Royalty? It's Not What You Think. (ON HOLD)

Chapter 7: The Flower

I woke when the sky began to lighten. The sun was not yet up. I slid off of the bed and walked around the screen. As I looked about the room, I noticed that it is quite small. There was only the bed, a couch, a few chairs, and a writing desk. I wandered about the room being careful as to not wake the Prince and having to tolerate his rant on silence. I came to some doors. When I opened them, I was met with a rush of cool air; it was a balcony. Enjoying the coolness of the morning, I strolled to the railing and looked out over the land. In the distance, I was able to make out Creeyn Castle. The early morning mist made it look it look like a haunted castle. I giggled.

 Leaning on the railing, I looked straight down and could see nothing but fog. I knew the Prince’s bed chamber was on the second floor, but I did not think it was this high up.

The air was fresh and smelled of rain. I was able to detect the slightest bit of moisture in the air. It must have rained last night, and I might not have heard it. Thinking about last night; a lot happened. I seem to have discovered a new side to the Prince. Perhaps he was not just rude and overconfident and annoying and troublesome. I laughed to myself. The way he acted completely baffled me, I was really surprised by the turn of events.

I flexed my left hand and brought it up to my face. It no longer stung, but it felt as if the skin around it had tightened up.

Today is my engagement. I realized with dread. Though my hand did not hurt as much as I thought it would, it would still be painful for the ring to slide in. I sighed heavily.

I was about to go back inside when a flash of color caught my eye. Just beyond the railing was a lone blue flower. Its petals were bell-shaped, round, and flecked with maroon. The veins in the flower were violet, light blue and deep red. It was so beautiful. It looked exotic and exciting which would explain the unusual place in which it was blooming.

I crouched onto my knees and tried to squeeze my hand through the bars in the rail, but it was too closely set, so my hand could not make it through. Then I stood up and leaned over the railing reaching as far as I could with my left hand and had my right hand steadying myself on the rail.

Not close enough.

With a sigh I pulled back and took a breath noting the heat of the sun as it rose into the sky. Then, I got up onto my tip toes and pressed my weight against the rails and stretched with both hands. My fingers grazed the petals. Sucking in a breath, I lifted one foot off the ground and reached. Most of my body was beyond the rails. Sweating with effort, I reached and reached and reached till the point of aching. Just when I had the flower, I felt hands around my waist jerking me away from the railing. They spun me around to face the angry expression of the Prince.

“What in the world were you doing?” He yelled shaking me. “You could have fallen off the balcony!”

I raised my hands showing the fruit of my effort: the flower. “I was getting this. It was really beautiful, and I wanted it.”  I said feeling a bit breathless.

“You did that for a flower?” He said incredulous. “You could have lost your life for that measly flower!”

“It is not that big of a deal. I knew that I would be okay. I was balanced.” I waved him off.

“Oh really? Is that why you were standing on only one foot with most of your body beyond the protection of the railing?” He asked furious with me.

“I knew what I was doing. I am not a child.” I replied growing annoyed with his attitude.

Forget whatever I saw yesterday. This man could not possible have a different side.

“No, you did not. You may not have noticed it, but I did. You were about to fall off of the balcony. You were about to lose your balance and your life!” His voice grew louder and angrier with each word.

“Why does it matter to you? Why do you care? You are not a part of my family.” I scoffed getting worked up myself.

“I just do not want to have the burden of your death looming over me for the rest of life. If you fell off that balcony then who do you think would have to suffer the consequences?” He said his voice low and filled with loathing while he glared at me.

My jaw dropped. My mind could not form words. I just stared at the Prince with shock.

Such cruel words.

There was a slight change in Prince Auden’s eyes as he registered the hurt that was surfacing in my expression.

I tore my eyes away. “Well, I did not.” I half-whispered. “Now, please get your hands off of me.” They were on the bare skin of my shoulders.

Swiftly, he pulled his hands away murmuring an apology.

I hugged my shoulders. The flower fell from my hands, and I made no attempt to pick it up. It did not matter anymore.

 Taking in my shift, Prince Auden blushed and spun around embarrassed. He hesitated before saying. “My mother awaits you. It is time to get ready. The ceremony begins in four hours.”

“Of course.” I said and took his leave. As I passed him I glimpsed Prince Auden pick up the blue flower and gaze at it.

Once I was behind the screen, I slipped on my gown from yesterday and opened the doors of the chamber where a maid servant waited outside. She curtsied and told me that the Queen sent her to fetch me. She led me down the halls to prepare for my engagement.