The kingdom accordingly was surrounded by sorrow; of course, with respect to the late king. He was after all the King of Regaleria.
Despite the fact that the man was a power-hungry, greedy, abhorred human, it was his due right to be given credit for the progress and fame Regaleria had acquired.
Princess Lianne was in her balcony, sitting and staring at the scenery she had been accustomed to since she was relocated to the new chamber. The area was shaded by the length of the mansion’s roof as it was almost sunset, something that the princess was pleased about.
An hour ago, a maidservant gave her her afternoon tea. It seemed that the Head Servant was busy in the preparations for the next day’s dawn procession and burial of the late king at the Royal King’s Grave that she herself wasn’t in attendance of the princess.
When the servant entered the princess’ room, Lianne noticed her wearing all black, probably a decree to all as a sign of mourning. But even it was a royal protocol, Lianne was adamant about her decision never to wear the color for Garlow.
She deep sigh managed to escape from her mouth as she looked down to where a group of people lined up towards the entrance to the main foyer.
They didn’t look emphatic nor sad Lianne observed, but looked clearly plotting something.
Maybe it was their chance to apply themselves to the attention of the prince, who so soon will be the next king of Regaleria.
“Yes, soon…” she whispered softly thinking about that fact.
Five days had passed since she first heard the ‘bad’ news of Garlow’s death, but to her, it was redemption.
With no one to detain her anymore, instantly, her thoughts started to wander on the different possibilities of being free.
She knew she could easily leave the mansion. She knew she’ll not be hunted down by the guards. She knew that she’ll be able to travel to different places now.
However, oddly enough, it ached her heart upon thinking of stepping outside the gates of the mansion.
But why? Was she actually turning insane now?
She tightened her eyelids close and began to grumble in disapproval. Her freedom was almost within reach, why would she think twice leaving the place now?
Then, a flash of memory popped in her mind. She gave out a long sigh, wrapped her arms around her chest, and leaned back on the chair.
“Will you keep your promise?” Lianne whispered again, thinking on the man who gave his word of her freedom that faithful night.
It has been nine days since she last saw the crown prince. Maybe her plans of avoiding him were working or maybe because of the recent events of the mansion that took place. Nevertheless, after such an intimate encounter with him in his chamber, how could she possibly calm her heartbeat the moment they would see again?
That night of her failed attempt to escape from the mansion; the night when Ruen saved her life almost sacrificing his own, was still fresh in her mind.
She knew she had the tendency to be stubborn, but she couldn’t in her life let herself be wed to the old Duke.
She had never thought that he’d do such a dangerous thing just to save her. He’s the son of Garlow for heaven’s sake! Why would she let herself be moved by such an event? But, he did save her life, and forever, she would be indebted to it, even if it was against her will.
Her thoughts were cut off when she heard a knock on her bedroom door.
It was definitely a loud knock and a hasty one.
She couldn’t guess who was behind it, but she was sure it wasn’t the maidservants.
Upon hearing the knock again, she stood from her seat and walked inside her room to open it.
She was halfway from her bedroom door when it swung open, and to her surprise, standing in her front was the prince himself.
Her eyes flickered in disbelief. She didn’t expect to see him now, more so she didn’t expect he would come in her own chamber!
“Prince Ruen! Why are you here?!” she gasped.
“Good afternoon Lianne,” Ruen greeted and tipped his head down. “I know you value your privacy. Pardon me for my trespassing.”
She was at a loss for words. She felt her anxiety climb up, but luckily, she was able to keep herself calm.
“Can I come in?”
‘Inside my bedroom? Is that even proper?’ Lianne screamed frantically to herself, a cloud of hesitation filled her eyes, but he began to step inside, not waiting for her reply.
She stepped back in response wanting to put an additional space between them.
“Would it be okay if we could continue this conversation in the receiving room? My bedroom is not the right place to talk,” Lianne quickly offered.
Ruen could sense the tensed tone in her voice. He had already been accustomed to her aversion towards him, and he knew that today was no other different than any other days’ past.
Lianne was taken aback when he gently shook his head in disapproval.
She knew he was serious by the aura he had already emitted since his entrance, so she felt defeated.
“I’m… I’m sorry I wasn’t able to give you proper condolence for Garlow’s death,” she stated, wanting to mellow the awkwardness of the moment. She didn’t really want to say sorry about it. Heck, she was even happy his father was dead. But seeing as it was the only proper sentence to say, she had no choice in the end.
Ruen nodded. “Don’t worry, I understand it very well.”
She noticed him not wearing all black. He wore a white long-sleeved shirt over his black suit that accentuated more the mysterious aura in him. There was just a flicker of sadness in his eyes, no grief amidst the death of his father.
“How… How’s your shoulder?” she queried, directing her eyes to his left shoulder. She could feel her cheeks warming, being incredibly cognizant of their closeness.
“Fine. Actually, I am healing quickly all thanks to your care.”
Lianne responded with a slight smile, but she couldn’t contain it long.
“It was nothing. I am the cause of it anyway,” she replied bluntly, keeping her head down as if trying to avoid his gaze.
“Lianne…” he said, the softness roped in his voice caught her attention.
She immediately looked up and their eyes met thereafter. Instantly, she realized something. His eyes had a hint of real sadness and uncertainty now.
