Royal Escape

Chapter 4

Everyone had left the strategic room, except for me and Ian. Ian stayed a good distance, for he knew I needed to be alone right now.

I cried silently, knowing my fate was finally here was just too much to bare. I didn't want to be married off to someone I didn't know. Especially to someone who was cruel and inhumane.

"Ian. How much do you know about their son? Is he really as bad as everyone says he is? Will I be married off to a horrible man like mother says?" I didn't look at him, I just kept my eyes locked with the window. The sun was high now, and the land looked beautiful from here.

I wonder how long it'll stay this beautiful when I'm married off. Will it still be beautiful or will he ruin it?

"I don't know, Gwen. I've never met their son. I've met King Alister and his Queen, Lilith, though." Ian spoke softly, as if any type of harsh or loud tone would set me off into my silence again.

"What are they like? Are they cruel?" I  asked.

"I'd rather not answer your question, Gwen. You won't like my response." Ian spoke even softer if it were possible.

Just as I was about to break down again, Ian pulled me away from the window and into his embrace. His arms were the only thing that kept me from falling to the ground and crying until I couldn't any more.

"Gwen, you'll be alright. I won't leave your side. They'd have to kill me before they could harm you in any way. And I'm not one to go down so easily." Ian pulled me closer, as if it was the only thing keeping me here beside him.

"I hate my father." I whispered and laid my head against his chest. All I could feel was the cool metal from his armor though.

"I know."

"But I can't stop any of this. And I knew it was coming.  Everyone knew. I can't blame him. There is no one to blame for any of this." I pulled myself together and looked up at Ian. "Father loves his people. He loves them more than anything else- even more than mother and I. He wouldn't do anything like this unless he knew it would benefit his kingdom and his people. That's one way me and father are alike. I would do anything for my people, even if it does mean giving my life away to a stranger."

Ian looked down at me and something in his eyes changed. Something I had never seen before flashed in them. Ian carefully raised his hand and touched my cheek.

"Forgive me." Ian whispered to me softly.

"For what?" I leaned closer into his hand. Ian was my friend, he cared even when no one else did. He knew what I felt and how to make it all better. He knew-

My mind went blank as Ian's lips found mine. His kiss was tender as if he were going to break me if he pushed too hard. Before I had time to think, Ian moved back. His eyes showed mixed emotions but he still held me up.

"For that, princess."

Ian had kissed me. Me!

Ian and I have been friends for years, I never even expected something like this to happen.

"Ian, why did you-?"

"I didn't want some stranger to be your first kiss. Plus, I don't know how much longer you'll be with me alone like this. I just thought I'd give it a try." Ian slowly dropped his arms to his side.

My first kiss.

Ian was my first kiss.

On one hand, I'm eternally grateful for him not letting a stranger be my first kiss but at the same time- I'm a lady!