The Demons of Our Love (Completed)

Chapter 12

Valerie finally! yay!

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Day one of being married to His Royal Highness, Prince I-Am-Too-Good-For-You Adrian.

I woke up to find the space next to me in the bed empty, the curtains drawn, and steam coming from the bath chamber. I could hear the faint snatches of song and I smiled. Adrian had a wonderful voice, deep and rich. Then again, if he knew I could hear him, he would probably kill him. Odin, who had his own bed in the room, put his paws up on the bed.

"Hello, Odin." I said. I stretched and got out of bed, shaking back my still damp hair as I did so. The marble floor was cool on my feet. Birdsong rang out from outside. I meandered over to the balcony, and pulled the white linen curtains aside. I opened the doors, and stepped outside. 

The rounded balcony looked onto the back garden, and the sea. Directly below, were flower beds, bursting with bright patches of color, white marble benches and bushy trees. The garden stopped suddenly and dropped away into a rocky cliff. I could see the beach, with its pale sand and sparkling blue waves. The salty smell of the ocean filled my nostrils, and I could feel cool mist on my face. A rose trellis, covered in dark red and pink flowers, snaked around the balconies railings.  I smiled and closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun touching my face. Odin's wet nose nuzzled my palm and I bent down to pet him. 

"You love me don't you?" I said. He wagged his tail and barked. 

Apart from Adrian, I thought, Jaden was just perfect. And even then, even if his personality wasn't the best, he was nice to look at. I sighed and turned back to go inside. 

"Morning." said Adrian, coming out of the bath chamber, wrapped in only a towel, his muscled, bare chest glistening. Glistening droplets of water beaded his hair, and the sun's ray made then sparkle. He looked absolutely wonderful, natural and handsome. I imagined him coming closer, running his nimble fingers through my hair, his water-softened lips touching mine...I bit my lip. What was I thinking? What was wrong with me? 

"Morning." I said stiffly. "May I use the chamber?" 

"It's half yours." he said, brushing past me to get to his wardrobe. I felt my nerves stand on end. "Go ahead. It's really hot outside though, so you might want to dress properly."

I nodded and went to my wardrobe, rummaging around for a gown. I found a short sleeved gown, made of light, airy, lavender colored linen. Perfect. When I turned around, I found Adrian right behind me, his head bent down toward me. He had put on his pants, by his chest was still bare. I gasped, startled, and the gown slipped out of my hand. We both stooped to pick it up at the same time, and our heads bumped. I looked up to apoligize and then stopped. His lips were inches from mine, his piercing, mysterious eyes searching mine. My fingers crept over his hard chest and to his shoulder. He inhaled sharply, his pupils dialated. His lips were so close, almost touching mine....

Someone knocked. Odin lept up and started barking. 

We both jumped and I pulled away from him, the gown clutched in my hand. "One minute!" I called. Adrian cleared his throat. 

"I wanted to tell you that we're breakfasting with the family in the great hall." he said, quietly, tonelessly. 

"Thanks." I said, not looking back, angry for the brief moment of weakness I had displayed. I hurried into the chamber, and found a bath all drawn for me. I shut the door, locked it, undressed, and slipped into the water, allowing it to drift over my head.

Whats happening, I thought, what is this feeling? I wasn't attracted to him. Was I? No, I told myself, he's cruel and cold. He'll never love you. Was I falling for him? I hoped not. The last thing I wanted was to fall in love with my husband.