A Hidden Princess - Book #2

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Staring up at the cloudy sky, I watch the slow movement. It calmed me or rather being in this spot calmed me. The same place I fed her food. Where I felt the first brush of her lips on my fingers. Gulping, I try to picture her beautiful face smiling up at me.

So little memories together and they are fading. I'd known her for such a short time, a few weeks maybe. Honestly, I couldn't tell how long we've tried to fix a broken relationship. If you could even call what we had a relationship.

We both felt betrayed by the other. Neither one wanting to take the blame. I slept around, creating a horrible position for her to be in. No female wants to come in second to her mate, which is what I had done to her. Shaking my head, I howl agonizingly into the cool afternoon air. I misused my power growing up. If I'd only been a male searching for his mate and not a Prince looking for his Princess, none of this would have happened.

I didn't blame her one bit for hiding from me all these years. She had every right to be wary of our future together. What female wouldn't think twice about their mate cheating, when it's all he'd done for years?

At this point I didn't care if she second-guessed me, all I want is her to be in my arms. Where I know she is safe and sound. She could run from me in the castle, hide and worry every bone in my body until I turn blue with fear. As long as she showed herself before nightfall, I wouldn't be angry at her.

It's all she knows how to do. Run and hide. I can't force her away from something I caused her to do. I know that now. I know what I must be to her when I find her. A mate who lets her be. Who doesn't become angry at every little disrespect aimed at him.

She needs the freedom to run free with the ones she loves. She'd told me once how she'd take runs with the guys. It would be hard for me to let her run with Nik, knowing the bond they share. But in the end if I don't trust her to be true and faithful to me, then we honestly won't last as a couple. Trust works both ways.

Standing up, I pick a rock from under the water, throwing it across the miniature ripples from the waterfall. She could be here right at this moment if it hadn't had been for that ridiculous order.

"Son, it's time," my father comes to stand behind me. Gripping my arm, forcing me to watch my mate run away once more.

"I have to go after her father. She needs me right now. We can't let this get between us. She will understand why I had to testify against Nik. She has to know." I keep chanting in my head how she will understand. She will forgive me when I meet up with her. This isn't the end of our barely their relationship.

"The council has decided this will be the perfect time to test out her loyalty," he states with worry. We all knew what the test entailed. It's been brought up in multiple meetings.

"No, I will not subject her to that right after this hearing. She isn't in her right mind. Who knows what she will do. For all, we know she might get hurt. I will not allow my mate to be in danger because of a stupid test the people and council members demand."

"It's already put into place, Caden. I'm truly sorry." He steps back from me with a frown. "This is for your own good Caden. Remember that."

"What is?" I watch as he takes my mother's crying form into his arms. Cooing into her ear to try and calm her down. "What are you doing father?" My mother's cries frightened me. What is happening that I do not know of?

"Prince Caden, this is for not only your protection but your peoples as well. We cannot allow you to interfere with the test and endanger our men." Commander Togen and Terek step forward with the rest of the Commanders.