Blood Royals Bonus Book: Prince Adryan & the Throne

Chapter 1: You Smell Like Lavenders

Northern Island
Author's POV
The breath in her lungs is waning as fast as the strength in her feet. She has been running for quite sometime now and she is relentlessly pushing forward. Selina is what many call scrawny and not at all athletic. She can run but only with agreed purpose. The purpose on this cold morning is to beat her roommate home.

The perfect moment to sneak out of the old house at the edge of village is in the morning hours since hen the boat maker's snoring is loud enough to muffle any noises of escape. When Clover left this morning, Selina followed. 

The thing about a pattern is how predictable it becomes. Selina is a keen observer and she has noticed how once a month, at the end of the month, Clover rolls up a blanket, climbs out the window in the chilly early morning hours and runs like the hounds of hell are after her.

Given how cold the Northern Islands get, Selina was curious to know why anyone in their right mind would sneak out. Isn't the warmth of the bed the best place to be? Her curiosity made her follow. She followed Clover all the way to the Lavender Lake where she saw her kissing a man. Moments later, they were within the cover of the overgrown lavender bushes. As much as Selina couldn't see what was going on, she did hear and she finally understood why Clover dolls herself up once every month only to take a run through the darkness. It's for a man. His name is what she is trying to piece together as she runs through the tall grass leading home. All she heard Clover say was "yes!" and that was hardly a name.

As soon as the window came to view, she jumped in and fell flat on the floor. Just before she got up, Clover followed, landing right on top of her.

Selina pushed her off quickly, trying to catch her breath. Clover sat on her bed with the rolled up blanket in her hand.

"Why are you breathless?" Selina can no longer dwell in darkness. She wants to hear every bit of what happened in that field from the only other participant she can ask.

"Why are you breathless?" Clover asked.

"I asked first. I deserve an answer." Selina protested.

She has lived with Clover and her parents for five months. For five months Clover has been taking these nightly runs and she comes back smelling like the lavender field.

"I'll tell you if you tell me where you cake from and why you won't go back."

"Fine." She crossed her hands on her almost flat chest. "Do you know any stories about a run away bride?'

"They are the most scandalous of stories." Clover chuckled.

"Well dear, if scandal was a kingdom I would be it's queen. I am a run away bride. I punched the groom, kneed the priest to the groin and I ran away. I have never looked back. That's why I don't leave this dreadful island. Now spill!"

"Who did you run away from?"

"A rich man. Now spill."

"What was his name?"

Selina isn't known for her patience but rather a short fuse. If Clover doesn't speak, there will be trouble. "Are you telling me or am I telling your parents what you have been up to?"

"I can't tell you because I'm supposed to keep it a secret. But since you are my best friend I'll just say it. His name is Adryan and I am foolishly in love with him!"

Selina's jaw dropped.

"What kind of a love story is this? Isn't it proper for him to introduce himself?"

"Proper? What authority do you have to even use that word? You are the most inappropriate-"

"I mean it! In a lavender field? He is using you,he does not take you seriously! For five months Clove! Five months and he hasn't even presented himself to your parents!"