♚10♚

"(Y/N), I need to speak with you..."

I fidgeted slightly, wishing I was as far away from this situation as possible. I still hadn't looked up, so I wasn't sure of the tone of this 'talk.'

"Come here," he ordered, but not harshly. I quickly complied, hoping I wasn't in trouble for disobeying the prince earlier. I kept my head down while now standing at his side, awaiting whatever fate that was to come. I half expected a slap across my face, but nothing came. I felt something sweep across my hand, and suddenly intertwine my hand with theirs.

I looked up befuddled to see his eyes were locked on my hand, making it impossible to read his expression. He lifted my hand up and clasped both of his hands around mine and held it close to his heart.

"(Y/N)... I'm so sorry for making you upset, I didn't mean to hurt you," He said softly. My gaze softened, appreciating the fact that he actually apologized.

"Thank you Adrian..." I replied unsure of really what to respond. He looked pleased as a smile crept across his face.

Phew... I thought smiling equally, but with more relief than happiness. I noticed he was studying me intently, so I looked away in slight embarrassment, but he didn't seem to notice. I wonder what he's thinking...

He broke the contact first releasing my hand from his grip, returning it to his side, as I retreated mine as well. Though we had ended the physical contact, we both remained silent for a moment.

I decided to interrupt the eerie silence by changing the subject to a much anticipated question. "So, why are the balcony doors locked?" I puzzled. He twitched at my question, slightly uncomfortable with my straightforwardness.

"It's to protect you, from falling off, since there are no guards in the room it's only safer." No guards in the room... noted. but what the balcony downstairs? There were plenty of guards. "Well, what about other balconies? There are plenty of other guards there aren't there?" I asked.

"As I said it's only for safety reasons, and that settles it," He repeated. I stood dumbfound, surprised at his sudden outburst when I had only wanted fresh air. His purpose was to protect, but what was he protecting? Someone from coming in, or someone going out?

"Alright, I understand," I replied, not understanding a thing. "I'm going to go on a walk, I hope you at least allow that..." I mumbled the second part was I trudged away to the door.

Surprisingly he didn't try to follow me, so I continued my descent down the hall, making my way to the servants quarters.

~♛~

"Come in!" chirped a voice on light-hearted air. I poked my head through the crack in the door greeted by a smiling face. "Aki!" I exclaimed.

"You caught me at a great time! I don't have anything to do today, heh. Well I mean with so many seamstresses there isn't much to do, so stop by whenever you want! Oh, right, except Monday's, Wednesday's, and Thursday's," she rambled still keeping her big grin.

"Sounds great! I can't explain how happy I am that you're here," I said happily while flipping onto the twin sized bed. "I can't explain how amazing it is that your actually princess!" She gawked as she leaned against a nearby love seat. "Speaking of! How did it happen? Was it super romantic and he swept you off your feet in the ballroom? Oh! Or was it all beautifully drawn out where he called your name, oh don't spare any details!" She squeaked, eyes wide in curiosity.

I chuckled at her childish nature. "Well, I don't meant to disappoint you but, it didn't happen like that at all," I said sheepishly. "Oh..?" She exaggerated and waiting for me to continue.

"Well... it just kind of happened. Well no, I did meet him on a terrace, but we never really did dance. God, I don't even know how to dance!" I cringed at myself.

"Wait... 'just kind of happened?'" She repeated. "You accepted right? Gave him consent I mean, signed an agreement, or even gotten a ring?" She pelted out questions.

"Now that you mention it, it didn't happen like that at all, and I didn't even have a say in it..." I suddenly realized.

"So, you didn't even say yes?"

"...Not really... But if you were in my place would you have defied the prince?"

"No...." Aki sighed. "But that isn't the least bit suspicious to you? Also I tried to take a walk through the garden on my break, but the guards wouldn't let me. What I would do to have your authority."

I went pale for a moment, mulling over what she stated. So not even the servants can leave... "Wait, they wouldn't let you outside either?" I asked suddenly worried.

"Wait, you can't leave either? This is strange... this is bad. Is no one allowed to leave the palace?" she addressed in a similar tone to mine.

I began thinking, his kind and gentlemanly manner was evident, though it was beginning to fade. Something inside of him was anxious, as if he were afraid of every move, yet his power was driving him out of control. But power alone couldn't do that, it's his responsibility. So what is it thats driving him mad?

"What do we do?" Aki queried, startling me. "I don't know... but I don't want to stay to find out. He's sweet, but strange. I can't read his expression half the time, nor do I even know his motives for wanting to be engaged to me so badly." I huffed.

"Wait wait, what do you mean by not wanting to stay and find out?" She asked curiously.

"It mean that's I'm starting to not want to be here, it's nothing but rules to follow, and I'm getting itchy when I'm around him sometimes..." I noted.

"Well how would you leave? Your a potential queen, and you can't even get outside of the walls!" She announced. "I'm not sure yet, but I'll figure it out in due time. I should go, I'll tell you if anything comes to mind. Farewell Aki," I proclaimed my departure.

"Godspeed (Y/N)!" She giggled which lightened the dense mood for only a moment.

I softly shut the door behind be and began down the hall. I glanced at a nearby clock stationed on an old Victorian desk.

12:50... looks like I've got a lot of time to do absolutely nothing... I groaned to myself. The only option I really had was to wander aimlessly throughout the narrow halls.

That and avoid the prince at all costs. That is, unless he finds me first.

Apologies for it being to late, and kind of short... I have a lot planned for the future! Stay tuned! :3