Morning light filters in through the bedroom windows, a warm breeze hugging our bare bodies while we lay in the canopy bed. Fresh air can do wonders for your soul, so we slept with them open last night.
Alexander turns to me, his blue eyes drinking me in. “You look gorgeous in the morning,” he says. I turn from him to blush in peace, but his fingers grip my chin.
We’re tangled in the sheets, having spent our first night together. But no matter how hard I tried; Alexander wouldn’t make love to me. It’s not something I’ve done before, but with him ... I so badly crave to feel his touch in that way.
“Can we go to the clearing now?” I impatiently ask, my fingers trailing on his chest around a particular tattoo that I wasn’t able to fully make out in our heated moments yesterday.
He looks to the ceiling, unsure. “I don’t want you to hate me.”
“I could never hate you.” I assure him, but he shakes his head.
“I’m scared that when you find out, you’ll run.” He kisses my forehead. Taking a moment to brush the hair from my face. “Your scarlet hair is like fire.”
I smirk. “Don’t try to change the subject.” I giggle when he tickles me.
He shrugs. “Doesn’t matter what I want. We have more important matters to attend to right now.”
We had checked on his father last night to find that he was asleep and healing well, so that couldn’t be it. “Like what?” I ask.
His smile lights up the already bright room. “Your formal entrance to the castle. You need to meet our people.”
“Like ... today?” I stammer with wide eyes, my breath already quickening. Sheepishly, I tug one of the soft furs accompanying us on the bed to hide my nervous frown.
“Yes. Chloe’s already prepared dresses for you and Mia,”
I groan, sinking into the silk sheets. The smell of lilacs wafting in through the windows does little to comfort the uneasy feeling now brewing in my stomach. “What if they don’t like me?”
“They’ve known about you for years. They’ll love you. I promise.” Alexander shoots me an adoring grin and I inhale, taking in the crisp morning air and chirping birds outside.
“I don’t know how to be regal; I trip on my own two feet. I can’t rule anything, I just want you.” I admit.
He frowns, touching his fingertips to mine. “The crown is a part of me. I can’t escape it, even though sometimes I wish I could.”
Alexander wears his emotions on his sleeve, so I can see how much it pains him to say that, but it seems that these feelings are only shared behind closed doors when he’s around me. Seeing him around others, he is stoic and serious.
“I’ll follow you anywhere, I guess I’m just nervous. I mean, I thought I was coming here to meet some guy from my dreams ... not a prince.” I giggle.
He smiles, dimples sitting against tan skin. “You’ll do great. I’ll be right beside you the whole time.”
“What about the wedding? Everyone thinks I flaked.” I yank a pillow over my face, trying to hide from the pressure. “They’re seriously going to hate me.” I croak.
“Okay, first off,” He rips the pillow from my face. “I can’t hear you with that on your face. Secondly ...” He stands, his lean body distracting me from all other thoughts. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. If someone hates you, I’ll banish them.” Alexander shrugs, but I don’t know if he’s joking.
“That’s not a thing, right? Banishing?” I gulp.
“Sometimes.” My prince smirks. “But it will be an immediate punishment if anyone so much as looks at you the wrong way.”
“Not funny,” When I throw a pillow at him, he leans down to kiss me. “Tell me about the crest.” I gesture to the black ink on his chest.
He places his hand over it, avoiding my gaze. “For my family name. Our family name if you would like.” His royal uniform is hung up near the dresser, and he begins to put it on.
“Thane.” I say his last name, surprised at how easily it rolls off my tongue. How right it feels.
“Alexander Hayes Thane.” he proclaims with a proud expression. He then leans down, pointing at various spots on the crest. “This is our land’s animal; a beast of Haven named Wolferen.” Alexander states. I look to the black silhouette of the clawed animal that sits in the middle surrounded by a shield. Underneath is a sentence in an unfamiliar language.
“What is that?” I ask, raising a brow.
“The definition of Haven written in an ancient language from our land. ‘A place of safety or refuge.’” Alexander replies.
