Keditha's Beloved

Chapter Twelve

I watch Philip talk with my father, Nicholas and Cyril. Nicholas says something that makes the whole group laugh.

"Nauseating, isn't it?" A harsh voice says. I spin to see Brynjar standing next to me, watching the group talking.

"Brynjar! I didn't notice you there."

"Princess Athena, it's nice to put a face to the name." Brynjar strokes his beard that matched his father's, though it was much smaller.

I smile uncomfortably. I still didn't trust him, from what I heard, he was similar to his father. He even was made a general in the war. "I agree, it's nice to meet face to face." I say politely.

"You know my brother."

"Was that a question or a statement?" I ask him, raising an eyebrow.

"A statement mostly. Julian has mentioned you." Brynjar frowns slightly but then forces a smile.

"He has?"

"Small stuff mostly. He mostly mentions your ill-favored looks and your clear disregard for manners."

Those words were like a slap in the face. Why would he think that or even say it? I thought he liked me. "Oh. That's-that's um..." I swallow, finding myself lost for words.

"Word of advice Athena." Brynjar starts, watching me carefully. "Be careful about who you trust. During this time, they will turn on you faster than you can snap your fingers."

I give him a puzzled look. What did he mean by that? "Thank you Brynjar." I half meant it.

Brynjar offers me his hand. "Would you like to dance? You seem bored."

I open my mouth to reply but someone cuts me off. "Brynjar." Julian says harshly.

Brynjar turns, smiling when he sees his little brother. "Julian."

"What are you doing?" Julian narrows his eyes, glaring at him.

"Can't you see?" Brynjar questions, waving his hand. "I was having a polite conversation with Princess Athena. Since her Fiancé and family left her by herself."

Julian doesn't reply. Only continues staring at Brynjar. "I know what you're doing." Julian snaps at him, moments later.

Brynjar laughs. "Doing? I'm not doing anything." Brynjar grins and I knew he was definitely up to something.

"Just leave Athena alone." Julian tells him, his jaw clenching.

"Brynjar mockingly bows to Julian. "As you wish, Julian." He says before leaving us alone.

Julian sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I'm apologize about my brother, he's always has something up his sleeves."

I shrug. "I don't know, he seemed nice. I usually found him intimidating but he isn't too bad once you talk to him."

Julian studies me before smiling. "You're too kind Athena." He mutters something under his breath then offers me his hand. "Do you want to dance?" He asks.

I raise an eyebrow at him. "I thought you hated dancing."

Julian lowers his hand slightly, lost in thought. "It's much more tolerable with you." He says, looking back at me.

I smile, a pink blush spreading across my face. "Okay, I'll dance with you." I say taking his hand.

Julian moves us over to the dance floor. "Why don't you like your brother?" I ask him.

"He's like my father. But different, where he doesn't actually tell people what he wants, rather he's more sneaky about it."

I pause to think. "What does he want from me?" I ask.

Julian raises an eyebrow in confusion. "I don't know what he wants. I don't always know what my brother is up to." I heard a bit of frustration in his voice as he speaks.

"Didn't you tell him you knew what he was doing?" Something didn't sit right with me. Surely Julian wasn't up to anything.

Julian stiffens. "That-that was diff...I don't remember saying that." He clears his throat, breaking eye contact with me.

I exhale, staring at Julian. " Never mind, just drop it." Julian and I remain silent for the rest of the song.

"I know you're lying." I tell Julian once we're off the dance floor. He gives me a look.

"Are you a mind reader now?" He asks nonchalantly.

I glare at him. "No, you're just a terrible liar." I cross my arms, lifting my chin in defiance.

Julian rolls his eyes. "So are you." He says frowning.

A smile spreads across my face. "Really? Last time I remember, you thought I was a servant named Amy for most of the time we've known each other." Julian pales at that remark.

"Athena, can we talk alone?" Philip asks, coming up behind me and scaring the life out of me.

I give him a polite smile. "I'm in the middle of something Philip, perhaps later?" I suggest.

Philip returns my smile. "Actually it's very important, so now would be best."

"Philip I-"

"Great!" Philip cuts me off, taking my hand and dragging me out of the ballroom. He takes me into a sitting room where I've seen my mother sew before.

"Philip, I wasn't done talking with Julian yet." I say frustrated.

Philip walks further into the room, sighing heavily. "That was really disrespectful Athena."

"What?"

"I'm your Fiancé, I should be your top priority. No matter what." He snaps at me.

My jaw drops. "If you're going to act like this, I'm leaving." I tell him.

"No!" Philip grabs my wrist spinning me to face him. "You're not going anywhere." Philip's face then softens as he laughs. "I'm sorry, Athena. I probably owe you an explanation."

He loosens his grip but not enough so I can break free. "I can't keep this up anymore."

I try to pry myself from his grip. "What are you talking about?" I snap at him.

"This facade. The misunderstood kind prince." Philip laughs. "That's just not who I am."

My eyes widened. "N-no but you apologized, you said you were changing."

Philip grabs my chin, making me look him in the eyes. "I came on too strong the first time, I pushed you away. I knew I had to do something to earn back your trust but I just can't do it anymore."

"You're crazy!"

"You pushed me over the edge Athena. Your sickening kindness and seeing you talking with Julian. I hate it when you two are together." A deep hate flashed in his eyes.

"You don't understand, he's just a fri-friend." I try to kick him but he slams me against the wall, placing a hand over my throat and tightening.

"No, you don't understand. You're mine." He leans closer, whispering in my ear.

"I own you."