~9~

"Ughh," I groaned, slightly stirring in my bed, attempting to fall back asleep again trying to finish my dream. The more I concentrated on what was happening, the more I forgot the dream.

"Noo..." I growled wishing I could recall my dream, but to no avail. I decided I should get up, for it was no use trying to fall back asleep again. I slept even better tonight, maybe I was just so tired, and I didn't have as much on my mind.

I suddenly remembered my first morning, how the sun shone through the window drapes, and the landscape artwork on the walls stood proudly, but something seemed off. The room was darker, and the paintings were a different style, and there were two sets of doors across from me, and not to mention the bed was larger, and had more intriguing designs throughout the headboard and foot rest. This isn't right... I said to myself, too stunned to move.

I looked to my left, noticing another feature I didn't note beforehand. A grand armrest chair of the name I did not know was fixed by the corner of the room, at most five paces from the bed. It wasn't so much the discovery of the chair, but what was inside the chair that surprised me.

"Gah!" I shouted louder than expected as my arm slipped off the bed, sending me tumbling to the floor. I hit my head on a dresser causing me to yell out in pain. I clutched my head in my hands, clumped on the floor in pain. That's gonna leave a bruise... I thought amidst all my troubles.

I heard movement across the room, the sound of someone swiftly jumping to their feet. "(Y/N)?!" I heard the voice yell. The figure ran around the king sized bed and was my By side in a matter of seconds.

"My dear! I'm so sorry! what happened!?" Adrian asked with a worried expression. I suddenly became very sheepish due to the distance between us, he was just a breath away. He reached out gently to cradle my head, but I jerked backwards. He looked disappointed and slightly angry that I had moved away from his touch so suddenly, so I spoke quickly to break the unwanted tension.

"I-Its nothing, I was just surprised, you startled me and I fell, that's all," I insisted. He opened his mouth to speak, but hesitated, so I quickly added something to clarify. "I was just shocked to see you in my room is all..."

"But (Y/N), this is my room," he stated looking confused. Well now that makes sense... "I was looking for you everywhere, for it was past curfew and you were no where in sight, but when I returned to my room you were in my bed," he explained cutting off my thoughts. "At first I thought that it meant you were finally accepting the fact that we are going to be wed, and you would finally share the room with me, but I know you well enough to know that wasn't the case," he continued. "I know it will take some time for you to get used to this new life, but I'm willing to be patient for you. I slept on the chair because I didn't want to wake you, but I apologize for startling you my love."

"It's fine..." I assured rubbing my head. Adrian stood up, offering me his hand, which I gladly received as he helped me to my feet. I held onto my head with my hand, massaging it slightly. "Your head! (Y/N), I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed with sorrow. "I'll be ok, I'll just have a headache for a while," I responded. "But you're in pain, I'll bring up the doctor, he can hel-"

"I said I'm fine, Adrian. I'll be ok. Don't worry about me," I reassured yet again. His face looked stern, yet worried at the same time, and it was becoming impossible to read his expression.

At this point I began to wonder something about the prince that I couldn't quite put my finger on. He seemed nice, and gentlemanly, but his personality was so reserved. It was almost as if he were hiding his emotions, and that was stopping him from saying, rather, doing something that might cause suspicion. I just caught a glimpse of him biting his cheek, to refrain him from saying something.

"Alright (Y/N)... but if you do need something I'm always here, you know that." He replied instead. I put on my best smile to show I was grateful for his comment, but it wasn't so. "Thank you, Adrian."

He glanced to a nearby clock almost immediately, but he held my gaze a bit longer before breaking it to look at the clock. "You're class starts soon, I don't think you want to be late," he stated calmly, despite his very clear emotions.

"Actually, do you think we can postpone the class? It's a bit rushed, and I feel maybe we could do it every other day, if that's fine with you..." I trailed off immediately regretting asking in the first place. He looked at me with a gaze of puzzlement for a moment, but quickly replied. "Yes, that's fine my dear, anything for you, don't hesitate to ask." He quickly replied.

I stood dumbfound for a moment, not expecting such a terse answer, but I suppose he just want to make me happy while I stay here. It was nice being elevated to such a high class, I mean I could have anything I wanted if I'd only ask, but it felt, just wrong.

"Oh there is... one more thing I need to mention..." He added cautiously. "Hmm?" I hummed on response. He seemed nervous for a moment, but still authoritative in his posture and attitude. "I was hoping we could begin the wedding plans, for I would like us to be together as soon as possible."