“I love that.” I sigh to myself, feeling right at home in this bed, this castle. Anywhere that he goes, I’ll follow.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, he trails his fingers against the bare skin on the nape of my neck. “And what is your lineage, Arianna Castelle?”
“Itea,” I add, and he quirks his brow at me.
“Interesting middle name. Is it passed down?” he inquires.
“No, my mother just liked it.” I look out towards the balcony, trying to recall every memory I have of her so that I never forget, so Mia never forgets.
“How did you lose her?” he asks quietly.
I frown, looking back at him. “She was sick.” I don’t say anything more. I don’t want to go into those horrible details. Just the thought makes my chest tight and my palms sweat.
“I’m sorry. My mother got sick too. There was nothing anyone could do; no amount of magic can fix the toxicity of some illnesses.”
So many things we know about each other, and so many we don’t.
“I’m sorry.” I hold his hand. “Did she enjoy being queen?”
“She was born for it.” He laughs at a far-off memory. “Not literally. My father was the heir to the throne. He met her in the village when they were just kids.” He smiles wistfully for a moment, memories no doubt flooding his mind like mine had only moments before. “He knew when he saw her that he wanted to make her his bride.”
“That’s so romantic,” I swoon, imagining such young love blossoming into a lifelong commitment tied with a kiss and a promise to not only them, but to Haven.
A knock sounds on the door and Gerardo brings in his tray, stacked to the brim with silver platters covered by domed lids. Artie follows closely behind him.
Beneath the lids reveals a stunning display of poached eggs, bacon, sizzling baked ham and roast beef, bread rolls accompanied by an assortment of jams, and lastly, steaming hot black tea.
My mouth waters at the sight of this incredible feast like I’ve never seen, but I have to hold back.
Artie still has a job to do.
Nothing could ruin such a perfect breakfast quite like being poisoned, not like that is something I’ll get used to anytime soon. Artie bows before taking a knife and cutting into the meal, gulping hard with a dreadful expression, but he does his best to remain as calm as ever.
It’s in that moment of him swallowing that I imagine how he feels. Knowing that bite of food might be his last. You can see it in the way his eyes close as the bacon slides down his throat, and the spring of life when a few seconds in, he opens them and a glimmer of hope shines through.
After the tasting, we’re left alone to have breakfast on the balcony.
A breathtaking landscape invites gentle conversation, but a nagging feeling looms over me. I can’t possibly enjoy this lavish experience while others are suffering. I swallow a piece of the bacon before finding the courage to speak. “I don’t like that he has to taste our food.” I admit quietly, not wanting to overstep.
Alexander waves it off, continuing to devour his breakfast. “It’s precautionary. I promise it’s sanitary and necessary.”
I shake my head. “No, I mean I don’t agree with his punishment.”
Alexander raises a brow. “How do you know of his punishments?”
“He told me.” I reply cautiously, not wanting to anger him.
His knuckles turn white when he clenches his fist. “If he bothers you, I can find another prisoner.”
“No,” I break into a smile. “I asked him, Alexander.”
“Oh,” He nods, taking that in. “What is it about it that you don’t like?”
I gulp, not sure how to answer. I decide on the truth. “I just don’t see it being fit to his crime. Every single day he wakes up and eats three meals like we all do, the difference for him is every bite is a risk to death.”
“He’s a criminal.” Alexander reminds me.
My hands fidget under the table. “I understand, but do you even know what he did?” Stealing seems hardly a crime for a risk of death.
Alexander scoffs, setting down his glass with a little more flourish than necessary. “Arianna, do you think I would implement a prisoner to a possible death sentence without knowing what he did?”
“Maybe it’s not about what he did, but why he did it.” I whisper, countering his argument.
Alexander inhales a sharp intake of breath. “I see,” A beat of silence passes between us, and I can see the decisions and ideas swirling behind his blue eyes.
I tip my cup of fresh tea and take a swig. “I’m sorry if it’s not my business.”
