I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG TO THE CW NETWORK. THIS IS A WORK OF FANFICTION BY OMEGA WHITE.
CHAPTER ONE
Ms. Chandler, how long will you be in the country?
Ms. Chandler, are you here for business or pleasure?
Ms. Chandler, is it true that you'll be staying at the palace?
Vanessa was bombarded with a myriad of questions as she and her daughter, Catherine, exited the airport. Seconds later a black limo pulled up and the driver jumped out, hurrying to the other side of the car to open the door. Once safely inside, Catherine breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't a stranger to paparazzi, but it was always stressful, especially with cameras flashing everywhere, and questions being hurled at her, left and right. Her mother was filming a movie in Elsidora and she'd made a last minute decision to accompany her.
The last couple of months her mother had been in poor health and she'd questioned her insistence to film a movie and more importantly, so far away. After the King offered her mother a cottage on palace grounds while filming, Catherine knew her concerns would fall on deaf ears. After her dad divorced her mom, he'd remarried and started another family. Her mother put up a brave front, but Catherine could tell she was heartbroken. She'd never remarried, instead she threw herself into her work and as a result her health suffered.
"Catherine, I know this is difficult for you, but I assure you being on palace grounds will be much better. Paparazzi won't be able to go beyond the gates. Just relax and enjoy your time here."
"I'll try, Mother."
Catherine didn't endeavor to engage further conversation. Instead, she silently chided herself on her spontaneous decision to accompany her mother halfway around the world and unfortunately, putting her life on hold.
Moments later the limo stopped at a gate where a guard waved at the car to proceed. Catherine didn't blink as the palatial palace with extensive grounds came into view. Topiaries and roses enhanced the lush green lawn of the structure. Grand was an understatement. Catherine couldn't recall ever seeing anything so beautiful.
After passing the palace, the limo turned onto a narrow street, finally coming to a stop in front of a small cottage.
While the outside appeared austere, the inside was far from it. Catherine entered the parlor, pausing briefly to admire the rich gold tones covering the walls, accentuating the exquisite Queen Anne furniture occupying the room. Her eyes roamed further, drawing her to the window, overly captivated by the elegant drapes gracing the windows. But the focal point of the room was undoubtedly the beautiful stone fireplace.
Unable to contain her growing excitement, Catherine blurted out. "Mother, it's so beautiful."
"It certainly is. I hope you will relax and try to enjoy yourself. I know a year is a long time to be away from your friends, but you can always fly home and visit."
"I know, Mother. Maybe I can find a job and meet some of the locals."
"Honey, that's a great idea."
Just then a knock came at the door.
Catherine opened the door to find a short, portly woman standing there.
"How do you do, ma'am? Your Highness has requested your presence at dinner tonight. Someone will come to escort you around 6:45."
"Thank you, we'll be ready."
Catherine had barely shut the door before she started worrying. "Just great. What will I wear?"
"Cat, you have a suitcase full of clothes. I'm sure anything you choose with be lovely."
"Lovely, but will it be appropriate for dinner with a king?"
"We are guests. I'm sure the king doesn't expect us to dress like royalty."
Catherine heard her mom, but she couldn't push the apprehensive feeling aside. How would she act in the presence of a king? What about protocol? Did she have to curtsey? She could feel her nerves getting the best of her. Paparazzi and Hollywood premieres were one thing, but dining with a king was disconcerting. Oh, how she wished she didn't have to go, but her wish was pointless, because they were guests of the king, and to turn down an invitation to dine with the king, was inconceivable.
THE PALACE
Catherine struggled to maintain her balance on the slick, black-and-white marble floors, after nearly falling several times. Her eyes fleeted over portraits, chandeliers, ornate banisters, and sophisticated furnishings. With every step, she found herself terribly distracted, making it difficult, if not impossible, to keep up with her party.
Two corridors later, they finally entered an elegant and stately looking room. The massive dining room table commanded attention with sparkling silverware, showcased by the soft light emitted from beautiful crystal chandeliers.
Seconds later, the royal family entered from a door across the room.
The king smiled at their presence.
"Ms. Chandler, we are very pleased to welcome you and your daughter to our country. I hope your journey was a pleasant one."
"Thank you. We are grateful for your hospitality and yes, our trip was very pleasant."
"Excellent. You know Queen Naswarya and this is my son Vincent, who is also from America.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," Vanessa said, inclining her head slightly.
"You must be famished. Please take a seat," the king stated
Catherine took a seat, but her nerves were beyond frazzled. Color flooded to her cheeks and her heart rate quickened. She was being Punked. There was no other logical explanation. Vincent Keller was the last person she wanted or expected to see.
Dinner was torture, but, Catherine did her best to get through it. Her mother rambled on about movies and actors, which seemed to delight her audience. Catherine had never been so happy to hear her mother talk, because the phrase "Fake it 'til you make it" was an understatement.
