Unfeeling

Eight | Princess Predicament

Evan

Coming from someone who has hidden their identity for ten years, I was proud of her. I watched as she pondered how to say it. I really didn't understand her obsession with keeping her name a secret, it's not like she's a spy.

I watched as the realness of the situation dawned in her eyes. Then she straightened and pressed he lips together. I saw her stormy eyes harden.

"My name is Princess Amberley Da Ville, daughter of King John and Heir to Adana's throne," she announced. I scowled, stepping forward to scold her for not joking around but I felt my gut drop as Joshua glared at me. Amber was, serious.

My eyes widened as the pieces clicked together. We found her in the castle. Her beauty was unparalleled, just as Amberley's was rumored to be. My hand racked through my hair. I was furious. This couldn't be Amberley, Amberley was dead. Huffing, I saw red. I didn't care how beautiful, how sweet or how powerful this girl was, she wouldn't disrespect my old friend. I surged forward, yanking the girl from her seat.

I ignored her yelp and I spun her around so her back was to Joshua. Her blue eyes were wide and fearful as she flinched in pain. I tightened my hands around her arms. I saw the terror in her eyes but I no longer cared... she doesn't get to take my friend's identity like nothing.

"Evan! Put her down, now!" Joshua bellowed.

I growled as I yanked up the girls cotton shirt, revealing her scarred back to Joshua. Joshua's eyes widened. I guess Eli hadn't told him about those. "She's a liar! Who would whip and beat a princess?"

The girl was shaking uncontrollably, trying to rip herself away from me. I held tight. "Please stop... Please," she sobbed. I felt her tears soak through my t-shirt. I jerked away from her. Her small body collapsed with a weep. Joshua caught her in his arms. He glared.

"Get out now!" He demanded. I didn't hesitate before surging out the door, slamming it behind me. I pounded my fist on the wall besides it, falling to the ground. This was unbelievable. How could she lie like this? I thought back to the girls appearance. She did have Amberley's thick black hair and crazy blue eyes. I recalled the girl staring at me and realized I had made a big mistake. They had the same eyes. It was Amberley and I had thrown her around like a doll, revealing her scars like a good movie.

I placed my head in my hands, waiting for the girl. It felt strange saying Amberley after I had thought she was dead for years. All those times I had wondered about her, listened to the boys talk about her like a ghost and now she's really here. She was really here. I was shaking all over. I was snapped out of my daze as the door cracked open. This can't be real!

Amberley snuck out and closed the door behind her. She hadn't seen me yet. I stood up from the floor and winced as she flinched, backing away hastily. "Please, I'm sorry I lied to you. Please don't hurt me," she sobbed.

I felt my instincts take over and I enveloped Amberley into a bear hug. I squeezed her small frame and slightly lifted her into my arms, wishing desperately for the sobs to soften. I couldn't take it. She went stiff at the contact and sucked in a breath. "What are you doing?"

I sighed and released her. "A I'm sorry I'm such a dick hug."

Amberley furrowed her full brows and hugged her arms around herself like she couldn't comprehend what I had done. Something told me that she had never had a hug. As we walked back the reality sunk in. Amberley Da Ville was my shadow, would sleep next me and I would have to take her everywhere. I still needed to complete the mission, Amberley or not. I silently vowed to not let her or my feelings for her get in my way. And what if she recognized me? She could send my mission straight into the dirt and my ten years here would be for nothing.