Page 12 of Mated to the Crown
“I promise. I’ll see you tonight. Please try and take some time to get rid of those shit feelings. You aren’t worth a scumbag like Jonas.” I hug her quickly, her hair tickling my cheek.
She pulls back and looks like she wants to say something but doesn’t. Her lips purse and she turns, heading back up to the path to the palace.
The lights have started to turn on, illuminating the brick and stone of the palace. The sunlight has hidden behind the mountain, pulling the last remaining light of the day with it. The stars are out, glittering in the sky and the noises of the day have calmed down, leaving a serene feeling in the air.
I close my eyes, leaning back against the fence and trying to replay the day. I am a jumble of emotion but the biggest thing I am trying to figure out is if Prince Malik really wants to be something to me.
Is he really interested in me? What kind of life would it be to be with a Prince?
There was no life. It hadn’t been done in hundreds of years.
“Ah, you showed up. I was worried you were going to bail.” I hear the silky voice of him and my eyes snap open.
For some reason I didn’t hear him on the path which raised a few red flags. Was he as familiar with the stables as I was?
I laugh to myself - no way.
“I should have bailed.” I mutter, pulling the note from my pocket and walking up to him. I crush the paper to his chest. “What the fuck is this?”
“Well I don’t know, Princess.” He smirks, pulling my hand away from his chest and plucking the paper from my hands.
“Oh, Jeffries met with you. Perfect. Starting tomorrow you are mine.” His eyes flash as he looks up at me, handing the paper back to me.
I stare slack jawed at his response.
“I’m not yours, you asshole.” I snatch the paper, stuffing it into my pocket and crossing my arms. “What the hell is this? I literally haven’t even seen you - and now I’m supposed to be your servant?”
“You are such a spitfire.” He crosses his own arms and I can’t help but let my eyes trail down his body.
He stands taller than me, but he’s wearing less traditional clothing now. Dark jeans, sneakers and a t- shirt that fits loosely, but at the same time gives more shape to his body. I can see how strong he is by the muscles curving down his arms.
“So I’ve heard.” I glare at him but the smirk on his face doesn’t go away.
“Walk with me?” He holds out an elbow but I ignore him, turning to walk with him. “So, my grandmother will be buried in a few days. Originally they thought it would be weeks but my Aunt pushed for it sooner so she can have her official coronation.” He rolls his eyes as he talks and I can’t help but smile. “You will basically be with me all day, everyday. Have you met Morgan?”
“Um, I’ve seen him.” I knew who Morgan was, he had been there a long time, but normally I didn’t see him much. He was basically Prince Malik’s shadow. If I saw him it was because he had been sent on an errand.
“Morgan will be your contact if there is anything needed. Eventually we will work out the room beside mine so you will be closer.” He continues talking, his voice neutral.
“Why are you doing this?” I question, stopping and letting out a breath. “I’m so confused. What even is this? Like I am a servant, I think you are confused.”
“I like you Celeste. I have been a rich boy, hidden in the palace and I would like to get to know you more. That is all.” His eyes met mine.
“So much that you want me to move closer to you?” I whisper.
He steps closer to me, his scent from earlier on the jacket soon surrounds me. My breath catches in my throat and he takes that opportunity to close the gap, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me to him. I clutch his shirt, my nails digging into his flesh, not sure if I want to step away or stay.
“Ireallylike you, Princess.” His arms tighten around me and his lips press against mine. I stiffen briefly before melting against him. His body fits mine perfectly, his flat stomach pressing against my squishier one, his shoulders sitting higher than mine but his arms long enough to curve me against him. Our hips touch as he deepens the kiss, his tongue tracing my lower lip until I open for him.
I hadn’t kissed much but whatever I had done was nothing compared to him. Our tongues combined, a warmth filled my core and sent shivers down my thighs. I dared to peek open my eyes to see him. His eyes were closed and for some reason that made my breath hitch in my throat as I pulled away.
We stayed inches apart, his hot breath on my lips as he slowly opened his eyes. The piercing blue of them should have scared me as they glowed faintly in the darkness of the night closing in. It didn’t scare me though, if anything it made me feel comforted. His black hair was a mess and thinking back he had run his hands through it a few times. I could feel the tension around us, almost like a bubble. I felt like my hair was statically charged as we stood there.
“See you in the morning then? Or should I tell the stable boy you aren’t actually faking a relationship with him?” He raised an eyebrow and I frowned.
“How much did you hear?” I took a step back but his hands held me close.
“I understand, it’s okay. But Princess, when we get to that point, I will not hide you. I will show you off to everyone.” He smiles tenderly and for a moment, I believe him. I let my mind wander to that moment, being beside him as we are out.
