Seconds in Time

Page 25

That's mine. Prince Alexander Valois of Pandora is mine, whether it means anything or not. I get to see that every morning and every night at least until it turns to flab when he's ninety. With my luck he'll live to be a bitter old man who just won't die and I'll have no children or grandchildren to complain about it too. By then I won't have anyone!

I smiled to myself at the thought and bit my lip. I didn't have to worry about any of that now. Right now the only thing I need to think about is how amazing that sight is going to be. There's no way it could ever make me as sick as his attitude and eyes do. Nothing could ever ruin a good body and I stand by that.

Alexander walked back in with a cup of coffee and plopped down on the opposite end of the couch. His hair was a mess and he could hardly keep his eyes open. He looked so normal and warm and soft. I wanted to scoot over and cuddle up to him, but he would probably just shove me away like he always will. I let out a quiet breath at the thought.

The silence with him wasn't comfortable. Regardless of the fact that we were both tired and not even looking in the direction of each other, there was still a tension lingering in the air. I tried to breathe it out and manage to radiate it to him, but it wasn't working. I wasn't doing anything that would be considered annoying unless you hate peaceful and silent people, which Alexander doesn't, so I began wondering if maybe I was imagining it.

"How did you sleep?" I asked, finally looking at him openly. He took another sip of his coffee and gave me a sideways glance.

"I slept fine." He answered emotionlessly. He didn't sound bitter and he didn't sound casual. For a moment I didn't understand how this situation was different for him, but then I realized he was a spoiled rich boy.

"Do you know if we're supposed to do anything today?" I asked, trying to make conversation. I wasn't talented at doing so, but what could be the harm? The worst that can happen is he'll ignore me.

"Not today. You've been given a day to settle in I suppose." The hardness in his voice didn't drop and I had to remind myself not to snap. I took a breath and returned my eyes to the fire. In many ways the fire was much like the relationship between Alexander and I.

Fire is destructive and this relationship has so effortlessly destroyed my live. There is a fire in Alexander that is so hot it repels me. If I get too close I'll be burned, so I won't go near it. However, I have a fire too. I have a gentle fire of hope that only burns so brightly. It warms me and welcomes anyone willing to get close enough, like Victoria and Francis. Of course, my fire can do damage too, but only to myself.

"That's nice." I softly responded in a distant voice. I went to take another sip of coffee and found the cup empty. Empty; just like so much behind these walls.