The Royal Proposal

Chapter 19

Emilia Ellis

"It's just a bruise." I admitted to him.

He looked upset when I said that.

"Can I see it?" He asked.

"No." I said hesitantly.

"Okay." He said. "Come here." And I give him a quizzical look. "I want to give you a hug."

I was hesitant about that idea. I still didn't like the idea about him being with someone else before he came here, but it's not like he's my boyfriend or we have any relationship with each other. He's single and can do whatever he wants.

"I promise, it's just going to be a hug." He said.

I scoot closer to him and he pulled me again for a hug. I buried my face on his neck and he smells delicious. He played with my hair and his other hand was at the back of shoulder.

"I hope I'm the only guy apart from your brothers who is allowed in this room." I was surprised and hurt by his comment and moved back quickly and he must have noticed my expression.

"You think I usually allow men inside my room all the times?" I was hurt.

"No." He said as he moved my hair away from my face and tuck it at the back of my ear. "I just don't like the idea of that. That's why I mentioned it. Please forgive me if you got offended."

I sighed and hugged him again, I like his hugs. It's gentle and warm.

"I can get use to this." He said and I couldn't help but agree with him.

"I'm sleepy." I said.

"Okay, wait.." he said and then shifted and I moved a little away. "Can I sleep over?"

"There are couples of guest rooms. I can show you."

I lead him to the guest room opposite mine. I turned on the lights and he scanned the room.

"There's toiletries and stuffs in the cabinet of the washroom."

"Thanks." He said.

"I'm going to bed." I said.

"I'll freshen up." He said. I nodded my head. I was lying on my stomach again and almost doze off when there was a knock and followed by footsteps.

"It's me." He whispered. "Can I sit here?" I opened my eyes and nodded.

Chase played with my hair while my eyes was close.

"Where were you when Cody called you?" I asked sleepily.

His hand froze and I heard him take a sharp breath.

"Actually, I don't want to know." I said to him and that's when I started drifting to sleep and before I fell asleep. I heard him say, "I feel so embarrassed.." but I slipped into the dream land already.

I woke up in the middle of the night due to the position I was sleeping in. It's not comfortable at all. Chase was not in the room, so I assumed he went back to the guest room. I sat up on the bed and rubbed my eyes and looked at the digital clock that was on the night stand beside me. It was 2 am in the morning, I put some more cream on my back with very much difficulty and sat on the window seat in my room and looked at the backyard of the house. There was lights on and securities walking around. The fountain was proudly lit and water was flowing. I like sitting here at times and look at the backyard. I rested my head on the window and covered myself with a blanket. I supported my back with pillows and tried to find a comfortable position to sleep in. I heard the door opened and closed quietly followed by footsteps and then someone touched me, gently and my eyes fluttered opened.

The only lights that was coming was from the lights outside and I see Chase standing in front of me. He looked worried.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm trying to go back to sleep." I said

He was worried. "Come back to bed." He said as he pulled my blanket away and took my hand and lead me back to bed. He made me sit on the bed and then climbed on the bed. My head was on his chest as his arms wrapped around me, but far away from the bruises. He kissed my head gently.

"Try sleeping this way.." he said as he played with my hair and soon I drifted back to sleep.

I woke up later in the morning feeling better than before. I can't wait for the bruises to heal already. It's getting there, but just a little sting once in a while. Chase was still sound asleep and I tried to wriggle my way out of his hold without waking him up, but he tighten his hold on me every time I moved and then I give up after a while and closed my eyes and listen to his heartbeat. I shouldn't like this, but I do. When his hold on me loosen slightly, I was able to wriggle my way out and to the washroom to get ready for the rest of the day. He was still fast asleep and I don't blame him. It's still 7 am in the morning and today is Saturday. He groaned and moved his hands around looking for something and his eyes fluttered open and looked around the room before his eyes met mine's.

"Good morning." He said with a smile.

"Good morning." I said hesitantly as I stood awkwardly in front of him. He frowns at me as he got up from the bed.

"What's wrong?" He asked standing in front of me looking down at me.

"Nothing." I said.

"You seemed tense." He said. "You need to relax."

"I am relaxed." I said.

He sighed, "Are we going back to before?" He shake his head in disapprovingly. "I thought we were progressing. I guess not."

He walked to the chair that have his coat and stuffs. He started collecting his things and I could see his frustration and annoyance.

"Would you like to join me for breakfast?" I asked nervously as I looked at my feet. The most embarrassing thing would be if he rejects my invite.

He walked towards me and said, "Are you sure?"

"Yes." I said finding the bows on my flipflop much more fascinating at the moment.

"Look at me." He said and I hesitantly looked into his piercing grey eyes which was searching mine's. "You don't have to force yourself to do anything you don't like.."

"I'm not." I said. "If I don't like something, I'm very honest about it."

"Good." He said. "I'm going to get ready."

"Okay.. I'll wait for you downstairs?" I said.

"Sure." He smiled and I couldn't help but smile back at him as well.

"What would you like for breakfast?"

"Surprise me." He said with twinkle in his eyes.

I grinned. "I'll see you downstairs." I said walking quickly to the door. He chuckled lightly. I hardly cook foods at home, but I like cooking and baking. It's just Daniel and David objects the ideas of me in the kitchen because they worry about my safety and my clumsiness in the kitchen. I was glad when I saw the kitchen empty. The staffs usually cooks breakfast around 8 am during the weekend as we have late breakfast. I opened the fridge to look for ingredients.

I decided to make avocado and egg toasts. It's quick and easy, while I was making that. Chase came down with a smile, "It smells delicious." And I smiled. "I hope it will taste good."

"I'm sure it will." He grinned. "Do you need any help?"

"I'm good, thank you." I said. "You can sit and relax... You are my guests." I pointed out.

"I want to help." He said as he stood beside me and watched me make the eggs.  He shared with me stories about his first time, when he tried to make fried eggs and he burnt the whole pan. He helped me at the end,with breakfast and I didn't want to admit, but I do enjoy his company. He makes me feel alive.