An Unlikely Pair

Chapter XII

Prince Andrew

I walked down the hallway, my brow furrowed and my nails digging into the palm of my hand. My footsteps echoed loudly throughout the hallway. The servants I passed looked nervous as I stomped through the hallway. How could she believe that... that... lying scumbag?! I thought, then I suddenly stopped. I leaned back on the wall and slid down into a sitting position. They have known each other for a long time. There's no romantic feelings between them. I thought, then I said out loud only to myself, "I hope there's nothing happening," I sat there for a few minutes just thinking of her and her smile and her voice. I smiled, slightly. "Prince Andrew? Are you okay?"

"Oh, yes. I'm okay," I said, then she started to walk away, "Miss, do you know where Princess Margaret might be?" I stood up slowly.

"I heard that she was seen in the archery range,"

"Thank you," I thanked her. I ran towards the archery range. I want to be around her and see her smile as she shots. I thought. I approached the door. It's opened? I thought. "Maybe she just needs some fresh air. He can't possibly be in there with her," I muttered to myself, "...Right?" I stepped into the doorway with a huge smile on my face. My excitement quickly faded away into anguish when I saw what was happening in front of me. I saw Duke Kaelde pull Princess Margaret into his chest and they just stayed like that for a moment. My chest became tight and my eyes quivered as tears formed and streamed down my cheeks. How could I be so stupid? Of course they have a romantic love between them. I thought. I just let myself sob, silently, as they embraced. When Princess Margaret left Duke Kaelde's grasp and turned around, she looked so surprised and horrified. I'm going for a ride. I thought, then I walked to the stables. I heard Princess Margaret yelling, but she didn't run after me. I'm sure spending time with a fancy-schmancy duke is worth so much more than spending time with your betrothed? I thought as I stared down at the cobblestone path. After a bit of walking, I pushed open one of the doors to the stables. All of the stable boys stopped whatever they're doing and looked at me. "Prince Andrew? Is something wrong? You're crying,"

"Just get Admiral ready for me to ride," I said.

"Yes, yes. Of course, Prince Andrew," I sat on a square hay bale and covered my face with my hands. I felt the wetness on my cheeks. How could she tell me that she loves me then go ahead and be all lovey-dovey towards another man? We're betrothed! She shouldn't be acting this way! I thought. After about ten minutes, I heard one of the stable boys speak, "Your stead is ready, Prince Andrew,"

"Thank you. Bring him out of the stables so I can mount," I said, then I stood up and walked outside. Admiral was brought out by his groom. I was about to mount, then... "Prince Andrew! Wait!" I looked behind me and saw Princess Margaret running towards me. Behind her, I saw Duke Kaelde leaning on the wall of the archery range, smirking at me. I scowled and mounted Admiral. "No! Wait!" Prince Margaret screamed with tears streaming down her face, "Please! Don't go! Let me explain!" I pulled on reins to the right and squeezed and kicked Admiral to gallop. I galloped away from Princess Margaret. I galloped into the castle's private meadow. I kept galloping through the vast meadow. "Prince Andrew!" Princess Margaret came up behind me flying on her pegasus, Blizzard. "Please, let me explain what happened!"

"I think what I saw explained enough of how you feel towards him!" I yelled back as I rode on.

"I only love you, Andrew!" Princess Margaret yelled, flying beside me.

I pulled on the reins and screamed, "You already showed me that that's a blatant lie!"

Princess Margaret jerked and stopped Blizzard and hovered in front of me. "Kaelde wouldn't let me go. I really did try to get away,"