The Elements

Chapter Two

 "Hello, my love. Would you care to join me in The Crystal Gardens for a walk?" I could feel my entire family's eyes on me, and I knew I couldn't refuse his offer. Instead, I nodded glumly, lifted my numb hand, and took Clay's.

The Crystal Gardens were located on the west-most side of the palace, and were open only to princes and princesses. Ash had taken Fawn there the first time they'd gone out, as did Fox and Juniper.

I trailed beside Clay, wanting to die right then and there. Clay had taken my hand unexpectedly, and he was sweating profusely.

"Luna. It's so nice to see you again. I missed you so much," Clay spoke, leading me over to a bench surrounded in marigolds and sunflowers. He cupped my face in his hands, and it took every ounce in my body not to slap him.

"Did you miss me?" Clay asked, my pale face still in his hands. I swallowed hard, and knowing I had to love him, spoke.

"Yes, Clay. I missed you a lot," I lied. Clay smiled. He finally let go, and I folded in my wings as close as I could to my sides. Sitting on the bench, Clay followed, only he didn't have any wings.

Lenia, the Forest province, was the only province that was okay with their prince marrying me, a hybrid. Every other province had refused.

"Luna, are you ready for The Crowning tonight?" Clay asked, breaking my quiet train of thought. I nodded my head slowly, not wanting Clay to know the truth. The truth was, I wasn't ready at all.

"Lucky. I'm so nervous."

"Why?" I asked, truly wondering. Clay paused, looked over at me, and locked eyes.

"Because I love you, and I don't want anything bad to happen." I paused, let his words sink in, and almost burst into laughter. That was one of the cheesiest things I had ever heard him say.

"Oh. Thanks." I didn't really know what to say, my chest burning with the urge to laugh.

I could feel Clay slide towards me, and the moment I turned to see what he was doing, his lips met mine. My heart pounded out of my chest, rolled down the pathway, and slammed into a rock. At least, that's what it felt like.

I immediately pulled away, and I could see the confusion and hurt in Clay's eyes.

"What's wrong? Did I do something?" I shook my head, and I could feel my heart returning to its normal speed. I didn't want this to happen. Clay was less of a jerk than what I thought he was, and I had hurt him. Bad.

"I-it's nothing," I replied quickly. "I just...was taken by surprise, that's all. I've been really worked up about The Crowning, and I'm actually really nervous." I knew I was rambling, but I needed to forget the kiss.

Clay nodded, silent.

"Look, Clay-"

"No I get it. It's fine. You're overworked, and I understand." I breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn't tell that I didn't like him. Thank the Elven Gods.

Clay stood up, and held his hand out to me. I took it, and he pulled me off the wooden bench.

"Princess Luna," he bowed, smiling. I forced a smile back, and curtsied.

"Prince Clay. I will see you tonight." Clay gave me a peck on the cheek, and we both went our separate ways; Clay to his room in the right wing, and me to my room on the left wing.

When I finally made it to my dark purple and green-studded room, my mind was still confused about what had just happened. I was about to lay down on my bed when I noticed someone was already sitting there. Their back was to me and the door, and I could see that they had no wings, meaning it wasn't one of my brothers.