Beyond The Realms

Chapter 37

I have a storm of butterflies in my stomach .

When I see Prince Ruslan in his armour riding ahead of his troop on the majestic battle steed through the open gates of the fort the sight of him makes me feel giddy inside .

He seems tired and his silver hair appear longer than before,
the harshness of the days battling has taken its toll on him as there is weariness in his eyes but even it cannot dampen how handsome he looks.

Maybe I will always feel breathless when I see him like I did the first time when I saw him.

He gets off his horse as one of the stable boys runs forward to attend to the proud brown steed leading him to the stables by its reins .

Prince Ruslan gives a departing pat to his horse before he enters the courtyard on foot where those who would greet him have gathered .

It includes Ghazanfar , the commander who had returned a couple of days ago after successfully ending an uprising , Jabeen ,
Khsjc because he is the head of royal guards and I.

I'm at the end , intentionally choosing to be the last person because I feel excited as well as nervous.

The Commander and Prince share a handshake that symbolizes respect and friendship " I'm not surprised to see you " The commander says clasping his hand
" I knew a little rebellion like that wouldn't have harmed you "

" Likewise , My friend " The Prince replies and the commander grins.

He moves towards Jabeen and extends his hand in the proper courtly way it should be towards those he considers as his friends or family .
" Always the proper boring Prince " Jabeen smacks his hand away and throws her arms around him the Prince looks shocked and probably a little suffocated too because Jabeen is hugging him too tight.

It is a hilarious sight
" It's great to see you again Ruslan ! And alive and breathing !"

" Thank you " The prince says as she finally unwraps her arms from around him.

It's not clear if he is thanking her for her welcoming words or for releasing him from her chokehold.

He moves towards Khsjc and they both share a bow , Ruslan's is more like a slight tilt of head as is the royal way .

My heart is thumping because I'm next .What does he consider me as ?

Will we clasp hands like friends ?
Should I hug him like Jabeen ?
My heart beat gets kicked into overdrive at the thought .

What should I do ?
What should I do ?
WHAT .SHOULD .I DO ???

Every single thought in my head abandons me when I hear his feet begin to move in my direction.

Nerves and the giddy feeling inside makes me stand motionless like a statue and keep my eyes glued to the ground.So it is his boot clad feet that I see first.

Swallowing I slowly look up . And there he is ,
Standing right in front of my eyes.
Tired and exhausted from the battle yet every bit handsome as ever

The fluttering in my chest intensifies.

Our eyes connect his beautiful violet with my brown ones and I feel my heart pounding against my chest so hard I'm afraid it will bust its way out of my body .

And then.....he bows .
He freakin bows !

No handshake ,
Forget a hug .

He doesn't even extend his hand towards me as he would do to a friend.

He had bowed in that subtle royal way.
So formal and so cold .

It makes tears jump into my eyes but I hold them in and keep my face devoid of the hurt I feel .

But he isn't even there to see my face because he has already turned away with the others to get inside the fort .

Khsjc is the only one beside me as he asks concerned
" Are you alright , Princess ?"

" Yes , I'm perfectly fine " I lie with a bright smile on my face while my insides twist with pain.

____________________________________________________________________________

Poor Amelia is hurt by Ruslan's actions....

All those Amelia and Ruslan shippers out there , Do you think he was right to behave the way he did ?
Or Amelia is overreacting a little bit ?

Please comment and vote : )