The definition of a Princess

19

"Stop crying"

...

Lenon no longer had the axe as he came close to you. It began to rain as you hiccuped and covered your loud sounds.
The killer walked up and grabbed you by the neck as he pushed you against the wet, brick wall.

"Stop crying!!" he yelled and you sniffled as you almost choked up.

How were you not supposed to cry in this situation?
You were shaking and he was frightening you even more as he squeezed his hand tighter.

"Crying shows weakness! We don't need a weak Queen.." he gritted his teeth as he took off his wet mask.

His eyes weren't as crazed as earlier, but regardless you wanted to get far away from him. Your right hand had dried, sticky blood on it and you almost barfed.
The killer made you look at him

"Princess don't be afraid, I'm your allie.." he told you and you almost lashed out.
"Y-You're insane! Please let me go!" you cried and he rolled his eyes.
"You're stronger than this!! What will you do when the King sends out another plague of guards to wipe out more citizens? Will you cry then when you can't stop him??" Lenon persisted as the rain began to pour even more.
"That won't happen again!!"
"If it happened once, it will happen again!! What will you do when your people are slaughtered?!"
"Aren't you the one slaughtering them?! You're sick!!"
He began to laugh as he pushed back his wet hair, "I have my reasons.."
"Your reasons mean nothing!!" You pushed him away and he sighed.

Your head was pounding and you were an emotional wreck. You just wanted to lay in your warm bed. You wished it could go back to the way it was.

"It will never go back to the way it was.." he told you as he held the envelope out, "You dropped this. You are our future leader, stop crying and do something"

You had so many questions.
You knew nothing of the man called Lenon Sorme.
A killer who terrorized you but somehow helps you the most..

"Princess.." he got on his knees and bowed, "Trust me.. I'm doing this for a reason"
"I don't understand.. who are you and why do you do these things?" You asked wiping the water from your cheeks and he laughed lightly.
"You'll soon find out.."
"Soon is not enough! Why is Glamelias corpse rotting in that house?!"
Lenon smile, "Ask your so called father"
"So called?! Lenon answer me! What happened in those photos? Why were you bruised up and who's that little girl with my parents?!" you almost yelled as you questioned the killer but it was clear he wouldn't answer.

He stood up and wiped your wet eyes.
His dark eyes peered down to yours as his black hair dripped water onto his pale skin. You were still scared. No matter what his plan of frightening you was, you were still scared of him.

"Can I leave..?" You asked quietly and he laughed humorously.
"A princess asking permission? How cute~"

You began to back away and he just watched.
As soon as you hit the corner, you ran.

...

You ran all the way back to your balcony and didn't stop once.
It was a struggle climbing back up because of your shaking hands but you managed. When you were in your warm room, you immediately undressed from the soaking wet clothes.
Tears were still running from your eyes from the traumatic experience and you could barely fumble in your dresser for clothing.

You broke down into tears, not even being able to grab your clothes. At the very least, you were thankful you were finally alone.

It took a few moments, but you were finally able to compose yourself.
That was until you looked at your right hand.

Dried blood with long, black strands of hair stuck to your fingernails. You ran straight to the bathroom and vomited before quickly washing your hands. While you were at it, you took a hot shower but you didn't stay in long on account of how drained you were.

You got out and grabbed a restocked towel. You walked into your room and Kane was sitting on the bed.
He looked up before looking away.

"You seem tired" he said aloud and you felt a lump build in your throat. He laughed, "Have you been crying?"

You felt a wave of anger hit you for a moment. Is this what Lenon meant by showing weakness?

"No, I'm just tired" You began to change as Kane continued to speak.
"Guards were killed right outside the front door of the castle. I have to leave first in the morning to file documents. The Head Knights are on the case to investigate the killings. They think it's related to the serial killer who roams the Kingdom"
"Is Yumin head of the Exile regiment again?" you asked slipping on your gown and Kane nodded.

He had on an oversized shirt and a pair of shorts.
You joined him in bed.

"What's that?" he suddenly asked and you glanced at the letter you forgot to open.
"It's.. from a commoner. She's a big fan of mine"
"How mortifying" Kane cringed and turned the other way.

You turned off the lamp and your room filled with darkness. Immediately, you thought of the drenched filled room you were trapped in.
You clung to Kanes back and he slowly turned.

"What's wrong?"
"I'm cold.." you lied.

His warm arms wrapped around you. He held you close and you felt safe despite knowing you weren't.
Atleast you could pretend you were safe until the tapping came.

Otherwise, his arms were your only haven.

♥️