His hand covers mine. “No, don’t apologize. You’re right. It’s not fair.” He leans back in his chair. “And I want you to tell me things like this. You have every right to make changes as you see fit.”
“So, is he going to be freed?” I ask.
Alexander shakes his head, a small chuckle escaping him. “Is there an alternative you can implement immediately?”
I bow my head. “No.”
He tilts my chin up. “Then find one, and I will free him.”
A grin lights up my features. “Really?” I squeal, wanting to jump onto his lap.
“Yes.” He groans, leaning his head back. “Everyone’s going to think I’ve gone soft.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s honorable to not rule with an iron fist.”
He looks to his own fist. “I don’t know how to do that.” he admits. I send him a look that tells him he’s not alone.
After a break in the heavy conversation, his eyes glance over me. “What was your mom like?” he asks quietly, his tone of innocent questioning so familiar to me from our dreams when we would steal moments to learn things about one another.
I smile while I think of her. “Strong, sweet. She was a nurse, as well. I guess her career choice rubbed off on me.”
Alexander nods in agreement. “Willow’s going to miss having to fix me up.” He grins. The mention of Willow makes me perk up. I already have an idea for how to fix the poison taster situation, and I’ll need her expertise for it.
“I really like her! If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if I would have been able to save your father.” I deflate, starting with a high on my sentence and ending with a devastating blow to my ego.
“That’s not true; you’re a talented healer. I already heard about your spout with the troll.” he chuckles. “And what’s your father like? Was it hard to leave him?” Alexander’s eyes brush over mine, and a pang of guilt resonates in my chest.
In my dreams, I only brushed the surface of our lives with Frank.
Alexander remembers me living with my mom until she got sick. I didn’t want to worry him, and I also thought he was a figment of my imagination. “He’s not a good man. It was easy for us to go.” My tone is clipped, but I don’t mean for it to be.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He sighs, a frown taking over his face. “Do you regret coming here? Do you miss your own world?” Alexander prods, pouring one question after the other.
I sit up from the chair and climb onto his lap. “Not at all, this is where I’m meant to be, with you.” I assure him, noting the way his brows are furrowed in worry.
“I just do—”
“Good morning!” Chloe sings. Alexander’s unfinished thought is left lingering in the air while she rushes into the room.
“Why didn’t you knock?” he groans, running a hand over his face
She appears anxious and in a rush. “Umm, no time! I have to get Ari ready.” she squeals.
I giggle as Alexander shakes his head. He turns to me and winks. “I’ll meet you downstairs.”
Chloe dashes to my side the moment he exits, and her anticipation is palatable. “How was it? Your first night together!” I twirl into the bedroom and plop down on the bed, beaming.
“It was wonderful. He held me all night! I still can’t believe this is real. I keep thinking I’ll wake up,” I admit. A sharp pain makes me wince, and I notice my hair being tugged. I turn to see Chloe holding up a few strands of my hair.
“See! You’re not dreaming.” she announces.
I grip the sore spot, looking at her with wild eyes. “Where I come from, we pinch.” We fall into a fit of giggles.
“Okay, let’s do this!” My enthusiastic tone doesn’t match the fear I feel inside.
With her pointer finger positioned under her chin, she examines me. “Want me to tell you, or surprise you?” She holds up her manicured finger like a weapon.
“Surprise, definitely.” I tell her.
She orders me to close my eyes, and I do as her powers tickle my skin as the silky smoothness of fabric wraps around and hugs my body.
Once my hair moves, I squeal. Chloe laughs, “Almost done! Don’t open those eyes!”
“Can we do this like every morning?” I ask, standing on my tip toes.
“Yes!” She beams with pride. The room stills, and she guides me to the full-length mirror in the bathroom, holding her small hands over my eyes so I won’t peek. “Open your eyes, princess.”
I gasp when I see my reflection. “Oh, my. I look like Cinderella.”
“Cinder who?” She cocks her head, confused.
