Freedom from Paradise

3

"Your highness" Zeke bowed with a wink. I could feel my cheeks heating up. " Happy Birthday"

"Zeke, stop with the formalities. You are the King of your own kingdom." My father turned to me and wink. " I have to go greet some guests. You two get aquatinted. " Then he turned on his heel and left without a backwards glance.

I turned to Zeke and saw him grinning. I took a moment to just take in his gorgeous appearance. I thought with that body he could be a major player, but he could never break me. If we ever had a fling and it had a messy ending I could just use my defense, weapon, and karate training to blow him out of the water. I stuck out my hand,"Well if we are to get acquainted, my name is Tara. You are obviously Zeke. So! Tell me about yourself. "

"You first, Princess"

" I asked first"

"Fine, Fine. We will play 20 questions. 20 for you and 20 for me. Fair enough?"

"Only if you start" I smiled triumphantly.

"Alright. Would you like to talk a walk outside the palace?"

"Um, I suggest we walk inside the castle."

" Alrighty. Your turn! Ask me anything?"

"Why did you growl "mine" when we first made eye contact?"

"Well, I don't think you can understand that it is kind of a man thing" He reached out for my hand and laced our arms together. My body started to tingle and shiver with who knows what.

" Question! Why did a shock just run through me?"

" I don't know. I probably have some electricity in my suit sorry prince-"

"Tara"

" Sorry Tara" He seemed at war with himself for a moment his eyes distant and his face unreadable. I wanted to know what he was thinking. I reached for his arm. He tensed then relaxed leaning into my touch he seemed to have come back to reality.

"What?" He smirked.

"Well you were ummm distant and I didn't know how to help you" I said taking my hand away.

He  grabbed my hand and held it staring in my eyes. "Just hold my hand that will help. "