Chapter One
She was leaving….really leaving. I stealthily watched from her bedroom window as she walked down the stone steps, turned to take a long, last, look at the castle and then gracefully slide those legs into the back of the car. How I would miss those legs, that gorgeous mane of hair, that smile that she only shared with me, that wicked look when she thought she was winning…there was nothing about her that I didn't love. But telling her hadn't brought the result I wanted. Or thought I wanted. I wasn't sure at this point. I wanted her here with me, or me there with her, but I wanted her to be happy, to do what made her happy. She deserved this.
How could loving someone be so hard? Was it like this for everyone, or just Eleanor and I? I had no idea. I'd never loved anyone before. Or ever been loved. She used to say she didn't deserve to be loved, but honestly, neither did I. It was one of the things that made us "perfect" for each other. She had said that. That I was perfect for her, and she for me. Then I had messed it up. Again.
And now, she was leaving. My girl, my princess, my Eleanor.
I slowly walked down the front steps to the waiting car. I purposely took my time, put a little extra sway in my hips, and then turned to take a long, last look at the castle, my home, before sliding into the car. I had done all of this in the hopes that he was watching. Knowing he'd be watching. I hadn't spoken to him since he left my room yesterday, in pursuit of my brother. Robbie always did have awful timing….he couldn't have waited to sneak away?
I was on edge as the car pulled away, still unsure that this was the right decision. I wanted this. I needed this. I had to take responsibility for my own life and do what would make me happy. My Dad had said it was my time to be great. I hoped so.
Sebastian thought it was. He had encouraged me, offered me this opportunity, and made it all sound easy. Exciting. He said I needed to think of myself for once. He was probably right.
But there was one big obstacle ….Jasper.