Princess - A Love Story

Chapter 21

Faint light was filtering in through the curtains. Was it morning already? Emily struggled to open her eyes. When had she fallen asleep? Last thing she remembered was settling against Philip's shoulder while he talked of all the things they would do together. When did she make it to the bed? She lifted herself onto her elbows and looked to the other side of the bed. Philip was sleeping on his stomach, his arms sprawled above his head. Further movement was constricted by something around her legs and she then realized she was still in her dress. Spotting her bag across the room she decided to change. She tried to creep across the room quietly only to promptly stumble over Philip's shoes. "Em..." he called sleepily.

"It's early. Go back to sleep," she whispered. Later, she promised, they would talk about the proper place for shoes.

She looked at herself in the bathroom mirror and grimaced. "Ugh". Why couldn't she be one of those people who cried prettily. Her nose was bright red and her eyes had almost swelled shut. She wet a washcloth with cold water and held it to her eyes, repeating it till her eyes stopped feeling like sandpaper. She washed her face and put on her nightshirt then got back into bed. Settling in her on her side she watched Philip sleep. She looked at him for a long time wanting to remember this morning forever. Her heart felt it would burst. She fell asleep again with a smile on her face. When she woke next, the other side of the bed was empty. She yawned and stretched like a cat.

"Good morning," she lifted her head to see Philip sitting on the window seat reading a book. Seeing him in tracks and t-shirt, his hair mussed from sleep gave her warm fuzzies. "Hi," she said sitting up. "I thought you might want to sleep late. I've asked for an early lunch." He looked her over in concern. She had an emotional night and she was exhausted. Last night she could barely keep her eyes open. He was relieved to note she was looking cheerful and her eyes were shining again. And that smile just dazzled him. There was one thing more though.

He cleared his throat awkwardly. "I, err, believe I'd said something to you yesterday."

Her brows furrowed in confusion.

"You have yet to give me your views on the matter. It is important we be on the same page."

What on earth was he talking about?

"See when one party gives their word, it is expected the other reciprocate..." he broke off at the look of befuddlement on her face.

What had he said yester....Oh. Comprehension dawned. Emily swallowed a giggle. Was he seriously explaining to her how contracts work?

"You said I should stay here and I agreed," she said innocently. He stood up and shoved his hands though his hair. As he started to pace he said, "There was one other thing."

He looked so worried, Emily didn't have the heart to tease him anymore.

"Come here."

He stopped to look at her. "Come here," she demanded again. He walked over to her side of the bed. Reaching out she slipped both her hands in his. "Tell me again."

"What? No, I've already said...You've got to go first. I ..." he broke off when he saw the naughty look on her face. The smile promised him everything he asked for and more. Smiling faintly, he looked down at her. "Are you ever going to stop teasing me?" he slid a hand free to push her hair behind her ear and then stroke her cheek. "I love you."

Her smile was radiant. She didn't hesitate. "I love you."

Philip bent low to kiss her and she slid her arms around his neck to pull him closer. He shifted her aside and she moved to accommodate him. There was gladness and a sense of rightness in their movements. Philip ran his hands over her body reveling in the fact that he loved and was loved in return. She responded by arching closer telling him without words how much she liked his touch. He moved his lips over her neck breathing in the scent that was uniquely hers. Placing a kiss on her throat he whispered, "You can't take it back." Lifting his face to her hers she said, "Never. I love you Philip." He kissed her again, deeper, with more urgency and moved over her.

"Philip," her breath ragged.

"What?"

"You'd better make that a late lunch."

Much later they lay in bed with the late afternoon sun spilling into the room. Emily lay on her front, lounging lazily with Philip next to her. Leaning over he traced the tattoo on her back.

"You know, even as I hated myself for what I did, I was dying to see this up close."

"Really? Didn't you once say tattoos and multiple piercings are for vulgar people."

Placing a kiss in the centre of the rose he joked, "Maybe vulgar is my type and I didn't even know it." She laughed and turned to put her arm around him. He pulled her closer and tucked her under his chin.

"Do you still want to go to university?"

She lifted her head to look at him. "Is that even a possibility? Me being away for some years?"

"It's unconventional. But if it's what you want..."

"You're frowning."

"I just thought of all the men at university who'll be chasing you."

Emily laughed, "Are you jealous of these future classmates of mine?"

"They'll probably read poetry and play the guitar," he said derisively. "Women find that irresistible."

"Know a lot about women, do you?" Emily snickered.

He sighed. "I can't help it. When you're around, all I can see is you. I can't imagine any man being any different."

That was backhanded declaration but it melted her heart. She hugged him. "I've got a real life Prince. They don't stand a chance." He took her hand and placed a kiss in the centre of her palm.

"But I don't think I'll go."

"Why not?"

"Honestly, I wanted to go to university mostly because I thought it would better my chances of getting a job. But things have changed now. Being Princess means I get to help you here. I have a job. Besides, if there anything I feel I need to study, there's always summer school."

"Hmmmm, I suppose you're right. I don't know of any universities offering a major in Princess. So, about this job of yours. You like it?"

"It's a great job," she said playing along. "Lifetime employment guaranteed and," she said shooting a naughty smile, "the perks are great." He laughed, tilting her chin up so he could kiss her again.