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?"

my short

anytime. It's our personal garden" He said with a charming

My voice was colored with excitement and surprise.

for a while in silence, I decided now was the best

"Your Highness?"

"Yes?"

meet his gaze. My heart pounded in

know, it's alright," he said gently. I looked up in surprise and breathed

go to one of my mistresses to satisfy

wherever he wanted and fool around with whoever he wanted. He could go to hell. Suddenly

don't want me to go, then

don't want you to go" I

a hand

he stopped laughing. "Hazel," he said stepping closer and gazing

He knew my name.

got always more informed about their

word. I will treat you well." He then took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles, his flaming eyes

to go, make yourself at home." He said before walking

***

his family had their own quarters and their own household staff, including servants, cooks, and guards. I had already looked around our personal garden

led to several smaller halls. The smaller halls had several doors that led to different rooms. One hall led to the kitchen, the pantry, and the storeroom. Another hall led to the guest

to other rooms. The maid opened one

It's your personal room when you want

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

I walked out of the chamber, a little boy bumped into my leg and

hair and his big brown eyes

but smile at his cuteness. "I am looking

said with a gentle smile. "Do you want to leave a

for him here?" He asked with a

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

He nodded.

The maids served us lunch - including baked potatoes and grilled chicken with

my father I have been here, My Lady." He pleaded.

not?" I

Lucian is a

would his brother say something like that about

to your father? Why don't

nice to

"Why not?"

tells me I shouldn't be here,

the rest of your uncles?

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255