Lockets chapter 11

Riley POV.

Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no oh no oh no! This can not be happening Riley. It's just a dream. Someone did not just open the door and walk out on you kissing LUCAS. Oh god what am I going to do?! I slowly turn around still trapped in Lucas' arms. His eyes still closed he seems to be afraid of waking up as well. "Riley what are you doing kissing a...a commoner?!" I hear Charlie's voice echo.

"Did he attack you? Did he force himself on you?" Charlie begins to walk in our direction with a look of anger yet relief. A small part of me wishes I could just answer yes and be pulled away from Lucas without consequence. But my heart snaps at the very thought of him being beaten and imprisoned or worse put to death because I myself was afraid of punishment.

"No Charlie." I say moving to stand in front of Lucas trying to block his body with mine as best I can. "He asked permission to kiss me and I granted it. I kissed him willingly." Charlie's face began to get red, not from embarrassment but pure anger. "What the fuck Riley?! Kissing a commoner at your own coming of age party?! Jesus don't tell me you've 'fallen in love' with this filthy boy."

I feel Lucas start to move to say something so I subtly step in his feet hoping he gets the message. Charlie can NOT find out about our necklaces or Lucas would for sure be put to death for acting on his feelings. I therefore convince myself to follow my brain despite the pain in my heart from my idea. "No I don't love him." I hear Lucas' sharp intake of breath behind me and hold back a sob. "I just wanted to know what it feels like so that I would be prepared for my husband."

I can tell that Charlie doesn't buy my story completely so I do something I know I will regret. "I wanted to be prepared for someone like you Charlie." I walk over to him and he immediately raises one arm so I can cocoon myself in his side. I look briefly into Lucas' eyes and see so much pain that I look away instantly and gaze up at Charlie instead.

"You don't have to do that Princess. I will love you no matter what and you should never feel the need to practice on a filthy commoner of all people." I nod solemnly like a child being scolded by an adult. "I'm sorry Charlie." I say looking directly at Lucas hoping he understands my hidden apology. But Charlie seems to accept this answer and gently hugs me tighter to his body. He smells like rich cologne so unlike Lucas' natural scent of pine and earthiness.

"It is alright my little pet. Why don't we go inside and pretend this never happened." I cringe at his nickname but hold my tongue. "Okay. But Charlie?" "Yes pet." "Can we not tell my parents about this. It's just. It's so embarrassing." He laughs with a hint of glee. "Of course not Princess. If anyone asks, it was you and I outside 'practicing'."

His eyes shine with pride at the idea. "Are you a good liar Riley? Or do we need to practice so it holds some truth?" I want to die from his suggestion. Not only from the sheer disgust of it but also because Lucas is feet away from me and I can see his body start to shake with agony.

But before I can stop him, Charlie leans down and gently pecks my lips before attempting to go deeper. I swallow the bile in the back of my throat and convince myself to kiss him one time. I move robotically but it doesn't seem to bother Charlie. When I end the kiss he smiles and says "I see why you needed to practice. But it's okay pet. I will teach you so you can become better."

He starts to pull me inside and as he does, I glance back to see Lucas crumpling to the floor with silent sobs wracking his body. The sight makes a single tear track down my own face and I hurriedly wipe it away before anyone notices.

GMWGMWGMWGMWGMWGMW

The party had continued without interruption. I never saw Lucas come in from the garden, despite my frequent glances. My heart was shattered and I moved through the crowds robotically with Charlie. He seems to have staked his claim on me and I have no say about it as he knows part of my secret.

I find myself crying in my room now. A maid who was not Maya came to undress me and get me ready for bed like a child. With no one to talk to all I can do is sob into my pillow. Maya is gone and soon they will be coming to me with questions. It won't be hard to burst out crying when they tell me the news as I can't seem to stop crying.

My best friend isn't here to offer me advice. I'm supposed to meet Charlie again tomorrow for a stroll through the gardens. And Lucas. My heart throbs painfully from his absence. I know I hurt him. But I was trying to save him, doesn't that justify it? My heart says no. When I look in the mirror my skin looks paler than usual. Dark circles adorn my face and my hair resembles a bird's nest. I look broken.

And that's because I am. It's like I can feel Lucas' pain as well as mine which adds to be unbearable. It feels as though he is hurting even worse than I which only makes me feel even worse. Guilty. That's the word. I feel guilt and pain because I pushed him away and indirectly said the most hurtful words that I imagine, he had been afraid of the whole time. Had I really been trying to protect him? Or had I just been trying to protect myself?

Hi guys. I know I've been awful at updating. I know I've said it before but school ruins lives. I might actually be drowning in tests and papers, but I managed to squeeze in time to write this chapter. I know it's really sad but I swear it will serve a purpose. I'm not entirely sure how yet but it'll happen. The question for you guys though is how long are we wanting this story to be? 20 chapters? 40 chapters?

Let me know in the reviews!

Silvertipwings