“I haven’t forgotten my promise to you.”
Her breath died out for a moment after hearing it.
“I… I know.” She took her gaze away from him and bit her bottom lip, trying to kick out any thoughts of doubt. “Then, would you-”
“Fulfill it?” Ruen finished.
She nodded albeit hesitantly.
“Yes, of course,” he continued. “You have all the right to be free Lianne. I can’t keep that yearning away from you. But…”
Ruen paused and curled his hands into a tight fist.
Lianne couldn’t dismiss the ‘but’ in his words.
“I want to protect you from the dangers outside my reach,” he continued.
“What more danger is there outside than living with the world’s most cruel man?” the princess retorted lightly, no humor in her voice. “So you intend to keep me here after all?” she queried as she stared at him with a mixture of anticipation and disappointment.
“I am a man who honors my word. I am never like Garlow. I… I just hoped somehow you’d-”
“I’m sorry, but, I… I ah, just don’t wan-” She stopped realizing that she was stuttering in her words. She took in a deep breath and answered once again, this time, plainly. “I can’t stay.”
She expected him to ask why, but to her surprise, he didn’t.
There was a minute of silence and it was tormenting her so much.
She tried to avert her gaze from him hoping that he would just leave, but Ruen let out a deep sigh and spoke, “It’s settled then.”
Although she had already expected his passive response, she felt as if her heart would break. There was no resistance, just emptiness. Getting back her freedom was harder than she thought.
She was on the verge of crying for no reason. What was happening with her anyway? He has given her freedom. He has kept his promise. She was now free! Then, why does she feel as if she was cheated?
“I hoped to give you a proper leave, but then, the procession and the burial will keep me from doing so. I will not be here for three days, and I know you are craving to leave the mansion; so, I’m quite certain I wouldn’t be able to meet you again when I return.”
“The sooner I leave, the better…” Lianne spoke in a coarse voice trying to hold back her unwanted tears.
Ruen stepped closer, erasing the inches that distance them. How much he restrained himself was nothing short of a miracle for he desired so much to take her into his arms, embrace her tightly, and never let go.
He just realized to himself what a fool he had been to actually make such a promise to her back then when he knew he’d suffer so much from it.
“Would it even be too much to ask just one thing from you?” Ruen asked, the honest glow of his eyes visible.
She was hesitant to respond, but the fact that he asked her permission made her feel safe.
“I am not obliged to do errands for you, Your Highness, but to allow your grace a final request, I guess, it would be enough,” Lianne said as if her emotions weren’t on the verge of exploding.
“Then…” He reached for her flushed face and cupped her chin with his fingers. “Let me kiss you, Lianne.”
Her jaw dropped. She could feel her pulse rising from the reality of his request. From the way he looked at her, it made her realize he wasn’t jesting.
“I…” she quickly answered, trying to pull away from his hold, but he, in response, grabbed her left hand and then pulled her even closer towards him.
She wanted to deny his request remembering the promise she had kept to herself, but he gave her no chance of answering anymore.
Their eyes locked.
He traced the fullness of her lips; the curve of her bottom lip and the plumpness of it.
The soft touch of his fingers sent unimaginable sensation inside Lianne. She reveled in it and even though it was her first to be treated this way, she felt no fear.
Once Ruen covered her mouth with his, that wonderful sensation even heightened.
She closed her eyes and felt his intoxicating kiss full of passion just the same as their kiss in his chamber, but more of yearning.
How had it fallen into this? She felt herself feeling defeated by her own beliefs. How could she be so vulnerable to him?
Her own musings kept her from realizing that she was already giving back his kiss the same amount of passion as his.
He pulled her closer, his chest pressing against her breasts.
She was surprised but realizing there was no escape, she gave in to the demand of the moment, keeping a single fact that this would be the last she will ever allow him to kiss her.
It was one single request for a kiss that had been long overdue for it had turned into kisses of desire. Every time their lips parted, she gasps for another breath, then plunges again to capture his.
Why she didn’t push him away was something she couldn’t answer.
Why was she responding back to his kisses, she didn’t understand, but to her astonishment, he abruptly stopped and quickly pulled himself away from her, hands trembling and jaws clenched.
There were anger and disappointment in his eyes which confused her.
Ruen was afraid. Afraid he wouldn’t be able to restrain himself. If he hadn’t stopped kissing her, he might not stop then from taking her. The more he wouldn’t be able to fulfill such promise.
“I’m sorry, Lianne. Surely, it would do you well if I will leave now.”
Lianne was still bewildered, but she knew full well the weight of the possible consequences if he would not leave her now.
Though she could still feel her heart pounding deep in her chest; her lips swollen from his kisses, she tried to keep her composure intact.
“I… I did not come short in your request. I am confident t’was enough..”
“True,” Ruen said lightly then clenched his teeth.
If only he could have done more than a kiss, he thought to himself.
He walked out of her bedroom, leaving her behind with a mixture of emotions battling inside her.
She watched his broad back as he exited to the parlour, feeling as if there was a deep chasm of emptiness inside her heart.
She couldn’t roughly reason herself why, but it proved to be something that brought conflict to her hatred towards him.
“Goodbye Ruen,” Lianne whispered softly to herself as she sat at the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the closed portal of her bedroom.