I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG TO THE CW NETWORK. THIS IS A WORK OF FANFICTION BY OMEGA WHITE.

Beads of sweat trickled down Vincent's face, barely missing his eye, as he waited on the next candidate. Dressed in a suriyah with a keffiyeh on his head, he looked the part of a prince. Per his father's orders, tents were erected on the palace grounds to accommodate the interminable line of candidates, hoping to be selected as his bride. Even with the procession of beautiful exotic women, the task was very grueling. He had lost count of how many women he'd spoken with. After three days of enduring the effects of the sun's brutal rays, he was eager to end the day as well as the selection process. He knew he had to choose a bride soon or one would be chosen for him.

Finally the next lady entered the tent. She sat down next to him, but avoided making eye contact. Vincent took notice of her trembling hands and how tense her body appeared. Draped in exquisite jewelry and traditional Elsidora garb, Zanya was a sight to behold. Although impressed by her beauty, he thought she seemed too reticent. Minutes passed as the scene grew more gauche. He looked at Zanya in her virginal state. His stomach churned inside. He wanted to get up and run as far away as fast as he could. The idea of taking her virginity even if they were married was overwhelming. He couldn't love Zanya. He couldn't love anyone. He'd loved his mother and she had betrayed him. The closest he'd come to loving anyone was with Catherine and he ended up hurting her. He remembered the look in her eyes and the pain was undeniable. But even as he mentally wrestled with his thoughts, he knew he had to marry someone, because in the end he was bound by duty.

"Zanya, right?"

Her eyes never left the ground. "Yes."

"How do you feel about marrying me?"

With a bemused look, she replied, "I have no feelings about it. I have been taught from birth to be a queen. Act like a queen. My fate is to be a queen. I am not allowed to think independent of that goal."

In a carefully measured tone he spoke.

"What if you had the chance to marry for love?" The question was dangerous, but he had to see how valiant she truly was.

The fleeting sadness in her eyes answered his question, but he waited on her response.

"If I may speak frankly?" she muttered.

"By all means. As a matter of fact, I welcome it."

Her body relaxed a little as she began to speak.

"I know we're from two different worlds, but I am not naïve. Although, I have no voice in my future, I understand the ramifications of the path I must travel. I can tell you have a good heart, so I'll be honest with you. I believe in happily ever after and yes I wish I could have the great love of fairy tales, but my fate was decided the day I was born, so I must submit to an arranged marriage as expected by my family. I only hope that my future husband will be civil maybe we can grow to love each other. Even if I loved another, I could never choose that person. I would be disowned by my family and stripped of my honor. You see, I can't afford a luxury like love. You can always go back to America, but I have no other place to go. This is my life, my destiny, and I must embrace it."

Vincent knew she would make a great queen and at that moment he made his decision. He would never love her, but at least he could respect her. She was the only candidate who had shown some semblance of realness.

With the process coming to an end, he felt relieved, but an unfamiliar feeling gripped his chest. Immediately, he thought of Catherine. What would she say? How would she react. Why did it bother him so much? Before he could get lost deeper in his thoughts, his father entered the tent.

Vincent could see the look of curiosity in his eyes. "I have chosen a bride, Father."

The king's smile reached his eyes. "That is great news. If you will give me the name, I'll make the necessary arrangements "

"I have one stipulation. I want to tell Catherine before an official announcement is made."

Vincent could see the disapproval in his father's eyes, but he wouldn't concede. He'd hurt Catherine one time and he refused to do it again.

Before his father could reply, a servant rushed in and immediately bowed.

"What is the cause of this interruption?" the king asked angrily.

"Your Highness, please forgive my sudden intrusion, but I was ordered to proceed with haste. You are needed in the palace, blood has been spilled," the servant stated anxiously.

Taking charge, the king stood up and dismissed everyone.

"Vincent, I will speak with you later," the king stated in a tone that brooked no argument.

Normally, Vincent would have been worried, but his mind was on Catherine. She was expected to return that evening and he didn't want her to learn from another source, that he had chosen a bride. She deserved to hear it from him. His thoughts went to the last time he'd seen her. Standing under the stars, looking into her eyes. His emotions had taken over and he kissed her. Although surprised by his own actions, Catherine's submission was even more shocking. The kiss had been filled with passion, fueled by dormant feelings, and hidden desires. Her soft lips had driven him to the brink of insanity. She tasted sweet and smelled of flowers. Skin so soft, he struggled to let her go.

In college they'd been too young to appreciate true intimacy, but now the intensity was magnified. Kissing Catherine had awakened a passion in him. For the first time in years, he felt alive. That had been two weeks ago and he still couldn't get Catherine or the kiss off his mind.

