Deadly

Chapter 14

Bennett and I walked along the beach, my bare feet sinking into the sand that appeared white in the moonlight. The sky was black despite the star's scattered across it. We were so far from the palace now, I doubted I'd be able to find my way back alone. He hadn't said much since he'd asked if I was tired, when I replied no, he suggested we go for a walk. I didn't mind the silence, but we were suppose to be coming up with ideas and so far we had none.

" What if you just have to kiss her?" I asked hopefully. He stopped to face me, his expression flat, nose wrinkled. I already knew his responce before he even said anything." Just hear me out! Most people don't kiss before marriage, it's looked down on. So maybe that's the answer."

" I think you're confusing my situation with a movie." He said. Shaking his head, he continued walking down the beach, hands in his pockets. " I'm not a frog or a Prince turned into a beast."

" Hu?"

He chuckled at my lack of knowledge when it came to Felicity's favorite genre of movies. " I doubt that's it."

" Would it hurt to try?" I asked.

His face twisted at the possibility.
" Please, don't."

" It's just a kiss." I said nonchalantly. " She doesn't even have to know. Just do it while she's sleeping."

He glared at me. I smiled in return, only for him to glare at me some more. We continued until I didn't feel like walking anymore. I found a nice spot and sat down, watching the dark waves roll across the sand five feet from me. My night gown was a shade lighter than the sand, the silk pooling around my ankles.

Bennett sat down beside me, the warmth coming from his body was welcoming. He rested his elbows on his knees, following my gaze to the water. " There's nothing special about a kiss."

I thought about my first kiss, a brush of the lips, a secret on the forest. At the time, it was the most amazing thing in the world. As it was happening, I believed in magic for the first time in my life. Even though I hated him now, that kiss had been special, it had meant everything to me.

" I have to disagree." I said quietly. Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes when the memories washed over me. I remember him reaching out to take my hand, running through the forest. " They mean something when it's with a person that means something to you."

Even though I wasn't looking at him, I could feel his eyes on me.
" There in lies another problem."

Shaking away the thoughts I'd been trying to lock away, I turned to face him. He searched my face slowly, his eyes filled with curiosity. My heart beat quickened when I realized I'd seen that look before. In the garden, when he asked me about my father.

" Someone hurt you, didn't they?" He asked. " Someone special."

My heart broke for what felt like the billionth time. He didn't mean anything to me anymore, but he had at one point in time.

"Or maybe it's nothing as intimate as a kiss." I said quickly. My mind raced with words and ideas to change the topic. " Maybe you just have to spend time together and it will happen naturally. We just have to convince her that you're not so bad. You can share your sob stories."

I went on and on about the variety of possibilities. Based off of the knowing smile on his lips, I knew he knew I was changing the subject. Still, he didn't call me out on it, he just let me talk. He listened silently, just staring at me.

" Did the witch curse you because she was angry?" I asked. " Or did she want to teach you a lesson? Because if we knew her reason, it could narrow down the search considerably-"