Unguarded Hearts

Chapter 12

Wrenley's POV
So, I'm sneaking out of the castle for the rest of the day. By sneaking, I mean away from the guard who likes to know about all my whereabouts. I've told Hannah, and I'm sure she'll pass the information to Phillip, but Matteo is busy with figuring out security for the coronation. Hopefully it stays that way.

This morning and last night in the tent were unexpected, or at least my feelings were in those moments. I know by now that I'm attracted to Matteo. I mean lets just be honest because there's no use in denying it, he's a good looking, grumbling, overprotective man, that belongs in one of my books. However the moments I've spent with Matteo so far, have usually included arguing and me leaving our conversations feeling  annoyed and flustered.

Sure there's a spark, but this morning there was more than that. Earlier waking up in his arms, I felt.. safe. There's some people that just feel very right to be around, as if your soul is saying, "Hey this person should be a part of your life." It's something I've only ever experienced in the platonic sense, and it was nothing compared to that gut feeling I had in the tent today.

It makes no sense, I barely know him and usually peaceful isn't what I would use to describe our "relationship". Let's just say that even with our first civil conversation, and my serious attraction, this morning left me spooked. Which then lead to an argument, and me kicking somewhere that I really should have nothing to do with. Yet now I'm thinking a bit to hard about.

After leaving the tent, I avoided Matteo like the plague and we fortunately left the campsite shortly after. I could feel his never ending stare through the car ride, but as soon as it ended, I hopped out, and he was called away for guard duties.

It was a couple hours where all I could do was stew and overthink in my room. A long time staring blankly at a wall, until I realized it wasn't doing me any good. Which lead me back to the capital town of Aurelia.

Thankfully, there's a back exit I was able to take, away from all of the excited citizens waiting outside the castle. Hannah also made sure I had a driver who would bring, wait, and report back if I didn't return to the car. Other than the kind older chauffeur, that I left to sleep in a shady parking spot, I've been alone.

Walking now for about an hour, I've been able to visit quite a few of the little shops. Most of the owners are people whose families have had these businesses for many generations. They were all extremely friendly and loving of the country that they got to call their own. There were also some who were supportive in me taking some pictures and captioning the small company. I of course, respected the no photo sign. However when I asked, a lot them were open to it, as long as I bought something and they could see the post.

I figure a few more travel spots might not be bad to share. Especially when being here hasn't felt like anywhere else I've ever traveled to. Maybe it can renew that hope in magic for my followers, just like it's been doing for me.

However, as lovely as my outing has been, one thing keeps worrying me. Well, besides Matteo.

I feel like I'm being followed.

Of course going out of the palace a day before the coronation, I knew I'd have to be careful. Which is why I'm wearing large sunglasses, a hat, and keeping my head down as much as I can. I was hoping with this, no one would recognize me for any reason. Whether it be acting or my affiliation with the crown.

The simple disguise has actually worked pretty well overall. Yet, I've noticed for every shop I've entered, the same man has followed me in or waited outside. He himself, has his face hidden by a large hat that's pulled down, but I know it's been that man every time. Am I just being paranoid? Or do I have a right to be nervous?