CATHERINE

Catherine had just returned from America and was unpacking her bags. She'd missed Elsidora or so she kept telling herself. Even though it was Vincent's face that kept invading her thoughts and dreams. Being away two weeks hadn't quelled her feelings for him. As she went to place some clothes in a drawer, a knock came at the door. She opened the door to find Vincent standing there.

"Hi, Catherine. .uh...welcome back."

"Hi. Come in."

He seemed nervous as he took a seat on the sofa. Catherine's heart skipped a beat. She'd never seen Vincent in a keffiyeh and suriyah. He looked extremely handsome and very much like a prince. So taken aback, she realized she was staring. Luckily, Vincent was so preoccupied, he didn't notice.

"Are you okay?" Catherine asked.

"Uh...yes. Catherine, I came to tell you, I've selected a bride. I wanted you to hear it from me."

Catherine schooled her facial expression and reined in her emotions. She was trying to be strong, but deep inside she felt as if her chest was slammed against her breastbone.

She smiled at him. "Is that all? I knew you were in the planning to select a bride. Although, I do appreciate your concern for me, I am okay. I wish you the best of luck and much happiness."

Vincent gave her a puzzled look. "I just thought because of our history..."

Catherine spoke before Vincent could finish.

"I will always treasure the special moments we shared, but I think it's time we both moved on. We can't go back and we can't undo our mistakes. I've been holding on to you mentally, because you were my first. After seeing you here, I have my closure. You have a duty and I understand that. We still have chemistry, but there's nothing we can do about it."

Vincent looked down and was silent for what seemed like hours. When he finally looked up, Catherine saw something in his eyes that gave her butterflies. Surely, she was imagining things. She had seen that look before. It had been after they'd made love the first time. Within seconds, the look was gone, but Catherine wondered what it meant.

Vincent stood up with a solemn expression. "You're right. We should move on. I should go, but I want to invite you to the party my father is throwing to announce my engagement tomorrow. I hope you will be there. I know it may seem weird, but you're the only link I have to my past and I hope we can remain friends. Think about it and hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow. "

As he headed for the door, she felt the urge to stop him. What would she say? She had no clue, but she knew if he walked out the door, she would regret not stopping him.

"Vincent wait."

He turned around and their eyes met.

"Thank you for telling me. I feel better that you told me. I hope we can remain friends too. I know I've been distant and abrupt with you, but I am truly happy for you. Have a seat and tell me about your bride-to-be."

With a furrowed brow, Vincent looked at her. "Are you sure? I'm sure there's a rule book somewhere that states how wrong that would be.

"Since we're friends, you should be able to tell me anything."

"I have a better idea." Vincent held out his hand. "Come with me."

Catherine placed her hand in Vincents' and exited the cottage. Minutes later they crossed the palace grounds and he opened an old wrought iron gate and descended some stairs.

"Vincent, where are we going?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you."

At the end of the stairs, they came to a dungeon.

Vincent smiled at Catherine. "A century ago, a castle occupied the space where the palace is now. When the castle was annihilated during war, the dungeon was the only part of the castle that survived. My grandfather built the palace on the same spot, so we have a dungeon as well as secret passageways. I remember how you loved mysteries in college, so I figured you would love to explore with me."

Catherine's eyes lit up. "You remembered. I would love too. Thank you, Vincent."

"I remember more than you think," Vincent said with a mischievous grin."

Walking further into the dungeon they happened on a portcullis. Vincent pulled a lever and access was granted. Upon entry to the room, there was a row of cells. Cobwebs and dust covered the whole room. It was obvious no one had been down there in years. Catherine became excited as she looked around at the forgotten history before her. Clearly in her element, her interest was piqued.

"Vincent, do you think this was a jail?"

"Actually, it was. When my grandfather was king, the prisoners awaiting execution were kept here. Most were beheaded or hanged on the gallows."

"How do you know all this?"

"My father told me, but he doesn't come down here. There are rumors of a curse being placed on our family, but my father won't discuss it."

Catherine walked ahead, exploring the cells.

"I think you better take a look at this," Catherine said, in a frightened voice.

Vincent walked over to Catherine and in the last cell was a skeleton. They both looked at each other in astonishment. On the floor by the skeleton was a ring.

"Look, Vincent, there's a ring with an emerald stone. Maybe you should see if your father knows anything about the skelton and the ring."

Vincent slid the ring on his finger and it fit perfectly.

"I'll ask him. We had a breach in security earlier, so he may be unavailable. I think we should go. You've had enough excitement for one night," Vincent stated.

"I agree. I have to finish unpacking as well. I have enjoyed our adventure though," Catherine said.

Vincent gave Catherine a serious look. "I wish we could do this more often."

"I do too."

Vincent and Catherine exited the dungeon and he walked her home.

