A Kingdom to Resurrect

Chapter 3

"Arianette?" He paused for my reply. "Arianette, are you awake?"

Although the room was cloaked in darkness, the intrusion of light from the hall made it possible to see the outline of his toned body. I shut my eyes and double-checked my breathing.

Slow and even... as if one was deep in sleep.

Even so, my heart rate quickened and my body trembled with anticipation. Each second dragged on longer than the next. Then I heard his footstep.

As the sound of his presence grew near, I held in my breath. The sheets were a burning oven. The surrounding air gripped my heart.

Crazy conceptions ran through my head and insecurities boiled within me. My patience was paper thin. Were the footsteps getting farther away?

Curiosity caught me n its hand and I pried open an eye. My breath slowly exhaled in relief. Rather than heading toward me, he reached for the curtains. In one swift motion, he parted the them and the glow of the moon streamed into the room. I sank back into the bed, feeling my angst limbs melt into cushion.

Or so I wished.

A strangled cry cut through the silence and I was up on my feet. Adrenaline pulsed through my veins. I turned and gasped.

I struggled to process the image before me. I dove my hand underneath the pillow and pulled out my dagger.

"Prince!" I screamed.

The assailant released the choke hold on him and retreated. When he or she regained his or her composure, he or she charged toward me with a knife that solidified out of the air. Veiled in black, the figure was unfocused and blended into the darkness. I checked my stance, shifting my weight from foot to foot. Breathing in, I steadied myself for the attack.

I twisted my body, dodging the blade aimed at me. The attacker turned and raised his or her foot in hasty kick. I grabbed the opportunity by its neck, dropping to the ground for a low sweep kick.

He or she plummeted to the ground with a thud. The attacker gasped as the impact thrust the air our of his or her lungs. Taking no chances, I raised my hand with the dagger above my head in full determination to strike.

"Your Highness!" A voice called as hands encompassed mine.

I spun around with my free hand in a fist in anticipation for an attack. When the intruder's face registered into my mind, my hands went limp. I dropped them dropped to my sides and the dagger clanged against the floor.

I gripped Earla in a hug in disbelief. My arms tightened in desperation.

My heart beat rang in my ear. The adrenaline that ran through my body dimmed to a spark and fatigue swarmed in to replace the void.

"Your Highness." Earla croaked.

I exhaled and withdrew my arms to my sides. "Sorry."

I flinched when the flash of lights flicking on blinded me. All my senses resurfaced leaving me feeling naked and exposed. My breath was ragged and harsh against my dry throat. I peered down at my hands. They were trembling.

I looked back at the assailant. With the illuminated room, I could see the attacker clearly. Guards had seized her arms. Despite my inner qualms about her motive, I watched without a single word the guards dragging the kicking assailant out of the room.

"Arianette." A male voice called.

I snapped my head at the man and glared.

"No one allowed you to call my name."