CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“What is it? Why are you running like that?” I heard Theresa’s concerned voice as I ran back to the kitchen, panting like I had run a thousand miles. I took the stairs, my brain not functioning properly enough to remember the elevator, I just needed to be out of there immediately.
“It's the Prince. He got angry and, and..”
“He transformed? Damn. You must have gotten under his skin. Does that mean he's letting you go?” She said, her voice whispery at the end which earned us a couple of gasps, as I realized we had company.
“I wish,” I said under my breath before properly replying to her but I was sure they had heard me as their eyes widened like saucers.
“I didn't wait around to hear him. I didn't even do anything, I just kept asking him to tell me why he's so adamant about marrying me instead of, well, anyone else. The next minute, he's going apeshit on me. I had to run.” I explained.
“I really hope he lets you stay, you are the best Mistress we've ever had,” the girl I had seen in the kitchen earlier on chips in before going back into the kitchen.
I sighed, my mind a whirlwind of emotions, making me miss my best friend. She would have helped me figure this out as she was the more emotionally stable one of us. I tended to run away from my feelings. Even when we lost Brendan, I couldn't feel anything for a while until she forced me to face my feelings, going as far as getting her big sister to talk to me. It did me a world of good as I was quite close to the brink and their words and encouragement put me back in focus.
And that is another thing this whole situation has taken away from me. I don't even have any idea how to start looking for her. We had thought we'd be able to see each other since we were probably going to be matched with Moderates and all, but I was struggling against the most unthinkable outcome of everything.
My thoughts went to the contract he had asked me to sign. The last paragraph was one part we weren't able to talk about as it more or less sealed my fate.
He made it clear how much in control of my fate he was and all of this was just formalities.
I had to choose between signing the contract or leaving earth completely.
****
The night before, I had gone upstairs before dinner and forced myself to sleep so I wouldn't have to deal with Prince Xavier. It was not just out of fear and trepidation but because I didn't want to mistakenly blurt out anything about Corbin's request about seeing me this evening.
So as I woke up and his majesty wasn't beside me, I smiled in exhilaration.
I didn't know what tonight was going to lead to but I was ready for it.
If Prince Xavier is planning to force me into a lifetime catering to his every whim as the contract had indirectly stated, I was going to have one night of living a normal life or at least, an attempt at.
I went down for breakfast and ignored everyone, including Corbin. If this plan goes awry, I would be beside myself.
“I'll be going to an event today. Are you up to it? I'll understand if you can't make it because of your arm,” I lifted my head up as Prince Xavier spoke to me, his tone quite calm in contrast to how much he terrified me yesterday.
If one were to see him now, they wouldn't believe he was capable of metamorphosing into such a literal killing machine. It took me a second to comprehend what he said as I was lost in the confusion his dual personalities brought.
“I don't think I want to be attending anything together until this is official. You kind of have a lot of fans like that nurse the other night,” I whispered, going back to my croissants.
The food was as delicious as always and it helped my ailing appetite. I thought the change in lifestyle would make me eat a lot considering the difference in taste and dishes but since I got here, I haven't eaten that much, I was skipping meals and sometimes not eating as much as I used to. But I guess there was no need rushing anything anymore.
I definitely wasn't going to abandon my family to go to a planet I had no idea about and when he decides we're all moving to Zorvath, I'll be taking my family and friends as well or I'll be going nowhere.
I can't believe I'd lost my fight.
“No one is ever going to hurt you, Tessa. You are under my protection. Besides, the contract is waiting for your signature, the moment you agree to either of those terms, you'll get the recognition you deserve. Why are you delaying the inevitable?”
I dropped my spoon in irritation.
“I asked you one single question yesterday and you nearly ate me for lunch. What makes you feel I'm eager to be tied to you forever? You should simply take what everyone else is taking from the women they bought and let me go. This is unfair, I would never love you!” I snapped, my anger taking over my resolve to be calm.
He was the future King so I guess he wasn't used to hearing the word no but I wasn't going to take this lying flat, I'll protest all the way till the altar.
With everything quiet after my outburst, I had to look up and his face was pain stricken, making me wonder if I had said anything else.
He got up abruptly and began walking out of the dining room, probably not to show his monster face to everyone here, I bet they'd all resign out of fear.
He got to the door and turned around.
“I'll be back tomorrow, make sure you have made up your mind or I'll be forced to make it for you!” he bellowed.
Yea, yea; I hear you loud and clear Commander Angrilus, I thought to myself, my eyes rolling indefinitely.
Our back and forth had me wondering what the rest of my life would be like. He obviously seemed like the type to want a submissive housewife who did everything he wanted but my Momma raised me to be outspoken and stand for what I believe in regardless of who was at the other end.
There's gotta be a middle ground or else, he was making a huge mistake by forcing me into this sham of a marriage.
As evening approached, I wondered what I would wear in the mammoth of clothes that filled my closet. Funny enough, I never cared what I wore around Prince Xavier but here I was, going crazy over the perfect outfit. It wasn't my fault he was hellbent on being an arse wipe to me meanwhile, Corbin is always sweet and caring. I remember his earbuds still in my possession and it made me smile as I thumbed through numerous racks of clothing.
After a long time of deliberating, I settled for a simple yellow sundress, cinched at the waist, with a split that showed my olive colored leg and small strands for hands, making me feel feminine and sexy. Its front made my breast pop so I had to adjust it to avoid looking cheap. Whoever selected my wardrobe didn't account for my babies, and that is a punishable offense if you ask me 😏
I was probably going to just be taken to dinner in a quiet place or something but I hoped to convince Corbin to take me around the city as much as possible and yes, tonight I was gonna take my first sip of alcohol.
Not enough to make me dizzy but I wanted to share that experience with him, seeing as it was my first.
I found a cute jean jacket and a heeled slippers to pair it with as well as a small handbag with long straps.
I walked past Theresa whose eyes popped at the sight of me, making me laugh at her expression.
“You are making me feel useless, Mis – Tessa. You do have a great handle of this dressing thing, I wonder why you don't make efforts normally,” she commented.
“It depends on my mood, Theresa and right now, I feel like dressing up so I did. Take the day off, okay? I won't be needing any “attending to”,” I said, making air quotes with my hand to signify her weird job description. As if I was a baby.
Rich people had weird standards sometimes.
I got down to dinner and I was finally able to eat properly without any form of drama, convincing me that the author of my problems is the Prince. In his absence, everyone, not just me, seemed to be thriving.
I finished the three-course gourmet meal the chefs whipped up, my hunger from the past few days finally satisfied.
After dinner, I began to wait for Corbin. I had expected him to come down for dinner since we were going to leave together but he didn't come down.
After an uncomfortable amount of time where everyone was probably wondering why I was sitting in the dining room, all dressed up, I gave up on waiting for him.
But as I was about to leave, the steward ran into the dining room, looking for me.
“Mistress, the Prince had just been shot at! Come, quickly!” He exclaimed, rendering me stunned and confused.
Before I could process the news, I ran after the steward who was with other Moderates.
Fear lodged deep in my heart, as well feelings that I never knew existed.
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