Guard of my Heart ✅

6. Ruin

"What would happen if I interrupted the broadcast?" Josh asks as he sits on my bed while Sophie helps me get ready.

"Josh" I sigh as Sophie laughs. "You promised we would figure this out together" I remind him. "No going mad" I insist.

"I am mad" he snips. I roll my eyes as Sophie helps me with my dress. It's green with jewels covering the bodice. I wanted to wear red but I didn't want to provoke Charlie any more than I already had. I run my hands over the fabric and look up at them.

"How do I look?"

"Gorgeous sweetheart" Josh smiles as he walks over to me and leaves a quick peck on my lips. "How's your back?" he asks worriedly.

"Hurts a bit but much better. Thanks to doctor Sophie over here" I smile. "I should probably get downstairs before they send for me" I sigh.

"If you need me I'll be outside the door the entire time" he assures me, wrapping his arms around me tightly. "I love you" he kisses the top of my head. "And" he smiles as he lets me go. "I got you something for the holiday" he says as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a bracelet, its silver with a clear heart dangling from the chain. "For my sweetheart."

"You are amazing" I gush as I throw my arms around his neck. "I love it." I slip it on and adore the piece of jewelry on my wrist. "But I must go" I sigh. "I love you" I say one last time before slipping out of the room. I waltz down the stairs and enter the study where cameras are set up to capture the moment. Riley is sitting on the couch talking with Lucas. When I walk in they both look up with worry in their eyes.

"Are you really going through with this?" my brother asks worriedly.

"I must" I sigh as I take a seat beside them. "I'm going to figure this out. I promise. Please trust me" I beg as Charlie walks into the room. I tense up as he walks towards me.

"My queen" he smiles as he takes my wrist and lifts my hand to kiss it. His eyes land on the bracelet and he pauses. "Stunning piece of jewelry" he says politely though I can hear the accusation in his voice. Fear spreads through me as he takes his seat beside me. "We will be discussing that in my room later" he says sternly. I wring my hands together nervously.

"Baby girl" my mother exclaims when she sees me. "I can't believe you're getting engaged today" she shrieks as she throws her arms around me. I wince but hug her back to the best of my ability.

"Welcome to the family" Shawn shakes Charlie's hand. I gaze at the door and see Josh standing at attention outside.

"Alright everyone, cameras are rolling in" they begin counting down and when the cameras go live Charlie takes my hand. The cameras land on us and everyone's eyes are glued to Charlie as he gets down on one knee in front of me. My mother acts shocked and Shawn takes my mother's hand in his.

"Will you do me the honor in being my wife?" he asks. Tears fill my eyes. I'm sure to most it looks like a girl getting emotional because today is the happiest day of her life but instead the tears are of sadness because I know I have no say in the matter. So obediently I nod.

"Yes" I whisper. He smiles and slips a ring onto my finger and moves to kiss me. It's quick and everyone is awing around us. We pull apart and we cut.

"Let's go" he says sternly, grabbing my wrist and yanking me away. We walk out the doors and Josh sees us.

"Excuse me, where are you off to?" Josh demands.

"My chambers and its best you learn your place here. I demand things of you. Not the other way around" he snaps. He pulls me away and yanks me towards his room, throwing me inside. "The bracelet is from him isn't it?" he demands. "You little whore" he snaps as his hand comes across my cheek. "Sneaking around with that guard behind my back. You would think my warning would have been enough to keep your distance from him. Evidently I was wrong" he snaps. "What would their highnesses do if they found out that the guard has been abusing their precious princess?"