emptiness filled inside me as she left my hand. I really need to loose some steam or I’ll go mad I swear. I managed to say a small okay and left.

••••

EMILY POV:

I don’t know from where did I get that courage, but it felt nice to hold his hand. The way he looked at our joined hands I thought he’ll get angry and snap at me so I left. Trust me when I say this, if it were upto me I’ll never leave his hand I swear. I know this is not right, I’ll have to get over him. I can’t do this with my future husband. I know I don’t even know him and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to love him, but I’ll never give him any reason not to trust me. Trust is the most important thing in a relationship, if you want a relationship to work you’ll have to trust each other. 

Tomorrow is the day when I’ll get to meet him. I can’t explain the nervousness that I feel. From whatever I’ve heard about him, he seems to be one hell of a Duke. He achieved so much in such a young age. At the age of 22, he was made the Duke. His father died in a war while he was studying abroad. He didn’t have the slightest idea of how a kingdom works but he still managed to do it and now he’s one of the biggest Duke who walked on this earth. I just hope he’ll love me the way I want to be loved.