“A girl from a fairytale. You’ll have to read one of them sometime.” I smile, knowing we have mine and Mia’s storybook fairytales tucked away. I’m so thankful I grabbed them. I touch the soft fabric of the dress, reeling. “Chloe, this is gorgeous!” The blue fabric hugs my body perfectly, and the fluffy skirt creates an ambient drop of silver glitter that cascades into a train behind me. “Mia is going to flip!” I add.
“I already got her ready. She’s dying to see you!” Chloe cheers, smoothing out the back of my dress.
I smile. “And my hair,” My fingers travel through the loose waves that cascade down my back. Fiery red complements the royal blue of the gown.
Chloe ushers me out of the bathroom. “Are you ready for your entrance?” she asks, pursing her lips as she observes my outfit for any finishing touches.
“No ... yes ... maybe?” I squeak, unsure. She links her arm through mine and we exit the room. “You are so talented, Chloe. I’ve never seen anyone make such beautiful outfits.”
She blushes at the compliment. “Thank you. I’ll meet you down there in a few minutes, okay?”
I fumble for her hands when she retreats. “Wait, no ...” I frown, thinking she would have been with me for my entrance.
“It wouldn’t be called a grand entrance if you aren’t alone.” Chloe reminds me.
“But—” I attempt to salvage my nerves.
“No buts,” she says sternly with a grin. “It’s just Alexander and your sister.”
With that, I leave the room and make my way to the staircase where everyone is waiting down below.
I breathe a little easier when my hand brushes the silky wood banister, thankful that it’s just those closest to me at the bottom of the stairs. If I fall, it will only be them who see my embarrassment. They wait patiently as I carefully take each step, knowing how clumsy I am.
Alexander’s eyes lock on mine, his voice low and rugged as he takes my hand at the bottom step. “Ari,” I hear the faintest hint of a growl to his low tone.
“Yes?” I tilt my head, smiling when he opens his mouth to speak but closes it for a moment.
He shakes out of it. “You’re so stunningly breathtaking, I can’t fucking take it sometimes.” he whispers.
“Bad word!” Mia yells.
“Sorry, Mia.” Alexander laughs.
I look to my little sister. “Oh, my goodness!” I twirl her around, getting a good look at her. Her pink dress glistens from the bright lights of the overhead chandelier. “You are gorgeous.”
Alexander scoops me into his arms. “Will the prettiest ladies I’ve ever seen accompany me to meet Haven’s people?”
“Yes!” Mia happily claps.
“Yeah,” I respond, but the word is filled with worry. I take a moment to straighten the pins on Alexander’s uniform.
Alexander leans over, whispering into my ear. “They’re going to love you, babe.”
My heart pounds when we stand near the open wooden doors that lead out onto a balcony. I can’t see below yet, but I can hear the chatter of hundreds. Douglas leans closer to me, “You look beautiful, princess.” he says with a reassuring smile.
“Thank you.” I tell him while twiddling my thumbs.
“I don’t know if I can do this.” I admit, hoping Douglas doesn’t tell anyone my fears.
“I’ve got you.” he replies in a low voice before coughing. “We’re all here for you.” he adds.
Mia holds my right hand and Alexander holds my left.
Douglas walks out and stands tall at the edge of the balcony, something resembling a microphone in his hands. “People of Haven! I would like to present to you,” Alexander takes a step forward and I follow.
I gasp when I see everyone looking up to smile and wave at us.
“Our prince, Alexander Thane. Our lovely future princess, Arianna Itea Castelle. Accompanied by Mia Castelle,” Douglas announces.
The crowd cheers as Alexander stands stoically tall. With him by my side, looking royal and ready for battle in his uniform, I feel courage.
I wave with a grin as Alexander speaks to his people, suddenly realizing that these are our people.
