The Prince's Gift

Chapter 2.

I made my way down the long hall leading up to his personal suites, pausing at the large wooden door in front of me. My life was about to change, and I wasn't sure if it would be for the better or not. Up until this point, the future had seemed so finite. I knew my purpose and that the day would come when I'd be given to another, forced to be with a male that I may very well not want to be with. It was my reality, and I had accepted it. But now, knowing I was being given to him, my perception of my future lightened just slightly. I knew he did not need me to fulfill his duty, but part of me hoped he would come to change his mind about me. I could make him see me. At least with him, I didn't have to leave the only place I'd known as home with a man that may have treated me horribly.

My hand knocked gently on the door and was met with silence. I knocked again harder and heard nothing. I reached for the handle and the door opened, revealing his large room. A huge wooden King bed dominated the space against the center of the largest wall in front of me. I pushed down the anxiety balling tightly in my stomach and stepped inside, closing the door behind me softly.

To the right, a sturdy oversized desk sat beneath a floor to ceiling window to the right of a large balcony, overlooking the castle gardens and lush forest below. I walked over slowly, my hands coming to rest on the handles of the balcony doors before opening them. A gentle breeze blew the deep navy curtains, swirling them behind me as I breathed in deeply, allowing the fresh air to fill my lungs. I closed my eyes and took several calming breaths. I loved the feeling of the wind rushing over me. Such freedom. An underlying chill coursed through the air. Fall would be here soon.

I jumped suddenly as I heard him shut the door harshly behind him. "I'm...I'm sorry your highness. I didn't mean to intrude. I'll close the doors. It just felt so nice out tonight."

I turned to close the doors behind me but was interrupted. "No, leave them. The air will do me good right now." His voice was strained as he spoke.

I took another breath before turning slowly to see him seated on the bench at the end of his bed, his forearms resting against the tops of his strong legs. I walked back into the room and moved over to the desk, eyeing the crystal bottle of dark amber liquid. I glanced over my shoulder at him, speaking softly. "Would you like a drink your highness?"

He nodded shortly, his eyes remaining forward. I filled a glass and walked over to stand in front of him, holding it out for him to take with a small nod, my eyes fluttering to the floor as I waited for his acknowledgement. He hesitated and sat straighter before taking the glass and giving a grunt of acknowledgement. I raised my head and slowly fluttered my eyes up to meet his own piercing pale blue gaze staring up at me intently.

"You don't have to do that. Not in here." His voice was tight and I could feel the tension beginning to fade as he took a long sip from his glass.

"I'm sorry?" I answered in confusion.

"I mean, you don't have to be formal in here. Not now." His eyes rolled before cutting away and I felt my skin flush slightly, unsure of what to do with his request. I'd never been casual with anyone. For as long as I could remember, I'd always acted within my station, never breaking from it. The Queen made sure of it.

He took another long sip and stood, now only inches in front of me before turning to refill his glass. As he walked toward the desk, my eyes couldn't help but take in his strong figure. His grey dress pants pulled tight against his strong legs as they moved against the fabric. The crisp black button down worked hard to contain his muscular back and shoulders as he poured more liquid into his cup.

"Would you like one?" he asked lowly.

My eyes widened. I'd never been allowed to have any type of drink before other than water or the festive drinks offered to everyone during seasonal banquets. Never alcohol. We weren't allowed any indulgences. Without waiting for my answer, he grabbed a second glass and filled it before walking back to sit on the bench. He sat it next to him on and took a sip from his glass. "Well, are you just going to stand there or are you going to sit down?"