His Princess || Draco Malfoy

Chapter 3

I closed my eyes again when I saw them. Out of sight, out of mind, right? I kept them shut tight for a few moments, rubbing my them in hopes that it would scrub them out of my view. I cautiously opened my eyes. Nothing. I sat up on the grass and looked around. Nothing.

I couldn't believe my luck. I stood up, triumphant. My success was soon overtaken by how awful I felt. I guess that's what falling flat on your back from the roof does to you.

And so my short-lived escape came to an end. It probably wasn't the best idea to run away in broad daylight anyway. Oh well. You live and learn. I trudged back into the house, craving the comfort of my bed to soothe my aching body.

I walked through the mansion with a single-minded focus to return to my room, not paying attention to my surroundings. I almost didn't hear my father.

"Y/N!" I looked over at him.

Dammit.

My parents sat across from the Malfoys. I wished I had fallen on the brick path and died on the spot. I could tell by the twitch of my father's left eye that I better get over there pronto. I willed myself to stand up straight as I walked over to the crowd.

"Yes, Father?" I forced a smile. I was suddenly aware of the dirt caked on my clothes, the smell of grass emanating from me, and the leaves stuck in my hair.

"Lucius, are you sure this is a wise arrangement?" I heard Narcissa whisper to her husband. "The girl doesn't seem like a right fit for our Draco."

"It doesn't matter. I'm quite confident in this." Lucius responded in an equally hushed voice.

I ignored their comments, keeping my gaze firmly planted on my father.

"Come sit with us Y/N," my mother said. "We were just discussing wedding details." I came and sat next to her. I felt wildly underdressed, wearing a hoodie and skinny jeans, my long brown hair tied up in a messy bun. Draco sat across from me, his icy blue orbs glued to me. I tried not to look back at him, but at a glance, I could see he wasn't as ugly and sickly looking as the last time I saw him at Hogwarts. He wore a black suit, contrasting his pale skin and neatly parted platinum blond hair. He almost looked handsome. Almost.

"As we were saying, your wedding dress has been selected and we need you to try it on," my mother interrupted.

I know they said everything had already been arranged, but I was hoping they were at least gonna give me options for the dress. With any luck, it won't be too ugly.

"Now?" I asked, turning to look at my mother.

"Later," she replied. "Today, we want you and Draco to get better acquainted." She gestured to him, drawing my gaze over to him.

My jaw clenched. Alone with him? He's probably going to stab me or something. I'm sure he'd jump at the chance.

I realized I was glaring at my mother. She didn't seem to like that. Her eyes shot daggers back at me.

"Why don't the two of you go for a walk around the gardens?" she said, her intense gaze fixed on me. It didn't seem like I had much of an option.

I feigned a smile. "As you wish." I stood up, walking briskly towards the garden, not waiting for Draco to follow me. I made it to the first row of hedges before he caught up to me.

"Nice outfit, princess," he remarked. "I especially like the grass stains."

I didn't acknowledge his comment. In my years of dealing with him, that was usually the best way to get him to stop. Then again, we usually weren't alone- or engaged for that matter.

He seemed to notice the sour expression on my face. He chuckled. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself," I didn't respond to that either. "Hey, I'm not too thrilled about this either. A blood traitor like you wasn't exactly my first choice of a bride."

That got my attention. I turned to him, backhanding his smug face. His hand raced up to his cheek, caressing the newly red mark. For once in his life, he was speechless. I saw fear in his eyes. I could get used to that.

"Don't you dare call me that," I spat. "I don't care what our parents want, I'll never marry a rat like you." I ran back to the house and up the stairs to my room, not caring that my parents would see. I slammed the door shut behind me, pulling out my wand and casting a spell that would keep it sealed. I walked over to my bed, crashing onto it and staring at the ceiling.

I can't believe I have to marry him. He's a terrible excuse for a human being. I hope a hippogriff eats him.

My thoughts were interrupted by a whispered spell outside my room. The door slowly opened, revealing my lovely fiancé.

"Go away Draco, I'm not in the mood."

He ignored my words. He came and sat down next to me on the bed.

"I'm sorry for what I said out there. I didn't mean to make you angry."

"Could have fooled me."

He sighed. "I know this situation isn't ideal, but we should at least try to get along of we're going to spend the rest of our lives together."

I sat up. "I'm not going to forget about everything just like that. It'll take more than a half-assed apology for that," I paused. "And I'm not spending the rest of my life with you. I'm going to find a way out of this."

He chuckled. "Good luck. My father already made up his mind. Believe me, I tried already. It seems your parents are the same way."

I sighed and slumped back down. "You're right." I admitted.

"I'm always right," he said. I raised an eyebrow. "I take it back. Sorry princess."

"Don't call me that."

"Whatever you say."