“Hello, Haven.” The chattering crowd goes still as they look up to their leader. The way he exudes confidence in not only his stance, but his tone, is striking. “As most of you are aware, our land was under attack.” The crowd whispers between themselves. “The king has been injured.” Gasps roam below, growing louder. “At the hands of my brother, Mason.” The final blow spreads noticeable fear through the crowd.
Alexander sucks in a small intake of breath.
“I will do everything in my power to assure your safety. I know this isn’t the news you were looking forward to, but I do have an announcement.” Alexander lifts my hand up. “Our wedding is still happening—once my father recovers, of course.”
“Are we safe?” someone shouts from below.
Alexander nods. “Mason, and anyone involved in his treason, have been executed. Now we can celebrate my father’s health and our future princess coming to Haven.”
He turns to me, a proud smile lighting his sharp features.
I lean over the railing, trying to raise my voice loud enough. “Hello,” I say. Everyone looks so happy to see me; smiles line the faces between people waving. It takes my breath away and I can’t think of anything further to say but luckily, Alexander takes notice.
A few questions sound off, but I can’t understand them. My palms are a little sweaty from all the people looking up to me.
With a loving sigh, Alexander snakes his arm around my back. “You’ll all have time to meet her soon. For now, we have a wedding to plan.” he tells them, and cheers sweep through the crowd. The news of the wedding has boosted moral, for sure.
We retreat inside after waving goodbye to the people, and my hands shake from nerves
“There were like, so many people!” At least Mia is calm, as always.
I nod. “Yup, a lot of people.”
“You did great babe. Shall we go check on my father?” Alexander suggests, taking my hand in his.
When we make it to the infirmary, I’m surprised to see the king lying awake in his bed. When his eyes catch sight of us, he attempts to lift up. I rush to his side, pleading with him to not reinjure himself. “Please rest, don’t sit up.”
“Arianna,” His voice is hoarse. I reach to the kettle and pour a glass of tea for him.
“It’s nice to meet you, sir.” I say with a bow.
He chuckles, his laugh warm and inviting. “No need for that, dear. Call me Henry.” He looks down to Mia, who is staring back at him with wide eyes. “Who may this be?” Henry cranes his neck to the side and Mia surfaces from behind my legs.
“I’m Mia.” she replies shyly.
Henry coughs. “Ah yes, of course. Arianna’s sister. Both of you look lovely. How was the meeting?” He turns his attention to Alexander.
“Spirits are high, everyone is comfortable.” he tells his father, his hands clamped behind him.
“Good.” Henry nods. He opens his mouth to speak but stops himself, looking between me and Mia.
“Come on, Mia, let’s let the men talk.” I say, readying my sister to leave with me.
Henry reaches his hand out, stopping me. “No, I need you here. I’m just not sure this conversation needs to happen around little ears.”
“I see.” I look for Chloe, but she’s already grabbing Mia’s hand.
“Would you like to go to the garden with me and Aurora?” Chloe suggests, a life saver as always.
“Yes, please!” Mia squeals, waving goodbye to us.
Once they exit, Henry sits up, not listening to me when I tell him to stop. Stubborn like his son, I see. So, I help him to sit instead. “Alexander waited so long for you to come here, Arianna, and I’m so sorry Haven wasn’t safe for you when you arrived.” His voice cracks.
I shake my head, sending a warm smile through the dark atmosphere of the infirmary. I wonder when they’ll be able to move him to his room. “Don’t apologize. You couldn’t have known.” I wave off his worries.
“Still, the timing isn’t good. My health won’t return for a while and I can’t lead our people while I’m recovering.” He looks away for a moment. Then, his eyes trail to Alexander as I try to understand what he was saying. “The threat?” he asks his son; one can tell the question hurts him. “Has it been eradicated?”
Alexander nods, eyes going glossy with emotion. “Yes, sir.”
“Okay.” He nods, taking in the information. “Now for the news I’m about to spring on you two.”
I fix my posture. “I’m ready to help in whatever way.” I promise.
“That’s a good thing.” Henry replies with a small smile. “Because you and Alexander are now Haven’s new leaders, effective immediately.”