The Battle Of Hearts A Choice Between Power And Love

Chapter 14 Wavering Hearts And Nightmares

Philip's POV

I felt something move at night. The continuous rustle of bedsheets woke me up. I was a light sleeper by nature and it had its handful of disadvantages.

I woke up to a sight that shocked me. Annika was tossing in her sleep, sweat beading on her forehead. She mumbled something in fear, clearly having a nightmare, as if moving on instincts I never knew I had. I gently woke her up. I tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. I caressed her hair. She couldn't wake up, still moving restlessly. I shook her shoulders gently to wake her up from her nightmare and provide relief. She got up as if she was hit by a lightning bolt.

"Hey hey, look me. You're alright. It was a nightmare" I told her. She shivered, but I knew it wasn't the cold or the night or whatever. She dreamt of something that haunted her.

"Shh, its ok, I got you" I smoothed her back, gently rocking her back and forth in a soothing motion. She murmured something under her breath. Before I could ask her what it was, I heard a faint snore. I looked down to see that she had fallen asleep in my arms. I smooth her hair back one last time, before I rested her head on the pillow. A small smile tugged at the end of my mouth. Something changed - I knew that with her softly sleeping. I turned, got up and went to the balcony. I paced my mind, wondering what changed, wondering why my mind wavered for a second when I saw her fragile and vulnerable in front of me.

What was this feeling?

It somewhat felt like a caged bird fighting to get out of its cage. This feeling clashed against my chest in a painful tug. As if her earlier restlessness was contagious, I was the one restless now, passing like a wild animal caged in the zoo.

I had no idea why I was like this, why I worried about her, when I was not supposed to be emotionally attached to her.

I was here to take over her kingdom, her home, her everything!

That was the goal, not this!

Not holding her as she breaks down or holding her at night.

Definitely not this!

"This was not the Colonial Secretary of the Crown. This was just Philip, a regular man" a voice said in my head, echoing as it did. I gripped the railing of the balcony. The cold air of the night felt like a tight slap to my face.

The next day...

I woke up to the sun shining down on us - or rather, burning me with its impact as I got up to close the curtains and get back to bed. I groaned and pulled up the blankets and covered myself with it. I felt someone move next to me. I peeked to see that it was Annika turning in her sleep. I got up, did some stretches and went to freshen up for our travels. Annika most likely woke up while I was in the shower, cause when I came out, all dressed, she was pretty much ready to jump in next. Then there was a knock on the door. It was her handmaiden, Lakshmi, there to help her get ready and she passed the news that the carriages were ready for departure. I grabbed my luggage and went to the entrance of the inn, where I saw William already there, putting his luggage in the trunk of the carriage. I handed him my luggage. He rolled his eyes at me, but did it anyway. I smirked.

"Will," I patted his back, "is there news from our spy?"

"We did not send him to buy groceries from the market Philip, for God's sake! We sent that man to gather information and investigate the prince! Obviously it will take time! Cut the man some slack, will you?" he said.

"The quicker we get our hands on solid evidence, the better," I said.

"Yes, I get it. I will write to him and have it sent once we reach our company" he replied. I nodded and got in the carriage. William followed. Amaia boarded the carriage after us. I greeted her with a smile and held a hand out to help her in. The prince followed behind her, like some lost puppy. William giggled from his seat, and clearly witnessed the same thing as me. I gave Amaia a knowing smile, to which she just looked out the window as if I just didn't give that look. William just shrugged. As the princess and her handmaid came in, I closed the door. William signaled the coachman to start and the carriage started to move promptly. With a creak, I felt the princess's shoulder brush against mine.