Seconds in Time

Page 13

"Yes sir, it was fine." After the fact, I actually had to think about it. I suppose I enjoyed talking to Francis, but that was contradicted by the nerves. I supposed you could say it went well. After all, I didn't throw myself out of the carriage like I wanted to.

"Francis didn't bother you too much?" I looked over his shoulder and smiled at Francis.

"Only a little." I joked, receiving a warm laugh from the king. Oh, well, I guess I should get used to calling him Richmond instead of referring to him as the king as I've been doing all my life.

Richmond took a step away from me, noticing that his son still hadn't been formally introduced. Alexander took my hand in his and kissed it softly. My heart fluttered in my chest and my cheeks warmed. He straightened back up and we just stared at each other. I felt awkward and wanted to look away, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't.

"Why don't you show her to your wing of the castle, Alexander?" Victoria suggested.

I really should have expected everything to shock me.

Without saying anything, Alexander held out his arm for me to take. Knowing it would make both of us look bad if I hesitated, I took his arm as soon as he offered it. He made no effort to talk to me nor I to him as we walked from the room. His pace was slower than I'm assuming it normally was so I could look around.

I hated to see everything I've heard about Alexander come true. Communication with him wasn't going to be an easy task and getting along would be even more difficult. I wanted to at least be on speaking terms with him, but he clearly had no interest. His eyes were so desolate, yet you could tell that there was a lethal, imminent anger brewing deep in the blackness of them. It worried me.

I tried not to look so awed and keep a cool composure as we walked. The last thing I wanted was to look like a kid in a candy shop next to the responsible adult. Or worse; the ditz with the heartless jock. I hated looking anything less than mature. Having always been like this, if I happen to be around someone more mature than me I feel like I have something to prove. I don't think it's a good idea to compete with my fiancé, especially considering who he is.

We came to a short glass hallway that was absolutely stunning. Just like the rest of the building, ivy and these bright orange flowers tumbled and twisted over it. The light that flooded was soft and easy on the eyes instead of blindingly bright. At the end of the hall was a door made of what looked to be cherry wood. That's probably the only wood I can successfully distinguish.