Returning Reign

Chapter 22

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"Everything is fine," I swallow harshly. My hands are a little clammy but my face has a light smile. Nathaniel does not look convinced but seems to let the matter go.

"I am here for any assistance you may need," Ben tells us and heads back to his wooden rocking chair to resume reading his latest novel.

"Well then, get at it." Nathaniel tells me and motions with his hand for me to step in front of him. I cant seem to make up my mind on what to get him. It is too much pressure to try to guess only one book he will enjoy.

"What if I got you one book of every genre?" I turn back to look at a lost Nathaniel. He seems sorely out of place in the romance section of a book shop.

"Anything you'd like is fine with me," Nathaniel tells me and I nod my head. I get into action quickly not knowing how much longer Nathaniel has to be out with me, hes the crown prince. Always busy.

We leave the store with three bags full of books.

"Now you can read each book and see what genres you like," I tell Nathaniel as he pats his horse's head lightly. We start heading towards what I assume is a back road to the castle.

"We'll see. Something tells me I wont be ecstatic to read the romance novel," Nathaniel teases me. I put my hand over my heart in fake agony.

"Why would you say that?" I whisper in pain. Nathaniel's deep chuckle makes me feel alive. He makes me feel warm and normal even though there is nothing normal about our lives.

"I forgot to mention, we have one final destination for today." Nathaniel informs me.

"What? You cant get enough of me?" I tease him back.

"Not really, but whatever helps you sleep at night," Nathaniel pokes back at me. We get to a small trail with forest on both sides of it. The wild flowers and greenery remind me of the fact that this would not be possible in my realm.

"Lets leave the horses here," I nod in response and get off my horse. Nathaniel approaches me.

"Let me cover your eyes." He half asks half orders me.

"Why? So can kidnap me?" I joke out loud earning a smirk from him.

"Exactly." He replies and he covers my eyes gently. He leads me forward through the greenery and trees. After a minute or so of walking he uncovers my eyes. I can't see anything at first because of the sun. Then the green grass dusted with wild flowers came into focus.

There is a white blanket on the floor and it seems that this deep into the forest was untouched by the light snow covering the rest of the kingdom. On top of the blanket there was a light wooden basket probably full of food and drinks.

"At least I am not dying today," I tell Nathaniel. He walks over to the blanket and takes a seat.

"Come on I am starving and you probably are as well," I follow his lead and sit down next to him. The light chirping of birds in the distance and a small warm breeze warm me up.

"We have sandwiches and pasta," Nathaniel says out loud as he takes out each of the items in their containers.

"Is that a bottle of champagne I see?" I poke fun at him. He grabs the basket and checks it again looking slightly disappointed when he realized I pulled his leg.

"No, only some flavored sparkling water." He pulls out the bottles and sets everything out neatly in front of us.

We dive into the food quickly with no formalities present between us. Just like lifelong friends. Once the food was mostly gone I decided to start a light conversation.

"This Saturday is your last Ball. Have you given any thoughts into who you will choose as a bride?" I ask him taking a sip of my strawberry sparkling water.

"No," he replies.

"You know, there are a lot of lovely girls that would make great future queens," I try to get him to open up to me about one of the biggest decisions of his life.

"Yes there are, but I do not see why there is such a hurry to marry me off to them." Nathaniel lays down facing up to the sky. His hands are beneath his head and he is staring off into the sun which will be setting soon.

"As a trusted friend, I can help you with this decision if you need a second opinion." I tell him as I stare down at him. I am still in my sitting position playing with a small flower between my fingers. He remains silent.

"That's what friends do, help each other." I tell him reassuringly.

"I will figure it out the day of." Nathaniel brushes away the subject quickly.

"Speaking of the Ball, since you invited me formally, what is the theme this Saturday?" I ask him. I cant seem to stay away from the subject for some reason.

"Family colors," he replies.

"What does that mean?" I ask him, confused.

"Each royal family has their own colors, like a family crest of some sort." He explains easily. I nod my head. I will have to ask Lizzy what color is not being used to wear my own color, people might recognize I am not part of their bloodline if I wear their color.

"Thank you for today. I did not expect this at all and I dont expect you to ever do this again, so thank you." I start rambling on my words once I see the sun start to set signalling that our day together is almost gone. I lay down next to him with my hands underneath my head and my face facing the sky.

"I needed my last break before I get engaged, married, and crowned king in the next few months. Can you believe that? I will be king in a couple of months." I turned to look at him but his face was already staring at mine. His brown eyes have gold and green shining in them because of the sun set. His tan skin and dark brown hair seem to glow. He looks perfect.

The thought of him marrying someone else upset me deep down. But I cant be that for him, I am not from this realm, I need to find my parents, and I have always wanted to go back home. He was not in the cards for me and I am not in the cards for him. Heck, I dont even know if he likes me.

Our eyes are locked the entire time and I have the sudden urge to kiss him. Only once, like a goodbye. On Saturday he will be with someone else. The sun is barely lighting up the sky and the temptation to close the space between us is great.

His eyes flicker to my lips and mine do the same. His leans in so close that I can feel his body warmth radiate to me even through all my layers of winter clothing. His breath caresses my face and he whispers into my ear.

"Its time to leave Cartia."

Authors Note:
I am sorry that I abandoned you guys last week. Finals were coming up and my life kind of turned upside down for a while. I hope you are all well, healthy, and safe! Have a great weekend!!!

-xoxo Ellie Violet