A Thief's Kiss

14| Tumble

Chapter 14: Tumble (Alexander's POV)

I stood a few steps below her, waiting for her to start walking in the heels. I tried convincing her not to because her ankle was still hurting, but she's persistent. I know that she secretly just wants to prove to my mother that she can do what is expected of a princess, but she should also know that she doesn't need to do that. Princesses are unfortunately only paid attention to for their beauty, not their brains or etiquette. 

"You know you really don't have to, nor should you be doing this, right?" 

"I know, but I have to practice." 

"You can wear flats, Aria." 

"Princesses don't." 

"Well, you're not a princess. Don't try to be one. You don't need it." 

"Was that a compliment and an insult both in one?" 

"Possibly. Look, why don't you just go get some rest?" 

"You're awfully worried. It's scaring me. It's weird," she said, holding the banister. 

"It's normal. I don't want you falling and breaking anything in your body in my palace. Especially on my watch." 

"Then don't be on watch. Let me make my own mistakes." 

"I'm here to stop that from happening," I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "If you're going to do it then hurry. Get it over with." 

She took one step down, her face contorting into an expression of pain. 

"Aria, if you're in pain you can't do this. You will fall." 

"So pessimistic," she mumbled, looking at her feet. 

"It's not pessimistic, it's realistic. Go back to the room." 

"No," she said, clearly determined. 

"You're so stubborn." 

"I'm determined." 

"You're stubborn," I nodded, taking a step up. She slowly let go of the banister and put her arms by her sides. "Hold onto it," I said. 

"I won't be able to when I'm in the dress, I'll have to carry the dress, no?" 

I sighed in frustration. I don't like knowing that she will fall and there's nothing I can do to prevent it because she won't listen to me. "No, you can wear jeans," I said sarcastically. 

She glanced up at me, glaring. 

"Focus," I nodded. 

She slowly made her way over to me, letting out a breath when she reached. 

"Now go up," I ordered. She sighed, turning back around. I stayed rooted to catch her if she fell backward. She made it to the top and sighed, leaning against the railing. "You have 'pain' written all over your face. You won't be looking too pretty tomorrow if you're hurting. Why won't you listen to me?" 

"I have a point to prove." 

"What? That you can break your ankle in one day by wearing heels?" 

She closed her eyes, her head falling down. 

"Aria." I jogged up to her. "You can do it another time. But proving a point doesn't mean overworking yourself to health disasters, okay? Take the heels off." 

"No." 

"Aria." 

"No, I don't want to." 

"You have to."