Reckless

Chapter Five

        Rapid footsteps fell, echoing along the stone path. Two sets pounding in a chase. His arms wrapped around her and she shrieked with laughter. He pulled her close and whispered sweetly, his breath warm against her ear. He'd caught his princess, and now she would be held captive by this tyrant of a king. She giggled joyfully as she wrapped her arms around his, then he spun her around so their eyes could meet. A longing in both their expressions. She reached up and gently stroked his face, his stubble tickling her fingertips. He grinned at her touch as his stormy eyes gazed through her glistening hazel irises to the beauty of the jewel that was her very soul. She knew exactly what he was doing, and she could feel his burning desire. No one could possibly want each other the way they did, and it was clear to see. They briefly shared a sweet kiss before they joined hands and continued walking through the maze on her palace grounds. He'd called off his engagement for her just a few short months ago, and she'd had the blessing of her father to take the place instead, and they were to be wed soon, without hiding. Both were overjoyed and took every moment to express it. They'd spent the entire day together, but when a third set of approaching footsteps reached their attention, she knew their time together for the day was coming to an end. Both turned their attention to face the approaching figure. Her lady in waiting, and her best friend. A fair girl with sun-kissed skin, maple brown eyes, and long flowing golden auburn hair.

        "Your Highness, sorry to interrupt, but your father requests your presence for dinner, and Demian's coach has arrived to take him back." the maiden said.

        She sighed in melancholy. Every moment away from her sweet king was like a knife to her heart, though she knew they'd see each other again in a few days for their ceremony, she wasn't sure she could wait till then. "Thank you, Rexella," he said in turn for her, as she was clearly disappointed.

        He couldn't help but smile at her silence, as she always was terrible at hiding her emotions. She acted almost childlike and he loved that about her. He admired her more and more every moment as they all walked back through the gardens to the back entrance to the palace, where his personal guard and escort waited patiently, his stance firm and on guard as it should be. She looked at the stern guard and smiled. "Good evening, Arian. Make sure he stays out of trouble for me?" she asked him.

        He smiled at her and nodded. "Of course, Lady Zara."

        She turned to her beloved, and they embraced once again, the feeling a sweet symphony, shared one last kiss for the evening and then parted ways for the time being, though neither of them would forget the other, not even for a moment because they were each other's dreams.

        

        "Jacie, snap out of it will you?" Rachel snapped.

        I looked at her as I gripped my binder more tightly. She was a good ten steps ahead of me and I hadn't even realized I'd stopped completely in my tracks. She stared at me intently, waiting for a response, reluctantly I shook my head and gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry. I'm a bit distracted, but you knew that already."

        "What is with you today? Since you bolted from lunch you've been strange, like mentally you aren't ever present. What gives?" she asked as she planted her fists on her slender hips.

        "You'd probably flip if I told you," I said as I took my needed steps to catch up to her, then we continued walking through the hall and out the doors to her car.

        "Tell me anyway. Best friend here, I have a right to know. So spill." she demanded.

        I sighed in defeat. "I feel guilty. Cam and I never kissed, but I still feel it."