A Princess's Duty

•Chapter Eight• Down the Hall

Footsteps echoed through his room as William paced back and forth, unable to pinpoint what exactly was bothering him. That was a lie. William knew exactly what was bothering him, he just didn't want to admit it to himself.

It was Kathryn.

He couldn't shake the feeling that he knew her, or at least, wanted to. He had seen her yesterday, but hadn't managed to muster up the guts to talk to her, and by the time he had, her mother had sent her on a stroll with Prince Charles.

Though he knew Charles was the most innocent of the Nydrar princes, that didn't mean Will trusted him. He only hoped that the corrupted family didn't get their claws into Maelden, and in turn, other kingdoms of the alliance. The snake emblem suited them.

He sighed, trying to block out the sight of her vibrant eyes, which were as bright and fresh as springtime.

She was getting to him in a way that no one ever had before. His parents had been introducing him to potential suitors for years, yet none of them had left the impression that she did. She was ivy, wrapping herself around him with no other intention but to grow.

Will hadn't gotten a wink of sleep all night, though that was because he had been reading a book to keep his mind occupied. He found that reading was the best way to cope with one's troubles, because when immersed in the world of imagination, it was easy to forget, if only for a while.

All at once, the room became stifling, and he had to get out. Not caring that it was only a few hours past midnight, he stepped into the hallway.

A guard stood across the hall, but he said nothing. William gave him a nod, and he reciprocated in the same fashion. 

As he strode down the hall, he found himself imagining her doing the same. This was her home, after all. He looked down, examining the scuffs and marks on the marble floor. It was simple and elegant like everything else in the castle, including its resident heir.

He shook his head. What the hell was with him? He couldn't even look at the floor without seeing her face.

He looked up, and nearly shouted with surprise when the genuine article came barreling into him. The surprise on her face showed that she had been lost in thought.

"Oh my god!" Kathryn whispered, placing her hands over her chest. "I'm so sorry!"

"It's my fault; I wasn't paying any attention." William said.

"William!" Kathryn said with a smile. "What are you doing up at this hour?"

"I could ask you the same thing, Princess."

"You could come if you like."

"And just what are you up to?"

"That's for me to know, and you to find out." She winked, and William smiled despite himself.

"Lead the way," he said with a mock bow.

"First I've got to get Charles."

"Charles?" William tried not to make a face. Why had she been going to meet Charles at this hour? Jealousy swam in his veins, but he muffled it.

"Long story." She set off, leaving him staring after her. He followed, still wondering what could have her up in the dead of night. It was only chance that had allowed him to meet her without any pretense, and she amazed him even more than she had at the ball.

Her outfit and haphazard hairstyle radiated a reckless sense of adventure that complemented the regal grace she had shown at the ball. This version of Kathryn heightened the sense that the ball hadn't been the first time he'd met her.