The Royal Games

Chapter 19

Recap:

It's getting on - well past 11pm - and I'm stood with Em and Lexi. I sip my glass of champagne, laughing at one of Lexi's childhood stories, when I hear it. The first chime to signal the time... It's midnight.

Secrets

One

It's midnight.

Two

Stefan's note invades my thoughts ...

'My darling,

I'm sorry.

You're my princess. Meet me at 00.00? By the fountain.

Yours,
Stefan x'

No. Stop it. I won't go. I can't...

Three

But what if he can explain why... what happened? What if...

Four

His words ring in my head.

'You're my princess'
'Yours, Stefan.'

I'm his? He's mine?

Five

I can't go. I can't have him break my heart again. It's better I just leave now before I fall even harder. I have to think of me, and protect myself. My heart.

Six

I glance up to see none other than Damon staring straight at me, a devilish smile etched on his face.

Seven

Could it be him? Could Damon be the reason Stefan left my room the other day with his eyes as cold as stone, without so much as an explanation?

Eight

Surely I owe it to Stefan to hear him out atleast? That's what Dylan said right...

Nine

My feet start to move of their own accord. Before I know it I have excused myself, exchanged my empty glass of champagne for a new, full one and am exiting the ball room.

Ten

I leave the bright lights, music and chatter behind and make my way through the gardens. They're lit with fairy lights hanging from the trees and small lanterns lining the paths. It's beautiful. Breathtaking. The air is cool and fresh and the silence is welcoming. My shoes crunch the gravel as my feet take me to whom my heart longs to be with once again.

Eleven

I see him pacing by the fountain, he appears to be somewhat nervous...?

He looks so dashing in his suit, by far the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes upon. Wait no. Stop it Rosaline. What are you doing here? Why...

I'm about to turn around when my foot lands on a branch snapping it, cashing Stefan to whirl round.

Twelve

"You came." Stefan takes a deep breath. "You look-" he pauses.

My feet carry me towards him until we're stood just inches apart. Reaching out he gently takes my hand and glides his fingers up my arm, over my shoulder and gives my cheek a gentle caress with his thumb.

"I tried so hard..." his voice is a whisper, and he sounds so... broken? Before I can question it he closes the small gap between us and his lips crash onto mine. My body reacts without even thinking; I melt into his arms and wrap my arms around his neck, forgetting all the pain and anguish from the last few days. All that matters is him.