My Princess~Malachi Barton

☆"I'm leaving"☆

As Laura quietly slipped through the castle corridors, her heart still fluttered with the memory of Malachi's confession at the beach. She knew that she missed the opportunity for something between her and Malachi to happen and to be honest she had no idea why she rejected him.She hadn't expected Zack to follow her, nor did she anticipate the consequences of his discovery.

Just as she reached her room, Zack's voice pierced the air, filled with disbelief and fury. "Laura! What were you doing with a boy? In his car?"

Laura froze, her back stiffening as she slowly turned to face her brother. His eyes were wide with shock and betrayal, his fists clenched at his sides.

"Zack, please," Laura pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not what you think."

Zack shook his head, his voice rising with each word. "Don't lie to me, Laura! Dad needs to know about this. This could ruin everything!"

Before Laura could respond, Zack grabbed her arm firmly and began to lead her downstairs. The palace seemed to echo with the weight of his anger as they descended to the main hall.

As they entered, all eyes turned to them - her father, King Alexander, stood at the center of the room, flanked by members of the court and household staff. His expression was a mix of sternness and concern.

"What is the meaning of this, Zack?" King Alexander demanded, his voice echoing off the walls.

Zack took a deep breath, his voice trembling with emotion. "Father, I caught Laura sneaking back into the palace after being with a BOY in his car. Alone."

A hushed murmur spread through the room, eyes turning to Laura, who felt exposed and vulnerable under their scrutiny.

King Alexander's face darkened with displeasure. "Laura, is this true?"

Laura swallowed hard, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and defiance. She knew the consequences of her next words, but she couldn't bear to lie anymore.

"Yes, Father," she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I was with Malachi the boy from the airport. We were... talking."

"Talking?" King Alexander repeated incredulously, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Laura, you know the arrangement we have with Prince Jona of Wales. It's crucial for our alliance and the stability of our kingdom."

"I know, Father," Laura replied, her voice gaining strength as she spoke. "But I can't marry Prince Jona. I don't love him."

The room fell silent, the tension thick as King Alexander's gaze bore into his daughter. "Love is not always a consideration in matters of state, Laura. You will marry Prince Jona as planned."

Laura felt a surge of frustration and anger rise within her. "But I don't want to marry him! I have feelings for someone else, someone who actually cares about me, who sees me for who I am!"

King Alexander's expression hardened. "Enough, Laura. You will not defy me on this."

"I won't marry Prince Jona," Laura insisted, her voice trembling with emotion. "I won't!"

"You will do as you're told!" King Alexander's voice boomed, the authority of his words filling the room.

Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Laura felt tears stinging her eyes. "No! I won't let you dictate my life anymore!"

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the hall, leaving behind a stunned silence. She rushed up the stairs to her room, her mind racing with thoughts of Malachi and the freedom she yearned for.

Once inside her room, Laura slammed the door shut and leaned against it, breathing heavily as tears streamed down her face. She knew what she had to do.