Secrets Of The Heart

Chapter 3. Princes and Hearts

Chapter 3. Princes and Hearts
Arabelle Jean's Chambers
Grand Palace London
December 25th, 1886
Arabelle Jean

    I sat curled up on my window seat, my chin resting on my knees. Snowflakes scattered themselves around the gardens, blanketing the ground with a delicate white. The sun beamed at the snow, causing it to sparkle and shine at my frosty window. It was almost too bright to look at, but yet, I couldn't bring myself to look away. It was Christmas day, after all, it seemed I might be spending it alone. For two years now I've spent holidays alone since my mother was most assuredly the best maid in the palace. Nobles were always recruiting her help during the holidays. I've gotten used to the silence, but loneliness still aches in the depths of my heart. Winter was my father's favorite time of year; it made for a rather difficult time for me now that he is gone. However, winter still proceeds to exceed every other season with its glorious beauty.

    I continued to sit on my window seat, thinking as I watch the flakes cascade down from the sky. Usually I would journal in my diary, but at this precise moment I want to enjoy the scenery. The evergreen trees never look more green than they do in winter. All the white against the dark green accents it's true color and beauty. I've always been oddly intrigued by the forest, however, I've refrained from entering it myself. I've heard many rumors that things in the forest should remain unseen and the forest itself should remain unentered.

As I peered from the window, I am able to see the shadows lurking within the trees. Perhaps it may just be my mind playing silly tricks on my eyes, or something is really out there, waiting to be discovered. Either way, I like my cozy fire and blankets too much to waltz into unknown dangers.

    A knock on my door causes me to jump on my seat, my heartbeat accelerating for a brief second. I quickly shoot off of the bench and to the door.

    "Peter?"

    Peter shows me a breathtaking smile. "Indeed. You might just want to close your mouth, wouldn't want any flies rotting up that pretty face of yours now would we, darling?" I roll my eyes at his preposterous statement.

    "What exactly are you doing here?" I quiz curiously.

    "Isn't it plainly obvious?" He quirks a brow but proceeds, "I'm here to entertain you on this lovely Christmas day!" He steps into my chambers, purposefully caging me against the wall before stepping fully inside. I quickly glance around to make sure no one watched as he entered, before closing the door. Be still my beating heart.

    "Peter, not that I'm not delighted to be accompanied by you, but why exactly are you here?" I question. Of course I'm more than delighted to see him, but I wonder why he is here with me instead of his family.

Peter sighs heavily. "A royal family isn't always a family, Arabelle Jean." I nod and suppress the urge to push him further on the topic, locking away my curiosity until he is able to divulge the information.

Peter sits in a chair besides my bed, moving the blanket and pillow for his own comfort. It takes him almost a full minute until he is situated comfortably in my chair.

    "Please, do make yourself at home." I mumble under my breath. It doesn't go unheard by him because he shoots me a mischievous smile. I shake my head but find myself giggling all the same. I return to my original position on my bench and gaze out the window furthermore.

I can feel his eyes on me, studying me with great detail. His unwavering gaze is enough to jolt my heart beat erratically. It's unsettling being so almost completely naked in ones eye, clothing or not, stares can go deeper than the surface. I'm not sure I like the feeling yet.