Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 20

Theo stood behind us, his eyes stared coldly at the blade and the destroyed flowers by my feet.

" Prince Theo." He looked almost shocked to see him and quickly put his blade away.

I think that was the first breath I had taken since seeing Darius.

" Are you threatening my maid again? Do you have no shame?" His voice was soft but his words were anything but.

" Your highness, Clara and I were simply having a conversation." Darius's words were smooth and sweet, much like honey.

" Next time, please have a conversation not in a dark area. It looks very suspicious, even for someone like you Captain Darius." Theo replied, " Clara, please come to my room, I have a task for you."

I followed Theo quickly, not even turning to watch Darius's face. But if I did, I feel like he would be sneering.

It's only a matter of time before Darius figures out who I am and executes me.

" Thank you." I curtsied but I stopped when Theo threw out his hand.

" Stop please." He whispered. He wasn't even facing me anymore.

" Do you not feel well?" I stepped forward to touch his arm.

" Stop." His voice was harsh and I stepped back.

" Why?" He muttered, " I can't stop seeing your face in my mind, every time I close my eyes. I see your hair, your smile.."

My heart skipped a beat, I could feel the heat rising to my face. Maybe a part of me had always known that Theo felt something for me but hearing it was a different experience.

" Even now, I want to be near you, I want you by my side."

My breath got caught in my throat. Your brother is planning your death and I can't do anything about it. I opened my mouth to tell him everything but I couldn't.

" What's happening?" He turned around and looked directly at me, his eyes were wild but he didn't break eye contact.

" I think that's what people call infatuation." I couldn't help but admire his forest green eyes. They changed color at night, they were darker, more intense.

Theo flinched and dart his eyes away.

" You told me that it's easier to be that charming prince for strangers because it's what they expect, what they want. But you don't keep eye contact with your family because you know they will see through you, you know you're not that prince they hoped you be." I place my hand on his arm. He didn't move away.

" But I don't expect that prince. I don't want that prince, I want you."

Libby's smiling face flashed through my mind.

"I'm just his maid Libby. Honest. I genuinely hope you gather the courage to confess to him and that everything works out in your favor."

I'm sorry Libby. I'm so sorry.

I glanced up at him, his hand had reached for mine and he squeezed. But he still wasn't looking at me. It's okay. This was enough.

He reached forward with his free hand and touched the top of my head. I leaned into his touch.

I don't want you gone Theo but what can I do?

**

The sunlight was warm against my face, I scrunched my face and turned over to my other side. Just a few more minutes.