Protecting the princess (GXG) *Complete*

14. You like her.

I sat there for a minute recalcualting my answer. I picked up my hand and ran it through my hair.

"Its okay, you don't have to say anything. But how come you pushed me away at the last second?" I felt her stare fix on me, I just looked out over the edge of the hill. Stuck in a void of my own thoughts, now I really couldn't focus. Anna stood up and attempted to walk away, but I unconsciously grabbed her wrist.

Without looking her in her eyes, I stood up, still with her wrist in my grasp. She looked up at me and sighed, I closed my eyes and took a leap at a sin that I could never take back. I felt her surprised expression fade as she melted and softened to my touch. I held her, i began getting that feeling I've felt since she began to stay at my place.

It couldn't be true, could it? But here I am holding this princess by the wrist and taking the only first she can get for this.

My eyes opened and I pulled away. Looked down at the grass and sighed," I can't say I didn't enjoy it, but I'm not stable enough for this. One wrong move and I could seriously hurt you."

Her eyes glistened, you could see the night sky stars twinkling in the dark pupils." What does that mean? You're right here directly in front of me and you aren't hurting me now. What makes you think you might hurt me later?"

I let go of her wrist." Because it's happened before, I got attached to someone and hurt them, badly. I'm a monster hidden in a den that says keep out, and people just don't try to get in. But you.....you just walked in without any acknowledgement of my boundaries, or the capability of the power I hold. I don't want to hurt you," I sighed and looked away. " You might as well cut ties with me now, before I get unstable and end up destroying the town." I walk down the way we came giving room to separate us. I could hear her footsteps, soft and light. I wish I could show her but it's just not possible, not now anyways.

We got home and I unlocked the door then walked down the front path, to the river. I looked into the clear water and saw some tadpoles swimming along the bank.

Am I stable for this?

The beast in my head says no, but these feelings are pounding in my chest and they're screaming yes!

As I sat there it reminded me of the conversation I had with Tyler just before Anna came through the hallway.
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~present day, 6 hours earlier.

I was sitting on the couch trying to plan out my day, well whether I wanted to go on a horse ride or not. My brother, came through the room and leaned against the counter.

"So when are you gonna tell her?" I looked at him confused.

"Tell who, what?" Although I knew what he was talking about, i didn't want to make that obvious.

He sighed then walked closer." Tell Anna about the thing? And the reason why you can't be with her?" He nudged my shoulder.

"No i'm not telling her because i don't like her like that," I stated. 

I could tell that he didn't believe me. Tyler just raised an eyebrow and hummed, then moved to sit next to me. I was already having trouble deciphering my feelings, i definitely don't need him adding onto the stress.   

"Dude, you like her. You've never looked at anyone the way you look at her." My brother stated.

There couldn't be any possible way she was part of the royal family, I hate the royal family. But this past week has been different, have I had a change of heart? No? Yes? Maybe? Damn why does she make me question how i feel, not just about her but about everything else I feel so strongly about.

I looked at my hands then sighed and returned my vision back on my brother. "What if I do?"

Tyler looked at me and smiled, then lost it and sighed." well, you can't really do anything. She's the princess, she can't be in a relationship like that. And you know it." He grabbed my hand. " if you like or even love her you need to let her free. Speaking of which while you two were in the woods a messenger came to look for her. He said that most of the suitors are at the castle and the king wanted them to formally meet her. His royal highness is holding a ball and wished for you and her to attend to do so. Tomorrow night you both will be going to the palace freshen up and get ready for the ball the night after." 

  Let her go? How the hell could i do that? Whoa, i don't want to let her go. I should get us lost in the woods and never come back, WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING!!?? Steal the princess!!? yeah i'd only lose my job and get the national guard on my ass. Tough choices, but a simple answer, combine that with a stubborn huntress and you've got a stalemate. Damn it!!

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 I was snapped back to reality as a bug flew past my face causing me to fall and almost stumble into the water, but i was caught by a strong hand, which felt very familiar. When i looked back i saw nothing, like i had imagined it. The hold was recognizable, like i knew exactly who it was.

A touch of softness came upon my cheek as a wind blew passed and i realized what and who it was. My mother; had paid me a long overdue visit and kissed my cheek to let me know she was still with me. A tear streamed down my face and  felt it flick away toward the bottom of my chin. Then i heard a whisper.