Crown of Thorns ||BVB a.u.|| (DISCONTINUED)

XII: Not Well

{Andrew}
Marriage is nearing. Just days ago, I was rather excited, or at the least content. But now I'm anxious. I don't know what happened. Something just feels off. It's not to do with Arabella; she's more than wonderful. Kind, beautiful, and delightful company. No, I'm not quite in love with her, just find... But there's something I can't put my finger on that causing me to dread the day that slowly approaches.

I need to clear my mind...

I spot a particular servant girl. I've always admired her hips and face. She was pretty, for a servant. My father and mother, Arabella and her mother all converse around the table; they laugh and smile and pay no attention to me. As the girl goes to pour me more wine, I grab her arm. She was startled and she didn't keep eye contact.

"Yes, my lord?"

I pull her down so that my lips were grazing her neck ever so delicately. "After we are done here, come up to my chambers if you wish to partake in intercourse with your beloved prince," I whisper.

"Yes, my lord." I let her go and she quickly bowed and scurried off. She went about her business, working as she should.

I listen to our families have meaningless conversation until they decided to end this little get together. "Well, this was lovely, but I best be off," I stand and smile. I turn on my heel and make my way up, up to my chambers, greeting the guards that stood beside the door. They opened the door up for me and I walk in, immediately landing on to my bed. I turn from my stomach to my back, and drape my arm across my face.

Marriage. Who designed such a concept? What man in their right mind would agree to such a bond with only one woman? And sometimes not even know the woman. What if she had an ultimatum? What if she was hideous? What are you to do then? One woman until one of you die... Seems unfair to me. Don't get me wrong; I was on board with this until the time came and now I'm just being irrational— yeah, that's it, I'm being irrational.

"Uh, your highness?" One guard knocked. "There's a servant here who claims she's here to change your linens?"

I sit up, "Oh yes. Send her in."

He bows and exits, the girl, carrying sheets, enters with her head bowed. "You wanted to see me, my lord?"

"Yes, indeed. No need to be formal, love." I stand and saunter over to her. I grab her chin and force her to look at me. She had brilliant green eyes which made her dark brown skin glow. "Your name; what is it?"

"Uthelia, my lord," she quivers.

I chuckle and began to stroke her arm. "Are you frightened, girl?"

"N-No, my lord..."

I raise a brow, "You mustn't lie to me, sweet one." I run my hand up her arm, up her neck, and into her kinky black hair. I removed my hand from her chin and cup her ass. I watched as she shivered beneath my touch, her breath quickening. "Do you enjoy it when I touch you like this?" She nods. "Don't be shy, use your words."

"Yes, my lord."

"'Yes,' what? Be specific, pet."

"Yes, I enjoy your touch, my lord."

"Mmm," I mutter, latching my lips onto her neck. "How old are you? You look young."

"I'm twenty, my lord," she moaned.

I look at her, brow raised and a smirk plastered on my face. "Perfect." By surprise, I lift up her dress and grab her cunt. She gasps and grabs on to my shoulder. "Do you consent?"

She nods, "Yes, my lord."

{Arabella}

Andrew has been rather quiet lately. He has yet to speak to me this week and I haven't the slightest clue why. It's not my place to pry. But I do miss our daily conversation. He's almost like an apparition.

"Come, Millicent," I command, getting up from my bed.

She looked quizzically at me. "To where exactly?"

"Andrew's chambers. I want to see if he's feeling well." 

She nods and opens my door. I grab her hand, leading her out the room. "If you don't mind me asking, my lady," she speaks up, "Why is it that you think the prince is ill?"

"Well, I don't think he's ill in the physical sense, per say, but... Well, he doesn't seem himself, I suppose."

"Oh." There's a pause. "Do you love him?"

"What? No, no, no, that's absurd. He's just become a good friend is all."

"You two are awfully close. Pardon me."

"Well, yes, fate probably brought us together, but only as friendly companions.it just makes it easier to marry now that we are friends."

"Do you think it'll ever become more? Do you want it to be?"

"Well... My mother and father had an arranged marriage and they love each other. It is possible. I wouldn't mind; he's a good man."

"Well, pardon me, but I think you two are just wonderful together. Right from the start."

I smile to myself, but say nothing. Millicent is sweet. Definitely another friend I've made during my time here. She's less a hand maiden, and more a friend that excessively helps out.

Two guards stand outside of Andrews door as we approach. They were so stern and quiet. So still. Almost as statues. "Good day to you both," I smile. They bow but say nothing. I clear my throat. "Well, um I would like to speak with your prince, so if you could—"

My speech is interrupted by muffled sounds. The sounds of two. Two in the act of love making. Or at least fucking. The light feminine voice and the deep masculine voice intertwined made me... Sick. "Oh. I see." I straightened out, chin up and turned on my heel. I walk away with out another word.

"My lady!" Millicent called after me. I ignore and keep walking. As she keeps calling after me, I keep going. And going. And running away. And frustratedly wipe away the tear that dared escape.