The Game of Monarchies "Sanguis Rosa"

Chapter VIII

It was already afternoon when Zea decided to finally get out of bed. She couldn't stop thinking about yesterday. There were too many feelings, confusion, want and maybe love? It is hard to describe what you are feeling when it's the first time feeling like this. Pushing emotions aside is ten times easier than facing or admitting them. Not to mention as a royal you have a duty to your people, so falling in love isn't practical at all. But the feeling of Evanora's soft lips still lingered around her own. The hand on her cheek made her feel warm and safe.

Zea tried to shake away those thoughts. If she kept ignoring them, those thoughts would disappear right? If you ignore anything for long enough, it will disappear, you just won't get to say goodbye.

The reflection on a mirror showed everything that Zea couldn't say out loud. Or maybe she could say, she just didn't want to. Proving to her that ignoring problems won't be that easy. Even strong people sometimes can't keep it together, not when it comes to love.

Stepping out to the hall, Zea could only think about going back to her room. There no one would bother her, ask stupid questions or tease her. Unfortunately luck today was not on Zea's side. Lucien appeared around the corner and Zea knew there was no way she could avoid the bastard. Putting a fake smile on, the Princess braced herself.

"M'lady, nice to see you this lovely afternoon." Lucien said as he leaned on a wall.

"Hello sir Lucien." Lazely replied Zea. "Have you perhaps seen Princess Evanora?"

Lucien shook his head. "Do you need something from her? Am I not enough for you?"

"No, I just wanted to chat with her. Ya know, to get closer to her, so my mission would be easier."

For a minute the Prince stayed silent before saying. "Well, you do as you please, but if I was in your shoes, I would avoid talking to her."

Zea furrowed her eyebrows. Was he trying to imply something rude? Before the princess could utter a word Lucien resumed his speech.

"Correct me if I am wrong, love, but this is your first time killing someone. You can answer no one is around. I checked." Zea nodded, before crossing her arms. "It is always harder to kill someone who you have an emotional attachment to. Only the skilled assassins are capable of that, even then they don't always make the shot."

Lucien moved away from the wall and took a step towards Zea. Basically trapping her between the wall and his body. A small smirk appeared on the man's face.

"And something tells me, you really started to like Evanora." Lucien's eyes were darker than usual with mischief glowing in them. The stare pierced right through Zea but she didn't show it. "Remember this, you are my future wife. Not Evanora, so get that little idea out of your head."

As Lucien leans in, he suddenly feels something cold against his neck, he looks down only to see a blade pressed against his skin. The same blade that Helltin gave Zea to protect herself. The Princess leans in, their lips so close they almost touch, she whispers:

"Careful now, honey. We wouldn't want you to get hurt, would we now?" Lucien lifted his arms in defeat, slowly backing away while chuckling.

"You wouldn't hurt me, love. Or, perhaps you would?"

Zea shrugged her shoulders,while putting the blade away she said.

"Keep being cocky and find out."

As soon as that phrase left her lips, the Princess was already gone. Proving to Lucien – she was a woman of power. No wonder enemies were wary of her, one wrong move and you may lose your head.