Maiden of Moonlight | Tedros Pendragon

Chapter 1.17

" My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."

Juliet Capulet

___________________________________

21 years ago

The book simply had to be on the highest shelf, didn't it? The Capulet girl was determined as she peered up at the tome she needed for her history project. Her partner was no help as Jacinda flounced around the castle after that boyfriend of hers; she hoped the princess wouldn't be so careless of work once queen of Jaunt Jolie.

Juliet huffed, irritation pouring out of her in waves. The tortoise was completely out of it, so he was no help. The ladder was unstable when she tried it, a rung breaking and the Underlandian almost bashing her head on the polished tile, and she was simply too short to go on her tippy-toes to grasp it.

Juliet never felt so useless, that is until a hand reached over her head and took the exact book she needed off the shelf. The brunette whirled around to find the son of her mother's greatest enemy flicking through the pages as if it were a Sunday read.

" I need that book." She let out, her face serious as she extended her arms for the prince to give her the book.

Romeo Montague did not answer, purely going about his day as if he hadn't watched her struggle for the book for over ten minutes; it was truly quite sad.

" I wanted that book first, so give me the book." Juliet gritted, meeting his grinning visage, his gray eyes twinkling with mischief.

" And what do I get in return, Capulet?"

Her hazelnut gaze narrowed, not wanting to deal with some annoying prince on a Tuesday afternoon. Yes, he did give her his rose at the Welcoming, but that was the only interaction they had since then. Juliet spent her days with Guinevere, Jacinda, and Marian whilst he did so with Lancelot, the future knight.

" You get to avoid a good slap, now hand it over!"

Romeo gasped mockingly, the stupid grin never leaving his features as the brunette went to grab it, but he lifted it above his head, away from her grasp with ease.

" I'll tell you what, one date with me and you get the book."

Juliet froze her attempts and stared at him in disbelief.

" You want to go out? Me? You? A date?"

" Why so surprised, Capulet? I did give you my rose, did I not?" He lilted, and the princess noticed how his eyes softened as he peered down at her from his height.

Juliet frowned but ultimately sighed in resignation, " One date. Just one!"

" We'll see about that, my darling." Romeo practically purred, gently giving her the tome and walking away, leaving a flustered Juliet behind in the quiet library.

♕

Present

Tedros huffed in frustration, completely aware of the brown-haired beauty in the aisle over. His plan worked as she rounded the corner and asked, " Need any help, Ro?"

The blonde's heart fluttered at the nickname and gently nodded prior to quickly standing up to pull out a seat. He had been trying to spend more time with the Montague, but she seemed almost avoidant as she kept herself locked away in the dormitory or in the library to study.