The Guard

10

THE GUARD
• Serena's pov •

I was rather excited about my day being spent with someone other than my family. Though my mother thinks things are going quite well and hopes we will wed. Timothy is a well mannered gentleman, quite handsome if you will say, but his eyes will never match mine even if I wished to court him.

He was more of a friend than anything, I had invited him out here to the palace in hopes of getting to know him well. For goodness sake, I needed friends.

Hiding in the barn, away from Bridger, I find myself waiting upon Timothy's arrival. It wasn't too much longer until he would show, but I haven't spoken a word to Bridger about the situation. I did not know how he would react over such.

"Your highness," A guard of the palace arrives, bowing to my presence. Timothy stands near, hands behind his back in respect, bowing his head. "Lord Hampton has arrived."

The guard takes charge back up the hill to the palace, both Timothy and I stay still, waiting for the other to speak.

"Lovely barn you have," he compliments.

I smile graciously. "Why, thank you. Come, I'll show you the horses."

Timothy follows me inside the barn while I place my head on the very first horse in its cage. It catches its head into my palm, I can't help but smile.

"Beautiful," he says, swiping his hand over the horse's fur.

"She is," I agree. "How are you? Did you find the ride here pleasant?"

"I did, thank you. I would like to express my gratitude for inviting me again. It's good to get out of my home for a while."

"I'm happy to know that." I share a polite nod, returning back to the horse as it falls to silence.

Lord Hampton walks to the other horse in its own little cage, his hand slowly patting over the horse's head, smiling to himself peacefully.

"You must live a content life with the palace and the beautiful barn." His question causes me to tense and even question my own self. Was I content with this life? With the title of being the Princess?

Everyone spoke to me, saying how I was meant to become royal. This title was made for me. But was it truly?

The diamonds, pearls, gold, the palace, this beautiful barn, I can get anything I want with a snap of my finger, but it was not enough to fill this empty hole that was once there. When I think about the empty space that leads me to nowhere in my life to bring me happiness, I close my eyes and dream about us.

His cottage smelt like home, the wood creaks beneath us as we are clasped in each other's arms, slow dancing. The aroma was mixed with sweat, sex, desire, and love.

Bridger moves me swiftly across the room, bowing me almost to the floor. When I squeal, that's when he brings me back to my feet and chuckles under his breath, while I take in this moment.

"Stay the evening with me," he whispers against my cheek, pressing a longing kiss on it.

He holds me with such a gentleness, I almost forget everything we have to worry for. No stares, my mother wasn't around, but soon, I would have to come back to reality and go back home.

Mother would freak if I wasn't home.

"You know I can't," I tell him, breathing out.

His lips linger against my skin, causing my breath to be taken against my will. His touch sits right under my ear, causing me to crane my neck- trying to hide my smile beneath my teeth when I bite my bottom lip.