Princess by Blood

13

The reception is still going as I move back to the bar to get my fourth drink. I see everyone dancing on the dance floor having a good time, but I can't bring myself to enjoy the night.

I look over to see Juliet talking to Prince Nicholas about god knows what. She has an obsession with that man. I mean yeah he is nice and cute, but I need something more. God I have to stop thinking like this if I want to live a good life.

I start to sip on my drink when suddenly I feel someone staring at me. I look up to see Giovanni staring at me from across the bar. He stands up and begins to walk over to me.

Immediately I stand up and leave. I run across the dance floor, avoiding people trying to congratulate me or talk to me. I bump into Nicholas and Juliet and before I can leave, Nicholas grabs my arm.

"Anna, where are you going? The parties only just getting started." I try to loosen my arm from his grip but it just gets tighter. I start to panic as I see Giovanni get closer. He notices the grip that Nicholas has on my arm and develops a dark look on his face.

"I just need to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back. I promise." He nods softly and lets go of my arm. Immediately I run down the side of the palace and through an entrance.

I ignore the throbbing in my arm and run up the stairs. I turn around to see Giovanni storming in the entrance.

"Antoinette!" He calls out my name but I keep running up the stairs. Finally I reach a balcony and I walk out to the edge of it, catching my breathe.

My arm is throbbing and almost burning and I look down to see finger marks where Nicholas grabbed me. Those will definitely bruise later. I cover my arm behind my back when Giovanni comes storming onto the balcony.

"Anna, gesù christo. Don't fucking run away from me again." The dark look in his eyes and the tone of his voice scares me.

"You're not supposed to be here." I use a stern voice to cover up how anxious I am. 

"I told you, my family knows the King and Queen." He looks away from me for a second before burning his eyes back into mind and I know he is hiding something.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I cross my arms over my chest and he doesn't answer my question and instead looks down at my arm.

"Show me your arm." I give him a confused look before covering up the marks with my other hand. 

"Antoinette, show me your fucking arm." I refuse to show him my arm so he yanks it so he can see.

He examines the marks and anger washes over his face.

"Sto per uccidere quell'uomo." He lets go of my arm and storms off the balcony and back inside. I run after him. (Translation: im going to kill that man)

"Giovanni please!" I yell out after him as I try to run after him down the stairs. I run across the grand hall and grab his arm, forcing him to look back at me. He still has a dark look on his face as I try to plead with him.

"Giovanni. He didn't mean it, I'm sure. It was an accident. It will go away in a couple days." He gives me a remorseful look and grabs my arm again, looking at the marks.

"He left marks on your beautiful skin, mi amore. No one should ever do that to you. Non rovini i doni degli dei" I'm a little bit confused at his statement as I don't know Italian, but I watch as he kisses the marks. (translation: you dont ruin gods gifts)

"Non ti farei mai questo angelo mio." He looks at me one last time before leaving me in the grand hall. (translation: i would never do this to you my angel)

I sigh as a tear slips down my cheek. I have to forget about Giovanni if I want to move forward. I have to make my family proud. 

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