Their Princess

Chapter 29

My day would have gone boring if Leya hadn't come. I'm in a peachy mood, and she is the best target to release my frustration. 

I know you're going to say why I want to be a bad girl right now. The reason is Zed. He is complimenting her way too much instead of looking at my art.

I've been trying to make a vase for him, but he is standing beside her, admiring her paintings instead. Turns out Leya's paintings are placed in this art studio. I will admit that she is good. Her art is exceptionally beautiful, but that doesn't mean Zed gives her all attention. 

Are the brothers losing their interest in me? No, that can't happen. Where would I go? How would I live without them? 

I can see her blushing from here. Honestly, she is beautiful. If I were a guy, I would've definitely asked her out, but the good thing is I'm not. 

And that's why I'm jealous. 

Zed didn't come inside my Pottery corner, not even once. He stayed out there with Leya, who coincidentally appeared today like she knew Zed was going to be here. Brilliant. 

Brothers have banned her entry at home, but I think Zed had forgotten why she was banned. He was supposed to keep her away from me. I know I said I'm willing to move on, but he never asked me if I was comfortable with her being here.

When Zed told her I was learning Pottery here, she just frowned and led Zed out. He never looked back at me.

Tears fill my eyes again. Why am I so sensitive? It's not a big deal. But my heart doesn't know that. I hear their laughing voices, admiring each other. 

A traitorous tear drops down my cheek. I clean it with my hand, smudging my face with clay further. Zed is going to be so mad. He already doesn't like Pottery. I get up to clean my face in the bathroom when they both enter. 

“ Oh no. What have you done? Look at your face, princess. I told you to be careful.” He scolds me.

I would have ignored his tone for this time, but I can't. I just can't. He is making me feel bad about something I like right in front of Leya. This is not acceptable. 

“ Go to the washroom and clean yourself.” 

“ We don't have time for that, Zed, we have a meeting. Remember?” Leya informs.

Zed groans at this. “ Fine, let's drop her home first. Then we will go there.”

I follow him silently because I don't have the energy to respond. What would I say? Zed had never shown any disgust toward me until today, not even a single time. That's why this is breaking my heart.

I'm controlling my tears so that I don't make a fool out of myself in front of Leya. She has become chirpier than before. Like she has achieved something. 

I don't like the way she is making me feel right now. Unwanted.

When we reached the castle doors, Zed bends toward me for a kiss, but I exit the car without looking back. If I disgust him this much, then he should stay away.

Deflated I enter the castle. I have lost my zeal to improve. I'm hurt and ashamed. Ashamed for thinking that I can become something more. Zed has opened some old wounds that I never wanted to remember. 

I still remember the guy from school who used to bully me for….. Don't go there again, Raelynn. You've come past that stage. Do not go there again.

I look at my muddy hands, feeling dirtier than before. Will I look good if there was no dirt on my hands? Or do I have to put more effort into looking like Leya and Grace? Can I ever look like them?

A hand stops me from moving further. I look up with my blurry eyes. The figure bends to his knees, wiping my face with his shirt sleeve. A familiar earthy scent hits my nostrils, and I jump on him sobbing in relief.

“ Daddy.”

I clutch him tightly, crying my heart out. I missed him so much. He let me cry on his shoulder while caressing my head and back. At one point, I got worried that I'm ruining his clothes, but he only shushed me. He took me to his home office, where he cleaned my face with wipes. 

He fed me and then covered me with a blanket. His presence soothing my racing mind. The doubts that were spreading like roots in my mind are now fading. Like they are scared of Alerix. 

I sigh in relief and start to suck on his collar. I close my eyes but open them immediately when he removes his collar from my mouth and puts his big thumb instead. 

Finally, I'm home. 

Where were you, Daddy? I missed you so much.

“ You okay now, sweetheart?” I nod silently. “ Did something happen?” Instead of replying, I curled myself against his chest. He got the message and didn't ask further. He just held me in his arms, rubbing my thighs, back, and arms.

I fell asleep in his arms and when I woke up I wasn't in my room. Actually, I don't know whose room is this. I can't see anything in the dark, but someone nudges me into their side.

“ Go to sleep, baby. There's still time for dinner.” I do as Daddy says. I guess I'm in his room. He never allows anyone to enter his room, not even the maids. He cleans it himself. I'm the only one who has been exempted from this rule.

I guess the fact that he allows me in his room is a sign that I'm not alone, that I'm still wanted.

Maybe Kai was playing with my mind. I've to talk to Daddy about him and my fears. He will help me. I don't know how to do this alone. It's better I take his help. Yes, I will do it when I wake up after my nap.