A Crown of Thorns

Deep Talks and Neck Kisses

Andy's POV.

I don't know why I went into the woods when he told me not to, but something about them made me want to. It could've been the fact that Ryan forbade it, or maybe it was the way it seemed so inviting. Something about the way it was so bright compared to the rest of the area.

Without thinking, the woods had my horse inevitably going towards it. It was pretty all of the wild Spanish carnations in full bloom, the grass slightly greener, and the trees. The trees were the prettiest part. All in full bloom. Fully green and small flower buds on them. I quickly got lost In the sight slowly riding down the path admiring the view.

But just as fast as I got lost a snap of a branch brought me back to reality.

"Hello? Is someone there?" A shuffle comes from the bush. My heartbeat speeds up.

"Alright, cookie lets go." I say towards the horse, which perks up at his name, taking me slowly back down the path. Another shuffle comes from a bush closer to me. I whip at the reins making cookie break into a run. The feeling of someone coming after me is what forces me out of the woods at full speed. I didn't realize that a branch cut my arm until I was fully out of the woods back to the stables.

"Andy?" Ryan's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. Today is the last day we're spending in the summer villa.

"Yes." I hum looking away from to window to meet his eyes. Their soft and welcoming today, but for how long? I don't know?

"Are you okay? You seem very zoned out. Am I boring you with my king stuff." He chuckles softly. I smile to myself. Someday he will be my husband, even if it's under political circumstances I'm not complaining. He's gorgeous.

"Oh, sorry I'm just thinking." I breathed shifting in the nook of the kings study. Ryan had to clean up, so I had sat here to keep him company.

"About what."

"You." I smile then look back out the window. "And the woods."

He stops whatever he's doing to stare at me.
"The woods? Andy I know.."

"I don't wanna go back If that's what your about to say. I just...I don't know. I felt like someone was watching me."

"That's the reason I said not to go in there. A lot of rebels have taken refuge in those woods."

"Oh." I let that statement sink in. I could have been captured. I could have been taken. Why did I go in the woods when he specifically told me not to. My mind starts turning with all the possible outcomes that
could of happened.

"Andy?" Rye says placing a hand on my shoulder. I jump in response. "You're safe. No ones gonna take you."

"How...did you..?"

"I could just tell by the look on your face."

"Oh." I blush not used to someone paying this much attention to me.

"You're cute when you blush." He says taking a seat across from me in the nook.

"Oh, shut up Ryan" I frown looking back out of the window away from his warm inviting eyes.

"Wow, he used my full name ladies and gentlemen. And all I was trying to do was flirt. I must've hit a nerve." He jokes leaning against the wall smiling warmly.

"Well, you know that's kind of a sore subject right now so.."

"Andy...I didn't mean.." he starts placing his hand on my forearm resting on top of my knees.

"It's fine Rye we don't have to talk about it." I shift making his arm fall off. The 'us' subject has been hot cold and I honestly don't know what to do. One minute he wants me the next he wants me so much that he doesn't.