Lightning Hearts

Chapter 2

As I stood by Fathers side, listening to the Prince, I could not get the thought of the blue eyed stranger out of my head. I did not know if he held a title or a place at court. He could be nothing more than a stable boy. I knew father would never approve if that was the case, especially because a Prince intended to take my hand in marriage.

Prince Chester was talking about his latest hunt, a bear, found in the outskirts of his father's kingdom, Airena. He was boasting about the bears head, which was hanging in his chambers, and how he intended on going after her cubs.

"I do not intend to come across as rude, my prince, but perhaps you let the cubs live?"

"Now why would I do that, my princess?"

"Well, because they are innocent and just cubs, they cannot do much harm. Please, let them live, for me."

"Only for you, my dear Adeline."

"Princess Adeline." My father corrected.

"Of course, King Sebastian."

"If you will excuse me, I am terribly tired and wish to retreat to my chambers for the evening," I quickly changed topics.

"Are you sure, dear? You've barely danced with any potential suitors."

"I am quite sure, Father. Goodnight, Prince Chester.

"Would you like for me to escort you to your chambers?"

"No, I will be able to find my own way. Please, stay and enjoy the ball in my absence."

The walk to my chambers was quiet and long but I found myself thinking about Elijah. The way his blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight and the way his voice sounded like a beautiful melody to my ears. I barely knew the man, and yet, his sad smile haunted my memory. If he was that beautiful when he was sad then I wonder what he would be like happy. How would his voice sound when he's been laughing? Or eyes when they are in the sunlight? Would his eyes sparkle even brighter when he laughs?

I had finally entered my chambers where I found my handmaiden waiting. She helped me out of the floor length gown and into my night dress. She left after braiding my already curly hair and scoffing at the lightning shaped marks on my body.

I slipped into bed only to find my mind occupied by Elijah once again. He was nothing but a man. I knew I was to marry Prince Chester but my head would not let me forget the raven haired man.

After an hour and a half, I could not take the thoughts anymore and crawled out of my bed. I walked toward my window and looked out. The final guests were leaving the ball and I saw Chester bidding them farewell, but out of the corner of my eye, by the lake the castle was built around, I saw him. I saw the man who occupied my thoughts instead of the boy who occupied my evening.

I nervously waited for Chester to go back inside his home and for the castle to settle into a quiet stillness before checking that Elijah was still by the water. He was. it was now or never and for once in my 19 years of living I chose now. I ran out of my room, out of the stone cold castle and through the lush, green gardens to the lake.

I stopped 5 or so meters away from him to catch my breath and admire the man. I stepped toward him and quietly said his name. His head whipped around, scared of another presence.

"Adeline! You scared me,"

"I'm sorry, Elijah. I saw you out here from my room and decided to come keep you company, if you want, of course."

"Of course, I'd love your company... but, if you saw me from your room, that must mean you're a noble woman! You cannot be seen with me. I'm nothing but a stable boy." He was rushing his words and looking around in case there was anyone else around.

"Actually, I'm a princess..." I saw his look of utter horror. "But, please Elijah, I just wish to talk with you,"

"I could be killed for this." His voice was shaky, and I knew he was right. if Father knew, Elijah's head would be hanging right next to the mother bears.

"I know, but I will not tell anyone. I feel something for you and I need to know if you feel it too," my voice shook at the reality of what would happen if Father or Chester found out what I was saying to the man before me.

"I feel it too, Adeline, no, Princess. But it doesn't matter. You are destined to wed a prince and have a fairy tale ending. We do not know each other enough to risk everything,"

"I do not want to marry a prince. I want to marry someone I love, and perhaps if we continue to see each other, as nothing more than friends, then someday it would become love. I know the consequences, but please, I need to know where these feelings may lead."

"There will be no consequences for you, except a scolding! My life would be on the line if we continue to see each other. You are a princess, you have no experience in the real world. And, quite honestly, I do not know you well enough to risk my life for a love that may never bloom."

"Then meet me halfway. Make my acquaintance and get to know me,"

I saw the look of hesitation in his eyes. The cogs in his head were spinning, trying to come to a conclusion.

"If that is what the princess wishes." I was about to fight that statement when I saw the smirk that graced his lips.

I smiled happily, "Yes, that is what the princess wishes."

We spent the night sitting by the water, smiling and laughing at jokes the other made. When I got cold he wrapped me in his coat, and then in his arms when my teeth did not stop chattering.

When the sun began to rise, I knew I had to leave. Father would have a fit if I was not in my chambers when it was time for breakfast. Elijah walked me to the castles doors and pecked my cheek softly.

"Have a good day, Adeline."

"Do not miss me too much, Eli," I laughed softly.

He chuckled as he walked away, shaking his head at what I had said.

And just like that, I knew my books lied about love.