The Prince's Gift

Chapter 8.

*Photo: Example of the Queen's mark (left), Braelyn (right)

The next morning, the sun filled the room and a slow smile crept up my lips. Memories from the night before flooded my mind and I couldn't help but reach behind me, my hand searching for Zane. My heart stalled as my hand felt nothing but cold empty sheets. He wasn't there. My heart quickly dropped at the thought of his absence. Maybe he regretted it. Maybe he regretted being with me. I sat up, looking around the empty room. He wasn't here. My eyes caught a flicker of motion through the window and flashed over to see him standing outside on the balcony.

I exhaled slowly and pulled the sheet along behind me, wrapping it securely as I walked outside. The fresh air hit me and I inhaled deeply, letting the sun warm my skin. He turned his face to look over his shoulder and his tight scowl softened slightly as his piercing blue eyes met mine. His strong arm snaked around my waist as I moved closer and pulled me to stand in front of him, his arms caging on either side of my body as I leaned against the railing.

His voice was low and still heavy with sleep. "Good morning gorgeous."

I looked up through my lashes and brought my hands to rest on the sides of his face, pulling him in to a soft kiss. "What are you doing out here?"

His furrowed brow relaxed and he shot me a small smile. "Just thinking. I needed some air."

My fingers stroked against his skin as I smirked at him playfully. "You should have woken me."

He growled and leaned down to brush his lips against my neck, sending chills down my spine. "If I had, we wouldn't have been out here now would we?"

I laughed and straightened pressing my body against his and whispered, "You're right about that." I couldn't help the warmth that filled inside of me at the thought. He laughed tightly, but didn't fully relax or make a move. "What's on your mind Zane?"

He leaned against my shoulder, kissing against my skin before pulling away to look behind me, his blue gaze thick with distraction. "Just some things I have to work through. Nothing you need to worry about."

My hands seemed small against him as I pulled his face back to look at me. "What's your problem is also mine Zane. You can talk to me. I'm only here for you."

His expression hardened, his eyes looking away and my stomach dropped.

"Do you regret last night?" My voice came out low and small, but I fixed my eyes on him, never leaving his face. My hands began to drop but he grabbed them in his, holding them firmly against his chest.

"Of course not. You were amazing." His expression changed to concern as he pulled my forehead to press against his, rubbing his hand through my hair and breathing deeply. "I just...I don't know how to navigate this. That's all. Ok?"

I nodded and exhaled. He didn't regret me. Us. But then again, there was no us. He wasn't mine to keep.

His hand squeezed reassuringly over mine and my attention pulled back to his. "I have to get ready for the day. I'll be in meetings until dinner, maybe later."

I nodded and looked up at him, trying to hide the emotions running through my thoughts. "I understand. I'll see if I'm needed..."

"No. Stay here. You can stay in my suites until I get home. Anthony can get you whatever you need."

"I can't just sit here all day and wait for you Zane. I can go and check in with your mother and see where I can be useful." I moved to step away from him but his arms caged me in, locking me in place.

"I said no." His voice resonated with finality and he was not leaving room for discussion. "If you'd like to check in with my mother that is fine, but I won't have you used here as a slave anymore Adriana. The moment that fucking belt came off you that phase of your life ended. You're mine now and I say you're free to do as you please."