The Prince's Heart (Ziall, Niam)

Chapter 9

"You're improving" Zayn said in an impressed tone. Although, I do not agree since I am currently lying down on the mat, selfishly trying to breathe in huge amounts of air. Zayn did not go easy on me during training as usual. He made we work with fake knives and each time a wooden knife pierced my skin, I had to take a few minutes off to get my mind off the pain.

"Yeah, right. I can barely handle some wooden knife" I panted out, still on the floor.

"But you were able to avoid some of the hits and even stabbed me twice, that's a great improvement" Zayn said as he stretched out his hand for me to grab on. When I did, he pulled me upwards and since I'm still a bit disoriented from our body-numbing training, I couldn't stop myself from stumbling. 

Thankfully, I landed in Zayn's arms and he caught me swiftly and wrapped his arms around me. "You need to be more careful, your highness"

"Sorry" I mumbled to his chest. I made a move to pull away but he kept his arms around me tightly and after awhile, I did the same. It was so comforting to be in his arms. He didn't have to tell me-- I could feel it in his touch-- that he vows to protect me at all cost. And I believe him.

The both of us just stood there with our arms around each other for god knows how long.  We had to pull away eventually when we heard the huge doors to the training hall open. 

"Your highness, time for lunch. I know you're starving as usual and your father has ordered for it to be a family meal time" Harry says slowly as he walks in and looks at me. His eyes look at the very small space between Zayn and I and I try my best to subtly move away. Which wasn't much because Harry's eyes followed my movement like a hawk.

"Oh?" I asked, trying to change the subject and genuinely curious. We hadn't had a family meal time in forever. Harry or Ashton usually just brings me my food. I only eat either alone or with my mother because my father and Greg are off doing some king business somewhere deep in the castle.

"Yes sir, now if you could please kindly follow me. You can't go to lunch all sweaty and beat up. By the way, Zayn, how's the highness doing?" Harry nods at Zayn.

"He's doing great actually. He can defend himself as well as attack others. He still needs a bit more practice of course but in no time, people will start mistaking him for a knight" Zayn said with a small smile.

"Good, good" Harry says while nodding. He looks at me again and points to the door with his thumb. "Let's go"

I wave goodbye to Zayn and send him a subtle wink before following Harry into the rather magnificent hallway back to my room. 

"Niall" Harry said as we walked side by side. His tone was clipped and when I looked at him, he kept biting his lip as if pondering whether or not he should tell me what's on his mind.

"What is it, harry?" I ask.

"You know...you don't have to do anything you don't want to do especially if it's hurting you" Harry says.

I nod slowly, not sure what Harry's talking about. "I know"

"You don't have to force yourself to anything. Not even marriage" Harry mumbled but I heard it perfectly. I pause in my step and pull Harry's arm to stop him from walking as well. 

"Do you have anything against Liam and I's marriage. I should let you know that I’m very happy to be with him and I'm so lucky than he's the one I'm marrying instead of some old fartbag who cares about nothing but money" I said.

"Yeah, but, I know if it hurts, you don't have to force it"

"Why would it hurt?" I asked incredulously. "Have you seen Liam? He's got a heart made of gold, eyes that could easily be mistaken as gems, voice that can command the sea to stop. He's perfect! He cares about me a lot and I care about him too, I--"