31

SOLEIL

I've always tried to put myself in the other person's shoes and imagine how they would feel in difficult situations - a little thing called empathy. I know Mark likes me and clearly Hailey's still hung up on Brice which is why I had been avoiding him during the dance. I didn't want to get caught in a compromising position again and make our dates look like fools but I guess I'm the clown in all of this.

Brice couldn't care less and I was his damned puppet.

He was making out with a completely different chic with his date only a few feet away. When I decide to give in to the heat and hook up with Mark he comes out of nowhere and knocks him out.

Who the hell does he think he is?

I swear, he doesn't have an empathetic bone in his body. Brice is selfish and I'm going to take a page out of his book and become selfish too. I'm claiming Mark as my boyfriend. It's been decided.

Even though it's cooler out here, I'm still feeling kind of horny. Things with Mark were getting hot and heavy. My head's a little fuzzy but I'm not drunk. I teeter a little. Okay, maybe just a little.

I need to get back inside. No, I need to get back to the hotel. I may be playing nurse to Mark's broken nose - a sexy nurse.

Focus Soleil!

"Does he know we've been sharing a bed for weeks?" Brice counters.

Of course not. We'd have gotten in trouble if the school caught us.

I'm sure he knows that but he doesn't care, and I don't think it meant anything to him if he's already moved on with some other bimbo. The way they were going at it looked like they had plans for tonight so I should probably make my own.

"Doesn't matter. Tonight, I'll be in his."

The look he levels at me lets me know he's triggered. Good.

"Do you like playing games with me?"

"I don't have time to play with you. I need to go check on my boyfriend," I reply nonchalantly.

"He's not your boyfriend!" Brice explodes.

Wow! Someone's pissed.

What I can't figure out is whether he's jealous because he likes me or because he can't stand seeing me with someone else. I dig my heels a little deeper in an attempt to find out.

"Yes, he is. He's good to me compliments me all the time, asked me out tonight and introduced me to his parents. That sounds like a boyfriend."

Even though Brice looks at me with a heated gaze he doesn't complement me. The only time he's taken me out was to Maverick's Manor where he asked me to tutor him. Otherwise, he usually just kidnaps me and coerces me into some bullshit. He's not affectionate or considerate. He's mean and touchy.

Pathetic boyfriend material, my subconscious adds her two cents.

"That sounds like a simp trying to get in your pants," he argues.

Argh! I've concluded he doesn't actually like me. He probably just wants to make me another notch on his belt and can't stand the idea of me with someone else.

Not even. He said he wouldn't fuck you, even if you begged, echoes my subconscious coming through with the files.

The memory pisses me off.

"Well he doesn't have to try anymore. He's getting in tonight."

"You're playing a dangerous game with me Soleil."

I've had it with Brice Le Roux.

"And I don't even have to beg him. He'll fuck me willingly."

"Shut. up. Soleil"

I won't. I don't give a fuck.

"I'm going to test my gag reflex on his big black cock."

I'm sure I've given him enough food for thought. I hope he chokes on it.

I spin on my heel and head back inside. I take a couple of steps when all of a sudden I'm momentarily airborne before I'm thrown over his shoulder. My balance was shaky before but now my world really tilts off axis.

"Brice, put. me. down." I punctuate each word with a smack to his wide back as I struggle in his hold.

Off course he doesn't listen.

I'm trapped upside down, staring at the tarmac when suddenly the atmosphere changes and that feeling of vertigo takes over roiling my stomach. When my vision comes back into focus I'm staring at polished tiles inside a well lit room.

Where the hell did he take me now, I ponder.

But that's no longer matters because I think I'm going to be sick.

"Brice I –"

I don't manage to complete the rest of that sentence as my stomach up ends itself filling up my mouth with the contents of the seafood dinner and all the drinks I've been throwing back these past couple of hours.

"What the fuck Soleil!" I hear him shout.

He gives my ass a couple of hard smacks and tosses me onto the cold, hard floor.

My stomach lurches again and I keep heaving until I have nothing left. I'm sweating and my world is spinning. I should be embarrassed but I don't have the energy to care. I just lie there willing it to stop.

I hear the sound of ripping material. The dress I'm wearing gives way exposing my skin to the cool air. I feel a little better, that is until I feel myself being dragged across the floor and down a flight of stairs.

I want to protest and I really should as my hips, ass and back slide down each step but all I can manage is a pained groan. I don't even have the energy to talk. Fuck alcohol. I'm never drinking again.

My relief is short lived when I'm picked up and tossed over his shoulder once more before being unceremoniously thrown onto the graveled floor a short while after. I roll over and dry heave. My stomach now empty but still upset over the turbulence and alcohol flowing through my system.

I lie on my back and look up trying to orientate myself in this new environment. The place is dark but at least its cool despite the hard, uncomfortable surface I find myself on. I can't get my bearings or focus as my vision continues to spin. I try to stand but my arms give out and I end up knocking my head on the hard ground.

I close my eyes and decide to rest for a little while before I try again.

*

I wake up to the sounds of nature - the rustling of leaves and birds chirping in the breeze. I will my eyes to open and find myself in a dark, enclosed space.

