Chapter 44 - Another Interjection

Before I answered, we heard a knock on the door. It was Anna. I had to try the wedding dress one last time, and she came to pick me up to do that. I got up in a hurry. I asked for permission from the prince and followed my servant to the room where two seamstresses and other maids were already.

I wore the wedding dress that looked slightly wider, but nothing that small last-minute adjustments could not solve. Wearing the dress for the last time, before the wedding, made me cry. After tomorrow, I'd say goodbye to my kingdom. From my childhood and my whole life up there. 

Luke entered the room, taking me out of my thoughts, saying he wanted to talk to me, but he quickly shut up and looked astonished at me.

- What happened, Luke? What is more urgent than my wedding preparations? - I spoke acid.

- I can wait. Your Highness will change, and maybe you can take a walk with your childhood friend in the garden? - he spoke, sounding more like an order than a suggestion.

- Yeah, but get out now so I can change my clothes, please. - I answered roughly.

He's gone. My servant helped me put on my blue dress. I left the room, closing the door behind me. I went to the garden, it was almost lunchtime, but I asked the king to allow me a little delay so that I could talk to Luke. In the garden, Luke was waiting for me on the bench where I used to sit, while I was waiting for those sad days.

- Talk to me, my friend.- I said in a hurry

- Tell me that Your Highness will not continue with this madness! -  he said, advancing towards me, taking my hands.

I was already impatient and angry with his insistence.

- You really wish to marry a creature of darkness, which can not give you a future or heirs! Does the king know what he's going to do? - he seemed anxious.

- Luke, I love Phillip. I know what you feel for me, but I want you to respect my feelings for my fiancé. Nothing will make me change my mind!

- But what's your life going to be like? How can he live in an eternal night? - And the heirs?

- I've talked to him. He can give me children, but it's not something I want right now. He won’t live in darkness. In his kingdom, there is a spell, and we have already seen a sunset together. - I replied assertively.

- So I can't have any more hope? - he asked desolate, lowering his head and staring at the ground.

- I have you as a brother, Luke. But that's all. My heart is his.

I realized that it had been a long time, and we probably missed lunch. The king would get angry.

- I have to go back, I need to eat, I’m hungry. - I almost whispered.

We went back into the palace, and the dining room was already empty; everyone had already had lunch. I asked Anna to bring something for me to lunch in my room.

When I got to my room, I noticed a shadow near the window. There was my prince. But his expression was angry.

- Why weren't you at lunch today? Your father said you'd be late, but you didn't go, and I saw you get out of the castle. What is more important than your health? - I clearly noticed the irritation in his voice

- Luke called me to talk. - I spoke, holding my breath – it seemed important.

Phillip, who was with his fists closed, struck the wall next to the window.

- What did he want? What else does he want? - he spoke with rage in his tone

I walked quickly to him and hugged him, resting my head on his chest.

- He thought he'd still be able to convince me to give up the marriage.

A knock at the door interrupted us. It was Anna bringing a tray with lunch. The smell made me salivate. I took the tray and asked her not to let anyone interrupt me, because I wanted to eat quietly. I put the tray on the table next to the window and sat in the chair in front of the table. I asked Phillip to sit down.

- I need to eat. My dress needed adjustments. I don't want any further adjustments, no further postponements. - I spoke with a smile on my face.

- How? But you said you were talking to Luke about giving up...

- He wanted me to give up, but I asked him to respect my decision and that my heart was yours! - I looked at him as he spoke, taking with a fork a portion of food in my mouth. I was actually hungry. But Phillip's eyes froze on mine, and he looked hungrier than I was.

- Your Highness told him that? - he whispered

- With these words, my love. - I supplemented by putting another splash in my mouth. - Is there any other preparation we have forgotten for tomorrow? I asked, completely changing the focus of the conversation, deliberately, without Phillip's eyes diverting from me.

- How did the princess call me? - asked, looking confused.

- We're alone, you know my feelings for you, I won't call my prince for your title anymore. For now, I'll call you my love.

Phillip got up from his chair and kneeled in front of me at a speed that made me sick. Before I could proceed with my meal, he kissed my lips gently and spoke almost in a murmur:

- Please repeat, my princess. - Before he spoke again, I repeated:

- I won't call you, Your Highness, anymore when we're alone. My prince, alone, you will always be my love.- I used a sweet tone in my voice.

He pulled me to him and filled my lips with kisses. We're standing. He seemed to be in some sort of trance. We intercalated kisses with tight hugs that cut my breath. I could feel every curve of his body and his muscles under the clothes. Then he walked away and said:

- I see my beloved bride at dinner. Please don't be late. It'll be our last meal as singles.

I sat down again, finished my meal, and lay down to rest. At dinner time, I was awakened by Anna, who quickly helped me so that I was clean and beautiful to come down on time.