Unlike yesterday, my fellow princesses were not interested in engaging in any interaction with me. The reason for their aloofness was crystal clear. They did not wish to incur the wrath of the Queen. I cannot say that I hold their actions against them, for I find their reasons quite understandable. (This was just me acting that I understand. I do but that would not stop me from cursing these victoriously vexing creatures out.)
Raven disappeared to have a talk with Preston about cats. I am no genius in philosophy, but I think that the 'cat' was a metaphor for something that was definitely not a cat.
It took the aid of five servants to finally locate the library, which was, much like everything else in this place (excluding the people), a grand and imposing sight.
Several tall shelves of dark wood, filled with books of all colors, sizes, and genres, towered over me. The walls were painted in a warm shade of cream, and there was a large window letting natural light in. The light fell upon a table and armchair that appeared too cozy to resist, tempting one to grab a book and sit there for hours.
This library would be a great hangout place for spirits and ghosts.
I let my fingers wander over the books that lay untouched on those shelves, tiny particles of dust kissing my fingertips. Feeling curious, I grabbed a book, forming a gap between the others.
I saw Prince Vernon through the crevices between the books, and he squinted at me as if pondering a murderous intent. A furrow marked his forehead from the scowl he bore, and his eyes sparkled in the sunlight with hints of green usurping his eyeballs.
"What are you doing?" I spoke.
"I endeavor to converse with you without appearing to be associated with you in any way," he answered promptly, as he took another book from the shelf to have a better look at me while conversing. Ughhh not again!
This earned an eye roll from me. "Would you be so kind as to let me know the reason for your abundant affection towards me?" I inquired, sarcasm dripping in my voice.
"No," he deadpanned.
My patience began to wane, my fingers instinctively curling into fists. How I longed to wipe that arrogant expression off his face! But I remained composed, my voice steady as I persisted, "I must say, if you continue with your extreme show of affection, I may not be inclined to help you at all."
He threw me a dark look. "I do not remember asking for your help."
"Good God, you are impossible. I do beg your pardon for thinking that I could reciprocate your kindness," I said as I returned the book to its place on the shelf, concealing his face.
It was awkward enough to be in his company alone, and he had the audacity to make this difficult for me when I had no bad intentions. Men.
Still, having my self-respect, I turned on my heels to be as far as I could be from the gorgeous yet infuriating man in the room.
"Celeste! I have not yet finished speaking," his voice grasped at me to hold me back. I would have stopped if I cared.
"Well, I have," I retorted, continuing on my way without turning to face him or respond.
My wrist was in no time in his clutches, preventing me from taking another determined stride out of this place. The room was bathed in the soft glow of light streaming through the tall windows, casting an ethereal aura upon me and him as we stood facing each other, our eyes locked.
His gaze hardened, his jaw set in stubborn determination. "I refuse to let anyone witness our association in public. The court would feast on such a scandal, and my parents will not be pleased with this information."
YOU ARE READING
The Heiress' Dilemma
عاطفيةAdeera had but one wish: to claim her rightful place as the heir to her father's fortune and title. When her claim was threatened, she was willing to do whatever it took to secure her future, even if it meant crossing paths with a crown prince whose...
