The Other King

The Other King- The Rules

It has been a week since the ball. A week full of emotions for me; I was so confused. "Why didn't I go with Walter? Why? It could have saved me from these guilty emotions!" I thought to myself. I felt guilty because Craig was right; I had blamed the kiss completely on him when it was not entirely his fault. I still felt that he had equally participated in the sinful act and so have I. His words had hurt me and infuriated me very much but he had only spoken the truth. It was hard for me to accept the truth.

That night I had wandered the cold stone walls of the castle. I found a room filled with books, a room filled with pictures, and a room filled with musical instruments. Some rooms were bare; no bed, picture, instrument or anything. I finally found a room with a small cot, that's where I stayed for two days, in that small room. I stared out through the window; it had a beautiful view like the one in Peter's room. I saw the small river over the hill and a path almost hidden by the overgrown trees.

When I returned to the front of the caste, the only place a soul could be found, Peter and Craig were out for the day. I saw Ana in the kitchen she greeted me with a smile, asking if I was feeling any better. Apparently, Peter had told his mother that I had gotten sick and that is why I had not attended breakfast, lunch, or dinner for the past two days. I just smiled and went on with the lie, I figured that telling the truth wouldn't change anything. When Peter returned he greeted me with a head nod and went off to bed.

I sighed and slowly got out of bed. Peter had woken up before me so I did not have to pretend to sleep till he left the room. I slowly walked over to the window and gazed out at the scenery. My head was blank; no thoughts, good or bad, ran through my head.

Slowly I got ready for a boring day. I was unsure what I will be doing today; or if peter was having me sent off with his mother as usual. The days I spent with his mother were awkward. I did not know how to act or what to say to her. I just sat there sipping my tea keeping my head down; avoiding eye contact.

I slowly made my way out the door and down the stair case. I looked around the hallway and found no one in sight. Another thing I disliked about this place is that it seems to be always empty. It made me feel as if I was truly alone here. I waked down the halls as I do everyday, I opened the door and walked into the dinning room and smiled at Ana and Peter. I sat in my seat that was on the opposite side of Peter; he looked from his plate and looked at me.

"How are you Amanda?" He asked.

"I'm fine, " I answered back. "I did not sleep well last night though."

"What was wrong dear?" Ana asked sipping her tea.

"Nothing, I just found it difficult to sleep." I stated.

The dining room door swung open and in walked a handsome Craig. I watched as his shoulder length hair bounced with each step he took; his blue eyes met mine and I quickly looked away. I did not want to talk to him. His words at the ball were true; I had strong feelings for him and if I were to continue to be around him I knew I would act on them once again.

He smiled at me and sat next to me at the table, "Hello Amanda, mother," He said with a smile on his face. "How is everyone this fine day?"

"We are all well," Peter answered swiftly. "How are you brother?"

I sat there silently eating. From the corner of my eye I saw him glance at me and answer, "I am well. I have been very busy exploring the lands. You have beautiful horses Peter."

"Is that where you have been running off to these days?" Ana asked him.

Craig nodded, "Yes, I have been sitting out by the lake; the stream leads to a beautiful blue lake. I wonder why Peter and I never found it when we were younger."