The Prince...
He could smell her fear, could see the unease that settled over her face as they entered the palace gates and he had to breathe deeper and with even, steady breaths as he felt her essence wash over him. She was what he had been looking for. She was the one woman who could destroy his curse. She didn't know that—his friend didn't know that. But he did. He had grown up with the prophecy, with the scribbled scroll that his wizard teacher had always made sure he memorized. It rang through his head now.
"And the curse shall be broken by a woman of magic, by a woman whose spirit calls to the beast. She will come forth out of darkness, out of the land of your enemy."
Glancing behind him, he watched her now—a brave little sprite who was determined to channel her fear into courage. She amazed him with her spirit and yet he was simply using her. He had spent years looking for the woman that fit the prophecy, years scouring the lands where he fought, the seas where he watched men die just looking for a woman who called to his beast and now he had found her. And yet now, he wasn't quite sure how he felt about it. First off, he had grown used to the beast—the wolf that transformed him from a man into a beast whenever his temper flared past control or during certain full moons. It had first transpired when he reached puberty, just as it had been predicted by the witch who had cursed him. And while he had been startled by the change, he hadn't been disgusted by it. That surprised him too. Especially since his family and teacher had been warning him of the upcoming change since his birth. They had never hidden the facts of his curse, never hidden the fact that the woman who had given it to him was his own grandmother.
"Are you regretting your decision to bring the gel?" Haden asked suddenly with a surly tone as Connor shook his head to clear it of his thoughts. He knew his friend believed that he had brought the girl because he was attracted to her, because he intended to force her hand or turn her into a mistress of some sort. And while that thought was disgusting and yet tempting—although furthest from his mind at the moment— it was probably best for Haden to think Connor had taken her just for those reasons. It kept him from discovering the truth. Because the truth was even more dangerous. Connor looked back at Haden.
"The only thing I'm regretting is returning home, returning to the inner reaches of the lion's den." Connor stated quietly as Haden turned once again to look at the girl. An unexpected burst of jealousy ran rampant through Connor's veins but he squelched it. Haden sighed.
"And you intend to take her into the lion's den with you? Is that it? The sad thing is, Connor, that you could actually start a war by bringing that girl here—by shunning the daughter of a Freemont nobleman." Haden remarked with a shrug as Connor clenched his jaw just enough that the muscles in it became distinct.
"I'm well aware of the fact, Haden. But I needed the girl." Connor replied in a low tone to disguise the way his voice changed suddenly. He needed to get a grip on the beast. Haden's head shot up almost angrily. He had always been the one person that had never been afraid to argue with Connor. It's what made them such good friends.
"But you don't even know her!" Haden retorted in an exasperated tone as Connor shook his head slowly. The palace doors loomed before them now and Connor sighed as he pushed through them.
"No, but my beast does." He whispered under his breath as he continued forward, moving away from his friend so that he was standing now beside his 'new' betrothed. He could see the way her breath hitched as she smoothed down her old skirt and he realized she was nervous. He leaned down carefully.
"Are you ready?" He asked her softly as she immediately shook her head. It made him chuckle.
"Deep breaths, Bella." He murmured as her eyes met his suddenly in surprise. It was then that he realized he had used her name instead of calling her 'sprite.' And just by the expression that came into her eyes, it was then that he also realized she could care less if he was a prince, could care less that she was trapped in a betrothal that could elevate her position, could garner prestige. No, she craved freedom.
Author's Footnote: Hey guys! Just when I assume I can update more often, I had to go out of town. Sigh. Teaches me to make assumptions. But I have lots in store for you guys and for our odd couple and I plan to type it up when I return home from work this afternoon if possible. But I wanted to go ahead and give you guys a taste. So, let me know if you're still out there. Lots of hugs to you all. Please R&R. licensetowrite.