Uncharted - A My Sweet Prince Novel (2)

Only Forever

The reception is one big party, as it should be. There is music and laughter and food. My stomach rumbles appreciatively. First things first, we find our table and sit. I try not to scowl when Melchiorre sits beside me. I turn my body away from him, which means turning my body toward Chezem, and I sigh.

Click.

I brace myself for the inevitable touch, but it never comes. I glance over at Melchiorre and see he is holding a single rose. "My deepest apologies, my lady," he says, holding the flower out to me. "I beg your forgiveness."

I sigh and take the flower. I do not have the energy to be angry anymore. "You are forgiven," I say, shaking my head. "Don't do it again."

"Yes, my lady," Mel says, grinning.

Dinner is served and, with that out of the way, the meal goes much smoother, though I admit to missing Chezem's gentle touches when no one is looking. I catch him looking at me from time to time, but every time I notice, he looks away. I sigh and run my finger over the rim of my glass, thoughtfully.

Someone announces that it is time for Asaka and Jun to share their first dance and we all turn to watch as they step onto the dancefloor in the middle of the room together. He swings her into his arms and begins to dance. We all rise, knowing it will be our turn to join them in a moment.

Taking our cue from the music, Chezem and I step onto the dancefloor. He holds me close and we move around the room like we've been doing it our whole lives. I'm barely aware of the others twirling around us, because all I can see is Chezem. His kind face is so close to mine. It wouldn't take much for me to stretch up and press a kiss to his lips. The song comes to an end before I can work up the nerve and Chezem pulls away, bowing deeply.

The rest of the night passes in a blur. I am asked to dance by each of the princes, but they all wisely say nothing about Chezem. I wonder if he will ask me to dance again, but as the night winds down, I lose hope. Especially when I look around and realize he's gone. My shoulders slump as I sit heavily, watching all the happy people celebrating.

"Lina?" I look up and frown at Lambert. "Are you well?"

I nod my head and rise to my feet. "Yes," I say. "Just tired is all."

"Well, perhaps some fresh air would help?" Lambert suggests, holding his hand out to me. "Accompany me on a walk?" I hesitate, glancing around again. Still no Chezem. I sigh and take his hand.

We walk from the room, arm in arm. "I'm happy for them," I say as we leave the palace. The night is warm and balmy.

"Yes," Lambert says. "They are good for each other. Asaka will make a good queen." He pats my hand reassuringly and motions around us. "It's a beautiful night," he says.

"Yeah," I agree. "They could have had the ceremony outside. Though I know Asaka was worried about rain."

"Hm," Lambert says. "Yes," he muses. "Is it in the forecast?" he wonders.

I shrug daintily. "I'm not sure," I say, but my words trail off as I recognize where we are. We are walking the path that leads directly to...

My breath catches in my throat. I see Chezem standing in the middle of his mother's pavilion, the twinkling lights casting him in a golden glow. The violinist is back, playing softly. Lambert walks me up to Chezem and turns, lifting my fingers to his lips. "My job here is done," he says, bowing deeply before disappearing.

I turn to face Chezem and feel tears prick my eyes. "I made you a promise," he says softly. "Did you think I would break it?"

"I don't know," I admit. "I don't know a lot of things." My heart is racing so fast I fear I might pass out. Chezem holds his hands out to me, and I take them.

"Lina," he says slowly. "I wanted to apologize in person. I am deeply sorry for causing you pain. Rest assured, I have learned my lesson and it will never happen again. I was foolish and jealous and handled it poorly." He lifts a hand to my cheek and I lean in to the touch, closing my eyes. "I hate that I hurt you, Lina. You were right to be angry with me. I overreacted in a terrible manner." He takes a step closer, and I let him. "You are safe with me, Lina." He slowly envelopes me in a hug, and I welcome it.

"I'm sorry," I whisper. "I was angry, yes, but I shouldn't have spoken to you that way. We are both to blame." I look up at him and smile sadly. "So, where does that leave us?" I whisper.

"Dance with me?" Chezem asks, lifting my chin with one finger.

And we dance. We dance around the little pavilion together, holding each other so tightly I don't know if we will ever let go. I don't want to let him go. I want to spend the rest of my life with this prince, this man. He is everything I've ever wanted and more. My heart feels heavy as we slowly come to a stop, and he looks at me like he is searching for something in my face. I don't know what he is searching for, but he smiles.

"Lina," he says. "I love you."

I think I must be losing my mind. I am hallucinating. I sway on my feet and he catches me, holding me tightly to his chest. "You...love...me?" I ask dumbly.

Chezem presses a kiss to my temple. "I do," he says easily.

It sounds so right, so perfect. I take a deep breath and look into his golden eyes, my own green eyes brimming with tears. "I love you too," I whisper.

The smile that splits his face is pure joy. He pulls me to him and kisses me, his hand cupping my face. He kisses me until I am breathless and think I might die. He finally pulls back and presses our foreheads together. "Say it again," he whispers.

I smile and shake my head. "I love you, Chezem," I say, intertwining our hands together.

It feels right. We stand there, in the middle of the pavilion, just holding each other. I hear the sound of the rain, and Chezem sighs. "I always seem to be getting caught in the rain with you."

"Oh no," I say, taking his hand and dragging him out into the downpour. "Whatever shall we do?" I know I am ruining hours of hair and makeup, but I don't care. I pull him to me and we kiss deeply, promising each other forever.

We stumble back to the palace together, the rain soaking us both through. It wouldn't have taken us so long if we didn't stop to crash our lips together ever few steps. He pushes me up against a tree, his body pressed to mine. I grab his collar and drag him to me. The palace finally comes into sight, and we are both breathless and freezing. But I don't feel the cold. My whole body feels warm, and every time he touches me, he sets my body on fire.

And that is where they find us. The guests pile out the front doors, umbrellas in hand and all of Chezem's brothers, plus Asaka and Ivan, see our blatant display. Chezem has me pressed against Ivan's car, one hand tangled in my hair. I've lost several pins along the way. His other hand rests on my hip, pulling me against him. My hands are clutching at his shirt, my body leaned back over the hood of the car. It is very indecent and unbecoming of a prince to be caught in such a state. When he finally lets me up for air, I let out a breathless laugh. I grab his chin in my hand and send a mischievous smile.

"Race you to the baths," I say, before giving him a playful shove. It's enough that he steps back and I sprint away from him, laughing. I hear him slip in the mud before he is racing after me. The brothers wisely step aside as we come flying past them. Chezem grabs me and pushes me against the wall.

"Cheater," he murmurs, kissing me again. And then he's gone, running down the hall. I kick off my shoes, hoist up my dress and run after him, my bare feet slapping the cold marble loudly.