Monsoon, {h.s}

003.

I woke up to Anya opening the window, letting the sounds of chirping birds float in. I groaned momentarily, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes before clumsily climbing out of bed. By the time I had both my feet on the cold marble floor, Anya was already running my bathwater to which I was not only grateful but slightly annoyed that I had to be up to see the Styles family. I began fidgeting with my fingers, moving towards the bathroom. I couldn't stand to see their faces, let alone live under the same roof, for the next who knows however many days, or weeks, my father had planned.

Anya ushered me into the bathtub after I had stripped down into nothing, but instead of letting her help me, like usual, I waved her off and sat there. I took a little longer than usual, pretending to be really interested in my personal hygiene. I scrubbed my hair at least three times, then made Anya wait further by making sure I was completely dry before finally making my way to the closet. She dressed me in a blood red, floor length dress with lacy accents and a turtleneck that fit me snuggly. My hair was let loose once again, with waves and of course my tiara along with golden earrings to decorate the look. Anya lead me to the mirror quickly, hushing me when I began to protest then ushered me out of the room and down the stairs.

As I descended the large spiral staircase, I could hear my father's voice boom followed by King Loren's obnoxiously fake chuckle. My feet carried me down the last two steps, my eyes instantly finding Sam's brown irises - his face was set in stone, like so many times I've seen him while on duty. I wanted to run to him, wrap my arms around him and have him whisk me away to a faraway location. But that wasn't a possibility.

"Ahh, princess Cordelia," Queen Anne was the first to spot me-- my sisters giving me their own small smiles. I made my way to sit in the empty seat next to my father and realized I wasn't the only one late.

"Good morning," I smiled tightly before thanking the maid who set a plate full of food in front of me. Just then, Harry made his way to the empty seat next to his own father and beside Maeve who frowned softly.

"Nice of you to join us, Harold," Anne tsked him.

"You don't need to do that, Princess. All our servants know their place."

"Well, King Loren, some of us were brought up to be grateful for our servants," I picked at my food immediately, waiting for my father's reaction. Out of the corner of my eye, Harry was laughing quietly.

"Cordelia!" My father chastised me, as Loren gave me another fake laugh.

"All in good fun, Adonis."

After that, I sat in silence, picking at my food as my father and Loren continued to talk about business. This went on for a good ten minutes before my father cleared his throat.

"My daughter and your son, will be the gateway to greatness. With our kingdoms united, we will be a force to be reckoned with - our enemies will cower in fear and the world will see our empire as the strongest," my father continued, making my heart pound against my chest, "and it's rulers the most powerful in world. Loren, Anne, I believe this agreement will benefit us for many years to come. My Cordelia and your, Harold, will be Wed by the end of the summer."

My mind reeled, my heart pounded in my chest, threatening to jump out - my body froze and suddenly I could see everything blur together.

I ran.

I got up and ran. I didn't reply when my father screamed for me to come back. I didn't run back when the guards came after me. I ran until no one was chasing me and I was at the shoreline, before crumpling to the floor. I gasped for air, trying to breathe in the salty air but I couldn't. I stayed that way for Zeus knows how long, trying not to burst into a mess of tears. And suddenly, it came to me.

Sam.

I grabbed the bottom of my dress again and hurried back into the castle, trying to dodge as many guards as I could before running into the room that I had slept in. Luckily, he was there already. I threw my arms around him, burying my face as I let myself cry.

I sobbed, clinging onto him as he stroked my hair back and kissed my forehead. I couldn't stop shaking at that point, even when he whispered sweet nothings but after a few minutes, I pulled away to look up at him. And to my surprise, Sam was smiling. Not the ear to ear smile I've grown to love, but a small, sad smile. That's when I knew.

"You knew all along, didn't you?"

"Delia, please, I swore-"

"You swore to lie to me!" I yelled, pushing him away then hushed my tone. "You knew he was giving me away to these, these bastards and you have done nothing. And I understand that this is your price to stay on land but what's wrong with you?"

"Cordelia," he spoke sternly as I walked away from him, looking out the window. I could feel my eyes water again, tears threatening to spill. "There's nothing I can do. What am I supposed to say? 'Excuse me King Adonis, you can't marry off your queen to another man because I love her. Because she's been mine since I first saw her. Oh and I don't give a shit about royals marrying other royals.' He'd have me killed, then what? I know you, Delia, you'd do something drastic. This kingdom needs a strong ruler and you're just that. Our entire species would die off if their Queen dies. And think of the shame. Your mother would be ashamed if you hurt yourself to be with me."

"Maeve is strong," I shook my head, talking softly as an idea formed in my head, "She could rule. We don't have to tell anyone. We can run away."

"We can't go anywhere without your father's power, you know that."

"I know that. But you don't know that I can. I've been feeling my power build each day and I know that I have that power. I have the power to help us run away. I love my sisters, but this is the time to be selfish and Maeve can rule. Maybe even put up with that idiot."

"Delia, you're not thinking straight. Maeve would be miserable -"

"I don't care! I just want you. Sam, please, I can't be in someone else's arms!" I hurried over throwing my arms around him and this time he held me tighter, covering my face in small, desperate kisses.

We stayed that way for another few minutes before Sam pulled away, his eyes bright with tears. "When do we leave?"

"Now. Give the guards an excuse of your absence so that no one suspects it's you. I'll meet you at the docks," Sam was already nodding at my instructions then leaned down to kiss my lips gently, "Be careful."

"You too, my queen. I love you."

"I love you too," I whispered as he hurried out of the room, leaving me to myself.

This was happening.

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A/N: Sooo, it's not as long as the others but I really didn't want to give too much away. There's still lots to come so bare with me.

However, I updated, yay! I planned to do it a couple of weeks ago but work has been craaaazy. Also, it sucks when you have no internet at home. But that's gonna change next week. I'll be updating more and start on a new story. Er, two.

I really want to tell everyone what my ideas are about, but I feel like I'll spoil it.

I don't know, would anyone be interested in knowing?

Let me know! Again, lots of love and appreciation to anyone who reads this.

* I'll be updating 'Celestial' on Wednesday or Thursday (:

Last thing, do you think Sam and Cordelia will make it out alive?

xoxo ~ G.