Keditha's Beloved

Chapter Fourteen

"Athi let me-" Julian started. I shook my head.

"Sit down," I ordered him, motioning to the bed. I strolled over to my closet, grabbing hold of a washcloth. I wetted it and approached Julian. Silence filled the air as I started dabbing at his nose. My hand rested on his cheek, soothingly rubbing it. I didn't bother looking in his eyes as I cleaned up his face.

"May I look at this one?" I asked touching his hand lightly. Julian gently nodded hissing as he slowly raised his shirt.

"Thank you," I mumbled. Julian looked at me quizzically, studying my facial features.

"For what?" He asked clenching his jaw as I replaced his hand with the cloth.

"For helping me," I said. I finally looked into his eyes. "I'm grateful you were there."

A smiled peeked on Julian's face, "you're welcome, Athena," he murmured. I shivered as my name rolled off his tongue.

"I'm so sorry he hurt you," I spoke softly so I wouldn't alert anyone nearby.

Julian chuckled, "he was hurting you more," he replied.

I stared into his eyes, my movements slowed as I lost myself in them. "I-I um...I thought he had changed," I murmured.

Julian shook his head, "people like that never change," he said.

I simply nodded at his statement. "I feel so childish, for thinking that he changed for me...I should've known." I frowned.

Julian grabbed my hand. "It's not something you can control, Athi. You can't change people, only they can change for themselves," he told me.

I didn't say anything as I finished cleaning his wounds. "I-I just wished I had known..." I whispered to myself.

I turned around to get rid of the wet cloth, but Julian kept my hand, pulling me back to him. He caressed my cheek, pushing my hair out of my face. "He doesn't deserve you," Julian cooed. I bit my lip, placing my hand over his. Julian stood up, clearing his throat. "I'll see you later Athena," he spoke. He started towards the door.

"Wait!" I commanded, I stopped him in his tracks, guarding the door. We stood inches away from each other. My hands flew to his jaw as I pressed my lips to his. Molding to fit them.
Our eyes closed as Julien's hands found their way to my hips. I pulled away to catch my breath. "Did you-did you really mean what you said back there..? That-that you loved me?" I asked.

Julian nodded, "yes," he breathed. He took my hand. "It's only been a few weeks, but it feels like we've known each other for eternity, and Princess Athena of Astoan, I love you."

I stare at him breathless, trying to find my voice. "Julian, I love you too."

I kiss him again, pulling him even closer by his jacket. "I love you so much." I say in-between kisses.

Julian doesn't say anything. He only holds me close, one hand resting at my waist, the other entangled in my hair.

"Athena!" A harsh voice snaps.

I gasp, pushing Julian back. Glancing at the prying eyes of My father, Cyril, Nicholas and Philip.

"Father! Please I-I can explain!" I say, looking back at Julian, who was whiter than snow.

"Cyril mentioned he couldn't find his son and here he is, with my daughter. Athena, you're a engaged woman!" Father snaps at me.

Tears fill my eyes. I never seen father like this, at least towards me. "I'm so sorry papa, I didn't mean-"

Philip shoves past me, grabbing Julian by the shirt and slams him against the wall. Julian groans in pain, holding his side. "I'll kill you! How dare you touch my Fiancé!"

Julian only smiles at Philip. "You touched her first." He murmurs.

Philip grip tightens on Julian's shirt. He brings his arm back and punched Julian in the face. Julian drops to the ground, holding his nose as blood seeps through his fingers. "Now we're even." Philip mutters.

"Philip!" I pull him back. "Would you stop hurting him!"

Philip rips his arm out of my grip and gives me a puzzled look. "I didn't hurt him. Last time I saw him is when he hit me." Philip snaps at me.

"What? But he-"

Father clicks his tongue loudly, gathering the attention of everyone in the room. "Cyril, Nicholas, get your sons out of here. I need to have a private discussion with my daughter."

Philip follows Nicholas outside while Cyril helps Julian to his feet, handing him a handkerchief as they walk out.

I swallow, watching my father with sad eyes. Hopefully sad enough to get me out of trouble. "Papa, please-"

My father lifts his hand. A way he used to tell me to be quiet when I was much younger. "Take a seat Athena." He says.

I silently sit on the edge of my bed. My father takes a seat next to me, sigh deeply. "Athena, listen to me carefully. Right now you may think you and Julian have something but... Honey, he's not someone you can trust."

"But I can trust him papa! I know I can."

Father looks at me with understanding eyes but I know he didn't. "You know how important this treaty is for Astoan. Plus Philip is much more suitable for you."

I don't look at him, I just fiddle with my hands in my lap. "I don't like Philip."

"That's not true. You two seemed to be getting quite close the past few days." Father says warmly, rubbing my back.

"But you don't know what he-" my father cuts me off, shaking his head in disappointment.

"Athena, you're going to marry him. And I expect you to apologize to him." I don't answer him. I just wipe the tears that started to fall. Father sighs. He gently grabs my chin, making me look at him.

"You know no matter what, I still love you. I always will." He smiles warmly at me.

I sniffle, smiling back at him. I wrap my arms around his neck, hugging him tight. "I love you too papa."

I release him, leaning back to give him another smile. "I'm terribly sorry about tonight."

Father nods, suddenly looking very tired. "I know you are honey." He kisses my forehead. "Now get some sleep." He quietly leaves my room.

I frown once he leaves. He didn't understand. Not at all. I love Julian and I'll do anything to avoid married with Philip.