King | j.b

XVII

Fear. An unpleasant emotion caused by something or someone. A feeling that tingles down your body and makes your legs shake. This undeniable fear was what Ariana was feeling at that moment.

Her heart pounded in her chest and it seemed almost as if it would explode at any second. Just moments before, Harry had kissed her, forcefully. It seemed as if the feeling of his chapped lips would never leave her's not because she liked it, but because she feared it. But what she feared the most at that moment was the man standing in front of the two servants.

He stared at the two , his blood-thirsty eyes full of bewilderment. From the corner of her eye, Ariana could see Harry literally shaking. She stood in place and didn't take her eyes off the man, for she feared his reaction.

"What is this?" the voice of the king barked. His voice was cold and strong. And Ariana knew this was the side of the king she feared.

"Justin, it's not what you think," Ariana said, her words shaky. The king curled his fists at his sides and he stared at Ariana.

"Then what is it?" he yelled, his eyes full of fury.

"He- he kissed me. I pushed him away, I swear I- I would never do such a thing!" Ariana said with much courage.

The king remained silent for a moment and cranked his head towards Harry who was still trembling like a child.

"What do you think you're doing with Ariana?" the king yelled as he slowly advanced towards him. He grabbed the grip of his sword and held it firmly at his side. "What makes you think you can do that? Rules are rules Harry, and you have disobeyed them."

"I'm- I'm sorry. I d- didn't mean to y- your majesty. Please forgive me," Harry said on the verge of tears. But the king didn't accept his apology. Instead, he charged at Harry and pinned his against the wall with a loud thump.

"Ariana is MINE!" the king growled at his face. "You can't lay a finger on her!" He pushed him fiercely against the wall once again. Blood started to stream from Harry's nose. "You bastard!" he yelled as spit flew from his mouth. He punched Harry in the stomach once, twice, three times before he threw him on the ground. Harry groaned and cried in pain. At this point tears started to trail down Ariana's cheeks. She didn't know what to do.

"She's mine!" the king spat like an animal ready to tear his prey apart. He kicked him in the stomach with his hard, leather boots which were now covered in dark blood.

"Justin!" Ariana cried as she watched in horror at Harry's helpless body.

She saw the king reach for his sword and and draw it from his side. His long blade was beautiful yet deadly. It shimmered in the dark hall, snow still falling just outside the window. She watched as the king brought the sword over his head as Harry lied hopelessly on the ground in front of him. Ariana couldn't take it anymore.

"Stop!" she cried, her face now red from her tears. She threw her body in front of Harry, guarding him from the murderer standing above him.

The king stopped his sword from falling once he saw Ariana in front of him.

He paused for a moment, staring at Ariana as he panted.

"Please don't do this," Ariana pleaded. She could taste her tears in her mouth. "I don't want him to end up like Austin."

At this, the king froze. It seemed as if everything had came to a halt. He eyed Ariana, looked back at his sword, and then at Harry lying on the floor. His face fell and his eyes softened as the evil in them disappeared. All that was heard were the king's heavy breaths and the groans of Harry.