Chapter 1 - Shielded Heart

Another birthday without my mother. 7 years later and the pain just gets deeper. After the night of my mother's death, Lorien suddenly abandoned me when I needed him the most. The first night of mourning turned into immediate depression from his missing presence

One night turned into months without a word, a letter, nothing. I ended up accepting he was never coming back. He was my comfort, my safe place. My best friend. I guess life plays tricks on us.

"Focus Princess!" I snapped out of my thoughts and looked into the annoyed glare from my guard Grayson .

I met Grayson when I was 13. His father is my father's right hand man. Grayson was 16 when he became a warrior of our kingdom. Three years ago, he saved me during an attack that I can barely talk about. My father appointed him as my guard since that night. He's been secretly training me to defend myself. Im proud to say I've become very handy with a sword. Either I'm naturally that good or he's a really good trainer. Needless to say I didn't expect us to become so close

"Sorry, let's go again" I pick up my sword and tilt it against's Grayson's. He makes the first move and hits his sword against mine.

He swings his sword towards my head as I duck down blocking the attack. Leaving me the opportunity to point my sword against his chest.

"I'm proud of you princess, your improving" I retreat my sword and admire his impressed expression.

"I have a good teacher"

His moves towards me causing my heart to skip off beat. "You know if we get caught training the King would have my head"

Each step closer, I take bigger steps back. His hands wrap against my waist as my back hits against the tree. "You let me worry about my father"

His hand gently rubs down the side of my face as his head leans against mine. His lips so close I can inhale his sweet scent breath. I turn my head to the side as his lips almost brushed against mine.

"Grayson I'm sorry, I cant"

He sighs and kisses my check backing away in disappointment

"Princess, I can't spend another moment not being able to kiss you" I nod and bring my hands to his chest.

"It's hard for me to Gray. I just can't risk letting us cross that line. I have to save my virtue for the man I marry"

His face changed into a pained look that broke my heart "You mean a king" He kissed my hands and backed way

"I'm not royal. Not good enough to be your husband. Only good enough to protect you. I get it. Happy birthday princess"

I reached out for him, he shook his head walking away from me. This was the first time my heart ached for him. I can't fall in love with him