His Yasmina [Completed]

Chapter 26-Sorry

She watched him ride his horse in the distance from the window of the cottage.

The smile Cristiano tossed back over one shoulder was almost free of strain. He might have been a carefree young boy, instead of vengeful prince of a country no one recognized.

Unlike some in his position, this prince didn't flaunt his rare selection of expensive cars.  He wasn't the type of man who found luxury in material things.  Here was a man, Jasmine reflected, who lived in a castle and reigned over a country. He was wealthy and yet it seemed the simplest things made him happy.

When she woke the next morning, she was practically relieved his side of the bed was empty. Her hands spread to his side to find it cold.  Which only proved he had been awake for some time.

Jasmine found herself relieved.

Their conversations were hostile at all times and the air tense, thick and suffocating. No matter the subject at hand, they were always open ended. They never finished, never solved anything and whenever something was important, Cristiano wanted something in return. It was always so claustrophobic that Jasmine felt chocked whenever they spoke.  It was intensely stressful keeping up with him never knowing what he was going to do or what outrageous thing he'd say next. 

Keeping her walls up took a lot of energy.  For once, she was glad she was alone, able to breath freely without looking over her shoulder or hear the next compliment that involved him touching her and making his need known.

When she dressed and left the room, she found a light breakfast laid out of fruits, cheeses, olives and a fresh baguette–with Cristiano missing. Eating no more than a few slices of apple, she had no appetite to speak of. She roamed the small cottage, noticing things she hadn't noticed the night before. She tried reading a book from the selection in the bedroom, a used one in particular which appeared have been read many times.  Many of the books were in Italian and Jasmine gave up trying to find something to entertain herself with. 

It was then, after growing bored waiting for Cristiano's arrival, she approached the front window in the living room and saw him on his horse, racing up and down the path.

He was an accomplished rider and must have been riding since he was a child from the way his posture was perfectly aligned on the back of the horse. His stance erect, his hair whipping back as he raced, she'd never seen him so carefree and. . .happy. He must love riding, she thought.

When he spoke of Sofia last night, she sensed his pain and love for her.  They were two orphaned children that had only each other after their parents died.  He was the sole heir to his parents throne. It was his duty and a great responsibility to continue the legacy. 

Jasmine understood the responsibilities that entailed. In order to be a great leader, someone people looked up to, one must rule with their heart and soul.  He had a duty to be a leader of the people.  It was his job to lead by example. He had to be fair.  He had to weigh the rights and wrongs and be a neutral figure even in his personal life.  Unfortunately, Jasmine noticed he bent the rules to his will, much like a tyrant. 

Although he had every right to be protective of Sofia and provide for her the best of his means–Jasmine did not approve of his methods.  Going to such extreme measures to ensure Sofia's present and future by force was not healthy.

But she tried to understand him.  Tried to understand why he would stoop this low to get what he wanted.  But Cristiano acted like a spoiled child that got what he wanted whenever he wanted with no regard of the damage he causes with his actions.

Jasmine shook her head and turned away from the window before he caught her staring if he happened to look towards the cottage. 
What to do? She thought glumly, beginning to feel weary.  He removed her from one prison to another with nothing to do but wait around for him. She felt like an ornament in a fishbowl on display.