Vincent never made eye contact with her, which inflamed her even more. Her schooled expression was concealing a visceral anger on the precipice of erupting. He didn't even remember her. Why should she care? The answer surprised her. Her body's reaction to him suprised her even more. Her anger fueled her desire for answers. So many years had passed, but he couldn't even deign to give her a glance, a nod, or just a simple hello. Minute by minute, she grew angrier. Protocol. Screw protocol. She wanted to get away from the palace, away from Vincent. Of course, she couldn't take leave of her manners, no matter how uncomfortable and unpleasant she felt. Refusing to disappoint her mother, she played her part, until the dreadful dinner finally ended. Her performance was Oscar worthy, being that the feral beast inside her begged to be released. But she knew this wasn't the time or the place.
When she was finally back in the confines of the cottage, she breathed a sigh of relief. She said goodnight to her mother and headed to her room. Although, she was exhausted, sleep didn't come easy. Seeing Vincent had opened a floodgate of painful memories. Memories she'd worked hard to bury for ten years. Only to find all of her hard work had been in vain.
Hot tears stained her cheeks as she thought about the first time she saw Vincent . She was nineteen and a sophomore in college. One day she'd went to the campus diner for lunch, only to find all the seats were taken. Vincent, having noticed her dilemma, kindly offered to share his booth with her. Having no other choice, she graciously accepted.
Suprisingly, they hit it off immediately, and subsequently became a couple. Catherine was impressed with Vincent's tall stature and very well defined body. His hazel eyes were enchanting and it didn't hurt that he was extremely handsome, not to mention, smart and articulate. Soon they were inseparable, spending every free moment together. Their mutual love of movies, became their anchor, an escape on bad days, solidifying an unbreakable bond. Catherine was in love for the first time and she was happy. She was certain marriage would be in their future. After a semester of dating, summer break came, and they both traveled to their respective homes, but promised to keep in contact, until school started again in the fall. Unfortunately, Catherine never heard from Vincent again, and he never returned to school. Now ten years later, she felt as if she had seen a ghost.
Catherine tried to fall asleep, but Vincent's face was there. His kisses. His touch. Memories. Uninvited memories. He had been the first and only man to ever make love to her and as she lay cursing the day she met him, in her heart, she knew he was unforgettable.
THE NEXT DAY
Catherine took a walk on the road in front of the cottage, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Vincent. Nothing made sense to her. And she found after ten years, old feelings had a way of resurfacing stronger than ever.
"Catherine."
Her blood went cold and her heartbeat ignored her silent pleas to calm down. The voice was the same, but with more depth. Much deeper. What was she thinking? Why didn't she stay inside?
She turned around slowly and there he stood, Mr. Heartbreak himself. Her eyes gravitated toward his left eyebrow. She'd always loved the wild strands of hair on that one brow. His hair was darker and much shorter. She decided it suited him very well. His face was more mature, and if humanly possible, he was even more handsome than she remembered. Tall, dark, and a work of perfection. Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, his muscles rippled against the material. Muscular arms that any woman would feel safe and secure in. But not her. She wouldn't be that woman.
"Yes."
"I don't know where to begin. First, I want to apologize for my manners or lack thereof last night. I had just returned from a business trip when my father informed me we were having guests for dinner. He said it was a surprise, so I had no idea you would be there. I was absolutely shocked. I didn't know what to say or do. I came in search of you today to make apologies for my less than stellar behavior.
I've tried to imagine what I would say to you, if I ever saw you again, but as I stand here, words escape me," He said stopping momentarily to gather his thoughts. "I know you don't think too highly of me right now. All I ask is that you hear me out. I never expected to see you here, but now that you are, I owe you an explanation for my past actions."
What verbal honey could his silver tongue spew and how much of it would she believe. Looking into his eyes, she saw the angst and even though her mind ordered her feet to move, they wouldn't. She had waited too many years for an explanation and today it would finally come.
"I'm listening."
"When I went home for the summer, my mother was killed in an car accident, by a drunk driver. I was an only child of a single mother, with no immediate family, so I was all alone and it scared me. I was angry and distraught. I couldn't think straight. I barely ate or slept. Some days I wished I was dead too. I shut my friends out and locked myself in the house. I was in a bad, miserable place, slowing losing my grip on reality. Eventually body surrendered to exhaustion and dehydration and I passed out. There I was, alone and helpless...grief eating me up inside...just waiting on death to take me..."
He paused briefly as if he was unsure he should continue. His eyes avoided hers. She wanted to touch him. Console him. His story, his pain, tugged at the fortress protecting her heart. With every word, the mortar cracked, loosening the bricks, threatening to expose her inner feelings, enticing her to travel a forbidden road. One riddled with pain and suffering.
