ABDICATION

42.

I felt a cold hand brush against my forehead and my eyes shot open. I found a worried prince sitting beside me with his hand lingering against my forehead.

"I don't want it." I jumped up from the bed.

Prince turn more worried as he scoot closer to me and  hold my right cheek in his big palm

"Why are you crying?" I felt him ran a thumb below my right eye.

"I don't want it." I couldn't help but let out a sob.

He lean in closer and this time hold my face in both hands.

"You had a nightmare?" He asked slowly.

A very bad nightmare.

Nightmare? That was not true.

Relief flooded in my nerves on realising that I don't have to leave and I still have some more time to be with him.

"I knew you were not well. Otherwise you won't have overslept. " he mumbled almost to himself as he check my temperature again. His palm felt cold on my forehead.

I couldn't help but just stare at him. How close he is, how worried and concern he is. About Me.

"I knew something like this would happen." He muttered angrily

"In order to avoide me you almost carelessly avoid your heath too. Skipping means, sleeping late, waking early and getting locked in that study room." His eyes were scrunched and angry.

"What time it is?" I asked softly, straightening myself on the bed. This small action bring me closer to him because he was already leaning over me.

"Almost lunch." He informed.

For a moment get stopped and look into my eyes.

"What's wrong? " I asked holding his wrist in order to remove them from my face.

He realised that he was holding me for too long so let go.

"You remember out deal, I please you and your please me? "

He told me and my breath halted.

"No. No. No. Not at all.  We are not doing that. I don't want to do any deal with you. " I almost went in hysterics.

I tried to get off the bed but got stuck in my long skirt and the blankets. I would have almost fall head first down on the floor if the Prince wouldn't have brought his arm around my waist.

I took a sigh of relief and muttered a little thanks but he wasn't satisfied.

In next moment I was tugged and landed straight on his lap. My eyes widened while I struggle against his hold.

"What are you doing?" I asked hurriedly. Almost nervous.

My both legs on same side, I thought I could stand up if I tried but as soon as I tried I think I made it easier for him to press me more into him.

I almost gasped when my back was pressed to his front tightly. I stopped struggling.

As soon as he realised that I'm not struggling anymore, he wrapped his arms around my waist so tight that his  left arm almost reached around  to his right rib. A warm feeling spread it is my whole body when I felt his mouth at my shoulder. His hair brush against my cheek.

"Breathe, love. " I shudder at his endearment. This is wrong so wrong.  I can't like this. I then got the flashbacks of my dream last night. The kiss.

And the freedom.

The only thing I have yearn for my whole life is freedom.

But now I think I have got something more important than my freedom.

A finger travel up my arm and reached my neck. 

"This is wrong. " I whispered.

"You don't like it " he questioned back. And It demands a lie.

"No. " I whispered again and suddenly I'm free for his grip and placed down on the bed.

"I apologise. " he mumbled looking genuine but then he smirks "but I would mot appreciate you lying to me, love. " he get up from the bed.

"So you don't want me to please you? " he asked. I nodded no.

"And that means you won't obey me too?" he asked again and I nod yes.

"And you will do exactly opposite of what I told you to?" He asked almost smiling and I nodded yes again. Smiling.

He hummed and cross his hands.

"Okay then don't get ready quickly and don't you dare come down to the royal court on time. Let your hairs open and please dress so good that every eye would be only on you.  And then you have to be in the study room till night and I would appreciate if you skip your meals. " he said it seriously but I couldn't help but chuckle.

"And you are not allowed to wear anklets in the royal court. " he ended but he was still serious. But I think I saw a hint of smile at the corner of his lips.

I had a nice idea in my mind when I get off the bed and stand in front of him.

"You know what, I'm feeling like obeying you today....so. .." I was cut short when suddenly his hand went straight into my hair and he yanked it back. 

I chuckled and saw him leaning in. He brought his face close to my ear and whispered.

"Don't. Tempt. Me. " he voice vibrated my whole body.

"Tempt you to what?" I challenged him while bringing my hands up on push him a little.

"Something that you won't like." He mumbled stepping away.

This time I lean closer to him, getting on my tip toes to reach his ear.

"How can you be sure that I won't like it?" I step back watching his eyes turns confused.

"Maybe it's me to know and you to find out." I added and I saw his expression changing but without he could react I disappeared to take a bath.