Bride To The Alpha Prince

Chapter Five: Bad Butterlies

"Sometimes I feel nothing at all
Sometimes I want someone to hold
Sometimes I carry on
Just to stumble down once more
Sometimes I wanna fall..."

~

"Beautiful isn't it?"

The voice sends a familiar unwanted shiver up my spine and my heart to begins to race. I gulp hard at the intensity of his presence, for he seems more intimidating to me now that I know what he is.

I am too nervous to speak and I find myself frozen on the spot. I grip the book in my hands tighter and stare ahead of me, too afraid to turn around.

Is he here to check up on me? My heart flutters at the thought.

"I spent most of my childhood in the gardens, it was my happy place." He continues. I hear his footsteps move closer to me.

I frown at the tree in the distance as I listen to his soft voice. I almost give in and turn around until I remember all of the hurtful words he spat at me the other night. But sadly I also remember his face when I leapt into his arms out of harms way. He was relieved to see me safe, and it is making it hard for me to be angry with him after the way he saved my life.

An image of him on all fours shifting into the large beast-like creature creeps into my mind.

He chased the other wolf like no tomorrow, like his life depended on it. My thoughts leave me feeling conflicted and unsure whether to turn around and thank him or to rudely walk away.

Does it matter? This may all be water under the bridge by tomorrow.

"I understand if you never want to roam these gardens ever again, but once we are married, I hope one day this could be your happy place also." My frown deepens as I piece everything together in my head.

Is he being kind to me because I might cancel the wedding?

"Happy?" I scoff under my breath.

"I'll be honest with you. I fear I won't ever be happy by your side." I say in a brave voice.

It's not completely true but I don't see myself happy with his alleged 'mate' in the picture. I see a Queen who is hopelessly devoted to her husband, whom is in love with another. What a depressing story to write down in history.

"Why do you say that?" He dares to ask with an edge in his voice. I let a small humourless chuckle escape my lips.

"You're really asking me why I don't see how our marriage could work?" I lightly scoff sarcastically.

"I am sure you remember your confession from the other night. Perhaps not as vividly as I do, but what you said is quite unforgettable." My voice fails me as I finish my response in a volume just above whisper.

"Look I know we got off on the wrong foot. What about you and I have lunch tomorrow? I can come get you at 11." He says politely. I feel my heart jump in my chest, but my surprise soon turns to a frown as I look at the book in my hands remembering the Kings words.

'Just come by after 11am. I will be handling some business until then'

"I have some errands to run during the day, I'm sorry. Perhaps the evening?" I say kindly as I finally bring myself to face the man that has been stuck on my mind.