sorry for my unexpected hiatus. I work 7 days a week and suddenly my work became much more demanding. I will attempt to begin writing again in May. Thanks for your patience.
I stepped forward, my eyes locked with Prince Kirtak. Prince Van closed his eyes and made an irritated sound. He turned his head away and then got into the car, slamming the door behind him. “It’s with regret that I don’t understand the feelings of complicated women!” I caught the driver looking at me from the side mirror. Then the car took off away from the pier. Prince Ian stood before me, his chest rising and falling gently from his breaths as he regarded me. It was then that I realized that we were alone, the cold weather having ushered most of the other people from the pier. Prince Ian’s cheeks were slightly pink from the icy breeze and he gave a sigh as he looked down at me. “Thank you,” he murmured. My lips were trembling, but not from the cold. He took my hand in his and I was startled at his warmth. He led me towards the other end of the pier. The silence was thick between us and I couldn’t help but look down at my feet, all too aware of his fingers wrapped around mine. “I am engaged,” Ian said suddenly. I stopped walking without realizing, a sharp pain making my chest feel tight. Prince Ian tugged on my hand gently and I resumed walking. His deep brown eyes were clouded as he stared towards the water. I could see more people now as we were approaching the shops upon the pier. Ian turned to me and I barely managed to keep myself from stumbling into his broad chest. He looked down at me, his expression serious. “But I don’t feel a thing for her, and I’m sure her feelings are the same. It isn’t like…” He trailed off, looking bashful. “Your Highness…” I began. “No, wait.” Ian interrupted me. His arms pulled me close, shielding me from curious onlooker’s views. I blushed immediately, and put my hands up to protest, but he wrapped me into a tight hug, the soft cashmere of his sweater brushing against my cheek. I could feel his muscles firm against my fingers, separated only by his clothing. “It isn’t like it is with you…” his words came to my ears so quietly I couldn’t believe that he had actually said anything at all. Someone cleared their throat from behind Ian. Ian turned his head and gave a sigh as he saw who it was. As the prince loosened his grip upon me I peered around his arm and saw a man in a black suit with light brown wispy hair. It was Prince Kirtak’s butler. “The car is ready, your highness.” “Thank you Julian,” Ian said, running a hand through his hair. He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. His hand drifted to mine, as if he was afraid I’d disappear. I felt the heat rush up my arm and warm my chest. “Let’s go.”