My father's Princess

Chapter 18

Something was wrong, and I knew it. Annie should've been back by now. I'd gotten use to not be able to sneak stolen kisses every time I saw her, but to take her completely out of my life? The king and queen must have their crowns on too tight if they think I will stand for that! I had an entire speech prepared to scream at them, even if I if it would cost me my job, which no doubtably it would.
However I never did get to say those words because when I stormed into the thrown room I was alone. Where could they be? I checked everywhere I could, and when I finally got the idea to ask Bailey where everyone was, that's when it happened.
The entire room shook with force. Ancient suits of armor came cluttering down to the ground with loud crashes. I was thrusted to the floor as another loud cacophony filled my ears. At first I thought it was an earthquake, but then once I finally reached the door I saw what was really going on.
Smoke filled the air all around and still bodies laid bloody, splattered everywhere in the courtyard. Suddenly it hit me like a speeding bullet, fast and painful. This was no earthquake. This was a bomb, and it was only the first two of many. Sheavesland was attacking us Instantly I dashed across the courtyard, dodging the lifeless bodies, racing to find  Eli. What I saw when I walked into our room shook me down to the spine.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I slouched against the cold cement wall  trying to hold back the tsunami of tears waiting to drench my cheeks. I wouldn't cry. "I love you?" What the heck was I thinking! Because obviously if I scream I love you to the guy throwing me in the dungeon he'll just stop and be like, "Ya ok. Sorry dad, ditching the plan now. No hard feelings?"
Ugh I hate how delusional I am! I hate that I gave even a second of my life to that dumb, war crazy, hotheaded, cold-hearted, jerk of a prince. So what if his kisses drove me crazy. Who cares if I couldn't help but melt when he flashed that sparkling smile, with his luscious lips and his twinkling eyes and his-no! Stop it, Annie. You never loved him and obviously you never will. Suddenly I heard soft footsteps coming down the stone stairs. They sounded meek and scared unlike the guards steps who march heavily with a purpose. "Anne," echoed a soft voice down the stairwell, "Can we talk?"
"I'd rather crawl into a dirty black whole and die than talk to you. Oh wait. That's exactly what's happening!"
"Anne, I'm so-"
"If the next word out of your mouth is sorry than I swear you'll never speak another word again. You're not sorry. People say they are sorry when they accidentally bump into someone. Or when someone accidentally spills their ice tea on your new shirt. What you did your not sorry for. There was nothing accidental about what you did. You knew that my heart was going to end up broken and you didn't care. So don't you dare tell me your sorry."
Lucas stood still, thinking for a while than said, "I didn't lie. I swear I never did. I wouldn't hurt you like that."
"No, you'd much rather take my heart and shred it up then sprinkle it over my country as you kill everyone in it. That sounds like a much better way to hurt me than lying."
"I did not lie! I love you Anne and you should know that! I didn't plan on falling in love with you, but how could I resist? I'm the real one who got hurt in this battle! I fell for you even though I knew that in the end I'd have to chose between you and my family!"
I shrunk back into my cell as soon as Lucas's voice rose, but I stood my ground.
"Oh ya. I forgot. Pretty prince had to choose between me and growing a pair! You're a gutless coward, and I hope you get exactly what you deserve!"
I expected Lucas to retort back, but instead he simply shook his head and looked intently at the cold stone floor. Then he slid a silver key out of his pocket, slipped it through the lock, and turned it with a click. "What are you doing?"
      Before I could question him more his lips were colliding with mine. I wanted to stop him. I wanted to slap him! But I couldn't. I couldn't help but melt right back into his trap. He rubbed his fingers through my greasy locks. Finally he stopped and I found myself craving for more. "Your right. I should get what I deserve. I don't deserve you. But I want you. I want you so badly. But your right. I can't have you because I don't deserve-"
       I pushed my lips against his, and he wrapped his arms around my waist. I wanted to stay that way for ever, but he pulled away. "Anne, I can't. I don't-"
"Shut up and kiss me."
"Anne-"
      I knew he didn't deserve me, but whose to say I deserved him. Before I could throw myself at him again he blurted out, "Rondalland is under attack!" I was shocked, but at the same time I should've seen this coming. I can not believe I fell for him again. "I told you. I don't deserve you." His voice was hardly audible towards the end, but I got the message. He turned his back and started to make his way back up the steep stone stairs. "Wait!"
"Go fight for your country Anne."
"You mean the country that is ruled by a queen who has disowned me? Fight for the monarchy that sold me off to be married? Fight for the queen who lied to me about everything? Lucas, you and I both know I'd much rather fight for who I love. Not some stable boy. Not some power crazed queen. I love you."
A genuine smile spread across his face. He picked me up and spun me around while planting butterfly kisses all over me.
"Let's go fight!"