Disdain Notice (Editing In Process)

Chapter Twenty-Three ~ Sunset

We returned to Endhart the day after the ball. It was early afternoon. Prince Gabriel was quiet on the way and only spoke when his parents brought him in the conversation. He didn't speak to me though and I only spoke when his parents spoke to me.

When we got off the royal carriage, Prince Gabriel simply walked away, over to a path that would lead to the back of the castle. I looked over to him and then I felt a firm hand on my shoulder.

It was King Gavin. "Miss Ezra, don't worry about him." I turned away from where Prince Gabriel disappeared to, to face the King. "He'll be fine."

I frowned. "What has gotten into him, if I may ask, your Majesty?"

He cleared his throat. "Well I'm sorry to say but I can't grant you an answer." I opened my mouth to speak but King Gavin continued. "Nor can Prince Gabriel give you one...at the moment."

I nodded.

When I was about to enter the castle, Beats appeared from the path that led to the back garden. Prince Gabriel had on his cloak and they left out the royal gates before they closed.

I turned toward him but the gates were already closing and he was in my world while I was in his.

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It felt like a forever time when I finally heard the gates opened. I hurried to the window and even if it was dark out there, I noticed how fast Beats ran to the back.

I was in the drawing room. It was late and I thought nobody would bother me in here. I was reading a book about commerce and, well, I hate to admit it, I was also waiting for him.

I slammed the book shut and I got up. I knew I should have tidied up my dress, smoothing the wrinkles away but I wanted to run into Prince Gabriel. I was worried about him. He was so silent during the ride back and he rode into the village without a word to anyone.

With my book in hand, I rushed out into the dark halls which were only lit by candlelight. It was most likely he would come in from behind and so I went there, knowing that there would be also the spiral staircase that would lead up to our sleeping chambers.

I heard footsteps coming forth and my heart sped up. I didn't know why it had speed up but I assumed it had to do with the nervousness I had with the confrontation I had in mind.

His eyes found mine and he stopped in his steps. I could have sworn I saw something in his eyes and I didn't want to believe it.

"Ezra, what are you doing awake at this hour?"

"I, uh, was just reading in the drawing room and well...I was just heading to bed actually." I gestured at the stairs, book in hand.

He nodded. "Of course, off you go then."

I took a step forward on the staircase but then I twisted around to face him. "Um, I actually, Prince Gabriel, have a question." I bit my lip. Why was this, all of sudden, difficult?

"I believe it can wait till tomorrow, Ezra," he told me.

I frowned.

"I'm sorry, your Highness, but it can't."

Prince Gabriel closed his eyes as if he was in pain then he reopened them. They saw through my soul and I felt exposed but admired. Oh shut it, it's just something else. Why would he admire you? I rolled my eyes at my thoughts.

"What...is something wrong?" I asked.

"Please don't concern yourself with my problems, Miss Ezra." He took a deep breath. He looked even more pained and my frown deepened in worry. "Ezra I-"