Runaway Princess

Chapter 8

He leads me to a small room, gently separating his hand from mine. I felt disappointment coursing through my veins at his action. I felt confused by this, why was I feeling this way when I just met him? I didn't even know his name!

Ellie is already seated on a small sofa, so I take my seat next to him. The house smells fresh and woody, which I find myself liking. The couch creaks as I slowly let myself fall on it. Elli is playing with his fingers refusing to look up at the furious stranger, who is seated in front of us on a leather chair.

"What the fuck were you thinking? huh? Please tell me, I'm genuinely curious about what the fuck goes on in your head. In what world did you actually think this through?" He yelled. Well, kind of yelling, I could see that he was trying to control himself around me but his anger still seeped through.

I winced at his choice of words. I was never a big fan of cursing , and I'm definitely not a fan of it now. 

Elli seemed to pick up on that and tilted his head to look at me and then sightly turned his head towards the guy, whose name I still don't know.

"Stop cursing, you prick. We're not alone."

That was very sweet of him, considering the fact that a few seconds ago he was trembling like a kid caught stealing candy.

The stranger looked at me, regret visible in his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I'll try to keep my anger at bay"

"It's okay" I replied with a small voice, getting shy all of a sudden.

He looked at me for a few seconds. I was really trying to guess what he was thinking, but his eyes seemed unreadable to me, unlike before. I was just happy I was able to keep my blush from appearing  for some magical reason. Not wasting any time, he turns his gaze to Elli, his eyes becoming hard again.

"Explain" He knocked his head towards me.

"Well... um..." Elli started out, but it seemed like he was picking his words carefully, probably realising he's walking on thin water "I was walking home from school when I saw her in the woods alone. I swear I had no idea she was the princess! But when I realised, I couldn't leave her. The woods are still swamped with the Rebels, I couldn't do nothing. You know what they would do to her if they caught her!" His nervousness had evaporated completely, which makes me wonder where it went. Instead of looking guilty, he looked determined instead and this change of attitude did not go unnoticed by his friend.

"Elliot, I know you seem to think you can do anything or save anyone, but you can't. It's my job to keep you safe, but I can't do that if you keep putting yourself in danger" He said, his voice laced with worry and exhaustion, like he'd done this before.

"Samuel, what was I supposed to do? If I let her stay in the woods her death would practically be on my hands" So, his name is Samuel. Interesting. Samuel. Makes me wonder how parents can choose such fitting names for their child.

Cutting off my daydreaming, I caught up in their conversation. I decided to stand up and stop them blatantly ignoring of my presence:

"Samuel, thank you for your amazing hospitality. Elliot, thank you for being you and trying, but I must be going now. Your friend is right, it's dangerous for you, for me to be here, so I will do you a favour by leaving. I'm sorry for the incovenience, Samuel"

I meant what I said. Elliot is the first person who has cared for me and I will not let another innocent person die because of me. My life is not worth anymore lifes. 

"No! Elizabeth. Sit down." Elli angrily pulls me by the waist next to him, making it impossible for me to leave.

"The second you leave this house, you're as good as dead. I will not allow that. You will stay here until we are sure it's safe for you outside"

Why is he willing to risk his safety for some complete stranger?

"You want to risk our safety for a stranger? Fine! But our deaths are on you" Samuel yells and storms out of this room, slamming the door behind him.

Once Samuel is gone, most of the tension seems to disappear.

"I'm sorry about my brother. He's the less gifted one out of the family" Ellie jokes and gives me a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

I laugh at his antics. I have to say, I totally understand Samuel. Me being here, is probably illegal and bound to get them in troubled and god forbid killed. I had to leave. I was about to tell him so, when he stopped me.

"I know what you're thinking  and no, you aren't an inconvenience. You can just stay in the house. No one will see you and you will be save" When he sees my protesting face, he continues "no one will get hurt, end of discussion"

"Besides, what kind of gentlemen would I be if I let such a beautiful woman as yourself be killed?" he adds dramatically. I just laugh at him. I think this is the most I've laughed in one day and it feels good so I try to appreciate it while I can.

"Elli, why are you being so nice to me? Why don't  you hate me, after all I'm supposed to be the spoiled little princess."

"I know what it's like to be judged by your parents' actions, little one" He said with a sad smile.

"It sucks, doesn't it?" I ask, not trying to dig any further.

"Like a bitch"

I just grab his hand and squeeze it, trying to give him some comfort.

"That's enough girl talk for today, Bethy. We'll continue tomorrow" He winks at me "But first lets get you cleaned up and find you a room. You are in heavy need of a beauty sleep, princess"

"Hey! At least I have an excuse for looking ugly, what's yours?" Which was, by the way, far from the truth as Elli was not anywhere near ugly.

"Damn princess, you really are a Heartbreaker"

YESS, once again over 1000. Don't judge, it's a big accomplishment for me ;)

I hope you liked it and don't forget to vote if you liked it, it would mean the world to me!