Nikita
“You are a very naughty princess.” Hilary sat next to me on my bed as my eyes widened innocently.
“I saw that near kiss with Samuel in the forest.” She gasped and smiled when I blushed.
“I also saw that stupid oaf interrupt it. I dearly hope you do not hurt him. Let big sister handle that.” She winked and walked over to the door.
I followed her out, going downstairs. Samuel was giving Ryker a tour.
“Oh hello. Second beauty. One for each, eh Sammy?” Ryker teased, staring at Hilary as she went into the kitchen.
“Ryker, are you hungry? I imagine your ride here was long and tiring.” I offered, gesturing to the wooden table in the kitchen.
“And she has manners. I like this girl a lot.” Ryker muttered at Samuel as they followed me into the room.
“Nikita, darling, your father wishes for me to tell you he is fine and thinking of you and Hilary all through his days.” June smiled and patted my shoulder before setting bowls of warm soup and a few pieces of bread each in front of Ryker and Samuel.
“And what of you, my dear? Any lovers? Need one?” Ryker winked up at June as she turned a bright red.
“My father is awake?” I asked, smiling. She nodded then paused, eyes widening. “I want to see him.” I stood up and started for the stairs when Nathaniel came into the room.
“I am afraid that cannot happen at the moment, darling. Come. We shall discuss wedding details. You can have anything you want.” He grabbed my arm and started tugging me away.
“No. I want to see my father right now.” I tore out of his grip, glaring at him.
“You are a pesky bride. Fine. We shall see the king then discuss. Agreed?” he suggested, not really giving me an option as he nearly dragged me up the stairs. He pushed me into the room, shaking his head.
“Daddy!” I squealed, running into my father’s open arms.
“Ah, my sweet Nikita. Watch the wound.” He groaned as I pulled back, gasping.
“Sorry!” I moved away, sitting on the bed.
“It is ok, my little princess.” He took my hand and brought it to his lips then reached up to wipe away a tear rolling down my cheek.
“My king, I am ever so sorry to interrupt but I do need to talk with the princess.” Nathaniel smiled as he grabbed my arm again, pulling me up.
I stared at him, wishing looks could kill.
“Of course. Have a good talk.” father called as we left.
“That was not even a minute, you selfish fool.” I growled, struggling in his grip, which only tightened.
“You do not speak to me with such disrespect. You are but a princess. I am soon king. Do you see the difference?” He pinned me against the wall, holding me there with both hands.
“You would not be king without me.” I reminded me, pushing against him as he leaned closer.
“Oh Nikita. Sweet, innocent, naive Nikita. We both know I would have been king one way or another.” He tried to kiss me but I turned my head away.
“Come now, give us a sample.” He grabbed my chin and kept me still.
I screamed as loud as I could, kicking his shin. He backed away, clutching his leg. I ran right into Samuel’s arms, gasping as I looked up at him.
“Are you alright?” he asked, looking me over.
“He…just take me away from him.” I hid my face in his neck, tears welling up in my eyes.
He sighed but led me away, down into the garden. He set me down on the bench, kneeling in front of me.
“I really do not want to marry him!” I sobbed into his shoulder, clinging to his shirt.
“It’s ok. It is all ok.” He sat next to me, taking me in his arms.
“No it is not! That…twisted snake is going to be king and I cannot stop it.” I cried, sniffling.
“I’m sorry.” he whispered, stroking my hair.
“He tried to kiss me.” I admitted quietly, looking down.
“What? Why didn’t you tell me? You know he can get thrown into the dungeon for that or even hung if you wished to go to that extreme.”
I laughed into his shirt, shaking my head.
“I am serious. We could report him to the guards and they would take him away. Then you would not have to marry him.” he suggested, pulling back but keeping his arms around me.
I smiled as I rested my head on his shoulder, snickering.
“You are afraid of him aren’t you?”
“He is a very scary man.” I muttered, shrugging.
It was his turn to laugh. “You are so cute.” He brushed a lock of my hair back, smiling.
I froze, looking up at him. “Cute?” I parroted, scooting closer.
“Well…beautiful. Gorgeous actually. The most gorgeous woman I have ever seen.” he said as we leaned close together. Our lips had almost met when he pulled back. “I have to go.” He got up and walked away, leaving me there.
“You will kiss him but not me?” a voice asked. I looked up to see Nathaniel walking over.
“Leave me alone!” I yelled, picking up a stick. It was not the best weapon but it was my only option at the moment
He grabbed my wrist and backed me up until I hit the fountain.
“No one can hear you out here. That is the most wonderful part of this garden. You can scream all you want but no guard will come to your aid. Now, tilt your chin back and be a good girl.” He bent down to bite my neck, pinning me to the fountain.
I screamed and pushed him away, fumbling for my stick.
He threw me to the ground, growling. I looked up at him, trembling as he knelt down beside me.
“You make this so difficult! Now I get to have a little bit of fun.”
Dun, dun, DUN!
