♚ 15 ♚

Adrian's POV

When I'm leaving (Y/N)'s room, I cant help but feel the void inside my heart grow more. It's so very hard keeping in everything I want to tell her, but I know I must refrain if I'm going to get her to trust me completely.

It's so complicated, trying my hardest to keep my self control around her. When she fell asleep in my room, she had no idea how difficult it was for me to remain calm. She'll see things the way I see them soon, and she'll realize how imperative it is to stay in the castle, with me. She won't ever want to leave, at least when I take care of anything standing on my way, or telling her otherwise.

I'll make sure those inconveniences are out

of the pictures soon, and then she'll love me.

(Y/N)'s POV

I opened my eyes from a not-so elegant awakening. My hair was in tangles, and I was sprawled across the sheets. I guess this is one of the downfalls of being a peasant playing a royal part, some things just never change.

I slowly dragged myself out of bed, and stretched to my hearts content. Once satisfied, I walked towards the curtains and pulled them open, revealing the suns bright rays. I glanced outside at the beautiful scenery of the balcony, when I was surprised to see what was among its terrace.

Outside upon the balcony beside the furthest railing was a figure, and by the style of its clothing, it appeared to be Adrian.

I grabbed the door handle and to my surprise

It was unlocked. I pushed forward and the door opened silently, and the cool morning air hit my face and arms. It was so unexpected that it sent a chill down my spine.

"Adrian...?" I called out. Suddenly the balcony seemed bigger than I remembered.

There was no answer, maybe he couldn't hear me?

"Adrian!" I called louder as I inched closer to him. When he didn't answer again I began taking swift steps toward him.

"Adrian..." I spoke clearly, agitation beginning to pick up in my voice. I was next to him now, looking at him with a confused look. His expression was blank, as if he was zoning out. He looked at me as if he had just realized I had been there.

"Sorry my love, I was just thinking," he excused. His nonchalant reason made me the slightest bit enraged.

"Thinking about what?" I questioned.

He sighed, shaking his head. "Why is it you wish to leave the castle so urgently? Have I done something?" He asked sadly.

I stood still for a moment, wondering how he would've guessed, but he must've seen the signs in the first place.

"I just...I just don't know you well enough... I feel like I'm just not ready... to... you know," I replied to the best of my ability. His face only saddened more, and again, the wind picked up.

"Is that all dear?" He asked unsure.

"Well... and I'd appreciate more... freedom..." I hesitated. The more I formed my words, the louder the violent air seemed to pick up. I glanced around at the world below, to see that the winds hit speeds were causing quite a ruckus through the trees.

When I looked back at the Prince, I noticed a completely different expression. His eyes were full of malice. The most hateful, yet joyous glint in his eyes, and a sadistic smile spread across his face.

"Well if loving me is the problem, then I shall find no problem in making sure that I am the only thing you'll love and need, you'll have no need for anything else. Freedom on the other hand, there will be no need, and you'll stay here with me, forever!" He answered.

He then laughed hysterically, and I took steps back. I wanted to run, but I was glued to the floor.

Suddenly, the wind picked up much more dramatically, and I felt my body being thrown into the air. I screamed in terror, and desperately grabbed for the railing. I was too late, as I was thrown off of the balcony. I watched as my body plummeted down to the ground, and I could only wait with teary eyes. This was it. My death.

Everything in my body churned, and I hated every moment that I had wasted in my life. Maybe I could've lived if I had lived differently, but I knew If was impossible now. I kept falling down, until I finally hit the ground with a soft knock.

~♛~

"Miss (Y/N)?" A quiet voice called out from behind the familiar giant doors, followed by almost silent knocking. I sat up quickly, looking around at my surroundings. I was in my bedroom, as if it has been moments before I had been thrown off to my death.

I dragged myself out of my bed, still in a daze as I trudged to the door. The knocking continued once more before I shakily opened the door. I was greeted by my armored friend James.

"(Y/N), I came to... are you ok?!" James asked overflowing with worry in his voice. I realized how awful I had looked and immediately regretted my decision of opening the door in the first place. I could feel the sudden tension when a sad expression fell upon my face.

"I...I am so, so sorry. I didn't mean to say something so insensitive, please forgive me Miss!" He quickly apologized.

"It's fine, no harm done... uh, what is it you came to tell me?" I queried, trying to change the subject.

"Yeah..." he cleared his throat. "The Prince has requested you stay in your room for the day... and he assigned me to make sure of it..." he explained, hesitant with telling my all this information.

"Why...?" I questioned.

James looked around, as if checking to make sure no one was in the hallway, then proceeded into my room and shutting the door behind him.

"I'm not supposed to say anything... but you deserve to know..." He began. I could hear the hesitation practically dripping from every word.

"One of the servants, a girl to be precise... she threw herself off one of the castles highest balconies last night... Her body was found at the ground below..." he revealed, his voice shaking.

"What?!" I gasped panic stricken. "Who was it?!"

"It wasn't Aki, if that's what you're thinking. Her name was Marina, I didn't know her. The entire castle is practically on lockdown now." He responded, regaining his sureness.

"But how? Why? Why would she have done such as thing? Did someone witness this happening?" I rambled with questions.

"I'm so sorry, I don't know anything. There's no possible explanation I have to ease your mind, all we can do is wait until we have answers. All I know is that one of the servants took their own life last night, and it pains me to think about it," he said discouraged.

I suddenly remember my nightmare just moments ago, and feel a familiar chill run up my spine. I feel my blood run cold, and I'm suddenly paralyzed by my own fear.

"Are you ok? You've gone pale Miss," James asked, noticing my sudden change of mood.

"Yeah...Yeah I'm fine. I just was thinking about how terrible it is..." I replied, though I wasn't lying.

"Yeah... I understand. Just in case, don't let anyone know I told you, I'm not exactly sure I was supposed to do that..." He requested.

"Of course, it's safe with me. Thank you for you honesty, that's about the most honest anyone has been with me here."

"A shame that is, but certainly for you M'lady I will be honest. In the meantime, there must be a way to pass the time while I wait for orders," he wondered curiously.

"So it appears we're stuck here for a while... at least we have each other's company I guess," I smiled with a slight laugh.

"It's seems your right," he answered with a faint chuckle as well.

The two of us talked for many minutes, and I began to learn a lot more about the knight, and the castle itself. Though all the while we were talking, I couldn't get the sickening feeling out of my head.

Why did I have that dream? Is it some kind of sign? I thought to myself. I didn't know the girl who had died last night, but I'm determined to make sure her death isn't blown over. I will figure out the cause, and expose whoever it is who'd done such a thing.

♞