Page 76 of Scars and Burns

“You don’t believe you took your own liberties with me.” She counters.

She’s not looking at me but I look down at her nonetheless, “You didn’t seem to object. Sure you moved but was it really against… or with me?”

My breath falters. As does hers.

I caress my fingers along her spine. I restrict the smirk that forms on my face as I feel her lean into it.

“Why did you never return?” She asks, meeting my eyes.

This question. Her eyes. Makes my heart pinch. Constricting in my chest. Feeling the burning and pining for her.

I can’t give in. Not yet.

“Did you miss me? Wait for me?” I egg her on.

“No, just curious. You pursued me. You offered to get to know one another and against my better judgment I considered it.”

She considered it?

That means our interactions have haunted her just as much as me. She wanted me.

I flatten my hand against her back. Pulling her even closer to me. Her body is soft, but still firm. She’s small and easily overpowered. Yet with one look, one word - anything. She would have me falling to my knees.

Still looking into each other’s eyes. Her’s seeping into my dark fractured soul.

I say, with all the seriousness in the world, “It wasn’t easy for me to stay away. I wanted to come to you every single day. Wanted to get lost in your eyes, those black dahlia eyes of yours. While I wrap you in my arms. Never to let you go. But there is more afoot here thanyou realize. I cannot allow myself to be distracted or swayed by my own desires.” I need her to hear my words. To know that this, what is about to happen is greater than what is possibly between us.

She stares at me in confusion.

The music ends. We freeze, not taking our eyes off of one another,

I pull away, reluctantly. Holding her at arm’s length. I bow, kiss her hand, and say, “Thank you for the dance, Lady Dinalia.” And to take my leave.

I leave the ball all together.

Wandering about the castle. Taking in its mirth. The halls are lined with torches lit. Cobble stone that took decades to build into this structure.

I find myself at the entrance of a garden. Or what used to be a garden. Everything here seems to be dead.

Venturing forward I see a figure off in the distance. Kneeling down to what looks like the only patch of life here. I quietly make my way forward. Shock barreling through me to find Princess Saphrina.

“Am I disturbing you?” I ask softly.

She stiffens. Startled by my presence.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you approach.” She says, standing to face me.

“Not enjoying the ball?”

Her eyes widened, “No, it’s lovely. I just needed a bit of fresh air.”

“And how do you feel about your future husband?”

She’s fidgeting. Not very becoming of a princess and future queen. “He’s fine.”

“Fine?” I question.

“Well, yes. It all must be fine regardless of how I feel.”

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