"Checkmate." the Prince said victoriously.
Katalina squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed her temples in annoyance.
"I don't understand how you manage to win every time." she said.
"Easy. You're bad at this." he said and moved the tiny table from his lap and placed it onto the larger, bedside table.
She flicked his nose and he blinked in confusion.
"Cocky Prince." she scoffed.
"Its like a new insult with everything I do." he joked.
"Because everything you do deserves a different insult. Unless stupidity repeats itself and often it does." she sighed.
She sat there, hands in her lap, staring out of the window. Her long braid sat elegantly over her shoulder. The Prince watched her closely. She wore a frown upon her face still, even with everything at peace. Her eyes would light up when they talked but she still would not smile. At the moment, her eyes retained its hue but she seemed dazed and worried. He wondered what went through her mind as she sat Indian style upon his bed.
"Would you like to go outside, Katalina?" he asked.
"At night?" she asked. "We are not allowed outside after dark."
"It's alright, I will escort you." he said.
She turned her gaze to him.
"You? No, you mustn't leave your bed. Your wound still bothers you, you cringe with every movement." she said hurriedly.
"It doesn't matter, I'll be fine. I am the Prince. I must be strong."
"Titles do not protect you from illness. And besides, it's nearing winter time so it's much too cold for you."
"I'll be fine." he said and gently grabbed hold of her hand.
She gazed into his hazel eyes and then down to his lips before turning to face the window again.
"Like hell you will." she said.
"Don't treat me as if I am a child."
"Don't spout such nonsense then! You will not leave this room unless necessary. You should be trying to regain your strength, not whittling it away."
"Why do you worry about me so much?" he asked curiously.
"Because you're an idiot and someone has to remind you of your idiocy at all times, my Prince, or you'll do ludicrous things."
She folded her arms defiantly and he pulled her onto him. He cringed at his own movements and her expression changed to a mix of anger and worry.
YOU ARE READING
When In Rome, Do As The Romans
RomanceA romance between a Prince and his servant is often frowned upon, especially when said prince is already engaged and the love of his life refuses to acknowledge him as more than a pest. No matter what he has to offer, jewels, money, and fine clothes...