Finally he spoke. His voice was low, but his struggle was palpable.
"My last ounce of strength dissipated as I waited to open my eyes in heaven. Only when I opened my eyes again, I was in the hospital. The neighbors had called the police to check on me because of the neglect of the house. Mail had been piling up and the grass was overgrown.
I was angry and bitter. I felt I had no reason to live. Why wouldn't they just let me die? I truly believed I was alone in the world until I received a visit from a stranger.
My mother told me my father was dead, and I had reason to believe otherwise. But when the unknown gentleman entered my hospital room, I had no way of knowing how much my life was about to change, or how my mother had deceived me. He stated my presence was needed in Elsidora and it was very important. He gave me a ticket and money, so I could fly there at my convenience. I had been in the throes of despair, so I figured I had nothing to lose, so upon my release from the hospital, I flew to Elsidora. To my dismay, my mother had lied to me about my father dying. When she was in college, my father, the king, came to the U.S. and attended the same college. They had a fling and of course I was the result of that fling. My mother never told my father she was pregnant. After her accident, one of his security members, who had accompanied him to college recognized the name and informed my father. I was in a picture in the newspaper with my mother. Of course, it didn't take much to deduce by my age and my looks, to conclude that I was his son. Later a DNA test proved his suspicions to be correct and I have been here ever since."
He looked into Catherine's eyes. She saw the sadness before he could turn away.
"You were alone, but you didn't have to be. Why didn't you call me? I would have been there for you."
"I couldn't bear for you to see me that way. Growing up, my mother instilled in me to be strong. Never let your face reveal what you're feeling. Over the years I perfected being strong and I forgot how to actually feel. When my mother was killed, a dam broke inside me. A flood of emotions engulfed me, consumed me. I lost control and I cried for the little boy who'd been forced to carry the load for so long. I guess a part of me needed the release, but in doing so I couldn't bring myself back to reality."
Catherine bit on her bottom lip as she tried to keep her emotions in check. Her body was burning for him. His raw aching honesty rendered her flappable. The sadness in his eyes pulled at her heartstrings. After so many years, he was unlocking her emotional compartments, forcing her to feel again. She couldn't. She just couldn't allow him to steal her heart again.
He let out a sigh before he continued. "Catherine, that was the last time I let my guard down until today. You deserved an explanation as well as an apology, so I had no choice. I never meant to hurt you and for the record, I did care about you. I truly apologize for any pain I may have caused you."
"Vincent, I am so sorry. I'm glad you were able to recover and what a blessing to discover you father is alive and a king."
"It still seems kind of surreal. I'm still adjusting myself. But enough about me. How are you?"
"I'm good. I graduated with my Bachelors in Business. Upon landing my first job, I realized I hated my job, so I started an online social networking site called Etalk. Since I'm an introvert, it seemed like a great idea and it took off. I only came here, because my mother signed on to shoot a movie here and lately she hasn't been in the best of health, so I came too."
Vincent hadn't realized until that moment how sad Catherine truly looked. He wanted to take her hand and embrace her, but he knew she would never let him touch her again.
"I have to go, but I was wondering if you would have dinner with me tonight?"
"I'm sorry, Vincent, I can't."
"You can't or you won't."
"I hope this doesn't sound harsh or mean, but I can't revisit the past. I've dealt with my own anguish and I think it's best if we stay away from each other."
"It's just dinner."
"That is true, but dinner leads to other things. I'm no fool. You are a prince now and I don't fit into your world. I was hurt once and I can't allow myself to be vulnerable to be injured again. I'm sympathetic to your past grief and turmoil, but I was affected as well and I'm only trying to protect myself right now. I appreciate your explanation and I hate you had to endure so much pain, but staying away from each other is for the best. I'll see you around.
Catherine walked off, leaving Vincent standing there alone. He didn't understand she had to. The suffering she'd experienced had been too great. Too painful. So many nights she'd cried, hoping that he would finally call, but he never did. Her body ached for his touch, but the touch never came. No, he would never comprehend how it took her many years to recover and still her body belonged to him. Yearned for him. He had ruined her for other men. She had given up on love. He would never know how asinine she felt. She had given him her most precious gift, her virginity. He had left her deflowered and absconded with her heart. Only an empty promise remained and a now dim light. And only after months of self-loathing did she finally emerge, but only half of her former self remained. No longer an ingénue, she was a woman who had risen from the ashes of hades. Now he back and temptation was riding her back, but she would fall this time. She would heed that ominous voice in her head and stay far away from Vincent Keller.
VINCENT
For years, Vincent wondered what would have been, if his situation hadn't changed? What if he had returned to school? Seeing, Catherine, unearthed memories he'd tried to forget. Her beautiful hazel eyes, so engrossing, hypnotic. Her curves were more pronounced and sexier, but he would never forget the feel of her body. How she melted into his arms so perfectly. The way she played with her hair when she was nervous. Memories that were s fresh as if they'd never left. But he had left. He had seen the result of his actions in her eyes, the pain she desperately tried to hide. What could he do? What amends could he make? What could he say to get through to her? Why did it bother him so much?
