The Shadow Prince [Yandere Prince x Princess Reader] Aridian Legends; [hiatus]

III

"Hey, you don't even know where it is! Why are you leading?" I tugged at his sleeve.

"Oh, right." He laughed and motioned for me to go ahead of him. "Much better."

"What?"

"I like this view from behind. I don't have to see your face."

"I'm that ugly?"

"I can't say for sure yet. I haven't gotten a close enough look." I waved him off as we continued walking. I was actually enjoying myself; I hadn't had such an adventure in so long. When we approached the small cottage I could smell the sweetness of a fire burning.

"Here we are." I knocked on the door gently. After a few moments it opened.

"Oh my, your highness!" The old man quickly bowed.

"No need, Mr. Gorn."

"You're soaked! You must be freezing, please come in!" He stepped aside and looked up at my companion. The Gorn family name was no stranger to the royal lineage of Tesslinia and the palace grounds. Every generation stayed and had some hand in working for the royal family. I had noticed Mr. Gorn and my father speaking together alone a few times. I had a suspicion that the Gorn family was more than just a line of talented gardeners and chefs.

"He's my friend, it's fine." The elder nodded and closed the door behind us. "Mr. Gorn..."

"Isn't tonight the ball for your birthday, princess?"

"Will you keep this visit a secret? Please." He laughed and walked over to the fireplace, tending to it a bit.

"Tom?! Who is here? Who have-" A small, plump grey haired woman came down the stairs. "Your majesty!" She almost fell trying to bow.

"Please don't hurt yourself." I hurried over and helped her regain balance.

"Such a kind dear, you are." She smiled but the noticed my state. "You'll fall ill, all wet like that! Please, come up. Let me give you some dry clothes and some blankets by the fire." I smiled and followed her up. "I'll get something for the young man as well. Who is he, if I may ask?" She opened a small wardrobe, throwing garments about.

"A friend." I responded softly.

"Here, this should do." She held up a pretty white nightgown. "This was my daughter's, but she's grown and tending for a family of her own now." I took it and bowed my head.

"My deepest thanks." She nodded and left the room for me to change. When I descended the staircase I caught a glimpse of the prince. He was wearing a loose white top and thin beige pants. Reflections from the fire bounced off of his smooth skin. The last step creaked as I stepped down. He looked at me and smirked.

"Don't break their stairs." He chuckled and patted the spot beside him. It seemed Mrs. Gorn had set out a bed of pillows and blankets by the fire.

"Thank you." I bowed again to the old couple. Mr. Gorn put his arm around his wife and smiled softly.

"Your secret's safe with us. We'll leave you be for now." Before putting it on, Mr. Gorn tipped his hat to us and left the house with his wife by his side.

"They're nice, aren't they?" I pulled a soft blanket over me.

"You're their princess, they have to be." He sighed and leaned back against the wall. "Are you feeling better, princess?"

"(y/n), and yes thank you. Wh-what should I call you?"

"Oh, his royal highness is fine." He chuckled at my bewildered expression. "Or...his grace will do if you insist." He smiled and sat up facing me. "Fine...Evander...actually, I'll be extra kind and let you call me Evan."

"Evan." I repeated his name. His gaze softened as I spoke it.

"You're shivering still, even with blankets and a fire." He shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Come here." Before I could respond he pulled me against him. I knew I was blushing as I felt his toned body against mine. He loosened his arms a bit and lifted my chin. Ours met for a second before I looked away. "I have to say...you are kind of pretty." I found myself looking back into his eyes again. "F-For a stupid princess, of course..." The dancing flames reflecting in his eyes drew me closer. I felt my heart race as I was swallowed deeper into his gaze. I shivered when his thumb brushed across my lips. He smirked and let go of my chin. "I like this." He purred.

"Hm?" I laid down, resting my head on his lap. His fingers twirled my hair and brushed through the knots.

"I like how much I affect you with just the slightest touch." I felt my entire body heat up in embarrassment. "I must be a master of seduction."

"Quite." I responded, not moving at all. "I'm glad I met you." I stared into the fire, feeling myself relaxing from its hypnotic movements.

"Is that so?"

"Mhm. I've never had this much fun in my life."

"As expected. You're a really boring princess."

"Do you always act this way? Do you treat all women this way?"

"What does it matter to you? If I choose to act this way with you, then that's that."

"It's not very princely."

"After getting to know you today, I'm not so sure you want someone like that." He chuckled and began stroking my hair slowly.

"Don't be mistaken. I haven't fallen for you. This is not some fairytale. I'll have you know that I have my eyes on someone else."

"The pretty albino prince, right?"

"We're just friends."

"No, not the long haired asshole. The other, more fragile one." I lost my breath thinking about Ven. "He wouldn't take his eyes off of you all night. A few times he rejected a dance with his bride to be. He just stood there, eyeing you."

"He doesn't love me. We were best friends as children. That's how he sees me."

"On the contrary, my dear. I think he feels for you more than you imagine. But I don't understand why he would be interested in you. You're boring, plain, a bit on the chubby side." I smacked his leg. "Ow! Well, I guess you're kind of strong. Not the most flattering trait for a princess though."

"(y/n)!" I heard the faint call of my name.

"It's Apollo..."

"The long haired asshole. I'd love to meet him."

"No, you don't." I quickly pushed the blankets away and stood. "I should get going..."

"He doesn't own you. You're not a pet...well..."

"I know, of course not. He...he's always taken care of me and I cannot leave him worrying."

"What are you going to tell him?"

"That...I got drunk and wandered off and the gardener found me and brought me in, gave me a change of clothes, made sure I was okay."

"Oh he'll buy that." Evan laughed. "Go on. Get out of here. I'll see you later...if I feel like it."

"(y/n)!"

"Apollo, I'm here!"

"(y/n), where have you been?! Where's your gown? Why are you out here alone, in the dark?! Never mind that for now. Here, take my coat." He wrapped me in his jacket and led me back to the palace.