Desire

Chapter 3

Arianna’s P.O.V

I heard a loud bang, followed by the persistent pounding of hail on cobbles. Then the slapping of bare feet on a slippery road. Loud cries of fury echoed around my skull, striking fear into my heart.

I was running. Not because I wanted to, or because I liked it; but because my life depended on it.

I could hear warm applause, as I dashed across the meadow, spoon in hand, carefully balancing a boiled egg while giggling to myself. I saw my mamma ahead, smiling with affection and I increased my pace until I could scarcely feel my legs or see anything but her. To my delight I felt a smooth ribbon around my waist, symbolising victory which Sir was holding at the finish line.

 I heard heavy footsteps and drunken cursing and just like that I was dragged back to reality. I tripped over a jagged stone and fell into a pile of hopelessness. I could hear him coming, coming to get me.

Suddenly I forced open my eyes and found myself in a peaceful forest wedged between some soft moss and a large log, safe from harm. A wave of relief washed over me as I realised that I had successfully managed to escape and I was now safe. Unfortunately though, scars do not heal.

Damen’s P.O.V

It was finally morning. I yawned wearily while hurling off the heavy duvet and soft, linen sheets, sighing softly as the cool air was a huge relief from the uncomfortably crisp and scorching covers I had been enveloped in all night. I had slept fitfully, tossing and turning and I was glazed in sweat with a faint but noticeable throbbing throughout my head. I rose from my four poster bed but was met with a smothering cocoon of brash, crimson drapes. A loud pounding was coming from my door and I heard the handle twist and the gentle silence was invaded with the bustle of servants. I hated being a Prince. Ever since yesterday all I could think about was the beautiful girl I had seen in the palace forest. I yearned to be free like her, to make my own decisions and sleep among the swarms of buttercups and soft, dew covered grass. I yearned to discard all my responsibilities and tedious schedule for a chance to relive my wreck of a childhood. Most of all, I yearned to share life with her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I sat awkwardly straight on a high backed throne at one end of a polished, ebony table. I was bathed in intense light from the chandeliers and at least fifty pairs of eyes belonging to some of the most powerful men in the country bore into me. My father was seated opposite me although it seemed as if he was unreachable and I barely recognised him covered in lavish jewels and furs.

‘Damen’, my Father declared. His usual warm, humorous voice was masked with authority and solemnity and it contained a sense of strict purpose I had never detected before.

‘Your highness ’, I stammered, mentally cringing at the ridiculous custom of formally addressing my own father.

He continued, ‘As you know very well, your duty as a member of the Royal bloodline and most importantly my first son is to continue our dynasty and protect the throne which many have died for. To sustain this you require a wife.

Although I am well within my power to handpick one of the most highly bred, wealthy brides in the empire, I am being reasonable. There is to be a masquerade. Hundreds of women are to be invited. It will be an occasion like no other and from there, you will choose a bride. I trust you to select wisely and consider political benefits of marrying each woman and which will be of the most use as a loyal ally. Do you understand? ’

My mind was racing as I pictured the mysterious girl by the pond. She was the only woman I would ever want to marry, but a commoner, it would be unacceptable.  

‘Yes, your highness’, I uttered. Yet, if I had known that in future years those words would haunt my mind and bring nothing but regret maybe I would have acted differently.