The Royal Engagement

Chapter 16

There was uncertain yet, excitable rush of emotions and adrenaline that rushes through someone's head and body when they finally look at a person in a completely new light...

In Amy's perspective; this was the boy who had threatened, tormented and frightened her since the first day of her arrival. It was so set that she would stand by her decision to loath him and his ego and power-hungry driven attacks.

So, how was she to react when she discovers that he wasn't what she had thought him to all be...?

 Was she meant suddenly cry in joy that she had found her long lost love and jump into his arms?

She couldn't do that... A simple memory can't influence such a drastic change on how she felt towards Pyro... But, of course, it wasn't completely ineffective...

"AMY!" his hot-blooded, young voice snapped her from her trance. Her eyes immediately led her to recognize their proximity. He was peering into her, arms resting on the edge of her bed to bring him to her eyeline – allowing an uncomfortably detailed image of his defined features: addictively toxic, ocean-blue eyes; smooth and untainted complexion; slightly tousled yet fluffy, golden, sun-kissed hair; and the erect puff to his cheeks that contrasted to his manly jawline, and reminded that he was but a young teenager.

A raw red blush blossomed on her cheeks at her inappropriate thoughts. She jerked back in fright to calm her flustering for the mature description of the boy. Mother and Aios had always taught her to wait until she was of correct age to be having these thoughts about a boy. How humiliated she felt to let Pyro see that irritating and impulsive flush across her face. He'll most likely understand what was visualizing in her head and think her unladylike...

Amy shook her head, scolding herself for allowing these impure thoughts to take control over her decent daintiness; failing to notice the playful smirk that irked the corners of Pyro's mouth as he noted her reaction.

Pushing back off the bed, he nodded to the doctor that observed them with evident annoyance; before finally piping up.

"As I was saying Princess, your arm wasn't too damaged by the attack and should heal in the coming weeks..." His voice trailed off into a sigh of fatigue. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he felt a surge of repetitiveness with the Princess' ignorance to the gravity of her position. And, like that, his self-control that was present, merely for the reason that she was of higher status came loose from his increasing frustration,

"I advise that you please heed my instruction for the third time and stay guarded inside the castle at all times. By now, Princess, you must be well aware of the danger you are in the position of during your stay at the Sirium Empire! It is not acceptable to be simply gallivanting however you please and ending each day with a concerning condition or injury!" The doctor's tone gradually progressed into more irritation and harshness as he scolded her like a child.

Amy's face fell as she looked away in shame and guilt. As much as it hurt to be yelled at by a doctor who had had enough of her accidents, she knew the severity of her situation and accepted the consequences of her immaturity and naivety with a silent nod and wince at his words.

"I am ignorant as to the boorish behaviour your untamed kingdom tolerates, but, your insolence is not a trait that anyone favours here. And, if you wish to prove yourself as half the Queen this country needs and desires, I suggest you stop this childish behaviour and act like the mature and dignified woman you are expected to be!"

She flinched at those two words, a sudden visual of the boy she had lost to the hands of her best friend re-emerging in the back of her mind.

"And, also-"