Chapter 17 - Our first goodbye

Although I was eager to be in the presence of the prince, knowing that he was a prisoner in my room, I took the opportunity to take a tour of the gardens after lunch. I needed the air and a little time with my thoughts. I would never be able to answer his questions. Every time I kissed him, he was asleep. And I did it on purpose.

A light quickly lit my thoughts. I was completely in love with him. I had no idea what to say to him. I didn't dare to declare myself. But the nightmares and everything else about who or what he was scared me. How I'd be able to overcome everything.

I felt a cold breeze and, afraid of getting sick again, I entered the castle. The wedding would be in a week, and now I didn't want to postpone it. I climbed the stairs in silence. I entered my room and saw him again asleep in the chair.

I took off my shoes so they didn't make any noise. I walked quietly into the bathroom. I took a long, hot bath and put on a more comfortable dress. I left the bathroom without making any noise and walked to my bed, lying down and pulling the blankets to cover myself.

I was exhausted. I fell asleep. Again, the bloody dreams took over my sleep. I felt two hands lifting me up, putting me seated, at the same time that a wolf jumped towards me in the nightmare.

I heard Phillip's gentle voice speaking to me.

This time, I took a while to open my eyes.

- Yeah. Always bloody, always scary.

- Can we resume our conversation when you're back? I didn't see her come in, so I did not see her swapping.
"Your Highness was asleep. I didn't want to wake him," I replied, trying to escape the questions that I already knew he would ask again.
- Do you know if it's already dark? I lost the notion of time. He said that he kept holding me, circling his arms with his hands on my back.

I made a move to get up and walk to the window, and he let me go. When I opened a small reed through the curtain, I could see that the sun was already setting.

- There's not much left, Your Highness! The sun is setting. He perceived my sadness and walked to me, next to the chair where he used to rest.

- Are you sad? My princess, answer at least one of my questions.

I answered when he reached me and held my wrists. I will answer a question. I spoke firmly, without looking into his eyes.

"Are you sad for the same reason you woke me up with a kiss, or for the very reason you cried when I was hit by the sun?" he asked, pulling me near him. Putting my hands on your chest.

"Yes, yes," replied I, almost without sunshine, my heart beating by his proximity.

"Is my princess falling in love with the monster?" he spoke with a malicious smile on his lips.

- I'm still trying to get the air.

"I didn't understand," he spoke confusedly, passing his hands through my waist and approaching his body. "Your heart is shouting something else, my princess." He spoke, highlighting how loud my heart seemed at that moment.

I swallowed it dry and I said, "I'm not falling in love with you because this has happened a long time ago...

- I don't understand.

- I've been in love with you for a long time! Maybe the fear is bigger because of that. By knowing that I am completely vulnerable to you! I spoke, losing myself from your grip and walking towards the curtain.

When I realized it was already dark, I opened the curtain.

Your Highness already has your answers, and you don't need to be stuck here anymore.

- I'm late! I have to go! See you soon, my princess. At the ceremony!