"O-Oh, um, but don't you think it's a bit soon?" I puzzled. He looked confused, then a stern glare passed through his expression. "No I do not think it's too soon. (Y/N), I've chosen you, and I love you, it would only seem fitting to wed sooner. I know this is all new to you, but as royalty I have the authority here, and you must listen to me." He spoke with frustration.

I suddenly became filled with rage, anger boiling in my veins. Who does he think he is? Just because he 'wants what he wants' he can have it? I'm a human being, not some pet!

"Excuse me, I need to use the ladies room," I said walking off immediately without any sort of hesitation. I can't believe the nerve he has! "(Y/N)!" He shouted suddenly raising his voice at me but I had already turned the corner of the door. I quickened my pace rapidly to make my way to my room before he could come running after me. I turned into my room and slammed the door behind me, stalling against it for a moment. When I didn't hear footsteps I knew it was safe to say he wasn't coming after me. It was then that I realized that the door didn't have a lock on it, which was odd but I decided to ignore for the time being.

I scurried to the balcony doors, wanting nothing more than a fresh breeze to cool me down, still red with anger. A gripped the handle and pulled open the door, only the door didn't open. I pulled again, but to no different outcome. I stepped back a minute, confused as to what was going on. I grabbed the handle yet again, and pushed forward hoping something magical would happen, but nothing happened.

Why is it locked? I wasn't locked the other night... I queried. I guess I'll just go to a different balcony then...

I slowly stepped away, and cautiously made my way to the door. As I was about to leave, I noticed I was wearing the same evening dress from yesterday, and decided to get changed before leaving. In the end, I just picked out an off the shoulder lilac colored gown, with lace around the waist.

I set foot on my journey once again and quietly opened the door, praying it wouldn't make noise. I sneakily tip-toed down the hall in my flats, sliding past the princes room, hoping he wasn't there.

I glided down the stairs silently, retracing my steps from my first night at the palace, searching for the balcony. I luckily found the balcony, and I was sure it was the same one. I was excited with my new discovery, until I noted guards standing by. I sauntered over the the doors with as much authority I could muster.

"Excuse me, I would like to go out onto the terrace, would you so kindly open the door?" I asked the guard that stood by the exit. He stood firm in his position, but something told me he was nervous. "Sorry Miss, but I cannot grant your request."

"Why?" I questioned becoming curious and slightly angered. "...It's the Prince's orders, I'm sorry I cannot do anything about it," he answered sorrowfully. I recognized his compassionate voice at the guard who was also here on the first night.

"So I'm not allowed to leave...?" I said aloud, half to myself. "Yes... no one leaves this place without the Prince knowing, it's a harsh rule but no one dares question it." He stated.

Well I am... is there no one else here with common sense? I sighed and took a step back. "Hey look... I'm sorry. I really am, you might be able to convince the prince, you are his future queen, maybe he'll listen to you..." he suggested.

"I'll think about it... I think I should just head back to my room for the time being. Thank you James," I concluded. He seemed shocked by his posture that I remembered his name from the other morning. Though his face wasn't visible, I could only imagine what he was thinking.

I turned around and started my leave. "Wait, Miss..." I turned to see the guard reaching to me, causing me to pause. "T-Thank you, for being here... and just keep in mind what I said the other night," He answered. Be careful of the Prince, got it, I recalled. "I will, don't worry about me, I'll be careful. Thank you," I responded. Though I told him not to worry about me, there was a lingering feeling in my mind telling me that after this morning I would need to tread carefully around him.

~♛~

As I was mulling over what the guard had warned, I creeped up the stairs, trying to cause as little of a disturbance as possible. The last thing I wanted to do was face the prince after our little quarrel, well much less of a quarrel, more so him speaking nonsense that I was not willing to listen to. I looked around the hallway making sure there was no prince, all while trying to look normal. When the coast was clear, I speed-walked to my rooms doors before slowly opening them.

The doors were nearly ajar when I noticed something, rather someone standing at the end of the room near the doors to the balcony. As much as I wanted to run and flee, I new I had to confront him or living in a huge palace that I don't know my way around would be the least of my problems.

I walked in steadily, hoping to not draw any attention, but the door creaked louder that expected. I froze in place, desperately hoping they wouldn't turn around, and yet they did. Of course it's you Adrian... I muttered silently. I kept my head down, too agitated by his presence to even look at him. I wanted to leave as swiftly as possible, but my body wouldn't move. It was when he spoke, my heart sank to the pit of my stomach.

"(Y/N)... I need to speak to you..."