Forbidden love (FrUK)

Chapter eight

(From now on it is Arthur's pov, so I won't put whose anymore(only for this story))

As I got ready for the party tonight, I could not help but feel uneasy. Who am I kidding? I was extremely nervous. 

"Are you ready your majesty?" One of my escorts asked. I nodded my head signaling I was ready, and we rode off to the castle. The castle was not too far. I tightened the mask around my head so that it would not slip off. 

"We are here," the carriage suddenly went to a stop and the door was opened. I stepped down and was greeted by many who had no idea who I was. It was a masquerade after all. Once I made my way inside, the palace was bright as ever as people danced. Unintentionally, I was looking for Francis even though I tried not to. I only read one letter last night but it still managed to make my heart turn and my stomach full of insects. 

"Quelle fête, eh?" I heard a voice behind me. I turned quickly to see who asked in French and saw him. It was no doubt him, his noticeable blonde hair could not be mistaken just from anyone else. 

My eyes widened at him, feeling my heart beat out of control.
"Sir Francis?!" I stuttered my words a bit.
"I apologize. Have we met before!" He said unsure. He must not recognize me.
"Errr....no, but I recognize you because of your prominence," I smiled, lying. I had no idea what to do besides lie about who I was.
"I guess this mask isn't much help then." He smirked at me.
"I guess hiding behind a mask does not seem to suit you anyhow, Prince Charming," I smiled back at him. 

His face looked shocked and confused at my words.
"You remind me terribly of a man I know," he asked confused.
"Sounds like a marvelous chap," I smiled as we looked on at the people dancing. He looked at me, trying to study me. 

"What is it?"I asked innocently.
"Oh nothing," he laughed
We started talking for an hour, me trying not to give away my identity.
"Do you want to go somewhere quiet and continue our conversation?" I asked. He looked at me unsure but said yes anyway. We ended up in a secluded area far from the party.
"I had not had the chance to notice, but your eyes are very striking to me," Francis said to me. I looked at him stiffly. 

"Yours too," I smiled and touched his cheek. His skin was as soft as it was a year ago.
"Tell me, who are you?" He asked, getting close to me, too close.
"It would ruin the fun of a masquerade if I told you," I laughed. Holding his cheeks in my hand. He seemed not to care that he did not know me and was letting me do this. Or maybe he knew and was playing with me. 

"I have waited forever to kiss someone like you, an eternity even," he looked into my eyes, and I felt my heart pounding against my chest.
"So have I. Would you not keep me waiting," I whispered above his lips.
"What's a few seconds more of this wait? Staring at you would be enough for me," Francis held onto my cheek. I have no idea what I am doing. I should not do this. But it is as if my heart yearns for him. My skin aches for his touch once more, and my lips hunger for his. I finally pulled him into the kiss I was yearning for, the kiss I wanted. Once I let go, I stared into his eyes deeply—his beautiful blue eyes.

"A lot can occur in a small amount of time, so we better not waste it," I added, caressing his skin. Francis leaned into my palm in awe.
"I was wrong; you do not remind me of the man I know," he paused.
"You are much too loving," I stopped for a second, hearing those words. Short ones that still broke my heart.

"Then I will not only give you my love....but his love that he has withheld," I brought him closer and whispered into his lips before we locked them again. The kiss started to become more intense as I dipped him lower. Francis traced his hands up my spine and into my hair. I suddenly felt my mask slowly fall as we both opened our eyes to look.
Fuck, I am screwed. 

"Arthur?" Francis said shocked
"No....I bloody hell," I nearly slapped myself in the face but did not have to since Francis did it for me.
"What was that for?" I asked, shocked.
"You love me!!!" He yelled, but I had to gesture for him to stay quiet.
"No... I was just-" I was cut off
"So what do you call this?"
"I just wanted to see what would happen...." my excuse was terrible. I could not risk admitting anything. 

"So you wanted me but without the commitment?"
"Now wait a moment there-" I tried to explain, but he cut me off once more.
"No, your point is obvious. How do you feel, Arthur? But you obviously do not know what you have put me through, what I am feeling. Do you think it is easy to love someone like you? Hmmm?! I send you small pieces of my heart in the mail, and all I get is someone who tries to play with my feelings," he said, miserable.
I started to become annoyed. 

"No! Stop! Can you not see that I am trying to protect both of us? If I were to give in, we would be caught and go to prison or, worse, be put to death. It is... It is not easy loving you either. I am a king now, and I shan't go against my church to live out on a frivolous whim alongside you," I said sadly, looking down, letting go of his shoulders.

"But is it really what you want? The freedom you want to keep. Is it freedom?" Francis asked, cupping my cheek.
"We can run away together. To be together," he added hopefully.
"What you want is something I can not provide as a royal. To abandon my country is not what should be done. I came tonight hoping I could give you a bit of satisfaction after the unanswered mail I have received from you."

"Oh ....do not say that, Arthur....mon amour."
"I am sorry, Francis. But we can no longer continue this. I hope you understand my wishes this time." I said sadly, caressing a piece of his hair in my palm.
"Goodbye," I said softly and walked away, leaving him there. Speechless.

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Thank you for reading so far!!!!