“Annabelle, have you agreed to see me yet?”
Joshua stood in the distance, listening carefully.
“Your highness, I wish to be just a normal woman.”
“Please, you’ll never be a normal woman. Not with a face like that. Have dinner with me.”
His ways of trying to court me are weakening.
“I appreciate your flattery sir-”
“Good, then I’ll have the guards escort you to the palace once the sun begins to sink behind the trees.”
“Si-”
“See you then.”
My protest stuck in my throat as he stormed away, a smug look on his face.
“Why does he look so happy?”
Should I answer? Should I stop talking to him?
‘If you do not, he will be killed’
I can not chance that! I care too much for this generous, caring man.
However, I care too much for him to not inform him of what is happening.
“I-”
“I don’t think the prince would be happy to see his workers chatting rather than working.”
He will continue to spy on us.
We will never have a free moment.
I will have to stop talking to him, whether I like it or not.
“Yes, well, if you could start the clean up Annabelle?”
“Yes sir. I’ll get right on it.”
The guard watched us closely through the day, never once giving us a moment to ourselves.
“Annabelle,” Joshua peeked over the gate of Lyric’s stall.
“Joshua, do you wish to be lashed?” I whispered urgently, sneaking glances at the guard.
“It is fine, he did not see me come over here.”
“Joshua, I, I can not talk to you anymore.”
“What? Did I do something wrong?” Slowly he stood, towering over both the gate and myself.
“No, you did nothing wrong.”
“Does this have to do with your prince?”
“He’s not-”
“You two! Work!”
“Gladly.”
My heart broke in two as Joshua walked away with a betrayed look in his eyes.
He believes I chose the prince over him, there’s no way I can explain otherwise. Not with the guard constantly around.
Please, please don’t hate me Joshua.
“Young lady.”
“Yes sir? How may I help you?”
The guard lowered his face towards mine, keeping his voice quiet.
I remember this guard, he has a sweet side to him.
“I would advise you stay away from that man. The prince tends to get rather jealous, and it appears as though the stable boy has feelings for you.”
“Thank you, I‘ll be sure to heed your warning sir.”
With a small nod, he walked away, glancing around the stables for someone to yell at.
