*Unedited
Gaia's POV
I turned around to my surprise King Liam.
I stepped to the side so that I was no longer in the middle of the two men. My father eyed King Liam menacingly, yet King Liam never wavered under his gaze.
After a few moments my dad looked at me, and I pleaded with him through my eyes. His eyes were hard and determined, but slowly softened when I shuffled closer to him and gave him a side hug.
He gave me a kiss on the forehead, and I gave him a bright smile.
"Thanks, dad." I said letting him go.
My dad looked over my head, "Do not let anything happen to my baby girl. She is one my most precious things, I'm counting on you to keep your word." He eyed King Liam with a hidden seriousness.
King Liam placed his fist to his heart and nodded, as it was now a solemn vow.
I rolled my eyes, and my dad chuckled.
"I have to make sure you are in safe hands. Now, that I know you are, I can go find my temptress." He winked at King Liam suggestively, and I audibly gagged.
King Liam laughed whole heartedly at my display while my dad shrugged and briskly walked away.
When King Liam's laughter died down his posture straighten, as he offered me- his hand to dance.
"If you are going to stay we might as well enjoy the music." He commented, and I took his arm warily.
His face seemed pleased that I agreed, however it faltered once he noticed my unease.
"It will be fine. I am a great dancer, I had to take lessons. So let your toes be assured." He assumed and I giggled slightly.
We took our places and the music for the waltz began echoing through the room.
The music seemed to be getting louder, as my heart beat began to beat out of my chest. He is so manly and mature. I feel like a woman, not a child next to him.
I like it.
As the music started we circled each other with our opposing hands facing each other but not quite touching yet.
The music picked up as he moved in closer to me, securely grabbing my waist.
He is very mature, I thought as I glanced at his face.
"So, tell me is there anything I should know about your sister?" He acquires and my mind instantly snaps back to why he was really here.
He was here for my sister. Ebonie. The eldest and the prettiest of us according to everyone even my mother.
It has been hard for all of my sisters including me to live in her shadow. She is so perfect and kind.
But tonight I will not lose to her. I like how I feel when I am with King Liam and if I am right so does he.
"She is a kind soul. She would be the most gracious wife." I admitted, as I will never speak poorly of my sister.
"However, now that King Daniel has arrived I know that she will be swayed in her decision she has to make tomorrow." I added in coyly to not get his hopes up.
"Oh, please do tell." His eyebrows perked up at attention.
"Well, it's obvious she still loves him."
"Mmmmm." He looked perplexed by my statement and I couldn't help but smile.
I wanted him for myself. I just needed him to want me.
"How old are you?" King Liam asked looking me over quickly.
"I am 17 years of age." I responded politely as my heart skipped a beat. I could help but wonder what was going through his mind right now. Was he considering the possibility of us being together.
"I have a younger brother one year your senior. I will have to introduce you two." He said but I could tell his mind was elsewhere.
My heart sunk in my heart by his statement. I avoided his gaze for the rest of the song continuing the small talk whenever he saw fit.
Once the song was over, I looked for an escape from the way I felt right now all over a handsome stranger.
I excused myself and began walking toward the door so I could go to bed for the night. I wasn't tired but I needed to leave his vicinity quickly.
I walked out and toward the balcony of sorts that wasn't far from the banquet hall.
It was a beautiful night with an even more gorgeous view.
The view overlooked Ebonie's garden, and forest where the land met the sea.
I had painted this view so many times but I will never tire of its beauty. I wish I could possibly go to the sea now that Ebonie is queen. She may be more lenient than our father was with us leaving the castle.
"I hope I didn't offend you with all the questions about your sister." King Liam said as he stood next to me.
I clutched my heart in shock.
"I apologize I didn't mean to scare you. I wish only to continue speaking with you." He meet my eyes sincerely and it was as if he was a sorcerer and I was completely under his spell.
He was a beautiful chocolate man. The way his brown eyes glistened in the moonlight could make me melt right now. That's when I noticed the scar above his eyebrow. It was very faint yet you could still see it.
Our eyes were still locked when I slowly lifted my hand to touch his scar, I saw him visibly tense when he noticed what I saw doing so I stopped.
He immediately relaxed as I dropped my hand and turned to look at the view once more.
"It's a beautiful night," he was making conversation and I can decide if I want to continue speaking with him.
"Mmhm," I agreed, "I never tire of it. I have painted it numerous times already."
He is still looking at me, but he is looking more intently at me now.
"Is that your painting in the banquet hall," he questioned.
"Yes, most of the painting hanging in the castle are mine," I yawned.
"You are a good painter. Maybe you can paint something for me to take home," he mused but my heart fluttered at his compliment.
"Of course, I'd love to paint something for you," I was excited and began mulling over what I could possibly paint for him.
I was thinking maybe something native to his country or maybe something here so he will think of me. As I thought about it I liked the latter.
He waved his hand in front of my face, and I looked over at him.
"I asked, if you were ready to retire to your room yet. I will escort you there as I promised your father," he said looking down the corridor.
"Yes, that's fine. That's enough time to figure out what you might like for me to paint for you," I said walking in the direction of my room.
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*SC
YOU ARE READING
UNFIT Royal (Short Story)
Historical Fiction*EXCERPT* "If you don't mind me asking is that the only reason?" "No, it's not. I am going to win you." "Well, I am not a prize for a contest." "No, not like that. But let me tell you something, Ebonie. You are very stubborn, determined, and set in...
