“My dear Annabelle!”
My eyes snapped quickly away from Joshua to Rowland.
“Highness, how may I assist you?”
“I thought maybe we could go for a stroll my love.”
Again my eyes darted to Joshua. “I am terribly sorry Prince, but the horses need attending. Perhaps when the sun goes down?”
Rowland’s chest puffed. “Are you denying me?” He leaned in close, his lips pressed against my ear. “Your mate?”
A sickened chill ran down my spine.
“No your highness. I will inform the stable boy of our departure.”
“You will do no such thing.” My eyes widened slightly. “Guard, tell the stable boy that we are leaving.”
“Yes sir.” He bowed before quickly running off.
“Come.” I am no animal! “Now, or I may have to give your surprise to someone else.”
Curious, I followed.
“I’ve been considering whether or not I should give this to you, but I figured, since we’re about to be wed.” He shrugged, handing me a ruby filled bracelet.
My heart caught in my throat.
This is the same bracelet he gave me before he took my innocence. Forcefully.
“It is beautiful Rowland, but I can not accept this.”
His gaze hardened. “Call me Prince Rowland, and you will accept it.”
So comes the real Rowland. “Sorry sir.” I bowed my head ever so slightly, fighting back the urge to run.
“I will forgive you, this once, do not let it happen again.”
“Yes your highness.”
“Good, now, put on the bracelet and get back to work. No point in standing in a field all day.”
Quickly I put the bracelet on my wrist, marching back to the stable.
“Ah! You forgot something.”
Turning on my heel I bumped into Rowland’s chest. “What did I forget sir?”
Forcefully he grabbed the hair at the back of my head, planting a hard kiss on my lips before throwing me down.
“A kiss for you future husband.” Then, he walked off, leaving me in the field.
There had to be something I could do.
I could run!
I could run far far away!
But, no, that would not work. The spell would vanish.
A scream racked my whole body as I fell back, staring up at the skies.
I was stuck with this life, no matter how badly I wanted to be rid of it.
“Annabelle?”
I lifted my head ever so slightly, meeting the gaze of Rhian. “Rhian, whatever are you doing out here?”
“I heard your scream ma’am, I thought something might be wrong.”
A light smile flitted across my face. “No, nothing.”
Her eyes scanned me, just to be sure. “Would you like help up?”
With a sigh I nodded, stretching my arm upwards. “Please.”