As he crossed the palace grounds, his father walked up to him.
"Vincent, walk with me."
"Okay."
"I didn't realize you were acquainted with Vanessa's daughter."
"We attended the same college and we dated for one semester. The tragedy surrounding my mother happened and you know the rest. I hadn't seen or talked to her since, until today."
"Is there any chance of rekindling old feelings?"
"Don't worry, Father, she wouldn't have me even if I tried."
"You will be expected to select a bride soon and we can't afford any distractions."
"I understand and I haven't forgotten my duties. Catherine and I are just friends and that's it."
"Good to hear son. Next week we will start the process of selecting you a bride. I hope you're ready."
"I will be."
Vincent was hit by an unfamiliar feeling. He had been elated about choosing a bride, but today there was no excitement. The idea of marrying a complete stranger didn't seem so appealing now. Something had shifted in him and he didn't have a clue as to what it was.
"Vincent, are you okay. You don't look so good."
"I'm okay, Father. I'm just a little tired. Perhaps a nap would help."
"Of course son. Go rest and I'll see you at dinner later."
CATHERINE
Catherine walked through the front gate leading to the palace as she did every night. She had been in Elsidora one month, but she had adjusted extremely well. She volunteered at the local school and she tutored several children after classes were over. Most nights Vincent would meet her and walk the rest of the way with her. She protested at first, but it was pointless, because he continued to come. Eventually she started to look forward to seeing him and missed him profusely when he didn't show up.
"How are you this evening, Catherine?"
Catherine turned to look at Vincent and her heart skipped a beat. She knew they were playing with fire, but she kept telling herself they were just friends.
"I'm fine. You know you don't have to walk me home."
"And as I've told you numerous times, I want to. It makes me feel better to know you've made it home safely."
"Vincent, are you trying to make amends for the past? I hope not. I have forgiven you and we must move on."
"We are still friends. And maybe I find it harder to forgive myself."
"You must. You can't be happy until you let go of the past. As ironic as it may sound, it took me seeing you again to rid myself of my demons."
"I'm glad and maybe that information will help me let go of mine as well."
"Have you selected a bride yet?"
Vincent felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on him. Hearing Catherine say the words just did something to him. He had been upfront about it, but as the day drew nearer, he dreaded having to marry a stranger.
"No, the search continues."
"You don't sound too enthusiastic about it."
"I'm not. The process is tedious and exhausting and I'm not too keen on brokering a deal for my future wife."
"Have you shared your feelings with your father?"
"No. He wouldn't understand. He believes in duty and honor. He saved me and I feel a sense of obligation being that I am the heir apparent."
"Well, good luck on your search. It's late, so I should go inside now."
Catherine looked into Vincent's eyes. Neither were able to look away. She saw it coming, but her body had surrendered long before their lips met. His mouth claimed hers and she parted her lips. Their tongues danced in perfect harmony. Catherine wrapped her arms around Vincent's neck, enticing him to deepen the kiss. Her raised nipples touched his chest and as a result a ferocious passion erupted. Igniting a fire within. Heat radiated from their bodies as the fire threatened to implode. An urgency fueled by forbidden desires. Oxygen evaporated as Catherine stopped and gasped for air.
Their eyes met once more. "You know I've always followed the rules. I've always strived to do the right thing, regardless if it made me happy or not. I envy people who can throw caution to the wind as well as the rules.
Catherine wondered where Vincent was going with the conversation.
"As I stand here, looking at you, I want to throw caution to the wind and kiss you again, but I hurt you before and the last thing I want to do is hurt you again."
And there it was. The aftermath of the kiss.
"Don't worry about me, Vincent. I think I can handle a kiss."
"Maybe you can, but I cant. I know you warned me this would happen, but I didn't listen."
"I think we should stay away from each other for good. Your energy should be focused on finding a bride. This is too much of a hinderance for you."
"Catherine..."
"Vincent, no...I'm flying to America in the morning and I'll be gone for two weeks. Hopefully you'll be engaged by the time I return. It's best if we say goodbye now."
Catherine walked away, but Vincent didn't move. Deep down they both knew everything had changed. They had changed. A simple kiss had opened a door. Unleashed a buried passion. A passion too strong to ignore.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY. I STARTED TO DELETE THIS ONE, BUT I DECIDED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU INSTEAD. I LOVE READING REVIEWS SO PLEASE LEAVE ME SOME FEEDBACK. UPDATES TO FIERY CONNECTIONS AND THE KELLERS IN DALLAS COMING SOON. THANKS FOR READING.