The Guard

11

THE GUARD
• Serena's pov •

Being on good terms with Bridger felt weird, but good at the same time. It was healing some part of me that hurt him. I decided we shall have some time away from the lonely palace and take a walk.

Instead of the usual me in front of Bridger while we walked, he was beside me with his hands in front of him. We gathered looks, of course and I was terrified of them, but with a look from Bridger, I was calm.

"You know who I still think about?" I think aloud.

"Hm?" He answers.

"Ruth. That lady I helped that day..."

"The one with the husband who you threatened with a sword?" he raises a brow with a smirk.

I roll my eyes playfully. "Yes, her. She never showed up to the ball. I was looking forward to seeing her."

"Maybe she had other plans." He shrugs. "Do not think negative thoughts, I know where they take you."

To a dark place, yes, I know.

"What if- What if that man threatened her dearly?" I suddenly thought. My heart races, and I feel Bridger's hand over my shoulder, comforting me. My shoulder burns though, his touch always came with heat. Everything about Bridger was heat.

"How about we place a visit to her?" He tilts his head. "Would that make you feel better?"

"It would," I whine.

"It is settled then," he promises.

"I have to pick out a gift." My eyes follow around to the shops, finding the one dress shop she was standing at when her husband did not like her plan of shopping.

My feet lead me to the shop and I try picking out something she might like. We need Arabella in a moment like this.

Bridger chuckles under his breath to which I look back at. I raise a brow. "What is it?"

"You." He shakes his head.

"What about me?" I smile to myself when I find the perfect dress that I think would look lovely on her. I hum, bringing it to the lady who owns the shop.

She bows to my presence, smiling gracefully. "What an honor it is that you are here, Princess Serena." She wraps the dress up, handing it over.

"I am honored to meet you, thank you so much." I hand over more than she asked for and her eyes grow wide with shock. She begins to shake her head in denial. Turning around, ignoring her, I leave with Bridger next to me.

I noticed Bridger never answered me, and I look over to him and met his eyes. His eyes hold an adoration, softening at my look. I hated when he looked at me like this, making me feel like I was the only girl he could give his attention to.

My heart aches.

If I could turn back time...

Upon our journey to Ruth's new home I willed to her, I stopped in my tracks- seeing my old friends shopping for themselves as well. They are smiling with each other as they look over items that were selling, whispering to each other, laughing.

What was wrong with me that they decided to drop me?

I clutch Ruth's gift in my hands, holding it dearly to me when I go by my old friends. My presence must be sensed when they look up. Kate instantly looks down, her hands shaking as she puts something down. The other two girls whisper something in her ears which makes the three of them herd away from me.