'Where am I? 'I ask myself.

My throat is dry and I'm a bit woozy as I sit up.

Looking at my surroundings, I'm in a cage - a moving cage.There are metal bars in front of me and wood on all sides. Based on the ache in my bones, I suspect there is wood beneath the straw I slept on too. I stand up on shaky legs and make my way to the small opening. Wrapping my fingers around the bars, I peer out of the square opening to find two guards on horseback.

"Where are you taking me?" I question them with authority I don't feel.

These carriages are reserved for prisoners and I am a fucking princess.

Silence greets me, unless you count the sounds of their flapping red and blue cloaks, the clanking of their steel armor and the even trot of the horses hooves.

"Do you know who I am?" I try to sound indignant. When that doesn't work I threaten. "Heads will roll."

Again with the silent treatment. I take a step back and rub at my eyes hoping that this is a nightmare. When I open them again, I'm still there trapped in a prisoner of one.

I look down at myself. The burgundy dress I had on the previous night hugs my protruding belly. The neckline lined in rubies enhances my swollen breasts.

The last thing I remember was having a private dinner with Merovech before he took me in his arms and spun me around the room as we swayed to the soothing sound of the musician's harp.

I blink the memory away and look up to find his crimson banner flapping In the wind at the top of his highest tower beyond the forest. It looks like a speck  in the distance but it's noticeable to the trained eye. I don't think I slept that long. It's still a little dark out with dawn breaking.

"You," I point to the soldier on the left with a crooked nose. "What is the meaning on this?"

He glances at me briefly before he looks away.

"I have gold," I try again. "Rubies," I revise, realizing my situation.

I will pawn the dress off my back if that means I can get out of this prison.

When neither of them respond, not even to acknowledge me, I bang on the bars. Wearing myself out, I take a seat in the hay. My bladder suddenly comes to life. This baby isn't making my time out here any easier. I stand up again.

"I need to relieve myself," I call out. When I don't get a response, I go for broke. "Hey! Did you hear me you bozos? The pregnant woman has to take a piss."

My tongue isn't as refined as Merovech's but it's a lot better than when I first arrived to this strange land with these strange people and their strange customs. However, I'm pretty sure they understand exactly what I' m saying.

The thundering of hooves breaks out and I hear a horse drawing near. I take an apprehensive step back but still catch a glimpse of the gold armor and crimson cape that accompanies this soldier. When he lifts his visor, relief floods my system and the corners of my mouth lift up in a smile as he reveals his golden hair and blue eyes.

"Clovis!" I shout.

"My lady," he bows.

He trails behind the carriage on his white horse as the two guards falls back.

"Please, you have to help me."

"What do you think it is I'm doing?"

All of a sudden, I'm confused. What does he mean?

"Why am I in here? Where are they taking me?" I ask.

"We needed to get you out of the castle and to safety."

"I'm being held and treated like a prisoner! What changed? What have I done wrong?"

"It's the only way we could transport you without drawing attention. Imagine if we put you in a royal carriage."

"Okay, but why didn't Merovech speak to me about this beforehand. Why is he sending me away?" My eyes well up with tears."He never said goodbye. Does he  not want us anymore?"  I ask barely above a whisper.

"Draw your horses," Clovis' voice rings loud into the dawn bringing the procession to a halt.

He dismounts his horse and takes off the key  attached to the chain around his neck. When he opens the doors, I don't know what to do with myself in the freedom presented. I'm so far away from home and now miles away from the man I love - the man I thought loved me.

I stand there at a loss looking at Clovis. He picks me up and settles me on the ground.

"Don't cry princess." He thumbs away the tears from the corner of my eyes. "I never thought my cousin was capable of loving anyone more than himself  but you proved me wrong. You know the king. He can never show any sign of weakness and you are most certainly his weakness - you and his heir. Now, did you really need to relieve yourself or were you just hollering for attention?"

I nod my head in both understanding of Merovech and to his question.

"I am quite pressed," I manage to say.

He ushers me to the side of the road and a few feet into the bushes allowing me some privacy. I walk a little further on thinking about my future and my baby without my husband.

I lift my dress and drop the undergarments hating how much clothing is worn by these people. Don't even get me started on the cold. After a few minutes, I'm done and redressing. As I'm making my way back I hear a commotion happening around our procession.

Despite my common sense telling me to hang back, I push past precaution and hurry forward.

"Go back princess and stay hidden," orders Clovis as he drops the visor of his helmet and draws his sword for battle.

I take a few steps back and cower behind a wide tree bark hoping that everything will be alright and we'll make it out of here alive. Hoping we can head back to the castle.

Clovis / Hidde

2023 / 12 / 15

WC: 2148

Hi friends and fans! I have some good news and bad news.

Let's get the bad out of the way - Wattpad is the last place I will be updating this story. Expect delayed updates.

Good news - I will be moving over to REAM where you can read ahead on the story. The next part is already up for FREE. All you have to do is sign up and follow me. I've put the link in my bio.

I initially had two timelines planned for this story but a third one popped up. This love story is a little complicated but all will be revealed on this epic journey. Things are about to heat up.

See you on the other side ;)