Betrothed (NOT UPDATING ANYMORE)

Chapter Two

To say that I was avoiding meeting Terrance like the plague was an understatement. I was all dirty from helping the maids clean and dust and I hadn't bothered to change. Every time my mother tried to corner me, I found myself busy with some other chore that Sarah needed to get done.

I was currently hiding in the forest playing with a foal, named Sterling, and his mother, Zerta, in the water of a brook not too far from the palace. My feet were in the water and I was laughing as the colt splashed in the water not understanding how it worked. Water soaked my dress and my hair, making me look horrendous with the dust and dirt smudged all over my face.

I splashed him back and he whinnied splashing the water everywhere. The mother perked her ears up and looked at the both of us before going back to grazing. I fondled the colts ears and kissed him on his muzzle. His once shiny white coat was now a wet grey. Zerta sighed a big horse sigh and made her way towards us. She pawed at the water splashing both of us before running away with a neigh.

I looked at her and shook my head. "You missy, are not setting a good example for your son." Sterling nickered as if he agreed with me. Suddenly I heard my name being called. I moaned as I knew what this meant. Terrance was here. I had been avoiding my parents all day, but they knew that I would come any way.

I sighed, picking up my boots and wringing myself dry as best as I could. I tied my boots together and put them over Zerta's back. I grabbed her halter and put it around her head. I tied a rope around Sterlings neck making sure he was following behind.

Barefoot, dirty, soaking wet, and with two horses in tow, I made my way back to the palace courtyard. I stopped when I entered, having all eyes turned to me. I heard my mother sigh, and my father trying to hold back a laugh.

King James turned around and chuckled upon seeing my appearance. Queen Louise however, didn't look at all impressed. Instead she frowned in dissatisfaction. I held my breath as one last person turned around to look at me.

Terrence smirked looking me up and down. He had grown taller since I last saw him, at least two feet taller than me. His hair was darker and longer than I remembered and his eyes were a brighter blue. His shoulders had gotten broader and he looked well muscled. He was no longer a boy, but a man. I met his eyes and glared at him with all the hatred I could gather.

I let Sterling out of his rope, as we were behind castle walls and nothing could get to him. He immediately walked over to Terrance sniffing him curiously.

"Cassandra, what were you doing?" My mother demanded in a tone that wasn't too friendly.

"Zestra hasn't been out to the brook in since Sterling was born, and it was Sterling's first time being over there. Plus I was gardening and helping Sarah with the chores." Upon hearing his name, Sterling trotted over to me happily and whinnied. I smiled and stroked his mane. I looked up to find Terrence looking at me. When he noticed me looking back, he frowned and turned around. "I'll call for Henry to take these two then I'll go get changed."

Mother sighed. "Please hurry."

King James suddenly spoke up, having a glint in his eye. "Why don't you go with her Terrance, see the stables."

My father clapped his hands smiling. "What a good idea James!" He looked at me his eyes saying that I didn't have a choice.

I sighed and looked a Terrance. "Fine. Follow me." I took off, Sterling following at my heels, and looking back every now and then to make sure that Terrence was following. I stopped when I got inside the stables. I didn't look at Terrence when I called for Henry. A boy not too older then me ran out from a stall.

"Cassie!" He looked at me and laughed. "They certainly enjoyed their time didn't they?"

I huffed. "I think they enjoyed it a little too much. But they're safe and Mother and Father have company, so I can't stay long."

oOo

Terrence and I didn't say anything to each other at all during the time we were together. Our parents however had plenty to talk about at dinner. I played with my food, uninterested in eating, or talking when I heard my name.

"Yes?"

"James was just saying how Terrance will be holding a ball soon for his eighteenth birthday." Mother said looking, more like glaring at me,

I glanced at Terrence, with my eyebrows raised. "How nice." I said trying very hard not to roll my eyes.

Louise smiled. "We'll be sure to invite you to it. We have so many guests to plan for, it's hard to keep track." She continued to talk about who she was inviting and I chose this moment to come up with a list of why I didn't care.

Bored, I asked to be excused. Terrance looked me with his eyebrows raised. Mother sighed before saying yes. Hurriedly, I made my way to my room before changing into another work dress and my boots.

Sarah was going to need a lot of help tonight and I told her that I'd be able to help her as I didn't want to spend any time with Terrence. At all. I opened my door and almost ran into someone, as I hadn't been paying attention. I looked up and met Terrence's bright blue eyes.

"Can I help you?" I asked, surprised that he was here.

He smirked and leaned against my doorframe. "You've definitely haven't changed at all have you? Still helping the lowly maids." How did he get so much taller than me?

I bristled. "At least I don't whore around every chance I get. Now if you'll excuse me," I tried to get past him, but he blocked my way.

"You coming to my party?"

I looked up at him and frowned. "For the life of me I hope not."

He smiled. "Good. You'd probably ruin my reputation anyway."

I shook my head and ducked under his arm. I turned around and looked at him. "Just leave me alone alright?" I didn't wait for a response as I turned to leave. Suddenly, I was pushed against the wall. I winced as my back hit the hard wall. "Let go of me," I said through gritted teeth.

I looked up and found Terrence very close to me. In fact, too close. He was too close, and I was too uncomfortable. He smiled smugly and leaned in closer, his gaze never leaving mine. "What's wrong Cass? Cat got your tongue?"

I glared at him. "One, don't call me Cass, and two, no because that's impossible as there are no cats and it wouldn't be able to get my tongue. Please let go of me, or else I'll call the guards."

Terrence sighed and leaned away from me. "Only because you said please." He frowned then added "I forgot how annoying you were."

My eyes narrowed and my mouth turned up in a snarl. "I have certainly not forgotten how intolerable, arrogant and unbearable you are. So for the time you are here just leave me and my maids alone." With that said, I took off towards the kitchens and he didn't follow me.