Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 14

Hey guys! I want to try to have a more consistent uploading schedule and i'm aiming for like a week- week and half per chapter so wish me luck! If youve enjoyed this chapter please consider giving me a vote or leaving a few comments. - xx A

It was late in the night when Rachael shook me awake. I had retired straight to bed right after my conversation with Libby.

I rubbed my eyes, " Did something happen?"

Rachael shook her head, her braids flying.
" No, Theo just requested your presence."

Suddenly I was no longer sleepy. I had forgotten to ask him about tomorrow. The royal family was leaving for the festival. Now's my chance to sneak out.

I somehow found myself walking to Theo's door. My body had finally gotten used to all the hallways. 

I knocked softly before pushing the door open.

Theo was sat on the bed, his legs swung over the edge. His back faced me and he had his hands in his hair.

I averted my eyes from his smooth back. Why are all the princes so hot?

" You requested me?" I said kindly.

He stood to face me, his eyes focused on the carpet near my feet and I flushed. Please put on a shirt. He didn't.

" My parents are suspicious of you," Theo said softly. " They don't think you are what you say you are."

I bit my lip, " I don't blame them. But Theo, the barrier opens in the morning. If I could just sneak out with you-"

He cut me off, " That's not a good idea. The barrier opens just enough for the royal family. You'll be caught and then killed.

" You don't understand. My parents-" I stopped. I forgot, I wasn't Clara Fae, I was Clara. An orphan, raised by a head maid.

I quickly retracted, " I call the head maid and her husband my parents because they've raised me." I don't even buy the lie myself.

I took a step forward, something caught my eye. It was the corner of a playing card.

I looked closer, Theo was practicing his speech. And from the looks of it, he never went to bed.

" Theo. You should rest. You have a big day tomorrow." I bent down and began to collect the cards.

His fingers brushed mine as we reached for the same corner of a card. I glanced up and was met with piercing green. I couldn't breathe. What was this? Did I develop feelings for him? No, that's not right. My heart isn't even beating that fast, my palms aren't sweaty-

He looked back down and pushed the card towards me.

My gaze traveled towards his arm and up to his shoulder. I quickly ducked my head.

Put on a shirt.

" I hope you know that I'm not intentionally keeping you in the castle. I would like you to return back to your parents and your home." He said softly.

Okay, so he did buy it.

" I'm sorry for arguing. That's not normally me."

I shuffled the deck in my hand and placed one down. " How about this one?"

It could have been the fact that it was late and that I was growing sleepier by the moment. But in the moonlight, I could have sworn, that I saw Theo cracked a smile.

**

There was an odd pain in my neck, I groaned and attempted to flip onto my stomach. I couldn't.

I opened my eyes, expecting to see the same ivory ceiling and bright windows. Instead, I was in Theo's room.

I jumped to my feet and grimaced at the pains in my body. It was my fault for falling asleep in a boy's room.

Oh my god. I fell asleep in a boy's room. Not just any boy's room. Prince Theo's room.

This was not good.

I was about to reach for the doorknob when I stopped. Wait. I was alone in a prince's room. I could use this to my advantage.

Slipping the earrings on, I began to survey the room.

" Clara?" It was Zak. Our last conversation had not gone as expected.

"I'm sorry about what I said earlier. We're trying our best over here and Ian thinks he's close to cracking force field," his voice lowered.

" Are you mad at me?"

He sounded like a kid like he was caught doing something bad and was begging for forgiveness.

" I'm not mad. I just want to go home."

" I'm sorry Clara, things have been hectic around here."

I wanted to say I know. That Ian told me everything. How difficult the atmosphere had gotten over there, how guilt shroud the entire division. Even how you were in love with Lindsey and how you could never tell her because she was dating Peter.

"I'm in Prince Theo's room alone right now."

" How did you get in alone?"

I flushed at the thought of having to explain that I fell asleep in the Prince's room.

" I just did." I said, " Is there anything I should check for?"

There was a pause, " Check any drawers that seem to be left ajar, the bed, and bathroom. Do a quick sweep and don't linger too long."

I nodded before realizing how stupid I looked.
" Okay."

I ran my fingers against the drawers before finding one that was slightly pulled open. I wedged my fingers in the gap and pulled roughly. Why was everything so heavy?

My face warmed. Inside was nothing by neatly folded "undergarments." I dipped my hand inside and carefully shifted through.

" Are you okay? You're pretty quiet." Zak asked.

" I'm in the Prince's unmentionables." I squeaked, my hand reeled back once I hit something cold.

Odd. I push the stacks of  "shorts" aside and pulled the object out.

It was key. An ordinary metal key, it looked like one to unlock a safe box.

" I found a key." I flipped it around and engraved in the center was a plant. I didn't recognize it.

" There's a plant engraved in the middle. It looks like a fern or something." My finger brushed against the design.

At that moment I could hear the familiar sound of humming. Rachael.