"Thanks for an enlightening evening, Catherine. I enjoyed it."

"Thank you. I'm surprised you remembered my love of mysteries, since it's been so long."

Vincent closed the space between them and whispered in Catherine's ear. "You are unforgettable."

Catherine caught a whiff of his cologne. The heat of his body magnified the intensity of the storm raging inside. A tingling sensation traveled down between her thighs. Her mouth went dry, and when she looked up into his eyes, she knew resistance was futile. His mouth met hers and her lips welcomed his tongue. Warning bells sounded, but her control was long gone. He ran his fingers through her hair, and she surrendered to his embrace. Wrapping her hands around his neck, their passion culminated into a fiery kiss.

Vincent knew he should stop, but the sweetness of her tongue was too much. He was selfish and had to have more. The kiss became frenetic. His hands were everywhere. His arousal was obvious by the growing erection down below. If he didn't stop now, he wouldn't be able to. Easing out of the kiss, he gently placed his forehand against hers.

"Vincent, what are we doing?"

"Letting out a deep sigh. "I don't know. I can't control myself when I'm around you. I know this shouldn't be happening, but it feels so right."

"Your father is announcing your engagement tomorrow, so we have to get past this." Even as she said the words, she longed to kiss him again. He looked at her with come-hither eyes. In a deep, sexy voice, he replied, "What if I don't want to?"

With a shocked look on her face. "Vincent, I'm not going to be your concubine."

He gave her a surprised look. "Come on, Catherine. I wouldn't expect you to be. I'm not that type of man and I don't plan on having concubines when I get married. I do have an idea though, but I need to speak with my father. I should have thought of it sooner. Vincent cupped Catherine's face. "Don't give up on us. I know I'm asking a lot of you. Come to the party tomorrow and I'll explain everything then."

Catherine gave Vincent a perplexed look. "What are you going to do?"

With a big smile, Vincent replied, "Just trust me. I'm going to go speak to my father now. I'll see you tomorrow." He gave Catherine a kiss and watched her enter the cottage.

CATHERINE

Catherine tried to close her eyes, but the butterflies in her stomach were too busy. Her mind worked overtime. Vincent was everywhere. His scent was on her body, and is lips were on her mind. She'd felt his arousal as well as her own. The thought of him making love to her excited her even more. She was at the point of no return. She was falling for him again. Had she really ever stopped loving him? She knew the answer, but she couldn't face it. After ten years, her guard was down and if Vincent got married, she would be devastated.

THE NEXT DAY

"Catherine, we're going to be late."

"Alright, Mother. I'm almost ready."

Taking a final look in the mirror, Catherine walked out of the room.

Dressed in a beautiful red floor length gown and her hair in loose curls, she looked stunning.

"You are breathtaking, Catherine. Maybe you'll meet a nice gentleman at the party."

"Thank you, Mother. I'm just going to enjoy. I'm not looking to meet anyone."

"Well, neither of us are getting any younger and I would love to have some grandchildren, before I'm too old to play with them."

Expelling an exasperated breath. "Mother, lets go to the party and we'll worry about marriage and kids later."

Music permeated the air as Catherine and her mother were escorted to a ballroom. Entering the beautifully decorated room, Catherine became nervous. Vincent's words echoed in her mind. She trusted him, but what were his plans?

"Turning around she walked into a wall of muscles and sinew. Without looking up, she knew it was Vincent. Dressed in a black tux, he rendered her speechless. He took her hand and led her down a corridor. Stopping in the middle, he got down on one knee.

"Catherine, from the moment you walked into the campus diner, my heart hasn't been the same. While you were in America, I missed you fiercely. There's only one woman for me and that's you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Catherine tried to fight back the tears. She was so shocked, she couldn't find the words to respond.

Out of nowhere, a guard rushed over. "Your Highness, the king is requesting your presence. It's an emergency."

Standing up, Vincent gave Catherine a quick kiss. "Don't go anywhere, Catherine, I'll be right back and I hope you'll have an answer for me."

After twenty minutes and still no Vincent, Catherine headed toward the ballroom. Suddenly, a group of guards came running through the corridor.

Catherine stopped one of the guards. "What happened?"

With an annoyed look he said, "The prince has been kidnapped." The guard hurried away, unaware of the impact of his words. Catherine backed into a wall and the tears began to she said a silent prayer. So many bad thoughts ran through her mind. Vincent had to be okay. He'd just asked her to marry him and she'd just stood there speechless. He had to come back. She never said yes. She never told him she loved him.

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER. SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG. REAL LIFE SLOWED ME DOWN. HOPEFULLY THE NEXT UPDATE WILL BE FASTER. THANKS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL REVIEWS AND I HOPE YOU WILL KEEP THEM COMING. THANKS FOR READING.