The Runaway Heir

Chapter Six

I woke up particularly early this morning. 3 AM. I sighed and rolled out of bed, passing the small hole in my wall as I made my way to my bathroom.

I unwrapped my hand and examined it. It was bruised, swollen and it hurt like hell. I had to admit: That wasn't a very kingly thing to do.

But it wasn't as if I was even king material. Compared to a king, I was...like a peasant. Sure, I had been the first born son into royalty, making me the Heir to the throne. My brother on the other hand, was a natural. He was always so kind, so social.

He was so good at meeting people, at Foreign meetings, at huge social events, balls, festivals.

But I am not my brother. I am Prince Tobias, though, I have the future of Illéa in my hands, it was never meant for me and I know it. I was never particularly good with meeting people, I can never be regal like a king.

I got ready for my day. I decided to wear something the Selected had never seen me in before. Something casual, something more me. It would show these girls who I really was, not what I had myself to be.

My plain outfit was nothing compared to the suits I had worn in the past. It was simple. A flannel, jeans. That wasn't something royals wore usually. But who was I kidding? I wasn't even close to being a royal.

I took a glance at myself in the mirror. My dark blue eyes stared back at me as my brown hair shined against the light of the sun peeking from my window. I furrowed my eyebrows in manner that looked confused.

Sure, I looked the part of a king. But who am isn't even close to standards of those of a king. I sigh to myself and walk out into the hall, shutting my door behind me.

No one was awake yet. No one wanted to get up at six in the morning. My parents were probably awake, as usual. But my brother was asleep.

I snap out of my thoughts as I hear a noise - footsteps; small footsteps. It couldn't be a guard; it was too soft, too delicate to belong to such a stiff guard. But it was also too loud to belong to a maid. It had to be someone else; a Selected. What was a Selected doing awake at this hour? I asked myself.

I could feel my confusion getting the best of me. I looked around hastily and began to walk through the halls as I heard someone behind me. I turned quickly.

Crystal. It was Crystal.

"What are you doing awake?" I asked, "It's six AM, the Selected aren't supposed to be awoken until 8:30." My eyebrows furrowed, my eyes skimmed her. She wasn't wearing some fancy dress, it was casual. Somehow she looked even more beautiful than before. Her eyes, a pale blue color that demanded attention. She looked up at me, looking me in the eye.

"Couldn't sleep." She shrugged, "What are you doing up so early?" she asked, looking me square in the eye.

"Woke up early," I shrug, "Nothing out of the ordinary." I could feel myself getting closer to her, at my height I towered over her. She looked into my eyes as I looked back into hers. Could she feel the rush I was feeling now? Was her heart racing like mine?

I leaned down, trying to meet my lips to hers. My feelings. They had gotten the best of me again. But I couldn't shut them off; they wouldn't go away. They were stronger now, more than ever.

Her lips met mine and they fit together almost perfectly, her lips were soft and warm. It felt so right, so good. I slinked my arms around her waist as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I parted my lips with hers, deepening the kiss. I wanted more of her; I couldn't deny what I felt for her.

I pulled back, afraid that if we kissed for longer I would have ripped her clothes right off of her. I needed self-control. My eyes looked into hers and hers looked back into mine.

"Wow.." She whispered and I chuckled. "That was something." she grinned and matched her expression.

"I think I must get downstairs to meet my parents, and you shouldn't be up here on the fourth floor. It's for royals." I whispered to her, I unwrapped my arms that were holding her waist tightly, before I darted downstairs I kissed her cheek ever so gently.

Every time I touched her skin was electric; like touching her was like being shocked. I guess I wanted to be struck my lightning bolt, I longed for her touch.

The feelings that I had intended to forget, that I had intended to throw away had gotten stronger. They had grown, and it was stupid to think that maybe it wasn't so bad.

As I darted downstairs I saw my parents sit next to each other at our separate table. Anyone who could see could tell that they were hopelessly in love with one another.

My mother had come from York. A five. Her talent was singing, though she dabbled in art as well. I had always wondered why she would ever sign up for a Selection.

"Father." I nodded in his direction, as I sat next to my mother. I kiss her cheek, "Mother." I smile at her.

My brother comes in soon after I do. And the Selected come shortly after. Fifty girls. Only one of them I longed to see.