The Art Of Thawing A Frozen Heart

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I could hear the small tapping of feet down the hall as a maid came to wake me. "By the virgin…" I muttered under my breath. I didn't want to deal with any of them this morning, especially after another hefty fencing lesson with uncle Pitch. I had bruises all over from where the sabre had poked harshly into me. With a deep sigh I decided I would at least have some fun with it. As the footsteps grew closer, they became identifiable as Juiliara's, light and staccato. I flipped myself out of bed and walked over to the window. Throwing the curtains open, I stood in the bright morning light with my back to the door.

(Juiliara's POV)

I took a moment to smooth my dress and tidy my hair when I arrived at the prince's door. The prince had been sneaking out before sunrise more and more often, so it probably wouldn't matter what I looked like anyway… but still. I knocked lightly at the hard, dark wood of the door and waited for a response. I looked around the wide hallway around me, taking in the magnificence of the castle. It really was a luxurious place to work in. I loved every part of it, even looking after the rascal liege. With no answer, I knocked once more, a little harder this time. I was sure it would be to no avail, but this was how things were done. You didn't give up on the prince unless you absolutely had to.

A few moments later, after hearing no indication that he was awake, I opened the door. "Prince Horrendous it's ti-!"

In front of me stood Prince Horrendous. He was illuminated by the light from the window that shone through his white nightshirt… and there was something I knew none of the other girls had ever seen before. "U-um! I'm sorry, y-your highness! I thought you were still sleeping. I-I'll go fetch a change of clothes right away!" I fumbled, trying to find my reason. Prince Horrendous turned around, a small smile on his face. "Oh, good morning, Juiliana. I'm sorry I didn't hear you knock. Thank you."

My heart pounded in my chest. I bowed slightly and left the room quickly. Reaching a hand up to feel the blooming blush on my checks, I found them hot and red. With fast steps I rushed down to the kitchen to find all the other girls waiting anxiously for my news. I leaned against a wall, finally safe. The girls looked on with wonder and curiosity and I was soon buried under a tidal wave of questions. "What is it?" "Ooh! Something happened didn't it?!" "You're blushing…" "What did he do?!"

I walked over to the small wooden table in the middle of room and sat down, fanning myself lightly with one hand. "So I went to go wake the prince up as usual, knocking once, then twice. Then I walked in the room, thinking he wasn't going to be there… oh but he was! You know that white nightshirt he's so fond of for the softness… and how it's been worn down by so many washings? Well, he was standing up by the light of the window and as I walked in and… it was just… there!"

I snickered quietly to myself as Juiliana's footsteps retreated back down the hallway. Well, that would keep them out of my hair for a little while at least. I threw on a simple brown and green tunic, one of my favorites, and some other clothes and headed out the door. Before long, I found myself outside, walking towards the stables. It was yet another beautiful summer morning, and the sun hadn't risen enough to reach its usual blistering temperature. Dew still lined the grass and soaked into my shoes as I heard distant whinnies protruding from the stables.

I made my way over to Toothless, a sturdy black stallion I had recently taking a liking to. His eyes shined with excitement and bestial anticipation for a run. "Morning, bud." I greeted him, retrieving his saddle and lead. I secured them tightly around his middle and opened the gate to let him out. When we had made it into the open air, I swung myself atop him, patted his neck, and wrapped my hand around a bit of his hair (I wasn't too fond of reins, saddles were uncomfortable enough without something stuck in your mouth). I clicked my heels gently into his side, telling him it was okay to go.