BE MY PRINCESS- Impossible meeting

The letter

      The ride to Liberty was mostly silent except for Yakov asking if my wound hurts now and again. I was strangely tense the whole ride but I know my pain played a huge part in it. I might have pretended everything was alright so that we could get things done without Yakov and others having to fuss over me but all that is taking it's toll on my body now that I doubt I'd be able to move for a couple of days.

      It was well past midnight when we arrived at the orphanage. I could make out the figures of Keith and Luke in the shadows waiting for us. Yakov helped me out with a hand around my waist as I stumbled out of the car. Though I felt much better at the castle it was harder to even keep my balance let alone walk. The moment he spotted me Keith ran in our directions but stopped when he noticed something was wrong with me and frowned.

      "Prince Yakov? Why are you supporting her and why is she limping?"

      His voice had panic but he kept it low. I thought he'd ask me but it was surprising that he addressed Yakov.

      "Prince Keith, let's discuss this inside", Yakov's voice was calm and Keith took the hint. Keith scooped me up in bridal style and despite wanting to protest I knew it'd be stupid to do so when I can barely stand. He kept a firm hold on me as he whispered.

      "You better have a convincing explanation...", he tried to sound harsh but I could only detect worry in his voice. I just kept my hands around his neck and closed my eyes.

      Keith set me down on the sofa and sat beside me. The room was simple and not very big but enough to accommodate three to four people. Luke locked the door and joined Yakov in the seat opposite to us. The tension in the air was suffocating until Keith's low voice resonated through the room.

      "Now, what happened?" He had his eyes fixed on Yakov as he squeezed my hand.

      "It's my fault. She's been shot trying to protect me. I know no apologies could ease her pain or your mistrust in me. But I'm truly sorry", Yakov said bowing low.

      "Shot?! Are you kidding me? When did this happen and why not a word to me?", Keith thundered.

      "When she arrived at Sybil airport. Before passing out all she said was 'Don't tell Keith'", Yakov whispered gravely.

      It was painful to watch both of them like that so I mustered my voice interrupting them.

      "Keith, I'll tell you all about it later. Now we shall discuss the matter at hand."

      "Don't you dare say a word. I'm asking Prince Yakov." He pinched the bridge of his nose as he said. "Luke, treat her wound and put her to bed. She's out of this."

      His phrasing irked me and I challenged him. "No, you can't leave me out. Not now. I have most of the collected info. Not Yakov." I said coolly and his brows furrowed deeper.

      "She's right. I helped her find it but mostly it was her research and I know very little." Yakov stated as he stood up and bowed yet again. "I couldn't only protect her but put her in danger too. I'm deeply sorry." Keith heaved a huge sigh at that.

      "Thanks for bringing her back. I very much appreciate your help and your men's intel. I owe you!", Keith bowed in return and they smiled faintly.

      Yakov knelt in front of me musing my hair. "You've pushed yourself far enough. Take it easy for now and please, stay safe. I'll see you soon, Bella", he murmured affectionately and kissed my forehead. Even though he knows me only for a few days I could see that he cares for me and sees me as family. I felt tears prick at the back of my eye as I nodded faintly and he stood up.