𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐈𝐍 || 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

Chapter 20 * Carriage Rides *

The carriage pulled by pure-white horses bounced over the cobbled yellow brick road as we rode to the Emerald City. Inside, I sat by Jack and the King and Princess sat across from us. As I gazed out the window, I smiled at the crowds that had gathered. They lined the roads, their cheery pink-tinted faces almost making me forget who I was forced to ride with. The Royals chattered away to each other as I gazed out at the people.

"Girl, quit staring out the window like that! You're not Royalty." the princess snapped suddenly, making me begrudgingly withdraw from the window.

I glanced over at Jack and noticed him just staring into space. He hated this as much as I did. Perhaps more, since he was owned by her now.

"Who are you two?" the King piped up then, looking at Jack and me.

"Jack and Dawn. We...met at the palace?" he told him, speaking for the both of us.

"And how do you know my Langwidere?" the King pressed on.

Silence ensued then, Langwidere sending flirty glances Jack's way to which I scowled at, before Jack spoke up again.

"Well, I'm her-" he started.

"-property. He's indebted to me for the cost of his metal." Langwidere cut him off.

"Not by choice." I mumbled angrily.

She glared daggers at me but said nothing.

"Ah, how sweet." the King said joyfully.

I just rolled my eyes. Insane man. What was "sweet" about our predicament?! The wheels of the carriage bumped over a rock then and Jack's metal hand flew off, landing in Langwidere's lap. She stared down at it before glancing back up at him.

"You know...you really should tell your boyfriend to keep his hands to himself." Langwidere sneered at me.

I clenched my jaw as Jack re-attached his hand.

"Oh, that's it!" I scoffed, starting to get out of my seat so I could strangle Pompous Princess.

Suddenly, an arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me back down. I turned my head to the side and met Jack's silver-gray eyes. My skin tingled where he touched me but I ignored it as he dropped his arm, releasing me. Briefly, I squeezed my eyes shut in exasperation. When I opened them again, Langwidere was smiling smugly at me. Lucky her, she got to live another day.