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

Chapter 12: In the Moonlight

When the hour was late, everyone from afar retired to their chambers. They were going to stay here until the wedding. Those who lived near went back home, including my family.

I went out to the front gate with them talking to Gavin along the way.

“How was your dance with the Duke of Langry’s daughter?” I questioned jokingly.

“It was pleasant enough, if that is what you wanted to know.” Gavin laughed.

“I am sure it was…” I replied in a sly tone.

Gavin paused for a moment and then broke out in a huge grin riddled with mischief as he grabbed me and constricted me into a startlingly tight hug while laughing away at my comment.

I laughed along with him as I felt my body being squeezed inside Gavin’s massive arms.

“Alright, alright! I apologize!” I gasped between breaths, “Let me go! I can barely breathe!” I wriggled in his hold.

“That is right.” He concluded releasing me with a ruffle of my hair.

“Stop that! It took such a long time to arrange my hair!” I shrieked as I swatted his hands away.

“Well, what does it matter now? The day is done. No one will notice.” Gavin said nonchalantly.

I rolled my eyes with a smile still plastered on my face.

As our carriage pulled up, I saw Gavin tense.

I made a move to climb in but was stopped by my father. “You will be staying here from now on, daughter.”

I froze. “What?” I asked not believing that I heard him quite right.

“You will be living here.” He repeated.

“Why?” I said astonished. “Father, I want to go home.”

“This is your home, now.”

My body went numb. “Not for another 2 weeks, it is not. Why do I have to start now?”

“You must live with your betrothed, Evelynn. Also, you must learn to live as the people here do. After all, you will rule alongside the Prince soon.”

“Wha-”

“All of your belongings have already been sent here.” He said cutting me off. “We will see you at the wedding, daughter.” He finished as he stepped into the carriage.

Gavin passed by me, and I grabbed his arm. “Did you know?” I asked suddenly realizing why he had tensed up.

He turned and looked at me with sorrow.

“Why did you not tell me?” I whispered with hurt clouding my voice.  My mind raced over thoughts of the dance we shared and how he failed to mention anything about me having to stay here.

“I wanted to Evelynn, but I was afraid that you would make a fuss.”

“You know me better than that, Gavin! That is just an excuse. Why am I being kicked out of my own home? After all that happened, do I not deserve a bit of rest from all of this?” I cried. Luckily no one was there to see or hear this.

“Evelynn, you know that is not-”

“Stop.” I interrupted. “You are starting to sound like Mother.”

“Evelynn, please just listen to me.” Gavin made a move to hug me, but I took a step back and balled my hands into fists ignoring the cries of protest that my injury sent me.