That night I had a dream. I was running, terrified. I was running for my life, and something was chasing me. Something dark. Something with intent to kill. I couldn't see it but I could feel its presence. It wanted me. It was hungry and angry and it wouldn't stop hunting me until it caught me. I ran so fast that I stumbled on my own feet and fell. It was close now; it would catch me.

A dark figure slowly appeared from the shadows. It had red eyes and horns. Black horns, curling like the devils. It stretched its hands toward me. I could see its nails that looked more like claws. They were coming closer. I shrieked a high, panicked sound. It had caught me, and now it was shaking me.

"My Lady! My Lady!" a gentle voice urged. I shot my eyes open with a gasp and found Lucian looming over me.

"You're ok," He assured, brushing something away from my face. "It was just a dream." 

I was panting and sweat dripped down my face. I was scared and confused. Lucian pulled me to his chest. He held me in his arms and stroke my hair.

"It's alright." He whispered softly. "Relax and sleep."

Eventually, as I lay in his arms, my heartbeat returned to a steady rhythm and I fell asleep once again.

When I woke up a few maids were already in the room but there was no sign of Lucian. I remembered last night while the maids helped me get prepared. I was surprised at the fact that I was still untouched. He hadn't even tried. He must have been tired from the long journey, but tonight there was no escape. Maybe I should talk to him and tell him that I wasn't ready yet, I thought. The question was how.

I got out of the bed and the maids helped me bathe and get dressed.

"His Highness wants you to join him for breakfast, My Lady," One of the maids informed when she was done with my hair.

"Lead the way," I said.

The maid led me to the garden just outside the room. There Lucian was standing with his back toward me and his arms crossed behind his back.

"Your Highness?"

He turned around and I couldn't understand why my heart skipped a beat. "My Lady, did you have a good night's sleep?"

"I did, Your Highness. How about you?" He probably didn't, but it felt courteous to ask. I must have disturbed him with my dream.

"I have slept well. Do you mind having breakfast with me?" I didn't expect him to be so polite.

"I would love to," I answered with a smile.

The breakfast smelled and looked delicious. There were several dishes and their food wasn't much different from ours back home. But because of the knots in my stomach that still refused to go away, I couldn't eat much. Instead, I would glance at the garden now and then. It was beautiful. There was a gorgeous range of flowers; roses, daisies, daffodils. Carved hedged depicted strange shapes all around the space.

We had a beautiful garden back home too, but it was nothing compared to this.

Suddenly Lucian stood up from his seat and walked over to me, holding his hand out for me to grasp.

"Walk with me," he said and I blushed. He must have noticed me ogling the garden, but how could I not. Back home I rarely went outside because of my fathers' strict rules and now I was walking through the most beautiful garden I have ever seen.

"You never go out?" he asked, with a curious expression.

"No, my father would not allow it."

"So you have always been at home?"

was my short

our

with excitement and surprise. He

I decided now was the best time

"Your Highness?"

"Yes?"

down quickly, afraid to meet his gaze. My heart pounded in my ears as I waited for an answer. A laugh, an angry exclamation,

I looked up in surprise and breathed out

to one of my mistresses to

I clenched my fists. Why was I getting angry? He could go wherever he wanted and fool around with whoever he wanted. He

go, then tell me." He

don't want you to go"

outburst, I put a hand over my mouth. He

he said stepping

He knew my name.

course. Men got always more informed

my word. I will treat you well." He then took my hand in his

have to go, make

***

me around. The castle had several quarters. Every prince and his family had their own quarters and their own household staff, including servants, cooks, and guards. I had already looked around our personal garden and I especially liked the white swing with a ceiling, surrounded by white and pink roses in a

led to the kitchen, the pantry, and the storeroom. Another hall led to the guest room and the dining room, and another one led to the

our chamber, there were doors that led to other rooms. The maid opened one of them and I went inside. It was

is the boudoir. It's your personal room when you want to be

at the other end of the room. I decided to take a look once the maid left but the

walked out of the chamber, a little boy bumped into my leg and fell backward.

short blonde hair and his big brown eyes stared innocently at her.

his cuteness. "I am looking for uncle Lucian." He called him by his first

with a gentle smile. "Do you want to

wait for him here?" He asked with a hopeful look

said and led him to the garden. "I am having lunch soon;

He nodded.

lunch - including baked potatoes and grilled chicken with

tell my father I have been here, My Lady." He pleaded. "Father doesn't like

not?" I asked

Uncle Lucian is a bad

his brother say something

why don't you listen to your father? Why don't you stay away?"

to me even though he's not

"Why not?"

he just tells me I shouldn't be here, he tells me to go away."

your uncles? Why don't you accompany

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